17 officials met this morning at the James River and Kanawha Canal in response to concerns expressed by neighbors over recent damage to the canal. Thankfully, the consensus from this meeting is that the damage will be repaired in the most appropriate manner. Steps should be taken to discourage mountain bikers from traversing the canal, especially with the pedestrian bridge so nearby.
It’s been heartbreaking for neighbors to watch the slow destruction of Monroe Park. The Monroe Park ‘Conservancy’ has succeeded in fulfilling VCU’s desire to get rid of the park’s trees. During the park’s period of significance circa 1904, there were 362 trees of 26 species in the park. Less than a third of that now thanks to 3North and the “Conservancy”. Sadly, this situation is not all that unique when you consider that U.S. cities are losing about 36 million trees a year.
Of course there have been many other Monroe Park matters as well. Recently it was discovered that a new electrical service unit was installed right next to a World War II memorial that contributes to the Park’s historic significance.
Expect an announcement by the Sierra Club Falls of the James on this topic soon. This comes after the organization has already tried to meet with Mayor Stoney (and was ignored) and publicly called for the termination of the Conservancy’s lease.
REMINDER Councilmember Agelasto is meeting with residents of the 5th District tomorrow (Thursday) night at 6:45pm at the Byrd Park Round House.
Agenda:
6:30pm Historic Marker Reveal
6:45pm GRTC Updates
7:00pm DPU Lead Abatement Program
7:20pm Budget & General Updates
7:40pm Q&A
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.
From March 28, 1918 Times Dispatch:
From email announcement:
Dear Friends and Neighbors
Just a reminder that the monthly Oregon Hill Neighborhood Association meeting takes place TONIGHT (Tuesday March 27th) at 7 pm. I will have updates on the development on 800 block W Cary as well as info on a strategy to protect our historic buildings in the future. Please come for important information!
In addition, a VCU representative from the about to open Institute for Contemporary Art will be on hand to share info with us.
See you TUESDAY at 7PM at 236 S Laurel St next to St Andrews Church.
Thanks,
Todd.
From press release:
For Immediate Release March 16, 2018
The Oregon Hill Neighborhood Association, in alliance with the Oregon Hill Home Improvement Council, is committed to ensuring a successful and historically sensitive development on the 800 block of W Cary Street. After meeting with the developers and reviewing the interpretations of the Richmond Department of Planning and Development Review regarding the plan of development for this project, we and other interested parties have identified serious concerns and seek clarification on a number of issues regarding allowances made that may be inconsistent with the established zoning parameters for the applicable zoning designation for this area and may cause irreparable damage to this historic district.. We find it in the best interest of the Oregon Hill Historic District, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, as well as the residents of the City of Richmond, to fairly and accurately apply these regulations in a lawful manner.
In light of the fact that the existing buildings on this block are profoundly important to the intrinsic fabric of our historic district, we ask that the city be especially cautious and re-examine their determinations cited in our attached letter. These buildings date from the 1830’s and later into the 19th century and stand as a testament to the craftsmanship and ingenuity of our forefathers. They deserve to be saved and preserved for the future.
This alliance of neighborhood advocacy groups has chosen to retain Andrew McRoberts of the Sands Anderson Law firm to represent our interests in this matter. We hereby respectfully present to the City of Richmond as well as to interested members of the public, an attached letter sent to the Richmond Department of Planning and Development Review outlining our concerns.
Sincerely,
Charles Todd Woodson, president
Oregon Hill Neighborhood Association
From press release:
Richmond, VA – The city’s Department of Finance is still accepting applications for the Tax Relief for the Elderly and Disabled Program. The program opened on January 8, 2018 and the application deadline is April 2, 2018.
The tax relief program provides assistance to Richmond’s qualifying elderly and disabled homeowners through their real estate taxes. Citizens who participate in the program have their annual real estate tax bills reduced by 30% and 100%, depending upon their household income. Citizens must own and reside in their home, be 65 or older or permanently and totally disabled, earn less than $50,000 annually and have assets (net worth) of less than $200,000. Taxpayers must provide proof of income and assets. A list of necessary documents can be found on the application.
Applications are located on the City of Richmond website, at city libraries and from the city’s Finance Department payment locations. Assistance in completing applications or re-certifications is also being offered throughout the city. Perspective applicants and existing participants may visit the following locations for any help that may be needed:
The East End Initiative Building
701 N. 25th St.
every Thursday through March 29 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.Huguenot High School
Building #26 located at 7945 Forest Hill Ave.
every Tuesday through March 27 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.5th Street Baptist Church
One Stop Resource Center located at 2800 3rd Ave.
every Wednesday through March 28 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.Bellemeade Community Center
1800 Lynnhaven Ave.
every Friday through March 30 from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.Assistance at City Hall (Room 100) will be available during normal business days and hours.
More information about the Tax Relief for the Elderly and Disabled Program is available by calling (804) 646-6015 or by visiting the Finance Department webpage.
##
From press release:
The Oregon Hill Neighborhood Association, by unanimous vote of its membership, has passed a resolution supporting the conservation of the buildings on the 800 block of W Cary St that are threatened with demolition by Richmond developers looking to erect an apartment building on the footprint. These buildings, the oldest being circa 1840, are listed as contributing structures to the National Register of Historic Spaces and serve as a gateway to both the Oregon Hill Historic District and to Downtown Richmond. We have offered to meet with the developers and see how we can come to the table and figure out an alternative to tearing them down. It would be tragic to lose these valuable historic resources.
C. Todd Woodson, president
Oregon Hill Neighborhood Association, inc
302 S Cherry St
Richmond Va 23220
804-783-8829
The Oregon Hill Neighborhood Association had large crowd at its monthly meeting tonight. Among the speakers was City Councilperson Parker Agelasto, seen speaking in the photos below.
