July 28: A 'generational' redevelopment in Southside
Weather: The heat isn't going anywhere. High of 92.
On this date in 1945, Virginians are given three ration coupons for whiskey instead of the previous month’s two coupons as supplies increase during World War II. However, the third coupon is only valid for low-level brands.
Developer eyes former Southside industrial sites for 'generational' redevelopment
Richmond's next big development could be south of Manchester, off Commerce Road.
City Council is expected to vote tonight on rezoning a pair of 47-acre parcels from light industrial to transit-oriented nodal, the designation Scott's Addition and Manchester have. One of the parcels is owned by the city.
The developer says Commerce Road has the infrastructure to support future population growth, while the proposed routing of the Fall Line Trail down the corridor will provide opportunities for more bike and pedestrian connections to other parts of the city. Read more here.
New Library of Virginia exhibit reflects on the history and collective memory of the Jackson Ward neighborhood
Who is Jackson Ward named for? That question sparked a research collaboration between the JXN Project and the Library of Virginia that led to a recently-opened exhibit.
- Alas, the original question remains unanswered, though the group has a handful of theories.
But visitors will learn more about what was once a thriving Black community before land was taken to construct interstate highways. Read more here.
School board reviews public comment policy, holds off on suggesting changes for now
An RPS committee tasked with reviewing public comment policy discussed several changes, including limiting how often speakers can offer public comment, but ultimately decided to continue the discussion at future meetings. Read more here.
Emily McMillen is the thread that keeps Woodland Heights connected
McMillen helps run the popular Tiny Porch concerts in the Southside neighborhood, which were born during the pandemic.
“We catalyzed Tiny Porch concerts during the pandemic, because the last thing anybody needed was to be inside their houses alone, right?” she asked. “And it was an easy way to push people to get outside on the streets. Together we were like, how do we move people out into the streets walking around?”
One neighbor said McMillen should run for public office, adding, "I just wish we had more people like her out there that were in it for the right reasons." Read more here.
In other news
- 911 call: Sergeant rushed from city jail to hospital after 'incident' (Times-Dispatch)
- A source told the newspaper that the sergeant had been beaten by an inmate.
- VCU is still withholding the degree of a pro-Palestinian campus activist (VPM)
- Three Palestinian students have had their degrees withheld over a pro-Palestine gathering on VCU's campus.
- London calling: Richmond airport leaders considering adding a nonstop flight to Heathrow (NBC 12)
- Local government and business organizations would likely have to provide financial guarantees in order to launch service.
The editor's desk
Congrats to the Richmond Black Widows women's football team, which won its first championship on Friday afternoon!
Michael Phillips, founding editor
mphillips@richmonder.org
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