July 18 Newsletter: Zoning compromises
Weather: High of 87, with continued sporadic storms through the weekend.
On this date in 1993, Richmond golfer Vinny Giles wins the Virginia Open for the third time. The UVA law graduate also won the U.S. Amateur during his distinguished career.
Today's newsletter sponsored by the National Kidney Foundation's charity golf tournament on Sept. 8 at Magnolia Green: The NKF Golf Classic is the nation's premier amateur golf event for charity. Each year thousands of golfers from across the country participate for the chance to earn an invitation to the National Finals at Pebble Beach — while supporting the NKF and its mission. More info here.
Over neighbor objections, Planning Commission greenlights ‘compromise’ plans for Jahnke apartments, Hanover townhomes
The commission backed proposals to build 17 apartments on Jahnke Road across from Chippenham Hospital, and four townhomes in the near West End on Hanover.
- To meet commission approval, the Jahnke project removed short-term rentals and a planned convenience store.
- The Hanover project was initially proposed as 8 units, and ended up as 4.
Still, neighbors asked for more in each case. Read more here.
Thousands line Monument Ave. to protest on 5-year anniversary of John Lewis' death
Protestors advocated for various causes along a 2.8-mile stretch of Monument, though the most common cause was immigration enforcement, as many signs decried recent actions by federal ICE officials.
The rally was coordinated by 50501 Virginia, a state chapter of a group founded to protest Trump's actions. Read more here.
Proposed ‘vape shop’ ordinance would ban new smoke shops in most of Richmond
A proposal that would prohibit new vape and tobacco shops from being built in much of Richmond is headed to City Council.
- The new rules would not impact existing stores.
- Henrico and Chesterfield have imposed their own rules to curb sales.
As Richmond’s departing finance director touts progress, she warns there are still ‘pockets of secrecy and sabotage’
In what will likely be her last presentation to the Richmond City Council, departing Finance Director Sheila White said the office she’s led has made substantial progress, while warning that “pockets of secrecy and sabotage” remain.
- The department’s internal metrics also show customers are generally more satisfied with the service they receive, White said. In 2024, 44.7% of customers gave high ratings on satisfaction with the service. For 2025, the number is at 55.9%.
Ed Shibley's dedication to the Lebanese Food Festival, and his neighbors, spans decades
At age 96, Ed Shibley still makes time to volunteer every year cooking food for the festival, using grape leaves from his own garden.
He also hosts weekly gatherings for his many children and grandchildren scattered throughout the area.
"He's the guy that has ice cream ready for when my daughter and her friends knock on the back door," said one friend. "He's the opposite of the ‘get-off-my-lawn’ old man. He has this amazing wealth of local knowledge.” Read more here.
In other news
- Diversity Richmond hosts a contentious public meeting over a sexual harassment claim (Style Weekly)
- Padel Plant painting over sections of Canal Walk murals (Times-Dispatch)
- Duke’s Hot Tomato Summer 2025 kicks off with over 100 participating Richmond restaurants (8 News)
The editor's desk
Yesterday afternoon we had a zoom call for our members. I'll highlight a couple answers of interest from the time...
Reporter Graham Moomaw, on the challenges ahead for new CAO Odie Donald: "I think the big challenge for him is basically the same challenge that Mayor Avula is facing, and that is, how do you bring change to City Hall without bringing so much change that you start to break things and alienate the people that work at City Hall?"
Reporter Sarah Vogelsong, on helping start The Richmonder: "I do think there's something that's felt very hopeful to me about getting to be involved in launching something new. You hear so much about, 'Oh, the news industry is dying.' It's not dying. It's changing. We are engaged in building something new for a community that I think we're all really invested in."
Thanks for the great questions, and we'll be sure to do it again in the future!
Michael Phillips, founding editor
mphillips@richmonder.org
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