RVANews.com and Richmond.com have good previews of some of the artists who will be at this weekend’s Richmond’s Folk Festival.
Speaking of which, one of the most disturbing things about the Venture Richmond theater proposal is how Jack Berry and others have been suggesting that its just about the Folk Festival. What’s even more exasperating how local media has gone along with this suggestion (The original title for this linked article was “Explainer: Amphitheater Project Will Decide The Folk Festival’s Fate”). As with VCU in the past, sometimes all I can do is post the truth.
The transcript of Silver’s recording of Berry’s presentation to OHNA has some important quotes:
“Thought about using the War Memorial Amphitheater …”
[Good idea. Why not??]
“We’re going to have a tented, new tented venue very large tent over on Tredegar on top of the steps..”
[Great. Why not put the large dance tented venue that needs to be on a level surface now on Brown’s Island in the new very large tent on Tredegar on top of the steps?? This would open up Brown’s Island for the large stage.]
“We don’t have any plans to add parking resources …”
[Parking requirements required by the current M-1 zoning are not met for the Venture Richmond property. Why not put the large stage on Brown’s Island where parking is not a problem??]
“I think we would probably be open to the idea of renting it.”
[This is not the same story that was told to the Planning Commission. This is not about the Folk Festival. It seems like this is more about Venture Richmond making money from renting this venue than anything else.]
As the Folk Festival (and Venture Richmond’s propaganda push) gets closer, expect more information and history to be shared on oregonhill.net. Why not use Brown’s Island and two smaller stages instead? It’s important to recognize that Oregon Hill is not against the Folk Festival, but the neighborhood association is strongly against the current ‘Tredegar Green’ plan that Venture Richmond is wrongly insisting on and arrogantly pushing upon our historic neighborhood.
Here’s some more truth. An amphitheater requires a natural hillside, Brown’s Island does not fit the bill. This pretty much renders your other point moot.
Paul,
First of all, its not a natural hillside, it bisected by the historic, (George Washington, no less), man-made Kanawha Canal.
Secondly, there are already questions about the nomenclature:
http://www.timesdispatch.com/opinion/your-opinion/letters-to-the-editor/letters-to-the-editor/article_37d5b6bb-f03a-58ed-afc1-4d5a36ad5b29.html
Richmond, know thy Greek
Editor, Times-Dispatch:
With regard to the proposed amphitheater near the Tredegar Iron Works, it is not an amphitheater, it is a theater. The word amphi is Greek meaning “around” or “combining form,” thus forming an enclosure. Rome’s coliseum is an amphitheater. The arts venue at Dogwood Dell is a theater.
Kirby Smith. Midlothian.
Third, Brown’s Island has served very well as a concert venue, with more space for people to spread out and enjoy the shows. Why not keep using it as the main space for the Folk Festival and other events?
Also, Bronw’s Island is better suited for crowd control (Jack Berry himself stated that during the Urban Design Committee hearing). I would think Venture Richmond would be more concerned about corwd control given the recent news. From a neighbor:
“Friends-
Surely running a street festival is a momentous task, but considering they are named in a 20 some million dollar suit for negligence in lack of security in Toots Hibberts getting smashed in the head with a Vodka bottle at Dominion Riverrocks festival, you would think Venture Richmond would be overly cautious with security. Apparently not as this article states multiple fights broke out yesterday at 2nd street and RPD had to use pepper gas on the crowd.
http://www.timesdispatch.com/news/local/city-of-richmond/report-pepper-spray-used-during-altercation-at-nd-street-festival/article_b0f735c2-2e42-11e3-8d13-001a4bcf6878.html
Please prepare yourself for next weekends folk festival with around 200,000 guests visiting downtown. Consider doing errands and stocking up on necessities before it starts because if you have to leave by car you might have no parking space when you get back. Dont be afraid to call 911 if you feel the law has been broken. Considering the state of RPD, we might want to establish phone trees where multiple people continue to call until they respond. Its a shame we have to do that.
Most importantly, enjoy the Folk Festival. We are its ad hoc hosts…”
Scott, what difference does it make what we call it, but as long as you are splitting infinitives, consider this from wikipedia.
“An amphitheater is an open-air venue used for entertainment, performances, and sports. The term derives from the ancient Greek (amphitheatron), from (amphi), meaning “on both sides” or “around” (théātron), meaning “place for viewing”.”
Sounds like a match to me.
Secondly, are you trying to blame Venture Richmond for the hooliganism of the kids on Broad Street or the one drunk who ruined a concert on Brown’s Island? I guess they could cancel the 2nd Street Festival. Regardless, Richmond Police quickly put an end to the trouble. Do you have a history of trouble with the RFF? I am easily as impacted as you are. It’s an inconvenience I’m willing to tolerate. It’s nice to see so many people having a good time in the city.
The Folk Festival lost its space for the main stage along 2nd Street, you know that. Brown’s Island is flat and has very poor sight lines. Once you get a short distance from the stage, you can’t see it.
Tredegar Green is too a natural hillside. So it has a ditch near the bottom that used to be a canal. It is still a hill and is perfect for an amphitheater. No doubt George Washington would approve.
Scott, you are no longer making sense. You can panic, try to scare your neighbors and prepare for the worst or you can just go out and enjoy the show. Speaking as one who lives two blocks from the mayhem on Broad, I recommend the latter. I chalk it up to life in the big city.
Paul,
You were the one who brought up the question of what an ‘amphitheater’ is here. I just shared another opinion. I have bigger concerns.
As far as Venture RIchmond and the 2nd Street Festival, I let the headlines speak for themselves: Fights Break Out At 2nd Street Festival
http://www.gjwn.net/news/2013/10/06/fights-break-out-at-2nd-street-festival/
Once again you are trying to distract from the main points of this post- this is about more than the Folk Festival, despite what should be regard ed as dishonest and dishonorable attempts to fool the wider public.
I guess you are willing to look past these things from your downtown high-rise, but I can assure you that many of my neighbors are legitimately concerned and angry about what they regard as a breaking of public trust by Venture Richmond. And for those like yourself who don’t give a damn about Oregon Hill, valuable history, or any problems created by this proposal, I will be posting more tomorrow about why ALL Richmond neighborhoods should be concerned about how it got this far.
And you Scott never respond directly to anything.
1. The amphitheater needs a hillside. There are no other alternatives.
2. Your suggestions of Brown’s Island and even Mayo Island, as we discussed, will not work.
3. Venture Richmond needs a new venue after losing their current on.
4. We live in a city with undesirable folks. Venture Richmond did not create that.
5. Both the Folk Festival and 2nd Street Festival are well patrolled.
6. What problems have you had with the Folk Festival? I have to deal with the same parking situation as you, probably much worse. I’ve never experience a single problem with a festival goer.
7. What does living on the 7th floor of a century old medical building have to do with anything?
8. Just because I don’t agree with you doesn’t mean I don’t care about the same things as you.
Headlines don’t speak for themselves Scott. Their merely there to grab readers attention. The short of that story is that the matter was quickly resolved
One question for Paul, and Scott. Venture Richmond claims it will lose use of the partial of land near 2nd Street that belongs to and has been donated by NewMarket Corporation over the past eight years for the ‘Main Stage’. Have either of you read an official statement from New Market regarding their interests? I have not. I’ve only seen statements from Venture Richmond referencing the forthcoming lack of use, but with no real substance. Stating “The time has come to vacate” doesn’t really mean anything. Who wants this change? I’m confused why the press has not covered this issue, unless I’ve just missed it. I’d appreciate if you can direct me to more details regarding NewMarket’s directive.
As for site lines, viewing the Main Stage is not a problem from that expanse of land. And VR noting the change as necessary because of the expected huge number of attendees such as at last year’s Rosanne Cash concert is misrepresenting the festival, especially based on a performance that did not meet the essence of the festival. Unless there’s an interest in moving away from its purpose, which could certainly happen based on how much involvement they give to their corporate donors.
The main question for me is why not simply reduce the size of the event by one stage? The idea that the Richmond Folk Festival has to have seven stages and so many performers is unnecessary. But the claim that the entire event has to cease is the most outrageous and dishonorable thing about this whole issue. The bigger picture seems to be that Venture Richmond wants to create a year-round performance space. So when the public learns important facts like the property is to be rented out, I can certainly understand the neighboring communities concern.
Excellent question, Christine. My neighbors have asked that as well. I remember going to a Riverfront Plan meeting and seeing a slide and hearing some questions about New Market’s plans. I seem to recall them talking about building luxury townhouses, right along 2nd St, and a mid-rise office building on the northeast corner of Spring and 2nd. But I can’t find that slide in the City’s documentation. I doubt that is really what they want to do anyway. I suspect there are ideas about putting high rises in at some point in the future.
Scott –
I’m a freshman at the University of Richmond and am doing a journalism piece on the proposed amphitheater. If you could shoot me an email as soon as possible I’d love to talk to you.
Thanks so much!
Annie Blanc
annie.blanc@richmond.edu
Christine, I’m convinced VR needs one large venue for their top acts. I’m also convinced that Tredegar Green is the right and only place for it and that it will be a welcome addition. It’s been common knowledge for over a year now that New Market wanted the Folk Festival off their property. VR and New Market worked out a switch where the new land was donated (I think). What New Market’s plan is I haven’t a clue.
Venture Richmond has only engineered the biggest outdoor music festival on the East coast. I’m very satisfied with the results. It’s been a Richmond success story.
Scott does not speak for all of Oregon Hill. The Overlook Home Owners Association has given a qualified endorsement to the amphitheater as a year round venue. There are many other residents he does not speak for. Scott makes a lot of baseless accusations and asks a lot of questions, but has dodged every question I put to him.
I hope they do use it year round. I think it would be a great place to go and listen to music, watch the river and enjoy an evening.. When they are not using it, which is 99% of the time, it will be a public park anybody can use.
I can’t find a downside to this.
Sorry, ChristinA.
What baseless accusation did I make? You want to be a troll on this site, Paul , then you better be prepared to back things up or offer something of substance or off you go. I don’t pretend to have time to answer all your questions, which are often distractions from the points made in the posts.
Here are some of the things other Oregon Hill residents (people who actually live here, Paul) have said:
From the Overlook Condo Statement (located here: https://www.oregonhill.net/2013/09/15/udc-did-not-approve-of-venture-richmonds-proposed-theater-planning-commission-decides-tomorrow-overlook-condos-releases-statement-and-oh-look-there-is-a-lease/)
“7. We prefer that the Tredegar Green area remain green and undeveloped, with only occasional use for amplified performances. We are concerned that a stage at the base of the Lee Bridge would disturb the peace of some members of our community if concerts were scheduled there regularly without restriction.
8. We note that loud events on a stage aimed directly at the Virginia War Memorial would destroy the peace and tranquility of that facility. The Virginia War Memorial is a sacred place for thousands of friends and family members of Virginia’s fallen veterans. We hope that Venture Richmond and the Virginia War Memorial can coordinate schedules to not have events on the same day, with priority going to the Virginia War Memorial.
9. We ask that, if approved, amplified events at Tredegar Green be limited to no more than 15 days per year and not run past 10:00PM on weeknights and 11:00PM on Fridays and Saturdays.
10. If more events are scheduled for the site at the foot of the Lee Bridge, large crowds and parking issues in our neighborhood will move from an occasional inconvenience to a frequent problem. The Overlook development was approved by the City with the assumption that reasonable street parking would be available to residents, supplemented by limited off-street parking on our land. Frequent events that draw thousands to our neighborhood would destroy that basic assumption, resulting in an unfair burden on our residents.
11. We ask that a reasonable volume limit be put on performances at the amphitheater stage.”
You know what Venture Richmond has agreed to? Absolutely nothing.
Excerpt from what OHNA President Jennifer Hancock said at the Planning Commission meeting:
“Venture Richmond is using the threat of losing the Folk Festival as a stick to beat the residents of Richmond into agreeing to a plan that many of us have serious reservations about. As the closest neighborhood to the amphitheater, Oregon Hill will be the neighborhood most impacted by the project. Neighbors have already expressed concerns about increases in traffic and noise, and the impact on already limited parking. We have asked for, but not received, an agreement describing yearly limits on the number of events and night-time curfews for evening events.”
Scott, I can copy and paste to. You answer my questions, I’ll answer yours.
Scott, am I mistaken that this is an open forum. If you don’t like my comments you can just delete them.
I can copy and paste too. You answer my questions, I’ll answer yours.
Josh, you may be a homeowner but you don’t reside in Oregon Hill.
You know what Venture Richmond has agreed to in response to the Overlook statement?
Nothing.
Excerpt from what Oregon Hill Neighborhood Association President Jennifer Hancock said at the Planning Commission meeting:
Venture Richmond is using the threat of losing the Folk Festival as a stick to beat the residents of Richmond into agreeing to a plan that many of us have serious reservations about. As the closest neighborhood to the amphitheater, Oregon Hill will be the neighborhood most impacted by the project. Neighbors have already expressed concerns about increases in traffic and noise, and the impact on already limited parking. We have asked for, but not received, an agreement describing yearly limits on the number of events and night-time curfews for evening events.
More here:
https://www.oregonhill.net/2013/09/15/udc-did-not-approve-of-venture-richmonds-proposed-theater-planning-commission-decides-tomorrow-overlook-condos-releases-statement-and-oh-look-there-is-a-lease/
Paul, I reserve the right to censor this site at my discretion. That goes back to the days when graffiti vandals were threatening me for my opinions. I am warning you now, my tolerance for your trolling has its limits. Why don’t you stick to the facts of the case, instead of calling me ‘baseless’? Which facts that I have presented do you dispute, and why?
Let’s start with your assertion that Venture Richmond does not provide adequate security at its events.
I said “I would think Venture Richmond would be more concerned about crowd control given recent news.” So??? Am I not allowed to express that opinion?
Scott, you never answer a direct question. So you maintain Venture Richmond is not adequately concerned with safety and you base that on what? According to you they are responsible for one bottle throwing drunk at a concert and responsible for the gangs of teenagers that plague events on Broad Street, including First Friday.
Here’s a second question. Has the RFF caused a security threat to Oregon Hill? What problems have you had besides parking? Are they worthy of this jihad you are waging?
I think I did answer your question directly. I said “I would think Venture Richmond would be more concerned about crowd control given recent news.” If I was making an assertion, the context was that if Venture Richmond was concerned about crowd control, they would put their main venue on Brown’s Island instead of pushing this faulty ‘Tredegar Green’ plan. I would think they would be more concerned about crowd control given the bottle throwing at Dominion River Rock and the recent fights at the 2nd Street Festival.
And yes, I do think Venture Richmond bears at least some responsibility for these problems at their events.
Jihad? Really? Look I will try to answer this later. I have other things to do right now.
The master of the dodge and weave and you say Venture Richmond is deceptive.
I asked two pretty direct questions (which you did not answer) and one rhetorical one. I don’t expect you to break character and answer them now.
Paul, I am trying to go through your comments to find your ‘pretty direct’ questions so I can answer them, though I thought I did so already. Maybe you can help me out with that instead of calling me ‘deceptive’ and a ‘jihadist’ (for defending my home and neighborhood from this flawed theater proposal).
“So you maintain Venture Richmond is not adequately concerned with safety and you base that on what?” What I said was that I would think Venture Richmond would be more concerned about crowd control. And I base that on recent events where an elderly performer was injured at one event and street fights broke out at another. That’s my direct answer to your “pretty direct” question.
Paul, in response to the last three questions you made in a comment.
People pay attention:
This is not about previous folk festivals.
Venture RIchmond wants to put in a permanent, year-round facility much, much closer in proximity that they can rent out (in the process, damage a historic site that has important links to our neighborhood). They have ‘proposed’ this in a dishonorable, totally un-neighborly way, by suggesting this canard to the media and public that it has to happen or the Folk Festival goes away.
Actually Jack Berry did respond to our statement. Here’s his quote:
Thank you for your thoughtful comments regarding the amphitheater. Our proposal is to restore the canal and re- landscape the grassy slope. Our project does not include a stage or seating. Current zoning limits us to 4 days of use per year. In order to use it more than 4 days, we would need a rezoning. If and when we seek a rezoning, conditions of “use” like hours or days will be a big part of the zoning case. The current application is about design and aesthetics, not “use”. Again, anything beyond 4 days will require a rezoning and City Council approval. We will work with Overlook closely in any rezoning request. Thank you. Jack Berry.
Thank you for supplying that, Josh.
And so here we are now:
https://www.oregonhill.net/2013/10/08/venture-richmonds-temporary-events-should-concern-all-richmond-neighborhoods/
Scott, I was looking for a yes or no answer.
.
Yes Venture Richmond is not concerned enough about safety.
No, they are adequately concerned about safety.
That would be a direct answer.
–
Another direct anwer would be discussing past problems with the Folk Festival. Apparently you have had none or you would have told me directly, right?
–
Apparently you were wrong about Jack Berry not responding to Overlook Homeowners concerns. That would be a baseless accusation.
–
Berry also states in writing they are not building anything permanent, just a grassy lawn that can be occasionally used for concerts IF rezoning is approved by City Council. That should allay your concerns, but I’m sure it won’t.
–
As far as being un-neighborly is concerned, Scott, you should be the last one to talk. You accuse people of corruption and conspiracy. Anybody who disagrees with you is suspect. When all else fails you resort to name calling. It’s either your way or no way.
Ok, ‘Yes, Venture Richmond is not concerned enough about safety.’ Which is what I said using different words.
I am not discussing past problems with Folk Festival. Like I said, I am not responding to that question because I don’t think its pertinent. I will note that I have supported, volunteered, and enjoyed the Folk Festival in the past.
As for Berry’s response, how wrong was I? What was the substance of Berry’s reply?
.
Paul, in the end I am just a guy, who is working with neighbors, trying to protect his home, neighborhood, and an important historic site. If you think that means I am un-neighborly, deceptive, or causing ‘jihad’, then I think that’s your problem, not mine. I am not the the ‘public-private partnership’ proposing a giant theater and holding the Folk Festival hostage.