From Cherry Street neighbor Todd Woodson:

The Urban Design Committee discussed the character, extent and location of the signage proposal by the Monroe Park “Conservancy” and recommended approval with 3 conditions: First that they consider an alternate form and location for the “donor” sign and not attach it to the Checkers House and that the impact on the Checkers House be minimized. Second that they change the typeface on the secondary and tertiary signs to match the logo “old typeface” font and third that “less is more” and that they minimize the quantity and size of the signs in the park. All great suggestions but keep in mind they had previously requested the “Conservancy” seek alternatives to destroying the beautiful Magnolia and Maple near the Checkers House. They destroyed them anyway. If you would like to hear the UDC discussion, here is the link to the audio:

http://richmondva.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=1&clip_id=1293

A recent email from Julie Langan, Director of the Virginia Department of Historic Resources, confirms that the work the “Conservancy” is doing to the Checkers House does not appear to meet Secretary of the Interior standards which would exclude them from getting Federal and State tax credits. Meanwhile, the “Conservancy” announced at the UDC meeting that the end of June opening date for the park is no longer viable and no completion date has been given. Remember that Councilperson Kimberly Gray and Mayor Levar M. Stoney’s chief of staff Lincoln Saunders are sitting Board members for the Monroe Park Conservancy.

It’s also worth considering that citizens and Sierra Club have already asked that the Conservancy’s lease on Monroe Park be terminated.