June 29 Newsletter: Crafting Shockoe's future
Weather: High of 89. Last night's rains caused flooding issues, but also helped alleviate drought conditions.
On this date in 1994, Virginia State Police announce they will no longer routinely investigate car crashes involving less than $1,000 in damage.
Today’s email sponsored by Richmond Region Tourism, celebrating the 19.1 million visitors our region welcomed in 2025. Richmonders can get involved by taking an I Am Tourism class.
Three finalists share how they'd turn a Shockoe parking lot into affordable housing
Richmond is working to turn some of the lots it owns but isn't using into affordable housing, an initiative that was on display Saturday at Main Street Station.
Three groups presented what they'd do on the site to help ease Richmond's housing crunch. Read more, and see the renderings, here.
After years of advocacy, Chimborazo Elementary opens new playground
What was once an empty asphalt area with old exercise equipment is now a newly vibrant and modern playground designed by Chimborazo Elementary School’s students.
Over 150 volunteers gathered at the Church Hill school on Thursday to build the playground, which includes a new swingset, zipline, an updated basketball court, and a nearly human-sized chess board. Construction was completed in just a matter of hours. Read more here.
Styrofoam ban for all food outlets begins Wednesday
A state ban on expanded polystyrene food containers (commonly referred to as Styrofoam) will expand to all food outlets on July 1. For the first year, the ban was only in place for large chains.
Community members will be able to anonymously report non-exempt, non-compliant businesses through an online form after the July 1 deadline. Read more here.
Because of delayed primary, there’s no early voting location on Richmond’s Southside
Virginia’s congressional primaries are happening later than normal this year, which means the Hickory Hill Community Center won't be available for early voting.
Officials said the site will be available again for the November general election. Read more here.
Dogs horsing around
As a change of pace during the first week of live racing, Colonial Downs brought out Corgis to race on Saturday, though spectators were not allowed to wager on them. Willow, owned by Liz Parlor, finished as the top dog.
Today's sponsor:
Tourism is a force for good
Tourism strengthens our economy, supports the places that make living here special and builds community pride. Last year, the region welcomed 19.1 million visitors – that’s 800,000 more people than in 2024. The latest visitor numbers included 7.3 million overnight trips as well, a 5.5% year-over-year increase. Richmond Region Tourism offers free I Am Tourism classes throughout the year to help residents learn about all the things to do in their own backyard.
In other news
- Pridefest will continue this year thanks to 'angel donor'
- Richmond's largest LGBTQ+ celebration will take place on Sept. 12.
- Man charged as alleged City Hall embezzlement scheme approaches $3 million (Times-Dispatch)
- The newspaper previously reported that officials were investigating millions of dollars' worth of transactions facilitated by Reginald Thomas, a former procurement analyst for the Richmond Fire Department.
- Virginia’s new gun laws motivate buyers to snatch up semi-automatic rifles and more at busy Henrico gun show (Henrico Citizen)
- "Saturday was insane. ... They wanted to get as much as they could before the ban comes in."
The editor's desk
Just learned that New York City used to have a designated day where every renter's lease expired simultaneously, and is imagining the gridlock that would ensue if that happened here.
Michael Phillips, founding editor
mphillips@richmonder.org
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