> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.richmonder.org/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Nov. 7 Newsletter: What's a container park? - URL: https://www.richmonder.org/nov-7-newsletter-whats-a-container-park/ - Published: 2025-11-07T11:00:04.000Z - Updated: 2025-11-07T11:00:03.000Z - Description: Learn about RVA's newest venue. Plus, after studying a $20-an-hour wage for some contracted workers, the mayor's office is recommending things remain status quo at the moment. And two have already announced for a special election to fill Ghazala Hashmi's seat. - Author: Michael Phillips - Tags: Newsletter **Weather:** Scattered showers all weekend, but otherwise pleasant as temperatures reach the 70s. **On this date** in 1995, Henrico County elects its first Black member of the Board of Supervisors, Frank J. Thornton. --- [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2025/11/Brandon-Garner-stands-in-front-of-the-quiet-area-1.jpeg)](https://www.richmonder.org/what-is-a-container-park-heres-the-scoop-on-richmonds-newest-venue/) ### What is a container park? Here's the scoop on Richmond's newest venue. Conex RVA is a new space built out of several shipping containers that are strategically placed, both high and low, to create a unique atmosphere in the Carver neighborhood. The containers have all been painted by local artists. The owners' other businesses include Scotty's Taphouse and RVA Iron Gym. Their goal is to have a festival every weekend, with food trucks and other events. They are considering an ice rink for the winter as well. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/what-is-a-container-park-heres-the-scoop-on-richmonds-newest-venue/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2025/11/Richmonder_Politics_Final_102924-1.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/avula-admin-recommends-keeping-status-quo-on-wages-for-contract-city-workers/) ### Avula admin recommends keeping ‘status quo’ on wages for contract city workers After being asked to explore the possibility of paying contracted janitors and security guards Richmond’s $20 minimum wage for city government employees, Mayor Danny Avula’s administration wants to “keep the status quo” to avoid higher costs. 💸 The wage study grew out of a push by several Council members to raise compensation for people doing some of the lowest-paid work for the city at a time when higher-ranking government employees with six-figure salaries were getting 3.25% raises. Adding minimum wage rules to some city contracts, the administration report says, would create “voluntary and unrequired pressure on free market forces,” as well as raising fairness issues and broader cost pressures if others doing contract work expect the same treatment. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/avula-admin-recommends-keeping-status-quo-on-wages-for-contract-city-workers/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2025/11/jonesandgardner-1.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/jones-gardner-announce-campaigns-to-fill-richmond-area-state-senate-seat/) ### Jones, Gardner announce campaigns to fill Richmond-area state Senate seat For some Richmond-area voters, it’s already election season again. State Delegates Mike Jones and Debra Gardner intend to run to fill the state Senate seat vacated by Ghazala Hashmi's victory in Tuesday's election. [](https://t.co/FxRxR3jK9C) Both currently represent parts of the district, which covers a portion of South Richmond and most of Eastern Chesterfield. No date has been announced yet for the primary or special election. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/jones-gardner-announce-campaigns-to-fill-richmond-area-state-senate-seat/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2025/11/1DF80C8F-0CF1-48E8-8770-14D900B8A7B2_1_201_a-1.jpeg)](https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-officials-vow-to-begin-using-surplus-city-properties-to-spur-affordable-housing-development/) ### Richmond officials vow to begin using surplus city properties to spur affordable housing development As Richmond continues to look for ways to create more affordable housing, Avula’s administration says it intends to tap into the scores of surplus and underused properties on the city’s books to drive new development. Because the city can choose who to sell its lands to, it can also put its thumb on the scale when it comes to determining what development will look like and where it will go. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/richmond-officials-vow-to-begin-using-surplus-city-properties-to-spur-affordable-housing-development/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2025/11/DSFDavisGAPerini-1-1.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/high-school-football-report-5/) ### High school football report: Freeman-Glen Allen matchup highlights high-stakes final week There are 17 local public high schools who have clinched playoff spots, while others will see their fates determined this weekend. - Douglas Freeman and Glen Allen face off, with Freeman needing a win, and potentially help, to make the postseason. - Manchester is an undefeated 9-0, but probably still needs to beat local power Huguenot to secure a bye week. - St. Christopher's takes on Benedictine in a marquee playoff matchup in the private school division. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/high-school-football-report-5/) --- ### Weekend events - [**Friends of the Library book sale takes place all weekend at the Richmond Main Library**](https://rvalibraryfriends.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Fall-book-sale-2025-REV-IG-1.jpg) (Flyer) - [**Brookland Park Fest will showcase business in the Northside neighborhood**](https://www.facebook.com/events/2553967491644169) (Facebook) - [**This is the final weekend to see Garden Glow at Maymont**](https://maymont.org/calendar/garden-glow/) (Maymont) --- ### The reporter's desk ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2025/11/IMG_0664.jpg) Firefighters and cops boxed it out Wednesday night at River City Roll in Scott’s Addition. There technically weren’t any winners, because it was an exhibition match, but a big crowd meant a big haul for the charities who benefited. *Victoria A. Ifatusin, education reporter* *vifatusin@richmonder.org* --- Sent this by a friend? [**Sign up for our free thrice-weekly newsletter here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/sign-up-for-the-richmonders-free-newsletter/) Want to support The Richmonder? [**Become a donor for $9.99 a month**](https://donate.stripe.com/aEU8xm7EWefggx29AP) and keep quality local journalism in the community.