East side of Belvidere Street, in the early 1950’s. Photo from the collection of Mary Wingfield Scott.
Throwback Thursday: Belvidere Street
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Category Archives: Belvidere Street
Infrastructure
It’s been a rough week for Oregon Hill and the City in general.
The water crisis has lead to several pipe breaks around the city, including one on S. Laurel Street.
Residents are thankful that it is being addressed quickly, despite the falling snow.
Also, a driver reportedly ran into and knocked down two streetlights along Belvidere. They first slammed into the one at the end of Albemarle Street and then must have drove off and hit another one at the end of Spring Street. Both streetlight poles are down and residents have dragged them off the street for safety’s sake.
One resident reported it was a dark red SUV and the incident had smashed the front headlight out on the passenger side.
Belvidere Aerial, Historic Photo
Former Oregon Hill resident/neighbor Tom Elliott forwarded this neat photo from the Valentine Museum that not only shows the Penitentiary but also the west side of Belvidere before it was demolished to widen the highway. The photo also show the construction of the RMA highway which tore through the 200 block of Oregon Hill.
Virginia War Memorial Veterans Day 2024
Today at 11 am, the Virginia War Memorial hosts the 68th annual Commonwealth’s Veterans Day Ceremony at the Virginia War Memorial, honoring Virginia’s men and women who have served and who are currently serving in the United States Armed Forces.
There will be guest speakers, patriotic music, and the winners of the annual Virginia War Memorial’s Student Essay Contest will be formerly announced. The event is rain or shine and ceremony will be held in the Virginia War Memorial’s E. Bruce Heilman Amphitheater.
It’s important to remember that the historic Oregon Hill neighborhood used to extend to this area, and that Belvidere Street used to be a one lane, residential street similar to what Laurel and Pine streets are.
Oregon Hill residents are respectful and thankful to our veterans for their service and sacrifice.
Yet… I also took the above photo this morning, partly because it shows the yet-to-be-unveiled new traffic light for the pedestrian crossing, but also because the shrouded figure reminded me of the infamous and damning Abu Ghraib torture and prisoner abuse.
Many Oregon Hill residents are concerned about the longterm and increasing militarism and war promoted by BOTH sides of the corporate duopoly (Democrats AND Republicans), despite public opinion against it.
When will the politicians read and listen?
Let’s hope Veteran’s Day ceremonies remain nonpartisan and nonpolitical in a solemn spirit, but let’s also remember the recent Halloween Parade’s theme, “A Funeral March for Silence”.
Lane Closure On S. Belvidere
From the City’s Department of Public Works:
Lane Closure – South Belvidere Street
WHO: City of Richmond Department of Public Works (https://twitter.com/DPW_RichmondVA)
WHAT: Lane Closure, Duration of Closure
WHEN: Wednesday, August 28 to Wednesday, October 16
WHERE: In the 5th Voter District
Between Spring Street and the Lee Bridge.
BACKGROUND: In the area listed above contractors will be conducting pedestrian improvement projects. North and South bound lanes may be closed during this time for utility work associated with pedestrian improvement.Impacted lanes depicted below:
New Banner For The Fourth of July
A new banner went up on the wall on Belvidere Street, following last year’s important message with a poignant, political protest against the expansion of the Presidency’s executive power and immunity.
Belvidere Street Pedestrian Features Scheduled
From Department of Public Works communication:
Traffic Advisory
February 21, 2023
Contact: Lux Aghomo
Office: 804.646.5711
Lane Closure – 601 South Belvidere Street
WHO: City of Richmond Department of Public Works (https://twitter.com/DPW_RichmondVA)
WHAT: Lane Closure, Daily
WHEN: Tuesday, February 20 to Saturday, November 16, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
WHERE: In the 5th Voter District
601 South Belvidere Street between Idlewood Avenue and Rowe Street
BACKGROUND: In the area listed above, the contractor will be installing pedestrian signals and improvements. A single lane will be closed in each direction.
Banner Of The Year!
Armed Robbery at 7-11 On Belvidere
From VCU Alert:
In compliance with the “Timely Warning” provisions of the federal ‘Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act’,Virginia Commonwealth University is providing notice of a recently reportedCommercial Robberythat may pose a serious or continuing threat to campus safety. This notice is intended to aid in the prevention of similar crimes and to enable members of the university community to protect themselves.
Reported offense:On October 17, 2022, at 2:36 a.m., Richmond Police were notified of a commercial robbery that took place at 122 South Belvidere Street. This was a delayed report to VCU Police.
Brief description of how the crime took place:The victim stated that a male walked into the establishment and stated, “Give it all to me” and displayed a black handgun. The left with an undetermined amount of US currency. There were no injuries reported.
Suspect/s:white male, blue eyes, wearing a black or blue hood sweatshirt, gray shirt, gray sweatpants, and black ski-mask. He was last seen running south on Belvidere Street from the incident location.
Investigating agency:Richmond Police are leading the investigation. Police have increased patrols in the area.
To reach VCU Police directly, call (804) VCU-1234 / (804) 828-1234 or use the LiveSafe app. Calls and LiveSafe tips are monitored 24/7.
Pedestrian Hit By Car And Killed On Belvidere Near Holly Street
Last night, Richmond officers responded to the scene near Holly St. and Belvidere St. around 8:50 p.m. Richmond Police say the male pedestrian was walking across southbound lanes of Belvidere when a vehicle struck him.