archive for February, 2009
February 1, 2009
Back Porch @ GlobeHopper at a new time tomorrow
This week we will have Green Corps Class of ’09 and Think Outside the Bottle Organizer Pete Williams as our special guest speaker. We will investigate water issues from the perspective of water as a human right. Join us to discuss issues surrounding water privatization vs. public ownership of water. Gathering begins at a new time 5:30pm, multi-media discussion begins promptly at 6:00pm.
The Think Outside the Bottle Campaign is new to Richmond and is working to challenge the corporate take over of water. You are invited to stay for a planning meeting after Green Mondays from 7-8pm.
February 2, 2009
House Finance Committee passes stadium financing bill
Delegate Loupassi’s bill to help finance Shockoe Stadium passed the House Finance Committee with a 19-2 vote. The bill would set aside a percentage of sales tax revenues generated by the stadium and surrounding development. The revenues would then be used to repay bonds issued to finance the stadium. According to the RTD, the Finance Committee expanded the bill to apply to a baseball stadium built anywhere in Richmond.
February 2, 2009
support baseball in shockoe bottom?
Organizers of the Facebook group I Support Baseball In Shockoe Bottom have organized “Shockoe Center Community Support Meetings” for February 10th and 11th:
In order to get everyone up to speed and to help answer the question “what can I do to help?” we have scheduled two Shockoe Center “CSM’s” or “Community Support Meetings.” These will be informal but informative meetings where you can get more information, meet more of the people who really want this to happen, and find out how you can make a contribution to the cause.
Tuesday, February 10, 5:30pm and Wednesday, February 11, 5:30pm.
Both will be at GlobeHopper Coffehouse & Lounge, 2100 East Main Street in Shockoe Bottom. 804-523-8083.
February 4, 2009
a message from Delegate Jennifer McClellan
An opportunity to have your voice heard by 71st district representative, Delegate Jennifer McClellan, on Delegate Loupassi’s stadium financing bill:
Del. Loupassi’s HB 1803 bill will come up for a vote on the House tomorrow. As amended, the bill is site neutral, and permits (but does not mandate) sales tax revenues generated by transactions occurring on the premises of a new or renovated stadium to be used to repay any bonds issued to finance the construction or renovation of the stadium issued between July 1, 2009 and July 1, 2012. Thus, the bill does not impact where the stadium will be built, but does provide that it may be financed through future sales tax revenue generated by the project. If you have an opinion on this proposal, please take a moment to email me your thoughts at deljmcclellan@house.virginia.gov.
February 5, 2009
stadium financing bill passes in the House of Delegates
Breaking news: The stadium financing bill has passed the House of Delegates
Metro Richmond representatives supported the bill with the exception of Delegate Jennifer McClellan (D-71), who voted against the bill, and Delegate Bill Janis (R-56), who was absent from voting.
February 5, 2009
“no stadium in shockoe” sign has Club Velvet in trouble
Zoning violation or free speech? A large sign hanging on the side of Club Velvet proclaiming “No Stadium in Shockoe” has earned the night club a zoning violation for exceeding the allowed size and not receiving approval from the city. However, owner Sam Moore is appealing based on a political campaign sign exemption. The RTD has more:
According to Kent Willis, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia, Moore could have a case, because there’s little to distinguish a sign that backs a candidate for elective office and one that supports — or opposes — a ballpark.
The flap comes as city officials are considering Shockoe Center, a $363 million development that would include a minor-league ballpark, hotels, offices, restaurants, retail businesses and residences.
February 5, 2009
Public hearing set for ordinance on changes to the Downtown Master Plan
The Richmond Downtown Plan was adopted on October 13, 2008. Following its adoption, an ordinance (PDF) was introduced that would direct the City Planning Commission to consider amendments to the Plan. Richmond City Council will hold a public hearing on this ordinance on Monday, February 9, 2009 at 6:00pm in City Council Chambers (2nd floor, City Hall).
February 9, 2009
more discussion on the stadium
Two lively discussions are currently taking place over at the Church Hill People’s News.
A recent snapshot poll on this site, taken across the end of the 1st week of February, has 75% of the respondents are in favor of development that includes baseball in Shockoe Bottom.
Where do you stand on the proposed stadium?
February 10, 2009
City Council to consider amending the Downtown Master Plan
CHPN.net has the latest information on City Council’s decision to further consider controversial amendments to the Downtown Master Plan, including the proposed Echo Harbor development. Like the stadium, these proposals can dramatically change the landscape of our neighborhood. Be sure to join in on the discussion!
February 10, 2009
shockoe center community support meeting
The first community support meeting for Shockoe Center was held tonight at GlobeHopper. With approximately 30-40 people in attendance for the meeting, a clear majority seemed to be in support of the project. More information on the details of the meeting are coming tomorrow.
If you are interested in attending tomorrow night’s meeting, it will begin at 5:30 at GlobeHopper, 2100 East Main Street in Shockoe Bottom. 804-523-8083.
February 13, 2009
preserving the James River Park System
The RTD has the details on a conservation easement City Council is considering for the James River Park System.
A conservation easement would be placed on about 280 acres of parkland, including the James River Park System, Great Shiplock Park and Belle Isle, meaning the land never could be sold or developed, even with ball fields or cell-phone towers…
City Council President Kathy C. Graziano said Richmond’s riverfront parkland also warrants a guarantee of protection. “A future council may want to sell pieces of it,” she said. An easement “protects it from that, but it also protects it as a natural park. The beauty of the park is it’s a natural oasis in the middle of the city.”
February 14, 2009
towards St.Patrick’s 2009
All of the details on what to look forward to for St.Patrick’s Day: 10th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Party @ Siné, Shamrock the Block 2009 @ 17th Street Farmer’s Market, 24th Annual Church Hill Irish Festival @ 25th and Broad Street…
February 14, 2009
a team, finally?
RTD has the full story on a team the Richmond Baseball Group is in talks to buy.
A Richmond group hopes to buy a franchise that belongs to the Class AA Eastern League, the Connecticut Defenders, and move it to Richmond, according to sources familiar with the situation.
Bryan Bostic said the goal of Richmond Baseball Club LC, the organization he chairs, is to purchase a franchise by early April. Minor League Baseball rules prohibit Bostic from discussing the league or the franchise, he said. Bostic earlier this week confirmed that Richmond Baseball Club LC has made formal application to Minor League Baseball to acquire a specific team.
“I’m not allowed to say any level, any team, any city, any affiliation,” Bostic said. “That day, we believe, is coming.”
February 15, 2009
SBNA meeting tomorrow night
It’s time again for the monthly meeting of the Shockoe Bottom Neighborhood Association. This month’s meeting will be held this Monday February 16th at The Old City Bar, 1548 East Main Street located on the corner of 17th and Main Streets. Meeting time: 5:30 p.m.