Warning: Roundup In Monroe Park

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From neighbor and Oregon Hill Neighborhood Association President Todd Woodson:

I just confirmed with workers in Monroe Park that they are spraying Roundup™ weed killer on the entire lawn. In 2015, the World Health Organization International Agency for Research on Cancer declared glyphosate a carcinogen. More than 50 cities and counties have banned the chemical. Many consider glyphosate a significant cause of bee deaths. The Monroe Park “Conservancy” is a horrible steward of the environment and their lease must be terminated. Enter the park at your own risk!

In other Monroe Park news, VCU representatives Catherine Howard and Brian Shaw have dropped off the Monroe Park Conservancy’s board and Vice Provost Dr Charles Klink and VCU planner Jeff Eastman have been tapped to replace them. Sadly, no news on adding more community representation, despite past promises to City Council.

More Candidates Enter 5th District Council Contest

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Local media outlets are reporting that more candidates are entering into the election race to take what was Parker Agelasto’s seat on City Council.

From the Richmond Free Press:

The first candidates have begun to emerge in the race to succeed Parker C. Agelasto as the 5th District representative on Richmond City Council.

The district spans both sides of the James River and includes Carytown, Maymont, Oregon Hill and Swansboro.

A special election is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 5, to replace Mr. Agelasto, who announced his resignation effective Nov. 30 after he moved out of the district last summer.

Former 5th District Councilman Henry W. “Chuck” Richardson, who is pursuing a lawsuit seeking the immediate ouster of Mr. Agelasto that is to be heard next month, announced his candidacy Tuesday night following a meeting of the Richmond Crusade for Voters.

Earlier this week, Stephanie Lynch, a lobbyist and advocate for the Good Neighbor mental health and disability services program and a civic activist from the Woodland Heights neighborhood in South Side, announced her run.

Dr. Thad Williamson, a University of Richmond professor and former aide to Mayor Levar M. Stoney, announced several weeks ago that he is seeking the office.

Five to seven more candidates are weighing runs to fill the remainder of Mr. Agelasto’s term that will end on Dec. 31, 2020.

NBC12 and Times Dispatch recently highlighted Richardson’s candidacy, while the VCU Commonwealth Times focused on a recent VCU graduate, Nicholas Da Silva, that is contending.

OHNA Meeting Tomorrow Night

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From email announcement:

Dear Friends and Neighbors

Our Monthly neighborhood association meeting will be held at St Andrews Church at 7pm this Tuesday, June 25th. Really, other than our important updates, there is not much on the agenda except perhaps electing a new Vice President as our sitting VP has moved out of the neighborhood. If you are interested, come state your case.

Please stop by.

Todd Woodson, President

Trash/Recycling Pickup Tomorrow

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This Wednesday is a “Red Wednesday”, which means trash and recycling pickup. Ideally, rolling recycling containers are stored and deployed in the back alleys along with trash cans. Please make sure you pick up containers after pickup tomorrow night.

If you have not done so already, don’t forget to sign up for your Recycling Perks.
In order to take your recycling to the next level, read this: 10 ways to improve your recycling.

In recycling news, Colgate-Palmolive corporation recently announced its creation of the first-ever recyclable toothpaste tube. The tube has been five years in the making and was just recognized by the Association of Plastic Recyclers. It will hit store shelves by 2020 under the Tom’s of Maine brand, which Colgate-Palmolive owns, and eventually the company plans to convert all of its tubes to the recyclable kind. Hopefully this will reduce the 20 billion tubes that go to landfill every year.

Tell Stoney To Release The Coliseum Scheme Documents

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The biggest backstory to Richmond politics right now is the VCU/Tom Ferrell/Mayor Stoney coliseum scheme. It’s been that way for a while, due to its collision course with the Put Schools First movement. Many Richmond citizens, including Oregon Hill neighbors, still believe that this backstory also had something to do with the upheaval regarding our beloved Councilperson Parker Agelasto.

For the last few months, one aspect of this whole thing has been the public right’s to know. Local attorney Paul Goldman has had to file Freedom of Information Act requests in order to obtain documents regarding the coliseum scheme. Even now, he is trying to get to documents that Mayor Stoney’s administration gave the Times Dispatch newspaper freely, but is refusing to give Goldman. According to him, the Mayor’s ‘crew’ is planning to hold up any more righteous disclosure with frivolous motions.

This is outrageous! It’s time for citizens to stand up to the Mayor and the VCU/Farrell corporate goon squad! And if there any 5th District candidate wannabe’s out there– now is the time to let citizens know which side you are on.

Tomorrow night, the Mayor has his “5th District Community Office Hours” scheduled from 6:30 to 8pm at the Randolph Community Center.

Belle Isle History Hike This Saturday

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The James River Park is holding a Belle Isle History Hike this Saturday from 11 am to 1 pm.

Here is some information:

Join us for a family friendly hike to one of Richmond’s historic gems, Belle Isle. Learn about the geologic and human history of the area and the role Richmond played in the development of our nation. Please bring water, a snack and good shoes.

Ages: 8 and Up
Price: $5
Location: Tredegar Parking Lot