Jan. 9 Newsletter: Tech center inches closer
Weather: Morning fog gives way to a high of 63, with scattered afternoon showers.
On this date in 1960, The Richmond Professional Institute announces a $50 increase in yearly food costs for students, to $450. The Times-Dispatch reports that "Food at the cafeteria has been the subject of student complaints this year."
RPS eyes opening new Southside Technical Center in 2028, but financial concerns loom
Superintendent Jason Kamras told the Richmond School Board at its meeting Monday night that he feels the division is “in striking distance” to get started on building a long-awaited new career and technical education center.
- The cost is broken up into two phases, with the first coming in at $79 million and the second costing $118 million.
- With state grant funds, potential business investments, and the help of the nonprofit Richmond Ed Fund, “we do feel [that] phase one is very doable,” Kamras said.
School Board members expressed concern about the hefty price tag and where the money would come from. Read more here.
Avula reopens City Hall observation deck to the public
The general public can once again visit the top-floor observation deck at Richmond’s City Hall building, officials announced Thursday.
The 18th-floor deck — where visitors can take in panoramic views of downtown and beyond — had been closed to the public since the COVID-19 pandemic began in early 2020.
Planning Commission votes against West End outdoor event space that has drawn noise complaints from neighbors
The case, which drew nearly two dozen speakers to City Hall Tuesday, concerns an application from Nadia Anderson, an event planner who operates the Lavender Hill event space out of a residence-turned-office building.
Neighbors said her events have been loud enough to disturb children’s sleep, disrupt work-from-home tasks and rattle picture frames on the walls.
But she says that most of her events are geared toward smaller crowds and that there hasn’t been enough clarity from the city about what’s allowed or any documentation that prior outdoor events she’s held have violated noise rules. Read more here.
After ‘terrifying’ streak of pedestrian deaths, Richmond officials tout traffic safety measures
Local officials are highlighting a variety of steps they’re taking to make Richmond’s streets safer after six pedestrian deaths in three weeks.
“We will change the streets," Avula said. "And we will enforce the rules. And we will continue pushing toward a city where no one has to fear for their life simply getting where they need to go.” Read more here.
In other news
- Shyndigz will soon offer 24/7 dessert in Richmond to satisfy late-night sweet tooths (CBS 6)
- Matoaca's Hicks leads victory over Meadowbrook in boys basketball
- Remembrance: William J. “Bill” Martin, 1954-2025 (Style Weekly)
The editor's desk
Kudos to the Avula administration for opening back up the observation deck at City Hall, an under-the-radar gem in Richmond. It'll be a great place to enjoy a picnic lunch when it gets warmer.
Michael Phillips, founding editor
mphillips@richmonder.org
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