Category Archives: community

OHNA Meeting Tomorrow Night

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From email announcement:

AGENDA:
Oregon Hill Neighborhood Association
Monthly Meeting Agenda
Tuesday 19 November 2024 – 7:00PM
This meeting will be held by Zoom, at the link below.
(Editor- Meeting information redacted from this post. Please contact ohnarva@gmail.com if you need it.)

Welcome:
Community Updates:
1. Lt. Bill Brereton, City of Richmond Police Section Lt, 4th Precinct
2. VCU Police: Chief John Venuti, Major Nicole Dailey
3. Ms. Verenda Cobbs, VCU
4. Ms. Stephanie Lynch, 5th District Councilperson
5. Ms. Colette McEachin, Richmond Commonwealth’s Attorney

Discussion:
Student code of conduct violation processes (Dr Aaron Hart, VP of Student Affairs at VCU)

Announcements:
Bulletin Board in Pleasants Park
Pedestrian Beacon finally installed on Belvidere
Street Paving: make plans
Caring for the Community Day at St Andrews School
Street Art Festival
“Annual Town Meeting,” December 17–planning for in person

Updates and Continued Business

Committee Reports:
Treasurer Report
Zoning Committee
Friends of Oregon Hill Parks (FOOHP)
Bylaws Committee
Richmond Public Budgeting Liaison Committee

New Business
OHNA elections.
Current leadership roles under OHNA bylaws (President, Treasurer, Secretary, “one or more Vice Presidents.”)
Terms are for one year, to begin Jan 2025
Please nominate yourself or another to stand for an OHNA leadership role!

See you all on Tuesday!

Valerie L’Herrou

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Oregon Hill Neighborhood Association
Valerie L’Herrou, President
Bryan Clark Green, Co-Vice President
Jennifer Hancock, Co-Vice-President
Harrison Moenich, Co-Vice-President
Mike Mathews, Secretary
John Bolecek, Treasurer
JOIN OHNA: https://forms.gle/joCpHqcPrShu8qf86

Minimum Wage Studio Relocating

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Style magazine has published a rousing tribute to Lance Koehler’s Minimum Wage Recording Studio, which is relocating to Staunton, Virginia, after 20 years of making music right here in Oregon Hill.

The piece also promotes a fundraising concert scheduled for this coming Sunday at The Broadberry concert venue.

Microphones, cables and rows of knobs and dials — every recording studio has ‘em. A stated goal, on the other hand? Not all studios have one of those, but Minimum Wage Recording did: “To make it affordable enough that bands could take more time in the studio and really dig into doing some art.”

That’s how owner Lance Koehler describes the mission he sought to fulfill during Minimum Wage’s two-decade run operating in Oregon Hill. Now the gifted engineer, founding member of No BS! Brass Band and overall pillar of Richmond’s music community is packing up his studio and moving to Staunton, and some his former clients are stepping up to honor his contributions — and pay forward his generosity.

On Sunday, Nov. 17, the Broadberry will host A Celebration of Minimum Wage Recording Studios. The concert — part send-off, part benefit event — was the brainchild of fellow drummer Scott Clark, who was among the first to record at the studio when it was founded shortly after Koehler moved from New Orleans to Richmond in 2001. Upon learning Koehler was planning to move again, Clark was immediately inspired to put a bill together.

Needless to say, many neighbors will greatly miss Koehler and the great creativity emanating from Albemarle Street.

Event description as it appears in Style:
A Celebration of Minimum Wage Recording Studios will take place on Sunday, Nov. 17 at the Broadberry. Bio Ritmo, No BS! Brass Band and Justin Golden will perform. Doors open at 7 p.m. and music starts at 8 p.m. Proceeds will benefit Minimum Wage Recording Studio. Tickets are $15 in advance ($20 at the door) and can be purchased at thebroadberry.com.

Robert Pleasants Park Cleanup This Saturday

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The Friends of Oregon Hill Parks are holding a park clean up event at Robert Pleasants Park (401 S. Laurel Street) this coming Saturday from 10 am to 2 pm.

From the FaceBook event page:
Join the Friends of Oregon Hill Parks and Oregon Hill Neighborhood Association as we clean up/make updates to our beloved Pleasant’s Park. Refreshments will be provided. Thank you in advance!

https://www.meetup.com/rva-clean-city-sweep/events/303790887/

Note: help may also be needed loading flower bed bricks on Friday.

Parakeet Rescue

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Photos courtesy of RACC

Oregon Hill is, sadly, somewhat used to abandoned/lost pets. It’s heartbreaking. This week, neighbors found two small birds that were on the ground and seemed very scared.
Thankfully, this story ends on a positive note. The birds were retrieved and brought to Richmond Animal Control. Adoptions are pending.

Community Hospital Saved!

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A welcome follow up to a previous editorial–

As written in RVA Magazine–

As reported by Richmond BizSense yesterday, Virginia Union University’s decision to revise its apartment plans and fully preserve the Richmond Community Hospital building represents a major win for community activism. This victory is largely credited to the grassroots efforts of locals Viola Baskerville and Farid Alan Schintzuis, who formed the ‘Save Community Hospital‘ group. Their efforts began with Baskerville’s letter to the Richmond Free Press in February. Shortly after, Michael Paul Williams’ editorial in the Richmond Times-Dispatch further amplified the issue, bringing it into the spotlight and rallying broader community support.

It should be noted that Farid Alan Schintzius also is one of the citizens who tried to prevent the Jacob House from being moved from its original location (possibly an “Underground Railroad” site) and ultimately helped save the Jacob House itself. He also deserves credit for helping found community radio station WRIR.

Oregon Hill can only hope that these senses of historical preservation and community activism will also be felt during the City’s rezoning process, as the City begins to truly enact its Richmond300 Plan.

2024 OHNA zoning resolution –
Whereas, the Oregon Hill Historic District is listed on the National Register of Historic places and the Virginia Landmarks Register as a rare intact historic district built as a working class neighborhood, and
Whereas, Oregon Hill is a built-out neighborhood of two-story dwellings with great density, having the majority of the homes attached on one or both sides, and
Whereas, Oregon Hill residents fought long and hard to obtain our current R-7 residential zoning, and
Whereas, the current R-7 zoning with a 35 foot height limit matches the neighborhood’s historic fabric and helps to protect the historic character of Oregon Hill, and
Whereas, the current R-7 zoning has allowed the Oregon Hill Historic District to thrive, with very few empty lots, and
Whereas, Section 17.05 of the Richmond City Charter states that a duty of the Planning Commission is to, “… preserve historical landmarks …”, and
Whereas, Oregon Hill is adjacent to and has faced encroachment by the adjacent Virginia Commonwealth University, and
Whereas, the City of Richmond values the character of its unique historic districts which make Richmond a special place to live, and must protect the character of our historic district through appropriate zoning,
Therefore, be it Resolved that the Oregon Hill Neighborhood Association strongly urges the Richmond Planning Commission and the Richmond City Council to respect and maintain the R-7 zoning or its equivalent with a 35′ height limit within the Oregon Hill Historic District, in keeping with the current designation’s purpose in preserving the character of older urban neighborhoods in the city’s inner areas.

Of course, a lot of Richmonders overlook the small places that families lived in like the historic John Miller House. “John Miller, a free black cooper and minister, built this house about 1858. It is significant as a rare surviving antebellum house in Richmond constructed by and for a free African American family. More than two thousand free blacks lived in Richmond at the time of the Civil War; at least two hundred of them were homeowners. Miller was an influential member of the small free black community that existed in present-day Oregon Hill. Originally erected at 614 S. Laurel Street, the dwelling moved to its present location in 1917, two blocks to the west of here at 617 S. Cherry Street, by Richmond businessman Moses Nunnally.”

OHNA Meets Tuesday Night

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From email announcement:

The Oregon Hill Neighborhood Association will meet on Zoom Tuesday evening, 10/22, at 7pm. The agenda is below and attached.

O T H E R N E W S :

Potential housing relief: The city of Richmond is considering providing some relief to low-income home owners and residents, including a property tax rebate for all property owners, and grants and tax relief for low-income renters and homeowners. Learn more about these proposals here: https://rva.gov/finance/rva-stay. They will be considered at City Council’s Oct 28 meeting.

Richmond Parks Survey: let the city know how you use city parks and what you’d like to see included in a city-wide parks and recreation plan: https://www.richmondinspire.com/

Get involved in zoning: Richmond is revising its zoning codes. This revision could have a big impact on Oregon Hill. Learn more about plans here: https://www.rva.gov/planning-development-review/code-refresh and view a webinar here: https://www.rva.gov/sites/default/files/2024-07/Zoning%20101%20Webinar%20-%20June%2024-25%202024.mp4

Hallowe’en: get ready for Halloween! If you are new to Oregon Hill, prepare for lots of trick-or-treaters, and the 19th annual All the Saints Theatre Co Parade, beginning 7pm in Monroe Park.

Election day: Nov 5. Vote at Clark Springs elementary school., 6am-7pm. You may also vote early, at the Office of Elections at 2134 West Laburnum Avenue or at satellite locations including City Hall at 900 East Broad Street the following days and times: 8:30am – 5pm, Monday through Friday until November 1st. You may also vote at these locations on the following days: 9am – 5pm Saturday, October 26th and November 2; and 1pm – 5pm Sunday, October 27th. The fifth district ballot: https://www.rva.gov/sites/default/files/2024-09/FULL%20-%20District%205.pdf

Pleasants Park workday: November 9, 10-2. Please join us in weeding, mulching, and completing the brick borders around the beds.

November OHNA elections: at its November 17 meeting, OHNA will hold its annual elections. Consider getting more involved! Attend the meeting on Tuesday to learn more.

Oregon Hill Neighborhood Association
Monthly Meeting Agenda
Tuesday 22 October 2024 – 7:00PM
This meeting will be held by Zoom, at the link below.

(Editor’s note: Zoom meeting link redacted. Please contact ohnarva@gmail.com to obtain that link)

Welcome:
Community Updates:
1. Lt. Bill Brereton, City of Richmond Police Section Lt, 4th Precinct
2. Officer Cain Green, Police Liaison, VCU (greenc4@vcu.edu)
3. Ms. Verenda Cobbs, VCU
4. Ms. Stephanie Lynch, 5th District Councilperson
5. Ms. Colette McEachin, Richmond Commonwealth’s Attorney

Q&A on street safety issues in OH:
Representative of Traffic Engineer Department of DPW.
Announcements:
Next Pleasants Park workday, November 9
Annual Town Meeting, December 17
All the Saints Halloween Parade
City “zoning refresh” process

Updates and Continued Business
1. Report Fall Festival Block Party, Halloween parade and activities (Harrison Moenich)
2. Friends of Oregon Hill Parks (FOOHP):
Next Pleasants Park workday
Planning process for Holly Street Playground updates
3. Update from Bylaws committee

New Business
Carter’s Dry Goods: discuss support for Jake Urbanksi to open a coffee shop?
November OHNA elections. Please consider taking on an OHNA leadership role!

—
Valerie L’Herrou, President
Bryan Clark Green, Co-Vice President
Harrison Moenich, Co-Vice-President
Jennifer Hancock, Co-Vice-President
Mike Matthews, Secretary
John Bolecek, Treasurer

OHNA News Update

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From Oregon Hill Neighborhood Association (OHNA) email announcement:

Interested in entering the best-decorated house contest?
The Oregon Hill Halloween House Decorating Contest is now accepting submissions! If you would like your house to be considered, send an email with your address to OHNArva@gmail.com before Midnight this Monday, October 14, subject line “Halloween House Contest.”

FOURTH ANNUAL Oregon Hill / Open High Halloween Block Party!!
Oct 19, 11am-3pm on China St. between Laurel and Pine St at Open High School.
Arts, crafts, games, food trucks (Horne Dogs and TBT El Gallo), music, costume contests, and more. Most importantly: the RAFFLE! Once again, many of our favorite local businesses are supporting the neighborhood and Open High by generously donating gift cards, merchandise, and other great things! This year, the raffle will be online. Tickets are only $5 each–purchase as many tickets as you want for the prizes that you’d love to win! And remember, the more tickets you buy, the better your chances of winning the item you really want! Funds raised support the students of Open High, helping to pay for travel abroad scholarships, field trips, school supplies, and more!
Enter the raffle here: https://ohsrva.ptboard.com/formvw/store?store=5597
If you’d like to volunteer or have any questions, email OHNArva@gmail.com

Reminder: City Parks Survey
The city is planning parks improvements throughout the city through a new initiative called “Richmond Inspire.” They are collecting input on what residents want to see in our community parks: Surveys will be accepted until September 27 at 5pm. Complete the survey to be entered to win one of three $50 Target gift cards. https://www.richmondinspire.com/

OHNA Committees:
Please let us know if you are interested in serving on any OHNA committees. You can contribute to making Oregon Hill such a great neighborhood!

Pleasants Park Cleanup Day
Organized by Friends of Oregon Hill Parks on November 9 10-2. Bring tools and gloves if you have ’em, just come along if you don’t–water and snacks provided. Btw, join Friends of Oregon Hill Parks fb group to get involved with improvements and events! https://www.facebook.com/groups/191425087363006

The next meeting of the Oregon Hill Neighborhood Association
will be Tuesday, October 22, 2024 at 7pm, on Zoom. Please send any agenda items you may have.

Sincerely,

Valerie L’Herrou, President
Bryan Clark Green, Co-Vice President
Harrison Moenich, Co-Vice-President
Jennifer Hancock, Co-Vice-President
Mike Matthews, Secretary
John Bolecek, Treasurer

Oregon Hill Block Party On October 19th

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From announcement:
Saturday, October 19th is the FOURTH ANNUAL Oregon Hill Block Party!! From 11am-3pm on China St. between Laurel and Pine St! We look forward to seeing you then. More information coming soOoOon.
Thank you, @broo_gus for once again making a stellar illustration for this years event! We will be sharing information about vendors, participants, merch, and more in the coming week! Can’t wait to see you all! SHARE WIDELY!

OHNA Meeting This Tuesday

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From email announcement:

Please plan to attend the OHNA meeting this Tuesday. The agenda is attached and below.
NOTE there will likely be a long discussion regarding recent events in the neighborhood such as out-of-control parties and the recent incident at Riverside park with dirtbikes and ATVs.

Be advised: after many complaints from multiple neighbors, parking enforcement will be coming through the neighborhood soon, and will be ticketing cars blocking alley access, in front of fire hydrants, on crosswalks, by no parking signs, and too close to intersections.

OREGON HILL NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION
Monthly Meeting Agenda
Tuesday 24 September 2024 – 7:00PM
This meeting will be held by Zoom, at the link below.
(Editor’s note: The Zoom link has been redacted. If you wish to attend, please email ohnarva@gmail.com in advance of meeting)

Welcome:
Community Updates:
1. Lt. Bill Brereton, City of Richmond Police Section Lt, 4th Precinct
2. Officer Cain Green, Police Liaison, VCU (greenc4@vcu.edu)
3. Ms. Verenda Cobbs, VCU
4. Ms. Stephanie Lynch, 5th District Councilperson
5. Ms. Colette McEachin, Richmond Commonwealth’s Attorney

Candidates:
Harrison Roday; Mamie Taylor
Announcements:

Updates and Continued Business
1. Fall Festival Block Party, Halloween parade and activities (Harrison Moenich)
2. Action: vote on Zoning Resolution (Charles Poole) (see attached, introduced at August mtg)
3. Richmond Participatory Budget news https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/rvapbideas (Justin Liang)
4. Data collection: Events at Brown’s (Valerie L’Herrou)

2. New Business

Valerie L’Herrou, President
Bryan Clark Green, Co-Vice President
Harrison Moenich, Co-Vice-President
Jennifer Hancock, Co-Vice-President
Mike Matthews, Secretary
John Bolecek, Treasurer

2024 OHNA proposed zoning resolution
Whereas, the Oregon Hill Historic District is listed on the National Register of Historic places and the Virginia Landmarks Register as a rare intact historic district built as a working class neighborhood, and
Whereas, Oregon Hill is a built-out neighborhood of two-story dwellings with great density, having the majority of the homes attached on one or both sides, and
Whereas, Oregon Hill residents fought long and hard to obtain our current R-7 residential zoning, and
Whereas, the current R-7 zoning with a 35 foot height limit matches the neighborhood’s historic fabric and helps to protect the historic character of Oregon Hill, and
Whereas, the current R-7 zoning has allowed the Oregon Hill Historic District to thrive, with very few empty lots, and
Whereas, Section 17.05 of the Richmond City Charter states that a duty of the Planning Commission is to, “… preserve historical landmarks …”, and
Whereas, Oregon Hill is adjacent to and has faced encroachment by the adjacent Virginia Commonwealth University, and
Whereas, the City of Richmond values the character of its unique historic districts which make Richmond a special place to live, and must protect the character of our historic district through appropriate zoning,
Therefore, be it Resolved that the Oregon Hill Neighborhood Association strongly urges the Richmond Planning Commission and the Richmond City Council to respect and maintain the R-7 zoning or its equivalent with a 35′ height limit within the Oregon Hill Historic District, in keeping with the current designation’s purpose in preserving the character of older urban neighborhoods in the city’s inner areas.