July 22 Newsletter: Sales tax increase spreads
Weather: Heavy rains, with a chance of flooding, continue. High of 84.
On this date in 1968, City Council asks Virginia ABC to keep one of its liquor stores open until 10 p.m., to accommodate tourists.
Chesterfield the latest locality to seek 1% sales tax increase for school construction
Chesterfield County's Board of Supervisors will vote tonight on putting a 1% sales tax increase on November’s ballot — if approved by voters, all proceeds would go toward constructing and renovating schools.
In Chesterfield, student enrollment has grown from 50,000 to 64,000 since the year 2000, and the county has been on a building blitz to keep up, including a bond referendum in 2022 that passed. Read more here.
Jewell's group files competing anti-code refresh ballot initiative
Richmond voters opposed to the city's rezoning initiatives now have two opportunities to sign their name in protest.
Former City Councilor Marty Jewell has filed a ballot petition aiming at shutting down the code refresh project. Local activist Paul Goldman has also filed one – both men said they don't see an issue with voters being given competing options.
- Goldman's would mandate that future rezonings be put to a vote, and add the ability for City Council to institute rent control.
- Jewell's would call for a vote on the current zoning regulations at the time of passage, with no rent control.
"Their goal ultimately is to stay where we are," Goldman said of Jewell's group. "I don't think the status quo works." Read more here.
Seibert’s Towing seeks fuel surcharge as costs rise, asks for $250 fee to handle damaged electric vehicles
The towing company that handles city business made its case Tuesday morning for fee increases, citing the increased cost of doing business and noting its current rates are lower than comparable localities statewide.
While the $126 is comparable with Henrico County's fees, it is less than the $177 base fee in Chesterfield County.
“If you get in an accident in Chesterfield, I recommend you get your car into the Richmond side while you wait for a tow truck, because you’re going to save about 40%,” a Seibert's official said. Read more here.
Local cosplay designer will be featured at this year's Comic-Con
Cosplay was once a hobby Lauren Wilkinson pursued at Richmond Raceway. Tomorrow, it’s taking her to one of the world’s biggest pop culture stages: the San Diego Comic-Con, where she'll showcase an original design.
“I saw the creativity and passion that people had with their outfits and how much they really cared and loved for the characters,” Wilkinson said of discovering cosplay. “I really connected with them.” Read more here.
The Richmonder 25: Sherrie McKeithan's impact reaches every corner of Westover Hills
A crossing guard, instructional assistant and step team coach, she was lauded by colleagues for her role holding the school community together. “She’s just always looking out for other people. Literally every day she is the best,” one said.
McKeithan said she couldn't overstate her love for the students, and works closely with ones from low-income neighborhoods like Belt Atlantic, which has already had three shootings this year.
“I let them know no matter where you live, you are still somebody. And the world is yours. You just gotta go out and get it,” she said. Read more here.
In other news
- Catching up: Toxic wastewater is leaking out of a bankrupt Chesterfield landfill
- The county Board will receive an update tonight on what measures are being taken at the Shoosmith landfill.
- Southside ReLeaf and the University of Richmond Receive $150K Jeffress Trust Award to Study Local Flooding (Press release)
- The group will create a research roadmap that links flooding, infrastructure, and health outcomes.
- Carytown Kroger to open new fuel center at 8 a.m., first 50 customers will receive $10 gift card (8News)
- The gas station will open in the parking lot of the Carytown Kroger.
- For Anne Holton, a campaign of her own (Poole Report)
- Holton is running for a Richmond School Board seat against retired teacher Jackie McDonnough.
- Judge pauses Richmond courthouse repair-replacement case to allow city, state coordination (Richmond BizSense)
- The parties are to engage architecture firm Baskervill to prepare plans and a design for a new courthouse, with those plans to be completed and provided to the state no later than Nov. 20.
The editor's desk
I'm thrilled to announce that the keynote speaker at this year's The Richmonder 25 celebration will be former UVA football player Perris Jones, who will share his inspirational journey of turning trauma into triumph.
Ticket info is here; our donors get $30 off with code Richmonder1, and $60 off two tickets with code Richmonder2.
Michael Phillips, founder
mphillips@richmonder.org
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