Nov. 14 Newsletter: Under construction
Weather: A reprieve from the cold this weekend before it returns on Monday. High of 66.
On this date in 1971, the YMCA next to Main Street Station announces it will close at the end of the year. Travelers can stay at the Y for $1.80 a night ($14.27 today). A decline in train travel is cited as the reason for closure.
For many neighborhood associations, Richmond’s zoning overhaul is too much, too fast
Ask any of Richmond’s several dozen neighborhood associations what they think about the city’s ongoing overhaul of its almost 50-year-old zoning code, and you’re likely to get an earful.
Sarah Vogelsong takes a deep dive into reaction to the code refresh ahead of the release of its second draft next week.
- The city says it needs to move quickly because of the housing affordability crisis, while some groups are asking that the process be slowed down.
- Some say that allowing greater density threatens to erode the character of what already exists and is cherished by residents.
- The ability to build a duplex on any residential lot has been a particular lightning rod.
Take a look inside VPM's new Broad Street headquarters
The Richmonder was invited to tour the construction site of the new headquarters for VPM, the public media entity that houses Richmond's PBS and NPR affiliates.
The building, which will have an investment of at least $65 million, is tentatively scheduled to open in May, and its Broad Street location was chosen to help revitalize downtown Richmond. See inside the building here.
RPS resumes work on a master facility plan as needs continue to grow
Richmond Public Schools officials are picking back up work to outline their major upcoming projects for the next 10 years.
One project needing attention is a new Woodville Elementary, which would cost $53 million, but only $12 million is currently available. A possible option is to merge Woodville and Fairfield Elementary. Read more here.
Also today in The Richmonder
- Several roads will close Saturday morning for the Richmond Marathon
- Richmond library's author program to feature a discussion on immigration and identity with Kevin Nguyen
- On Faith and Values: Why I am a birdwatcher
- High school football report: Breaking down every local playoff game
In other news
- This weekend's “Liberty or Death” reenactment at St. John's Church will feature all women (Style Weekly)
- Henrico sues Virginia Racing Commission over Roseshire gaming parlor (12 On Your Side)
- $54M Woolridge Road extension revving up in Chesterfield (Richmond BizSense)
The audience director's desk - join us for coffee!
Our mission is to inspire a more informed, better-connected community through independent reporting that reflects the fullness of our city.
Getting to know you and what you care about will help us achieve this.
You are invited to a coffee meet-up with myself and Founding Editor Michael Phillips at Brewer's Cafe in Manchester.
Come have a cup (it's on us!) and talk about issues that are important to you.
Beth Weisbrod, Director of Audience and Community Engagement
bweisbrod@richmonder.org
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