Earlier this month, the following letter was sent to VCU, City, State officials, as well as the media in response to an earlier real estate transaction:

Dear Dr. Rao,

The members of the Oregon Hill Neighborhood Association (OHNA) were concerned to hear that in November 2014, Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) acquired a property at 9 West Cary Street, outside of VCU’s Master Plan boundary. In response to a request made under the Freedom of Information Act, VCU confirmed that the property at 9 West Cary Street is not within VCU’s Master Plan boundary and that VCU did not inform its neighbors that it was purchasing property outside of its Master Plan boundary.

While this property at 9 West Cary Street is not within the Oregon Hill Historic District, we object to the University acquiring property outside of its Master Plan boundary. This land acquisition is counter to the Management Agreement between VCU and the Commonwealth of Virginia that states that capital projects must be “consistent with the University’s published Master Plan.” The fact that VCU chooses to disregard its own Master Plan alarms the surrounding communities.

OHNA voted at its February 24, 2015 meeting to formally request that VCU adhere to its Master Plan boundary when acquiring property in the future. We would also remind you of the promise made by former VCU President Eugene Trani that the University will not expand south of Cary Street into the Oregon Hill Historic District.

VCU’s neighbors rely on the commitment made by the University to adhere to its Master Plan boundary when purchasing property. This assurance is essential for removing speculation and inspiring a sense of trust between VCU and its neighbors.

Sincerely,

Jennifer Hancock
Oregon Hill Neighborhood Association
President

As winter ends, City, VCU, and neighborhood leaders are identifying neighborhood needs and priorities.

The City is working to keep up with pothole repairs on Cumberland and Idlewood. The City’s Department of Public Utilities (DPU) and Department of Public Works (DPW) are also trying to keep with water line and street repairs like the persistent leak on the 300 block of Cherry Street. Note that water mains have priority over services and meters when there are multiple issues being worked.

There are also gravel alleys that once again need attention. Check out this lake on the south end of the 600 block Laurel/Pine alley:

Or the potholes on the 200 and 300 block Laurel/Cherry alleys:

Of course, this situation, so close to the river, continues to call out desperately for “green alleys”.

Thanks again to St. Andrew’s Church and RVA Clean Sweep for their recent storm drain marking and cleanup work:
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RVA Clean Sweep will be back in Oregon Hill later this month on March 28th with VCU’s Green Unity in order to concentrate on the litter around Cumberland.

Unfortunately, despite previous efforts, the entire neighborhood is suffering from two distinct and pervasive forms of litter, cigarette butts and dog feces.

The Oregon Hill Neighborhood Association has budgeted money for repairing and replacing dog stations, while RVA Clean Sweep may be doing more on cigarettes.

Some other possible projects/repairs that City/VCU/neighborhood resources may tackle include more public trash/recycling receptacles, repainting and renovating the historic gazebo, graffiti abatement, repairing or replacing street signs.

There has also been some consideration for beautification of the vacant lot at Belvidere & Idlewood. While it has been confirmed that the City owns the lot, and VCU can help establishing plantings or even a garden, one stumbling block is finding volunteers who can commit to maintaining any plantings. This is where student neighbors might be able to plug into the work that OHNA and VCU Community Engagement are doing.