.JAMES RIVER
Richmond Riverfront Plan… is expected to emerge from its formative stages for formal review by the Richmond Planning Commission as early as next month…. timesdispatch.com
….Lots of people go to Belle Isle to enjoy the warm weather. That’s what Susan Mortensen said she was doing when she came down with her four year-old daughter and used some sidewalk chalk to draw on some of the rocks….”Using sidewalk chalk to draw some little doodle on a rock is not criminal,” [NBC12 Legal Analyst Steve] Benjamin said…. nbc12.com
Phrases like “a concept of one river and one city in a single system” and “this is the Central Park of your city” were tossed around as architects from Hargreaves Associates presented an update on the Richmond Riverfront Plan to the City of Richmond Planning Commission Tuesday….The commission members all agreed that “what we need is leadership to carry this through” and that “governance means leadership.” richmond.com
FBI takes over Richmond deputy’s inmate-assault case
…former Richmond deputy, Jermaine Dove….Dove removed the inmate from his housing unit without an order to do so….Dove allegedly struck the inmate with his hand….misdemeanor assault case….alleged civil-rights violation….might be seeking to see if the incident is part of a pattern….there have been other allegations arising out of the jail….In September, a Richmond jury returned a $2.4 million verdict against Sheriff C.T. Woody Jr. and the jail’s former chief physician….
A Mighty Trail for a Mighty River
…Department of Conservation and Recreation….James River Heritage Trail….plan networks the whole 10,432-square mile James River watershed….proposed hiking, running, and biking path….draft document….
An assortment of images showing the area of the proposed entrance to Dominion Power’s headquarters.
Richmond might build road that would allow canal traffic
[Richmond might build road across historic canal. CHR]
…Second Street Connector….Planning Commission on Tuesday approved a final design….$1.3 million….Jack Pearsall, who is trying to reignite interest in restoring a functional canal system….typical canal boats wouldn’t be able to pass….Jeannie Welliver, a project manager for the city’s Department of Economic and Community Development, said the culvert has been designed to preserve the integrity of the canal bed, not to ensure that boats could pass….Connector is designed to provide additional access to the riverfront as well as to Dominion Resources Inc.‘s corporate headquarters on Tredegar….
see, 2nd Street Connector
[Why is Economic Development in charge rather than Planning? CHR]
Occupy Richmond drafts strategy for new year
…sharpen their focus for the New Year….communicate within the movement….educate the public….engage the public….
via wtvr.com
City Plans Makeover of Brookland Park Boulevard
…demolish two vacant storefronts….consultant to draw new plans….two blocks of the boulevard, from Hanes Avenue to North Avenue….exterior upgrades and financial incentives….request for proposals in January or early February….“The city has a history of saying things and not following through.”
via styleweekly.com
Planning and Development Review
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Richmond Riverfront Plan – 3rd Public ForumThe Department of Planning and Development Review, along with the consultant team from Hargreaves Associates, held the third Public Forum on the Richmond Riverfront Plan on December 13, 2011 at 6:00 pm at the Virginia War Memorial, 621 S. Belvidere St. This presentation is available at http://www.richmondgov.com/PlanningAndDevelopmentReview/documents/PlansOther/2011_1215_River_Public_Presentation.pdf, Presentations from the first and second forums are available on the Department of Planning and Development Review’s webpage. For more information, email James Hill at james.hill@richmondgov.com or call 804-646-7552. Olinger
Posted by Richmond VA Community Development at 3:18 PM
Jones and Reider rated the higher priorties for the implementation of the phased project, again stressing that these are mere suggestions. First up, completing the Virginia Capital Trail ($1.6 million), purchasing and developing Mayo Island ($16 million), and implementing several landmark projects at Brown’s Island — at a projected total cost of $35.4 million. The project’s second phase would center on Chapel Island, the dramatic Pipeline Rapids, Belle Isle and the Manchester environs, given a projected cost of $16.5 million.
via Richmond Magazine.
It may take decades to see results of a grand vision for Richmond’s riverfront to completion, but it has certainly been made clear to us that what we have with the James River as a centerpiece is a valuable natural resource that must remain the focus of our future.
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The public comments again addressed concerns with fears of Dominion encroaching on Oregon Hill and the restoration of the Kanawha Canal, which were not addressed in this presentation.
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The proposed amphitheater and green space considered on the existing New Market property northwest of Tredegar Iron Works was questioned by one man, and Jim Hill of the city’s Department of Planning and Development Review said it was still being discussed with Venture Richmond as an open space and performance venue for events like the Richmond Folk Festival.
via Richmond.com.
The plan focuses generally on the area from the Lee Bridge east to Rocketts Landing and Ancarrow’s Landing. The planners have begun to prioritize their recommendations and estimated the cost of implementing the two highest categories of projects at $52 million.