May 27 Newsletter: Borrowing Henrico's talent

Weather: Still feels like spring — sporadic showers and a high of 64.

On this date in 1986, City Council agrees to pay 25% of the projected $96 million cost to build the downtown floodwall.

Today's newsletter is a special Tuesday edition to catch you up on what you missed over the weekend.

Avula to introduce new CAO on June 6

Richmond Mayor Danny Avula said he will introduce his pick on June 6, the same day interim CAO Sabrina Joy-Hogg leaves for a new job in Newport News.

Avula is also leaning on the neighbors, and will borrow one of Henrico's senior finance employees starting this week, in what is being described as a personnel "loan." Read more here.

Richmond water plant under new management as City Hall staff changes continue

• Doug Towne, who was serving as the water plant’s superintendent when January’s water crisis struck, has been put on paid administrative leave, officials said. 
• Ricky Hatfield, a longtime DPU employee, is serving as the acting plant superintendent until the position can be filled on a permanent basis.
• Tony Singh has been hired to replace April Bingham as Deputy Director. He is an environmental engineer who previously worked for the Virginia Department of Health’s Office of Drinking Water and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Read more here.

Citywide cultural heritage plan stalls at Planning Commission over money, workability concerns

A wide-ranging plan for identifying and preserving historically and culturally significant buildings, neighborhoods and sites around Richmond ran into headwinds last week over concerns that its recommendations could strain city resources and have unintended consequences such as making housing development more difficult.

• The city used to offer tax abatements for rehabilitating historic properties, but largely removed them in 2020.
• The plan recommends those incentives be returned, but city officials said that requires a larger discussion about finances.

Read more here.

Also today in The Richmonder

Update: Tax bills have now been sent to mortgage lenders

“For taxpayers whose lenders typically pay the bill on their behalf, no further action is required.”

The RichmonderRichmonder Staff

In memoriam: Former R-Braves general manger Roger Bottorff dies at 89

“He didn’t want to see wrong in people … only good. He was just a wonderful person to be around.”

The RichmonderJerry Lindquist

In other news

• Memorial Day Mass tradition carries on at Poplar Grove National Cemetery (Times-Dispatch)
• The Richmond Shakespeare Festival brings a dash of panache to Agecroft Hall with 'Cyrano de Bergerac.' (Style Weekly)
• Tickets are available for the 3rd Annual Dancing with the Local Stars Gala on June 12 (Virginia Down Syndrome Association)

The editor's desk

A cardboard boat race on Sunday was the perfect start to the summer season, but the weather doesn't seem interested in turning the page just yet.

Michael Phillips, founding editor
mphillips@richmonder.org

Sent this by a friend? Sign up for our free thrice-weekly newsletter here.

Want to support The Richmonder? Become a donor for $9.99 a month and keep quality local journalism in the community.