July 30 Newsletter: Untangling the RRHA drama
Weather: Sunny, high of 94. An air quality advisory is expected to lift today.
On this date in 1983, Shenandoah's Pride becomes the final milk company in Virginia to stop widespread home delivery.
Today's newsletter sponsored by Virginia Commonwealth University: As a top 20% global university, Virginia Commonwealth University is an unparalleled powerhouse of innovation and creative problem solving. VCU attacks challenges as opportunities. It's truly a university unlike any you’ve ever seen.
Council, RRHA split over who has the power to approve Gilpin redevelopment agreement
A legal disagreement is brewing between Richmond City Council and the city’s public housing authority over who must approve the redevelopment of Gilpin Court.
- RRHA CEO Steven Nesmith signed an agreement on May 20 to redevelop the community.
- City Council cited a state law that says local governing bodies must approve redevelopment plans, and wants the agreement invalidated. But there are multiple interpretations of the law.
- A spokesperson for the mayor said “clearly, there is much work to do.”
How Richmond ended up with a $5.8M bill for a decades-old wrongful conviction
The Richmonder first reported Monday morning that Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin is threatening to withhold state funding until the city pays $5.8 million to a man who spent 45 years in prison for a crime he didn’t commit.
A new law passed by the General Assembly puts the locality on the hook for restitution, as well as the state. Read more here.
Fountain Bookstore moves across the street, cozying up in a new, larger location
The Shockoe Slip bookseller moved this week to a new, larger location, but it won't be hard to find — it's across the street from the original.
“I think people are just happy that their butts aren’t hitting stuff all the time,” the owner said.
Embracing Fountain Bookstore’s whimsy was key in finding the new store’s identity. Read more here.
Kate Mardigian walks the walk as founder of Jacob’s Chance
Jacob’s Chance offers everything from fitness and athletic programs to adventures like rock climbing and whitewater rafting, to culinary programs and the arts. It serves more than 500 families throughout the year, and has about 1,000 volunteers.
“I really started this for the parents, not for the participants," she said. "If we can relieve one stressor out of their life among the hundreds we experience every day, that's a win.”
This fall the group will take take over the former Tablespoons Bakery space on Westover Hills Boulevard. Read more here.
Today's sponsor:
Clearing the air about the hidden danger in vapes
Michelle Peace, Ph.D., a forensic toxicologist at Virginia Commonwealth University, is exposing the dangerous chemicals in vaping and cannabis products — and the lack of oversight protecting the public. Her research has uncovered everything from deadly synthetic cannabinoids to brake cleaners, which are inhaled by teens and adults alike.
Peace’s research informs national policy and fuels grassroots efforts. She has testified before lawmakers, advised the Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and helped schools uncover what students are actually inhaling. Read more.
In other news
- Council OKs new restrictions on vape shops, tougher rules on city residency
- Council also signed off on a tax break for VPM's new headquarters during Monday's session.
- 100 years after one of Richmond’s most infamous crimes, family and police gather to pay tribute to fallen officer
- One descendant reflected on how Richmond's police looked after the family in the following years.
- 'Multiple' bidders submit proposals for arena, mixed-use development at former GreenCity site (Henrico Citizen)
- The county is hopeful to advance a proposal for consideration by the end of the year.
The editor's desk
It's great to see Richmond's small bookstore scene growing. If you missed our story on it last year, it's worth revisiting.
Michael Phillips, founding editor
mphillips@richmonder.org
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