August 20 Newsletter: Toll roads go cashless
Weather: Mostly cloudy, high of 84. It looks like Hurricane Erin's impacts won't make it to Richmond.
On this date in 2000, a Williamsburg entrepreneur begins to assemble sculptures of the U.S. presidents. Presidents Park ultimately opened in 2004, but closed in 2010. The sculptures now reside on private land nearby. (link)
Today's newsletter sponsored by Virginia Commonwealth University: As a top 20% global university, Virginia Commonwealth University is an unparalleled powerhouse of innovation and creative problem solving. VCU attacks challenges as opportunities. It's truly a university unlike any you’ve ever seen.
Some of Richmond’s old-school toll booths are going away. Here’s how the new system will work
The Boulevard Bridge, the Powhite Parkway and the Downtown Expressway will gradually move to electronic-only tolling starting this winter.
- Drivers with an EZ-Pass will continue to use them as normal.
- Other drivers will receive a bill in the mail at the address their license plate is registered to.
For the budget year that just concluded on June 30, the authority was expecting to take in about $52.4 million. It will cost $9 million to demolish the existing toll booths. Read more here.
New school year begins with a staggered start for Richmond middle and high schoolers
First-year middle schoolers were the only students in the building Monday at Thomas Henderson. Sixth and ninth graders across RPS began school a day early as part of the division’s staggered start.
Superintendent Jason Kamras said studies show the extra day helps the students acclimate, and the division plans to keep it.
He also addressed rising concerns around immigration enforcement in the area.
“Students will not be taken from our schools,” he said. “Kids are safe at RPS. Send your kids, we want them here.” Read more here.
Local Habitat for Humanity asks to buy 11 city properties in Northside to build affordable homes
Richmond is considering selling off 11 unused properties to the local Habitat for Humanity for the purpose of constructing affordable housing there.
On Tuesday, the Planning Commission gave its thumbs up for the sale. The proposal will now move on to City Council for a final decision. Read more here.
Rodney Hopkins goes above and beyond for people seeking emergency shelter
The 65-year-old Northside resident starts his day by listening to multiple voice messages, calling individuals back and responding to emails.
He’s quick to provide information about Housing Families First – the programs that individuals qualify for, availability of shelter, how to get on the waitlist — and does it all with a smile. Read more here.
Today's sponsor:
VCU awarded $2.3 million grant to support Pell-eligible students
The State Council of Higher Education for Virginia has awarded Virginia Commonwealth University a more than $2.3 million grant to provide financial and career support to Pell Grant-eligible freshman students, beginning this semester.
Funding is part of a state initiative to provide educational and career aid to undergraduates in the federal program. The grant will enable VCU to make direct aid available to help cover the costs of Pell-eligible students’ education and connect them more readily to VCU’s career support resources earlier in their degree program. Read more here.
In other news
- Richmond Folk Festival Announces Second Group of Artists (RVAHub)
- ‘Blackmail’ Accusations and Awkward Phone Calls: A Summer of Tension on the Virginia GOP Ticket (National Review)
- Richmond dogs are obsessed with Clementine's Dog Bakery at the RVA Big Market (Style Weekly)
The editor's desk
A recent jaunt to D.C. included a trip to Planet Word, a new(ish) museum dedicated to the written word. As a person who enjoys words, it was a good time, and its location in a historic schoolhouse building made it even better.
Michael Phillips, founding editor
mphillips@richmonder.org
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