In Philadelphia, the compactors have drawn praise as well as complaints, with critics questioning the units’ $3,700 cost and their reliability, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer. Municipal trashcans can cost $100 or more.
via timesdispatch.com WILL JONES.
Richmond Commonwealth’s Attorney Michael Herring spoke Wednesday against the noise ordinance adopted by City Council in February, saying the law “is bad and needs to be stricken.”
styleweekly.com Don Harrison and Sara Dabney Tisdale.
Commonwealth’s Attorney Michael N. Herring said the city should “scrap” the ordinance and adopt one based on set decibel levels.
Richmond General District Chief Judge Robert A. Pustilnik said, “I am not crazy about most language in the statute.”
timesdispatch.com Reed Williams.
October 25, 2010
Re: Ordinance 2010-197 – Demolition of two dwelling structures and construction of office building in residential zone.
Dear Honorable Members of Council ,
For the record, ordinance 2010-197 should be stricken.
First, the applicant should request a rezoning to Residential-Office. While the city charter gives the Council broad powers to grant special use permits that are not detrimental to the public welfare, it is an abuse of power to allow a landowner to circumvent the rezoning process.
Second, the proposed development violates the city’s Master Plan. The plan limits the applicant’s property to transitional uses that protect the existing character of the adjacent residential zone. The applicant’s residential structure at 505 Libbie Avenue has already been converted to transitional office use. The proposed redevelopment would destroy the residential character and transitional buffer intended by the Plan.
Third, Rachel Flynn, Director of Planning and Development Review, misrepresented the facts when she stated in her report that:
The surrounding properties are also located in the R-4 district. Six of these nearby properties are currently authorized by special use permits for office uses. One of these properties, located across Libbie Avenue from the subject properties contains a similarly sized building with approximately 9,100 square feet.
In fact, the two office use properties across the street have buildings with only 2,132 and 2,160 square feet. The average floor area to lot area ratio is .24 (FAR). The applicant’s two properties have existing buildings with 1,850 and 1,163 square feet and a .10 FAR. The applicant proposes to triple the floor area to .32 FAR.
It would be irresponsible, in a residentially zoned transitional buffer area, to approve the demolition of existing single family structures and allow the construction of an office building with triple the intensity. The proposal is contrary to the zoning ordinances, the Master Plan, and the public welfare.
I am attaching a PDF file with photos and illustrations.
This year, the tour explored the revitalization along the Broad Street corridor and simulated the proposed “bus rapid transit” route that would run west to Willow Lawn and east to Rocketts Landing. The former bank building, which was Richmond’s tallest from 1930 to 1971, was one of the properties toured by about 150 people on four buses yesterday.
via timesdispatch.com Jeremy Slayton.
Lilly Ann Pauley says she feels betrayed by the Richmond police department.
via wtvr.com Sandra Jones.
Henrico Police arrested a Richmond Police Sergeant Sunday night in Short Pump.
via wtvr.com.
Public Works says it will be another three to four weeks before crews go back to start finishing the repaving. Some residents say the repaving is an eyesore and makes the entire neighborhood look bad.
via nbc12.com Ben Garbarek.
Fall 2009– Spring 2011
GRTC Transit System and Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) are managing the Broad Street Rapid Transit Study with assistance and guidance provided by two committees: the Policy Advisory Committee and the Technical Advisory Committee.
via ridegrtc.com
Thursday, Feb. 25, 2010: The Green Infrastructure Center Inc. (GIC) has partnered with the Richmond Regional Planning District Commission (RRPDC) , the City of Richmond and the firm of E2 Inc. to assess the city’s green infrastructure. Green infrastructure is the natural building blocks that make cities liveable and healthful. Green infrastructure includes the tree canopy that keeps the city cooler in summer while cleaning the air; the rivers that provide habitat for fish and recreation for people; and the parks and other greenways that provide respite for people and habitat for birds and other wildlife.
The project builds on a successful partnership begun in 2009, between the GIC, the Richmond Regional Planning District Commission (RRPDC) and the Capital Region Land Conservancy to map the region’s green infrastructure.
Richmond Press Release, February 2010 [PDF]
