The recent racial conflict in Ferguson, Missouri is a reminder of some of the darker periods of racism in Oregon Hill about 30 years ago (see clipping of article below from The Richmond Afro-American Planet newspaper). Thankfully, in this aspect, the neighborhood has changed since then. This ugly past contrasts with more heroic history.
From RaidsOnline.com:
DESTRUCTION PROPERTY/PRIVATE PROPERTY
1XX S PINE ST
Aug 15, 2014 at 12:01 pmData provided by Richmond Police Department
A few weeks ago, there was a car accident at S.Laurel and Idlewood that took out neighbor Joe Pyrek’s metal front fence. He gave permission to post this account, since several neighbors have asked what happened.
…wanted to give you a little bit of follow up to the incident that occurred at the Laurel/Idlewood intersection in the early morning hours of 7/25. Apparently there was a vehicle with about 3-4 individuals driving at high speed around the neighborhood around 2:15 in the morning. They were circling blocks and were coming eastbound on Idlewood and made a right hand turn onto Laurel but overshot the turn and took out my fire hydrant and several sections of my fence. My neighbors across the street were awoken by the noise and looked outside and called the police. They witnessed the individuals get out of the vehicle and push it off of my property back onto the road and they proceeded to drive off before the police arrived. However, they didn’t made it very far as about ½ way down the block on Laurel headed towards Albemarle, they crashed into two parked cars. According to the police report, two cars were towed and the driver was arrested. He had been drinking and was 19 or 20. Luckily for me, the individual’s parents had insurance on the vehicle, so my property will be taken care of. I notified the city of the fire hydrant on 7/26, however, no work has been done to get that replaced. I’ve called the city a few times about it as it worries me in regards to fire safety.
That’s really all I know on the situation, but just thought you might like to know!
From raidsonline.com:
HIT AND RUN
1XX S LAUREL ST
Aug 12, 2014 at 8:00 amData provided by Richmond Police Department
From VCU press release:
RICHMOND, Virginia (Aug.13, 2014) – The Virginia Commonwealth University Police Department is unveiling a new tool to help control noise levels from parties and other events hosted by students living near VCU’s Monroe Park Campus.
This afternoon, VCU Police Chief John Venuti will give local media the first look at the department’s new noise suppression unit. Throughout the academic year, the unit will be used in the neighborhoods surrounding VCU as both a noise deterrent and noise monitor.
The new unit is the department’s way of adding another step in the routine process of handling noise complaints. During the most recent academic year, VCU Police visited 186 residences after receiving complaints about loud parties. VCU Police has a dedicated external relations officer who verifies complaints, educates students on their responsibilities as renters, notifies landlords of ongoing issues and, in some cases, assists landlords with evictions.
“The quality of life for our neighbors has been a high priority for VCU administrators,” Venuti said. “The noise suppression unit shows the community that we are taking every possible step to ensure our students are following laws and the university’s code of conduct.”
An unveiling is scheduled for 2 p.m. today, Aug. 13, at the Compass Plaza on VCU’s Monroe Park Campus. The plaza is located between Shafer Court Dining Center (801 Cathedral Place) and James Branch Cabell Library (901 Park Ave).
Additional details about this initiative will not be released until the media event this afternoon. Reporters interested in attending should email byersc@vcu.edu.
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From a neighbor:
There was a rash of graffiti around the neighborhood Sunday night. It was found at 710 Holly, corner of China/Cherry, Mamma Zu, and the corner of China/Pine. One of the neighbors filed a police report and the sheriff’s deputy was around taking pictures.
Here’s the police report:
DESTRUCTION PROPERTY/PRIVATE/GRAFFITI
8XX CHINA ST
Aug 10, 2014 at 10:30 amData provided by Richmond Police Department
From report:
DUI, ALCOHOL
1XX S LAUREL ST
Aug 7, 2014 at 12:43 pmData provided by Virginia Commonwealth University Police Department
With the end of July came many turnovers in leases, and as renters moved out (and moved in) they have created piles of trash.
Along Idlewood…(and we have seen this here before…)
Near China and Laurel:
From Richmond Police:
4th Precinct
BURGLARY
7/21/14 2:00 a.m. – 2:15 a.m.
100 block of South Pine Street
An unknown male broke into the residence. An arrest was made.
From Richmond Police:
1st Precinct
AGGRAVATED ASSAULT (X2)
7/20/14 6:22 p.m.
Belle Isle
A male and female reported an unknown female assaulted them.