April 15 Newsletter: Art 180 announces closure
Weather: A high of 95 as we move towards a red-hot Monument Ave. 10K on Saturday.
On this date in 1987, four Buick dealers in the state settle a price-fixing lawsuit by paying $40,325 to customers.
Today's newsletter sponsored by Virginia Commonwealth University: As a top 50 public research institution, Virginia Commonwealth University has an unparalleled drive to discover, innovate and create. VCU impacts the human experience and tackles the problems of tomorrow. It's a university unlike any you’ve ever seen.
Art 180 will close in August after 27 years of supporting area youth
Local nonprofit Art 180 announced Tuesday that it will be closing this August due to financial difficulties, which it attributed in part to severance paid last year to two departing senior employees.
Co-founder Marlene Paul led the organization as executive director until May of last year, and worked alongside Deputy Director Nicole Jones, who also serves on Richmond's City Council.
A current board member said it was unclear at the time that approving severance packages for the two would put the organization in an untenable state financially. Paul issued a statement saying she is "heartbroken" by the closure; Jones could not be reached for comment. Read more here.
City offers to replace RPS land, pay for relocation if it turns over Southside site for mixed-use development
After a few months of back-and-forth between city and public school leaders, Richmond’s top appointed official made his case to the Richmond School Board for why they should give up a Southside property for the development of a mixed-use neighborhood.
Odie Donald II presented a drafted conditional resolution that would require the city and developer to find a replacement property for the division’s operations within two years, a request previously made by some Board members. Read more here.
Avula rolls out plan to relaunch city government’s payment register
The city has been required to publish the payment log since 2015 to show the public how tax dollars are spent. However, officials stopped publication in 2019 after deciding the process was creating too much review and redaction work for city staffers trying to keep sensitive information out of the database. Read more here.
In a rare event, the Richmond Kickers will host an MLS team tonight
The Richmond Kickers play in USL League One, the third division of American soccer. Tonight, however, they'll test themselves against a top-tier team.
The Kickers have won their way into the Round of 32, and will face the Columbus Crew tonight at 7:30 p.m. at City Stadium.
The Kickers have a distinguished history in the event – they won it in 1995, and reached the semifinals in 2011. Read more here.
Bill Martin’s death remains under investigation by Richmond Police
Richmond Police Chief Rick Edwards said last week his department is still investigating the death of longtime Valentine museum director Bill Martin, who died while crossing Broad Street in December.
Commonwealth’s Attorney Colette McEachin is the one who ultimately decides whether to pursue charges. Edwards said the case will be handed over to McEachin after police finish their investigation. Read more here.
Today's sponsor:
‘It just has to stop’: Why VCU is accelerating pedestrian safety action
Pedestrian safety remains a critical issue in Richmond. Building on three years of collaboration and confronting recent tragedies, VCU and the city of Richmond are working together to improve safety through infrastructure projects, outreach and education, and increased enforcement. Read more.
In other news
- Allianz Amphitheater adds AC, reduces lawn capacity after Richmond fan feedback (CBS 6)
- The new season starts tomorrow night with Alabama Shakes.
- Fake tickets target Richmond Ren Faire fans online (Axios)
- The event sold out quickly, and will take place this weekend. Tickets are not set up for resale.
- Spanberger wants to delay the start date of recreational marijuana sales (Virginia Scope)
- The current start date is Jan. 1, 2027. The governor is proposing a six-month delay to allow time for implementation.
The editor's desk
A reminder – join us tomorrow at Ardent brewery in Scott's Addition. The Richmonder crew will be hanging out from 4-6 p.m. celebrating our recent Virginia Press Association awards!
Michael Phillips, founding editor
mphillips@richmonder.org
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