August 22 Newsletter: RPS battles maintenance backlog
Weather: Warmth returns this weekend but nothing too intense, with highs in the low 80s.
On this date in 1956, a state commission backs Virginia Gov. Thomas Stanley’s plan to withhold funding from public schools that choose to integrate.
As RPS battles maintenance backlog on a shoestring budget, long-term solutions continue to prove elusive
As a new school year begins, maintenance issues inside RPS buildings include the presence of asbestos and faulty air conditioning systems.
The issues highlight the seemingly never-ending demands on the division to keep up with its aging facilities, even as it works to get the buildings modernized.
Superintendent Jason Kamras told The Richmonder funding isn't just a local responsibility, calling on the state government to fix a formula that has historically underfunded K-12 education, according to a JLARC report two years ago. Read more here.
Planning Commission green-lights townhome development just west of Carytown
Another significant redevelopment of a large residential lot into more densely packed townhomes could be headed for the near West End.
Many nearby residents were unhappy with the decision, but the commission noted that it is approving similar density across the city.
“While we do see density coming to nearby this neighborhood, it’s not nearly to the same degree as other neighborhoods," the commissioner said. "This area is not being picked on.”
The developer acknowledged the homes, which will start at a projected $600,000, won’t create affordable housing, but said they will fill a market need. Read more here.
Richmond hoops star who found fame with the Globetrotters, then legal trouble as a pastor, dies at 67
A gifted player, Clyde Austin's talents took him from the gymnasiums of Richmond Public Schools to touring with the Harlem Globetrotters.
"Folks that saw him, they won't ever forget it," his assistant coach at Maggie Walker said.
Austin spent eight years entertaining audiences as a Harlem Globetrotter before becoming an ordained minister, but later served time in prison for his role in a $16 million pyramid scheme that targeted churchgoers in multiple states. Read more here.
Marilyn Metzler nurses the underinsured back to health
Marilyn Metzler spends most of her time at CrossOver Ministries standing at the nurses’ station, putting out fires and helping patients receive care.
CrossOver, a Christian nonprofit healthcare clinic, provides help to uninsured, underinsured and Medicaid patients regardless of their religion. To help all those patients are a lot of volunteers — last year, the headcount was over 500.
When they need help, Metzler is there. She greets everyone with a smile and is eager to help, as she has been for nearly 30 years. Read more here.
In other news
- Southside high schooler dead after Richmond officers shot at during raid (8 News)
- Henrico man arrested for trying to trap workers in county government center (CBS 6)
- Lawsuit looks to put Riverfront Plaza office towers into receivership ahead of potential foreclosure (BizSense)
The editor's desk
Many thanks to the capacity crowd that packed Vasen Brewing to hear the latest installment of our Speaker Series, as we featured organizers of the 2015 UCI Road World Championship bike race. Cyclist Ben King was once again a hometown hit, describing the nine days in Richmond as a "career highlight" as he reflected back on the week. We'll have more great events in the near future!
Michael Phillips, founding editor
mphillips@richmonder.org
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