March 9 Newsletter: Meet the new transportation director

Weather: Pleasant weather continues. High of 75.

On this date in 1992, an Australian gambling syndicate is awarded a $27 million Virginia Lottery prize after discussion over the legality of its attempt to purchase every possible ticket combination for a jackpot drawing. (more)

Richmond’s new transportation director wants a city ‘built for people.’ His work is increasingly urgent.

Andy Boenau, a civil engineer and urban planner who has spent most of his career in the private sector, is a key part of City Hall’s efforts to prevent future deaths and make roads safer.

A Fan resident who rides his bike to work, Boenau noted that in the post-COVID environment, “traffic enforcement of all types just came to a standstill.”

Now he's working to eliminate pedestrian deaths and make Richmond's roads safe for all. Read more here.

City offices, trash collection will close Monday for International Women's Day

This is the fourth consecutive year that city workers have received the day off as one of their 14 paid holidays.

• Schools will remain in session, and recycling will still be picked up, as that is handled by a regional authority.

International Women's Day took place yesterday, but the paid holiday will be observed today. Read more here.

Three arrested and charged in Shockoe Bottom shooting

Three residents of Henrico County have been arrested and charged for the murders of two individuals in Shockoe Bottom two weeks ago.

All three will be arraigned today.

Richmond Mayor Danny Avula urged nightlife goers to leave their guns at home. “I want people to know that you are welcome, but your guns are not,” he said. Read more here.

School Board votes to spend at least $2 million to add turf athletic field at new high school

Board members said the money will come from the division’s current tranche of $200 million it received for school construction in 2024, which is separate from the yearly budget. But some board members noted that the decision will more heavily tax the annual maintenance budget, which is already stretched thin.

In an online survey, 57% of respondents wanted a turf field.

Kamras recommended following the results from the survey, adding that the RHSA community “would feel disrespected if they did not get what they were expecting.” Read more here.

In other news

• Richmond trailblazer 'Spike' Burke dies; is honored by General Assembly
• Anti-redistricting mailer references Jim Crow, appears to target Black voters (Jahd Khalil/X)
• Byrd Theatre organist Bob Gulledge marks 30 years playing the Mighty Wurlitzer: 'I treasure every day here' (CBS 6)

The editor's desk

The reviews were positive as fans got their first glimpse at CarMax Park, the new baseball stadium for the Flying Squirrels, on Saturday morning. The outfield picnic and play areas are going to be a big hit among those who come to the games to socialize.

Michael Phillips, founding editor
mphillips@richmonder.org

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