archive for October, 2008
October 3, 2008
6th Annual Commemoration of Gabriel’s Rebellion and the Burial Ground for Negroes
The 6th Annual Commemoration of Gabriel’s Rebellion and the Burial Ground for Negroes has been announced for Friday, October 10, at Asbury United Methodist Church (324 N. 29th Street). Hosted by the Sacred Ground Historical Reclamation Project, The Defenders for Freedom Justice & Equality and the United Negro Improvement Association-African Communities League (UNIA-ACL) Prosser-Truth Division #456. [via]
October 4, 2008
security cameras keep eyes on 17th Street
nbc12 has a story about the recent installation of security cameras that watch the street and alleys along 17th Street:
October 4, 2008
this week’s RDN calendar
Saturday Growers; Bohemian Market; Shockoe Bottom walking tour; Sunday Vintage Market; blue grass and blue crabs festival; a look at coffee and global trade @ GlobeHopper; open mic @ Poe’s Pub; Mini Flicks & Stories; Thursday Fresh Market; Galactic @ Toad’s Place; 6th District Town Meeting; Bikes in the Bottom; MORE…
October 4, 2008
fire station to become Shockoe Lofts
The October issue of Richmond Magazine has an in-depth look at development in the greater Church Hill area, including info about the plans for the old fire station at 2010 East Main Street. The station, built in 1899, is in the preliminary stages of development into 80 condos under the name Shockoe Lofts.
October 5, 2008
a look at coffee and global trade @ GlobeHopper
This weeks conversation at GlobeHopper, hosted by the folks from Back Porch Energy Initiative:
Monday, October 6th — Black Gold: An in-depth look at the world of coffee and global trade. As westerners sip on designer lattes and cappuccinos, impoverished Ethiopian coffee growers suffer the bitter taste of injustice. Black Gold is an eye-opening documentary exploring one man’s fight for a fair price in the multi-billion dollar coffee industry. Join us at our favorite Richmond coffee shop as we discuss the environmental and economic implications of coffee production, consumption and fair trade. Together we will learn what it means to truly be a sustainable and socially responsible producer and consumer of the world’s most popular beverage.
October 5, 2008
Richmond Folk Festival takes over Brown’s Island next weekend
The Richmond Folk Festival takes place Oct.10-12 on the banks of downtown Richmond’s riverfront, from 2nd to 7th streets and from Byrd Street to the river. Seven stages, 30+ performing groups, Virginia Folklife Area demonstration area, Crafts Marketplace, ethnic foods and more! Check out the full schedule and come down to celebrate the roots, richness and variety of American culture through music, dance traditional crafts, storytelling and food.
October 6, 2008
Community Planning in Richmond announced
In recognition of National Community Planning Month, the City of Richmond Department of Community Development is sponsoring a workshop on Community Planning in Richmond on Saturday, October 18, from 8:30-11:30AM at SunTrust Bank (919 E. Main Street). Topics to include: Tools for neighborhood planning, Green planning in Richmond, Communications today, Strengthening community organizations, and Civic associations meet and greet. To RSVP, or for more information, contact the Richmond Department of Community Development, Division of Housing and Neighborhoods at (804)646-6344.
October 7, 2008
looking forward to Restaurant Week
Restaurant Week runs Oct. 27-Nov.2. Participating restaurants offer meals for $25.08, $2.08 of which goes to The Central Virginia Food Bank. Reservations are accepted and suggested at most places. Keep reading for the list of participating restaurants & check back for more detailed menus. [via]
October 7, 2008
ACORN honors renovation, new construction
ACORN held the 9th Annual Golden Hammer Awards Ceremony tonight at Seven Hills School in Northside. In addition to recognizing the previously announced 2008 special award winners, 1428 Bainbridge Street won for Best Residential Renovation, The National Theater won for Best Commercial Renovation, and The Reserve Condominiums won for Best Urban Infill. Congratulations!
October 7, 2008
Rev.Jones and all of that development on Hull Street
Style Weekly drops a hot one, giving us a close look at the impact (or lack there of…) of Rev. Dwight C. Jones and the First Baptist Church on Hull Street:
“In fact,” he told the crowd, “I am the only candidate that is running that has contributed to the economic development in the city by developing apartments and commercial space in the Hull Street corridor.”
As the race has unfolded, Jones has often trumpeted his commitment to bringing back Hull Street. But a quick tour south of the Manchester Bridge — in the corridor that Jones claims to have helped revitalize — could make it difficult to reach a simple verdict on the state of renewal.
His most recent project — a five-year, $5 million development — has produced and rented out 68 low-income apartments, even as high-rent renovation projects crop up blocks away. The ground floor, intended for commercial use, remains empty.
The first-floor vacancy there and at a handful of other properties owned by First Baptist Church of South Richmond, where Jones is pastor, has long frustrated developers and city officials who say the boarded-up buildings make it more difficult to lure investment into the neighborhood.
October 11, 2008
this week’s RDN calendar
6th District Town Meeting; Richmond Folk Festival; Saturday Growers; Bohemian Market; Bikes in the Bottom; Richmond Folk Festival; Sunday Vintage Market; Danzig ; open mic @ Poe’s Pub; Mini Flicks & Stories; Thursday Fresh Market; 1st Annual Shockoe on the Halfshell Oyster Festival; Community Planning in Richmond workshop; Run to the River; 1st Annual Shockoe on the Halfshell Oyster Festival; MORE…
October 12, 2008
1428 Bainbridge Street wins ACORN Golden Hammer
ACORN announced the 2008 Golden Hammer winners last week and 1428 Bainbridge Street got the nod for Best Residential Renovation, The National Theater won for Best Commercial Renovation, and The Reserve Condominiums won for Best Urban Infill.
October 12, 2008
Ricky Johnson is running for City Counsel and is pensively seeking your vote
October 12, 2008
Council to vote on Downtown Master Plan
The agenda for the Richmond City Council meeting on Monday includes both a crucial vote on the Downtown Master Plan and a special use permit for Hull Street:
Ord. No. 2008-208 (Patron: Mayor Wilder) – To approve an amendment to the Master Plan for the City of Richmond, *** to adopt the Downtown Master Plan ***.
Ord. No. 2008-237 (Patron: President Pantele, By Request) – To authorize the special use of *** 1100, 1102 and 1114 Hull Street for the purpose of waiving certain height and parking requirements to permit the construction of a mixed-use building with up to fifty-eight (58) dwelling units and accessory parking ***.