RECENT COMMENTS
City Council gives new life to Oakwood Heights
High interest votes from tonight include YES on a conservation easement along the James River and an vote to OVERTURN CAR‘s rejection of the most recent Oakwood Heights design.
The audience seats at the council chambers were about 80% full, with 15 or so people standing along the back wall. The anti-condo folks wore green house stickers, the pro-conservation easement folks had yellow&green circles. The crowd was obviously heavily in favor of the conservation easement, with easily 90% wearing the bright circles. Maybe 40% of the crowd had the anti-Oakwood Heights house. Interestingly, there were 3 or 4 youth with homemade signs saying “The whole community makes decisions for the 7th District” and “We (heart) Oakwood Heights”.
Procedurally, the council voted unanimously to changing the rules in advance of the the CAR debates. Each side was given 15 minutes to make their point, no matter how many people wanted to speak. For opponents of the project, there were maybe 40 people left standing when time was called.
The recently appointed City Council 7th District representative Betty Squire cited a letter from Delegate McQuinn and said that she “chooses to defer to [McQuinn]”. Voting almost unanimously in favor of the development were Squire, Jewell, Tyler, Samuels, Hilbert, Graziano, Robertson, and Conner. Trammell abstained.
- AUDIO of part of the pro/anti statements – begins with the fast-talking lawyer speaking for Fulton Hill Properties, includes Margaret Freund and others speaking for; may include some of the opposition before being cutting off.
John –
Your play-by-plays were wicked awesome! Completely cutting edge idea.
Great job!
I’m gonna love watching this fight… I guess I’ll have to make my Chimborozo pic tour sooner than later.
Council OKs condos for Church Hill (2/24/09)
I left before it was over, can anyone fill us in on the vote on 2720 East Broad Street?
Rants, Thoughts and Ramblings:
CAR was established to protect neighborhood historic districts because Council members are not familar or versed in Historic Guidelines to protect neighbors. The Council should leave such decisions to the body that has educated itslef in these matters. Mr Jewell said last night that people who buy homes in historic districts do alot of research before they buy. This is NOT always the case. They buy then want to change the rules and the neighborhood. If one is not interested/willing in in maintaining historical integrity then don’t buy.. Live somewhere else.
BETTY SQUIRE…SHAME ON YOU. To those who thought you were rid of Ms McQuinn think again. She is still the Council person for this district. Ms Squire couldn’t muster enough gumption to make her own decision. I hope Ms. McQuinn shared some of the $2000.00 she got from Margaret with you. I think Delores is getting back at CAR because she was sited many times when revenoting her house on East Broad Street. Look at the evidence, Ms McQuinn sent messangers to the Housing Projects and had many meetings in the Housing Projects, Chimborazo Oakwood area trying to get people to support Margaret’s project. She has made this an issue of them against us. What do the redients of the Housing Projects have to do with a development at the end of East Broad Sreet.
Church Hill we need to look at who is running for office, not what party they are affilated with. Ask yourself this question..If the Devil was running for a political office would you vote for him/her just because they were affilated with your party?????? or are you going to really look at the issues and decide who you think would be the best person for the job no the party they belong too.
It was mentioned in the Times Dispatch that paying for memberships was like buying votes…Church Hill where have you been. It has been going on since I have been living here (19 years). They promise food, transportation and money to get the votes they need. They prey on the poor, elderly (Assisted Living Facilities ,those little pizza parties) and the uneducated. The Federal Government needs to look at our Council members and see what Corporations and/or LLC’s they are hiding large donations in. Our politicians hunger for greed and power and they fear losing it. Can someone tell me exactly What Ms. McQuinn has doen for this entire District/Community. Look at the round about at M, Jefferson and North 25th Street. There’s another side street but I can’t remember the name. That came about because another Council person has one contruceted in his District so we to have one here. With all the traffic that travels North 25th Street and Jefferson we are going to have congestion, accidents and alot of exhaust emmissons. I never heard of any major accidents there but I can see some happening with our new round a bout.
CHURCH HILL…. RICHMOND RESIDENTS.
We are going to have to STAN UP and protect oursleves from our self serving greedy political leaders. There will be alot of tense moments and confrontations. Are you up for it Richmond or are you going to step back and say, Well, I really don’t like to argue, fuss or fight so I’m not going to get involved. If that is YOU then those greddy, slef serving people will be telling you what to do with your home, your children and your life (they already do to a point) We are giving them ALL the POWER.
This decision by City Council was just the beginning CHURCH HILL. Frank Wood who wanted to develop the dump site at 35th, Marshall and Glenwood is waiting in the shadows and the Ball Park decisons is coming up soon. WHAT DO WE WANT OUR HISTORIC NEIGHBORHOOD TO BECOME???
English majors…Look at the content not the mispelled words or poor grammer. Spell check where are you?????
council also voted to overturn CAR’s decision on 2720. What’s with the new council member Squire voting as instructed by McQuinn?
I just want to draw attention to the poster that said “The whole community makes decisions for the 7th District.†Both CAR and the people in opposition to the project made it clear that the only opinions that matter to them are those of the people that live on the 3 blocks that surround the development(minus the supporters that live there of course). One of the people in opposition even had the gall to scream at a woman in support of the project before a news interview on Sunday morning because she didn’t live in those 3 blocks. I just want to ask them: WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE??? This neighborhood belonged to the people in support of the project long before the opposition moved in. The people in support of the project lived there before it became an elite trend. The people in support acctually send their kids to school in Church Hill, something the opposition wouldn’t dare do. I just thought the whole thing was extremely rude, and more attention needs to be drawn to the fact that the opposition thinks they own Church Hill, when yet they just represent the more wealthy minority.
Delores has more integrity than what you all as losers are trying to say. That woman has worked hard in the past 17 plus years.She has sat down with residents and the developers over and over. Losers always make up rumors, especially south of broad. John, you should be ashamed of printing rumors.Besides, Delores didn’t vote on the issue.
That’s it! I’m painting my house black…all black, black siding, black trim, black tin roof. Oh yeah, and our picket fence too. It’s my personal protest. I may even black out the windows to obscure my view of the city who’s City Council thumbed it’s nose to CAR (why do they bother?) and doesn’t give a rip about the people who make this neighborhood such a wonderful place to live.
My search shows that the vote on 2720 E. Broad overturned CAR’s decision denying the Dotts’ application.
Vote was unanimous for the applicant of 2720 E. Broad. Hillkid may be able to give you a more eloquent detail of events.
Watched on tv. It appears that Council voted in favor of the applicant on 2720 E Broad Street. Very fair result.
No one brought up the fact that one of the CH area’s attractions is a hardscaped and landcaped alley using randomly placed original examples of 19th-Century iron work – installed by the HRF itself, I think. The APVA at least. If that’s OK, it’s a good result that Council thinks the fence on 2720 E Broad Street is OK.
Wow — The Council meeting was a travesty on the topic of the Council overturning the CAR decision regarding Oakwood Hts. I’ll be researching and compiling as many of the specific holes in the Council’s so-called logic on this. But logic and law were not on the playing field last night. The vote was a transparent bow to the ghost of Councilwoman Delores McQuinn (now State Delegate McQuinn) and her campaign contributor Fulton Hill Properties/DGM Properties/Margaret Freund. She may not sit in the Council Chamber but her presence and influence was felt. It’s literally on the record courtesy of appointee Betty Squire. I guess even ranking politicians can be swayed by other politicians and bulldog lawyer tactics. Oh wait. That is politics. And it doesn’t serve the people. If you play fair and are an everyday tax paying citizen of the city – you lost. If you played the game – you won. Time to figure out the rules of the ‘pay to play’ game at hand or change the game.
The exclamation point for me was JJ McQuinn high five-ing Margaret Freund the Developer in the elevator lobby outside Council Chambers. I witnessed this personally. Couldn’t have bee a more poignant and public display of what the evening was all about.
The City Council did right in overruling CAR. CAR had exceeded its mandate by getting into questions of zoning and land use, which are guided by the city’s comp plan and zoning ordinances. I am still not sure that Oakwood Heights will materialize with the economy the way it is. But it was a good fight and very entertaining to watch – douchebaggery all the way around.
“They prey on the poor, elderly (Assisted Living Facilities ,those little pizza parties) and the uneducated.”
God forbid they have a voice too!
Thanks for proving my point Carolyn!
Councilman Jewell summed it up well last night in reference to the nasty alley that you people want to protect. Why don’t you spend your time cleaning up your own run down houses and making them better represent the historical character of the neighborhood? Oakwood Heights will have more characteristics of historical architecture than 90% of the houses on the block. The place is a dump! The only nice houses are the yellow one close to the corner of 36th and Broad, and the one across the street from it that sits at an angle (which is up for auction right now). What a joke. The only greedy and corrupt people involved in this are the opposition. Why don’t you tell everyone what your true intentions here are? Clearly this is not a matter of maintaining the historical character! No person in their right mind would want condominiums being built right next to their house. Too bad you guys couldn’t have bought the property yourselves, because now you have to deal with it!
Dear Squirt,
In reality Church Hill was the orignal part of the City of Richmond. It was when the residents (mostly white maybe all white) moved to Monument Street and built larger homes etc history people help me out here. When the homes were vacanted many african americans bought homes and moved in. many set vacant and becamse run down over the years to the point portions of south of broad was blocked off. Some people who were interested in preserving some of the history of Church Hill bought these homes and revonated them to livable condition and moved in continuing their work over many years. Now it seems to me that if these ELITE people were so rich they would have fixed the house up first then moved in. What do you think?? I think there is a misconception about the weatlh of residents up here. There may be a few who have acquired a nice nest egg but for the most part the majority are residents both black and white who have jobs, work hard, have a nice home. This does not make you RICH. You could have or have had the same thing. You have to make the right decisions, work hard and save your money. The Church Hill Association votes on issues that effect Church Hill and any issues outside of Church Hill that would affect the neighborhood. I am not aware of any decision the Church Hill Association made that was made for the entire 7th District.Do you know how large a land mass that is? Oops there’s that word “Mass”. Not all but most of the people in support (that I think you are referring to) lived in the Housing Communities in the Woodville area. They do not pay property taxes, have had schools built for them that are close to their homes to alleviate transportation problems tath might occur if one did not have a car. I can’t respond about the school issue because I do not have school age children. The people who live on the block of the proposed project do not think they own Church Hill nor do they want to run everyones lives. Everyone who OWNS property in Church Hill owns a portion of it. There voice is important and especially the residents who live in sight of the project. We will all be effected.
One more thing before I go. We have ALOT of Condos in the Church Hill area. Look around Church Hill. How many are sold?? How many are rented because the developer can’t sell them? Ms McQuinn may be wearing a different hat but she still votes in the Richmond City Council. She made a comment she would look out for the City. Shouldn’t she be looking out for the people she represents as a General Assembly Delegate for Richmond, Chesterfield and Henrico???
I’m sorry; I don’t want to be rude here. I have no desire to make anyone feel bad. I am sorry that you guys have to put up with condos being built in your back yard. Lesson learned for me – don’t buy property next to large chunks of vacant land, especially if it is zoned for multi-family units! Let’s try to look at it this way: in a few years, the old and the new will be united in a display of neighborly kindness. I imagine barbeques, birthday parties, trips to the dog park, and a harmonious exhibit of what urban living should be all about.
Chimbo Resident: Go ahead and paint your house black. Prove just how much you do to make “…this neighborhood such a wonderful place to live.”
Carolyn: “What do the redients of the Housing Projects have to do with a development at the end of East Broad Sreet.”
They have to send their kids to a public school system that has a 60% graduation rate. You seem quite selfish for not wanting to do something that can help improve this district’s educational system.
You need more than just spell check.
Would CAR have been overruled if the Oakwood site hade been the vacant lot on Stuart Circle, in Monument Ave. Old and Historic Neighborhood? The zoning is the same.
Councilman Jewell insulted our alley (which looks like nearly every other alley north of Broad – and I walk the alleys). Anyone agreeing with that insult might want to look out their back window if they live in the Hill. He made light of the historic district boundaries (if you’re on the edge of the boundary apparently all the laws don’t apply) – And he held up pictures of former warehouse and factory buildings that already existed (from my vantage point they looked like Nolde Bakery and some of the real estate in the Bottom – but he didn’t clarify what they were) as evidence that a developer should be able to build a new factory type building next to a house. Such arguments insult my backyard, my alley and my intelligence -It’s sooooo off base – it would have been a comedy sketch if it wasn’t so tragic to real people. It may be my backyard today, but with games like these, watch your own backyard – anyone could be next when the ill informed and politically influenced Council play fast and loose with the laws of the city to help developers plow over the property rights of the majority of votes that put them in office.
loribp – Everybody did play fair. Margaret did not pay anyone off. Delores has the bigger picture of the benefits the project will bring to the entire neighborhood, instead of just focusing on how unpleasant it will be for the people that live on the few surrounding blocks. Oakwood Heights was held to all of the same CAR standards as everyone else in the neighborhood. I understand that you guys are ticked off about the whole thing, but let’s not start making false allegations here. Jay Jay Minor was also involved bc., like his mother, he has a desire to improve the neighborhood, and knows that new growth and economic development will do just that. The difference here is that the developer is uniting the community, and the opposition is making the division even greater. You think the developer is selfish and greedy? Try looking in a mirror.
Once again, racial and economic divisions are crippling our neighborhood. Come one everyone, we need to learn to live together! We need to be more inclusive and less divisive. No one group can alone decide the direction of this community. While I personally disagree with the council’s decision on this one, I do see this as an opportunity to work together on other issues.
Sometime around the Gwen Hedgepath/Bill Pantele scandal Larry Sabato said that Richmond City Council is a joke and the residents should be embarrassed that they represent the capital city of Virginia. He was right.
I beg to differ – Delores McQuinn was present last night.
Jewell quoted a verse right out of her ‘I Support Oakwood Heights’ hand book. She has spoken these same words. “This would be different if this were on Monument, or in the middle of Broad Street… but this is at the very end of the Historic District”.
the public’s insistence that a livable city be noted in the master plan and that historic preservation is a desirable goal all went to the back of the bus last night at the city council circus with the developers in the drivers seat. you get what you vote for.
Posted by Squirt,”Councilman Jewell summed it up well last night in reference to the nasty alley that you people want to protect. Why don’t you spend your time cleaning up your own run down houses and making them better represent the historical character of the neighborhood? Oakwood Heights will have more characteristics of historical architecture than 90% of the houses on the block. The place is a dump!”
I couldn’t have said it better myself,this development is going to be good for this part of church hill. Our property values will go up, and force some of these slum Lords out. There are several houses in the 3600 block owned by one slum lord. I am hoping this development will bring up property values to the point, he’ll either have to sell or improve his houses. Improving his houses would generate more income for him as a property owner. I make my living on rental properties, and all of them are well maintained.
I will say though after dealing with CAR in church hill, I’ll never invest anymore of my money in this neighborhood.
I live across from Chimbo. park and there will be more traffic due to this development. However, I am willing to accept that if it pushes more of these slum lords out of the area. And in reference to the other mass of vacant land, someone mentioned in a post. I hope it’s developed in highend loft apts. or townhouses would be grand.
The more people be they black,white, purple or green willing to invest this kind of money in our area. The schools will improve, and we’ll have a much more upscale and safer place for all of us to live.
Word up squirt! I’m with ya….
@Anthony: Everything that I posted above the comments was from direct observation at last night’s meeting. My comment above is an excerpt from the Richmond Times-Dispatch.
Why couldn’t the Oakwood Heights’ developers make simple changes to their design to fit within CAR’s guidelines? It’s not like they are so strict. Overturning CAR’s rejection goes against a community that has worked hard on establishing rules for building responsibly in a historic district and city. Not a way to bring people together. McQuinn was much better when she did nothing.
Has City Council ever voted against a big money development? Just asking, I don’t really know.
I concur – no rumors here. Check VPAP for the McQuinn campaign contributions. The rest are quotes or paraphrasing from the meetings. If you don’t like the reality of the proceedings, the reality of the contributions (legal yes but that doesn’t make them less suspect) or did not attend the CAR meetings to see how they went out of their way to accomodate the developer – then facts are missing from consideration. And just to clarify – I’m not sure where any racial or economic divisions came into play – the blocks around this proposed development contain multi gender, age, race and economic households – mainly middle class working and is a mix of long time and newer renters and house owners which have been there as little as 2 years and as long as 50. It’s not applicable to go look to race or economics as any reasoning in this particular case.
I am not sure this counts as a “big money” investment.
I agree with you, lorip, but for some reason, this has once again sunk to racial and economic divisions. It should have nothing to do with it, but it does.
neighborhood1st – the developer WAS in compliance with CAR’s guidlines, hence the whole appeal. Did you miss something? There were also several CAR meetings and decisions prior to the final one which was appealed. The developer would do everything that CAR requested, propose the new design, and CAR would deny it on some new issue. CAR was in the wrong this last time, which is why the whole system of checks and balances exists. I will be glad to help you better understand exactly what the guidlines are, and how the developer was in compliance with them if you can tell me what it is you think should have been changed. Also you said, “McQuinn was much better when she did nothing.” When exactly was this? She spent the last 17 years doing all sorts of things.
According to comments the meeting, the developer has been going back to the drawing board since 2005 to revise this plan. Doesn’t look like a case where the developers wouldn’t make simple changes in that light. Looks like the developers have made many changes.
Now that you bring it up, squirt, maybe you can name some of the things McQuinn did for the neighborhood. I have asked this question on several threads and have yet to hear a response.
Carolyn well said #5
Church Hill we need to look at who is running for office, not what party they are affiliated with. Ask yourself this question. If the Devil was running for a political office would you vote for him/her just because they were affiliated with your party?????? Or are you going to really look at the issues and decide who you think would be the best person for the job no the party they belong too.
Do not get caught up in the “they against us “fight, the issues here is who is truly representing us in the seven districts?
I have been asking myself for 10 years now, when will the Public Housing residents wake up and realize they are just pawns in a larger more corrupt political game that is being played by our so call representatives over in the 7th district.
Let’s look at the true issues here;
•McQuinn no longer represent the people in 707 and 706; so you all are fair game now, she no longer has to pretend to care about you opinions or concerns now.
•Marsh never represented the people in 707 and 706, so he did not have to pretend, he just need to get rid of Lambert and replaced him with McEachin. ( Remember Marsh think he is the father (Marsh), Son (McQuinn) and Holy Ghost (tried to give Newbille that title, but it did not work out, so I guess Betty is the third part of the Trinity).But when you play with the wrong things it has a way of coming back to bite you!
•Margaret J Freund, Fulton Hill Properties, Jones for Mayor of Richmond – Dwight and McEachin for Senate – Donald each gave a $1000 to McQuinn
•Let’s not forget the Newbille thing; “Newbille said yesterday that she has been renting a house in the 7th District since Jan. 1 because she’s interested in the council position as a way to continue her work in the city’s East End.†If it was really about the work, why did she not run for office in the 6th district, that is where she grew up ( Whitcomb Ct) and that is where she used to live and still own the home ( North side) before moving to Henrico. Give me a break PLEASE!
•Why would a developer be willing to pay $25 for people to join a civic league ($600 worth of memberships) They needed the votes
•The Ball Park thing; “Meanwhile, the development group has enlisted a powerful ally for their negotiations with the city — state Sen. Henry L. Marsh III, D-Richmond, a former Richmond mayor. He was retained after the November election to provide “government advocacy†with the city, project officials said.â€
•Why would residents in Public Housing support a development that they may not ever be able to afford? (The leadership will never encourage self sufficiency, capacity building or anything that strengthen that population of people, because if the resident begin to see what is really going on, HELL THEY WOULD NEVER GET ELECTED AGAIN). Our so call representatives play the middle class citizens up against the poor. They seems to favor the politically un educated poor people who will not advocate for better schools so their children can receive an excellent education or better living conditions, but will support a project that does nothing to improve the lives of their families. DAMN I JUST DONE!!!
Carolyn – how do you figure the project will do nothing to improve the lives of their families? Have you heard of taxes? What do you think pays for public schools? You know what I think of when I read your posts? Ignorance must really be bliss. You guys are a waste of time!
Sorry – that was to Old Timer, not Carolyn. My bad.
There are people in our neighborhood who want this to continue to be about race and economic divisions. I was at a mayoral debate when the Mayor at large idea came about and you would be SHOCKED at what I heard. Delores, Henry, many of the old council members, JJ and they even had poor Mr. Olvier Hill there in a wheelchair. There were many people from the neighborhood there. I only wish I had had a tape recorder. Soem people might not be in office now.
Back in 1992 or 93, their was a report about the ground sinking in that area. That was one of the reasons for closing that part of Chimborazo Park which is now the dog park.
Did the ground stop sinking? I think that question need to be answered before you build $200,000-$300,000 homes and sale them to an unsuspecting buyer.
If the developer is unable to sale the homes, will they become rental units? If so then the residents North of Fairmount might be able to live in them. A few may need help with housing vouchers and tax credits.
I will ask another way. Does anyone know of any development that City Council did not support? Again, I don’t know, just asking.
Re: #36, posted by Squirt: “The developer WAS in compliance with CAR’s guidelines, hence the whole appeal. Did you miss something?” How does this make sense. If the developer’s had met CAR’s guidelines, what exactly were they appealing?
Further per Squirt: “There were also several CAR meetings and decisions prior to the final one which was appealed. The developer would do everything that CAR requested, propose the new design, and CAR would deny it on some new issue.”
That the developer met all of CAR’s requests is either opinion or misinformation. I attended many of those meeting and the developer always seem to fall short of making the requested changes. It was almost comical, as if they were being intentionally insolent! But apparently City Council like that sort of behavior.
Re: #40 posted by Squirt “Carolyn – how do you figure the project will do nothing to improve the lives of their families? Have you heard of taxes?” My question is have you heard of anyone buying condos up here? Most have turned into apartment rentals, which is not a bad thing, but it doesn’t generate the tax money to which you refer.
My concerns are these: 1) we simply do not have the proper infrasctructure to support the density of the proposed housing, i.e. parking, egress, speeding and running of stop signs along Broad & Marshall; 2) aesthetically, the condos don’t fit in with the historic character of this neighborhood – so much so it doesn’t even seem like they made an effort to this end.
Carolyn,
Mr. Oliver Hill was a dear friend of mine and I am curious as to just what you are suggesting his role was in this meeting. Would you be so kind as to fill us all in concerning what you heard that was shocking?
I think there is a distiction here about “meeting the guidelines.” In each case, the staff found that DGM met the guidelines; in each case, CAR, led by a neighbor who was opposed to the project, denied the application. Finally, it went, as the Code requires, to City Council. Council found that CAR erred in denying the Certificate, because CAR applied fedral guidelines, rather than city code, in bringing in the new issue of massing.
As to whether taxes will flow from the project, whether the property is condo owner occupied or rental, Real estate taxes will flow from the project. Assume 33 units, assessed at $200,000 each. The taxes generated would be $79,200 annually at the present RE tax rate.
I think what we saw was Council tired of what they perceived as the arrogance of CAR. CAR members are threatening to resign. Let them.
And, Old Timer is right! I remember reading about there being a huge sinkhole somewhere in that area. One can only hope that there has been full disclosure as to what exists beneath the surface.
Does anyone know if, for instance, there was a landfill in this area? No telling what could be cooking underground if there was. When was the last time the underground sewer system was updated?
These are not idle questions by any means — remember what happened in Battery Park and Barton Heights.
That area has unstable clay soil that caused Broad Street to be closed a few years ago. The site is going to require extensive engineering and shoring up and will probably never be built.
Carolyn, you are right but if race could not be an issue, then a lot of people would be out of business. O Hill has been used as a prop for years, envoke his name and watch the reaction.
re:#47 by ron “I think what we saw was Council tired of what they perceived as the arrogance of CAR. CAR members are threatening to resign. Let them.”
Intelligence has long been misperceived as arrogance – particularly by those who are ignorant.
According to the City’s website,”The Richmond Commission of Architectural Review (CAR) was established by City Council in 1957. The CAR is the City’s official Historic Preservation Body and is charged with reviewing all exterior changes to structures within the City’s Old and Historic Districts and issuing Certificates of Appropriateness for those projects that it deems to be appropriate.”
If the City no longer has use (or respect)for CAR and its’ recommendations, they should make it official and disband the Commission. Why continue to disregard the opinions and waste the time of these civic-minded community volunteers?
“july 4”,
I asked Carolyn earlier to explain what she meant by her remark that invoked Mr. Hill’s name and thus far she has not done so.
And, now I must take issue with you for defaming the dead. Have you no sense of common decency?
Perhaps to you, “july 4”, and to some others who will never understand Mr. Hill’s strength of character and courage, he was “used as a prop.”
But, for you even to say such a thing is evidence of your ignorance and proof that small-minded and petty people have no idea of who this man was — or what it was that made him great.
I was privileged to know Mr. Hill for more than 25 years and to have been mentored by him. ANd, I can state with absolute certainty that Oliver W. Hill was always his own man and never allowed himself to be used as anyone’s prop.
You should be ashamed of yourself for saying something so mean-spirited and false about a man who gave his life to making this world a better place for everyone.
Squirt – so please answer the question. What has McQuinn done for the 7th district? I’m curious – all I know of her is that she supports one developer over hundreds of constituents, and she sent her son out to get residents to sign a petition in support of a “Single Family Residential Housing Project” (how deceitful is that????)
Funny you pay CAR to make sure you don’t sell the people out and yet when the developer has more cash they win out. and people wonder why I have doubts when it comes to the Ballpark they threaten us with?
#48 “I remember reading about there being a huge sinkhole somewhere in that area.”
I would hate to be living there when the next Gaston hits. And imagine the mayor from the pulpit having to announce, for all those unable to find transportation, to seek refuge in the Shockoe Stadium.
ron, residential development is a drain on city revenue, is, was, will always be. so the city take is $80,000 per year for 33 units? for the sake of illustration, say you have 1 k-12 student at half of the 33 units or 16 students and the city contribution to rps is maybe $5,000 per student, so abt $80,000 is the cost. so who pays for fire, police, ems, garbage pickup, tree trimming, a dash of social services, etc. go get yourself some accurate numbers and see what you got. last night city council just put more debt on the taxpayer and fucked up a good neighborhood. that is real progress. are you a product of rps?
you people are so lost
Bill,
No to the schools question. I’m a newcomer. Only moved here 27 years ago. I agree with your math, but I think we all win when we can encourage people to move back into the city, and this urban development has that potential. Look at where the growth in the city has come in the past five years. Not in the suburbs like the North Side, the West End or Southwest Richmond. It has come in infill, young people moving back into the city. Your calculations only work, though, if you assume a 50 percent birthrate for those people moving into Oakwood hgts.
To Carol A. O. Wolf…some of us have other responsbilities and I do sleep. Mr Hill was present at that meeting at Cedar Street Baptist Church. He was in a wheelchair. He spoke against Doug Wilder. They didn’t want an elected Mayor because they did not want a White Mayor. The white man/woman was referred to by derogatory names.
bill3
Based on your math, every that family moves into the city represents a net loss in city revenue?
Carolyn,
We all have responsibilities and we all sleep. Such is the nature of life.
I attended several meetings with Mr. Hill during this time and do not recall if I was at this particular meeting.
I do recall that at one meeting Mr. Hill asked “Doug” where he was living at this time. When Doug attempted to evade answering the question, Mr. Hill persisted and further prompted him by noting that he had previously lived in the Third District, right around the corner from Mr. Hill, but that he had sold his house and moved to Charles City.
When Doug continued to attempt to evade answering Mr. Hill by saying that he didn’t want to get into some debate with “Oliver,” Mr. Hill rebutted by telling him not to hold back saying he didn’t mind getting into a debate at all — but that all he wanted to know was where was “Doug” living these days.
I recall Mr. Hill adding that whoever was elected Mayor of Richmond needed to be a “bonafide” resident of the City.
Mr. Hill further shared on many occasions that he thought Doug must be suffering from “early onset Alzheimers” given that Doug was running around town with the likes of Tom Bliley and had clearly forgotten “what that man stands for in this community.”
As to the “white” Mayor business, I recall that Mr. Hill repeatedly endorsed our current Governor Tim Kaine as Mayor of Richmond, Lt. Governor and Governor.
And, while I never ran for Mayor, Mr. Hill did endorse me in three separate –and successful — campaigns for School Board over Black candidates.
When Mr. Hill first urged me to run for School Board, I recall resisting and stating that all things considered, didn’t make more sense to field a Black candidate rather than a White one.
His response was crystal clear and unforgettable:
“Why?,” he asked, “I have known you for more than 17 years and you have never once shut up about our schools and our kids. I know your heart and your head on this issue.
“THE ONLY WAY we will ever get over this race thing is to get over it and elect people based on their conscience rather than their skin color.”
So, Carolyn, the fact that some Black people still use derogatory terms to refer to White people does not surprise me anymore than knowing that some White people stil use derogatory terms to refer to Black people.
It is sad. But, you defame a great Civil Rights Warrior when you imply that he his resistance to the Mayor-at-Large issue had to do strictly with the color of someone’s skin.
Far from it — it had to do with his concerns about the content of the characters of the likes of Doug Wilder and Tom Bliley.
This whole thing about the CAR is ridiculous. I mean, who needs it? We obviously have a large pool of developers who know what is best for the city of Richmond and some politicians who have our best interest in mind, as long as it is ok with the developers. I mean, these people are professionals!
If some issue concerning aesthetics or architectural history or window repair comes up, I say let’s rely on The Old House Authority! This is a rich and bottomless resource of what Richmond should look like and is obviously already in place. Why not save the money we waste on CAR and put Ms. Dotts on the case?
These are hard times. Let’s go with the flow, surrender our misgivings, flatten every block that doesn’t look quite right and tasteful, and rely on developers and bent politicians and well-heeled busybodies to lead us to a better Charlotte – I mean, RIchmond.
Ms. Wolf, are you saying that Mr. Hill opposed giving people the right to directly elect their Mayor simply because Wilder and Bliley were in support of it?
I find it hard to believe he based his decision to oppose the Mayor at-large plan because of the personalities involved versus the merits of the proposal. He was a great man, after all, and I find it hard to believe he based his actions on such petty considerations.
I am always amazed when a historic-district resident bashes the Commission of Architectural Review. CAR is the reason for the success of our neighborhood. It’s like biting the hand that feeds you.
By unanimously snubbing the CAR Monday night, City Council declared open season on historic districts. This is good news if you are a developer and a disappointment if you are a resident.
With the large number of development proposals looming over us in the near future, the timing couldn’t be worse. CAR’s influence is waning at a time it is needed most.
If CAR members resign their positions it will be a shot heard across the city and a blow to Richmond both economically and aesthetically.
Bridg
I think if you look at the record, it is not often that a homeowner appeals a CAR decision to Council, and not often that council grants the appeal of a CAR ruling. That makes it even more important that the appeals process be there, so that when the decision makers, the people elected to make the policy decisions for the city, overrule a CAR decision, it must have been egregious. Now I understand that the opponents are planning an appeal. The defendant of that appeal will be the city government, not the developer, thereby running up the legal costs to taxpayers.
I think that considerations of the character of individuals are far from petty, particularly when the individuals in question are Doug Wilder and Tom Bliley.
Given that the proposal, as presented was truly flawed — witness the last four years of Wilder’s reign — and Mr. Hill’s concerns about the character of the two aforementioned individuals, his opposition to the Mayor-at-large plan was a reasoned and rational position.
No matter what fine names we give our institutions and aspirations, they will only be as good — or as bad — as the characters of the individuals that comprise them.
Would that we had had the wisdom to listen to Mr. Hill and fine tune the plan before we jumped into it as we did, our city could have been spared the last four years.
#61. I did not defame Mr Hill. I simply stated he was at Cedar Street Baptist Church mayor at large meeting and in response to your question, I answered yes he spoke and what he spoke about.
My point in mentioning the issue at all was to say that our elected officials in the 7th District want to keep the racial and econmic divisions alive because as long as our African American community thinks the white people who live in Church Hill and especially South of Broad are rich and trying to take over and push them out a white candidate has a very hard time winning this district.
What are we going to do Church Hill about our politicians and the Council desison??? We need to find a trust worthy candidate that will have the interest of the 7th District at heart. If we don’t sue City Council about the CAR decison we may as well say goodbye to our Historic District.
For those asking about the sink holes etc. Since this project is close to where I live I have some information I can share. The property between Marshall street and Clay Street and dowm the hill along Glenwood Ave. was sold to Frank Wood by the City of Richmond. Word has it that Delores gave Mr Wood $15000.00 of City money to do a study to see if the property could be developed. (The City had erected CHIMBORAZO VILLAGE, a housing project/apartments there. The site had prevoiusly been a dump site. After several years the ground began to shift. Building cracked and raw sewage was running into the apartments. The City was finally FORCED to tear them down). Mr Wood wanted to develop the property using federal dollars. There were many community meetings about this development. The Oakwood Civic Association voted to not support the project because with the previous housing development there had been many robberies, bulgaries and murders that happened in the Chimborazo Village Apartment complex and in immediate community. Delores withdrew her support. Now I fear that since Council overturned CAR’s decision, they will build on the site. I am also told Mr Wood sold some of the land to Margaret, just want portion I don’t know. I also hear Mr. Wood is planning to erect a Pizzeria on 35th Street. I guess on his property.
Wouldn’t it be a site to see all that money slide down a buff. WHAT A LAW SUIT THAT WOULD BE!!!!!
It’s my understanding that the Wood property on E. Marshall is not in the O & H District. Maps are available at Community Development.
i think that we’re all forgetting to look on the bright side here… if construction n OH begins, the girl in 3626 will have to move out! let’s face it, as nice and sweet as her husband is, she’s been pretty mean to the neighbors since they moved in… going as far as to bash not only our neighborhood, but all the people that live there personally in front of the land use comittee. oh, and to say that the only decent looking houses on the block are the yellow one (the only person on the block who supported maggie) and the one that’s in forclosure? that’s a little bit of a twist of the knife after lying to land use about us. see if she gets invited over for dinner again!
Ms. Wolf –
Thank you for your response.
Just curious since I’m sure you knew both Wilder and Bliley well(at least you knew their reputations) during the discusions about the at-large Mayor proposal.
Did you take the Doug Wilder/Tom Bliley side and support the proposal or the Oliver Hill/Henry Marsh/Delores McQuinn side and oppose it?
Thank you again.
Carolyn,
I will readily concede that YOU did not defame Mr. Hill. My remarks about that were directed to “july 4” for comments made in Posting # 50.
For clarity’s sake, I did take issue with you for implying that Mr. Hill’s concern with a candidate had to do with the candidate’s skin color and not the content of his/her character.
I believe that I presented information to refute your implication and would appreciate it if you would reconsider your statement.
For the record, I do agree with you that there are far too many past and present elected officials in the 7th District (and elsewhere) who seek to use racial and economic issues to divide citizens. As Mr. Hill so eloquently articulated and the election of Barack Obama affirmed, our elected officials should be chosen based on their intellect and the content of their characters — not by race, gender, faith or economic status.
This has gone far afield, but there were many people who knew little about Doug Wilder’s character (including Tom Bliley), but were appalled by the previous Richmond City Councils and wanted a change. They just did not know that with Doug Wilder, it’s ll about me. The problems could easily have been solved. He didn’t want to govern; he wanted to rule. Didn’t work.
Ray,
Given the history of our city and the larger-than-life personalities of the players involved, the question was never so simple as whether one was for or it against it.
I believe that the concerns I had were most clearly articulated by Congressman Bobby Scott and Mr. Hill. I have always admired their ability to stand alone — and apart from the pack — on issues of integrity.
as for Mr Wood’s property. I don’t know if all his porperty is in the O & H district or whether any of it is. The fact remains we don’t want projects built in our back yards. Build single family homes not apartments.
Ms. Wolf –
I agree with you that discussions concerning the Mayor at-large proposal was “never so simple as whether one was for it or against it” as you say.
But, the question on the ballot in 2003 was a simple “for it or against it” choice. No equivocation here.
I was for it — despite the fact Wilder and Bliley supported it! It wasn’t about personalities for me, just policies.
I take it that your position with regards to the November 2003 direct election of the Mayor referendum was much like that of Mr. Hill, Henry Marsh, Delores McQuinn, and Bobby Scott and that you, therefore, voted NO to the proposal that year. I apologize if I am wrong about this but am sure you will correct me if I am!
Thank you again.
Carol,
I agree with Mr. Hill’s concerns as well as some of yours. Sadly I voted for the charter change. My vote against Doug Wilder doesn’t mitigate that mistake. I now believe our charter was a choice of form over function based on a not well thought out hope for a better future. The past four years proved that the form of government is only as good as the people who occupy it. Now we have an odd amalgamation of power that no one clearly understands. Too bad we never got a definitive answer to O. Hill’s questions. We could have saved ourselves a lot of grief, time and money.
ron – paul, it is nothing more than an illustration of 33 units at oakwood that i made after someone said it was a benefit to the city cause it was about $80,000 re taxes. nothing more. i am not any finance person. residential is a revenue drain on local govt. it is just that way. you can get some good numbers and do your own figuring. auditor of public accounts, va website, va law on accounting for impact fee at local govt, or check any county finance dept/commissioner of revenue. if you find out different please put it out there.
x – you know, it’s funny you say that. I was just telling my nice, sweet, and quite passive husband how nice I thought the two of you were. I explained to him that I thought you had been extremely nice through out this whole ordeal, and how I admired that. I really thought that the 2 of you went above and beyond your call as neighbors when you brought home our dogs after the dry wall guy let them out. I really appreciate that. I also appreciated your invite to your party that one night. Sadly, my Mormon parents didn’t really understand why my neighbor was inviting us all over for “drinks and stuff”, and my husband and I could not attend. I do have to tell you, however, that my comments at land use were not a lie. Maybe you should ask Michelle how many times she has been over to my house to take measurements. Maybe you should also ask her about knocking on my door at 8:30 on Sunday morning. After that, why don’t you ask the guy up the block with the Doberman how many times he has walked his dog around the sides of my house, causing my dogs inside to freak out, and scaring my cats away. You could ask my husband about it also, if that is easier. Point being – maybe you should find out what your neighbors do while you are away before you call me a liar. As far as the yellow house goes, I don’t know who lives there, or which side they supported. The block is extremely run down, there is no denying that. I think Park View summed it up pretty well in post 28. We can all thank Joe for that. Any way, just to ease your mind, I thought I would tell you that my husband and I will indeed be moving away soon. Then you won’t ever have to think about me again 🙂
hello all,
Lively and heart felt discussions here from both sides of this event and others. Good to see.
Those interested in sharing please send me an email outling what you, as a residents of the 7th District, would like to see in a council person. What issues are important to you, what would you like to see accomplished here?
thanks,
deanna@314n36thst.com
Maybe you all could just exchange numbers and meet up somewhere to duke it out. We are even discussing the issue anymore.
Ray,
I supported the “idea,” but voted against it because it was poorly written and needed more time to be refined to work out the problems.
And, as we all know, the Mayor-at-large legislation as it exists today continues to be flawed policy and is clearly a work-in-progress. Witness this most recent election in which the various candidates essentially chose five districts they thought they could win and concentrated their entire efforts on winning those districts — instead of attempting to find a way to win the “whole city.”
As a believer that Democracy is supposed to be by, of and for ALL the people, I know that the old system of having the Mayor chosen by members of Council was bad and had no doubt that we needed a different way of choosing our Mayor.
I simply wish we had all taken a collective deep breath and worked out the details before we plunged into the deep end of the pool with a policy that many people knew had significant problems — independent entirely of the personalities involved. But, sadly, complicated and compromised by those personalities.
Paul,
Thank you … I appreciated your remarks!
This request goes out to you KD. From the guy up the street with the dobermann, the guy who waves at you and your man Byron whenever he see’s you, the guy who picks up the trash blowing down the street and in front of your house, The guy who cut the grass in front of your house when it had grown long, the guy who has caught people breaking into cars and physically stopped them on our block, the guy who noticed that your house (when it had the renter before you and Byron) had been broken into and called police, the guy who speaks to everyone in the block, the guy who gives your neighbor in the house right in front of you, a ride to work or the drug store because she doesn’t drive, the guy who was walking beside your house last night at on Joe Carson’s property and all around our neighborhood from 1030p-1130p looking for our neighbors senior dog that had wandered away, the guy that you and Byron almost crashed into as you blew past the stop sign on Broad crossing 36th, that guy has a name, it’s Garry. But you would not know that because from day one whenever I have said hello or spoken any kind remark to you, your response is to ignore. Props to Byron for waving and speaking to the neighbors. The reason I walk my little dobermann on the property beside your house is because the owner of that property (Joe Carson) gave me permission to do so 2 years ago just as he has given everyone permission to walk on it. Just as he gave you and Byron permission to park your car on it and to walk your dogs on it. Please remember we live in an urban setting and dead end streets can attract unsavory people. I have seen people parking in front of your house to shot up drugs, I have seen people use you end of the street for various nefarious activities, when I do, I intercede, I call the RPD, I write down license plates, I take pictures. At one point I did curtail walking to the end of Broad because we all could sense that it bothered you. Then some neighbors turned me on to the fact that, some people had started parking cars in front of your house and switching license plates. They would leave a car in front of your house and drive away in another car, within a day or two another car would come to the end of the street, park in front of your house, they would change plates from the new car onto the parked car, leave the new car there with no plates and drive away in the old car, this went on for a few weeks, did you notice and call the police? The activity stopped when Masteen (the lady across the street from you) and Garry called the RPD. Perhaps you and Byron called as well since the odd activity was happening in front of your house, if you did, thanks for getting involved in the health of the block! Let’s talk doggies….First let me apologize for our neighbor Becky who was standing at the end of the street last night, in front of your house, at 11pm calling Cloe her dog, who she had thought wandered that way. I’m sure she bothered you. Also don’t think that we haven’t seen you cuties pee in our front yard, we don’t get angry because dogs do as dogs do. On to your dog concerns. Dogs have an incredible ability to hear and smell. Is it really the neighbor’s fault that your dogs go crazy when people or other dogs go past? Have you not noticed when you walk your two lovely dogs (I especially love the three legged cutie) up East Broad, Meshca @ 3612 barks, Evelyn’s little dog barks at 3613, Cloe at 3608 barks, Shiva at 3606 barks, Logan @ 3617 barks, Tango and Layla at 3600 bark, dogs sense dogs plain and simple. KD the more people and their dogs that walk all the way down East Broad, and sadly for you that means past your house, the better for our community. Activity helps keep crime away. This is an awesome neighborhood, no matter how much mud you sling at it or it’s people. I really wish you and Byron had taken time to become part of the community because I always felt (and still feel) you two would have really fit in. I mean from your “save the polar bear sign†to your mopeds you fit in this ‘ hood. I hate that this has caused you so much grief, hope your new neighbors are more to your liking. God Bless you both and those lovely puppies. But again feel free to speak to me as I walk Lili (the Dobermann) past your home, my name is garry and I live on the block with you.
My bad I forgot to mention the bravest dog in the 3600 block of East Broad, Cam (M & C’s fluffy guard dog) also barks when it senses another dog(s). M & C I know you read this wonderful website to Cam so… “Cam it’s garry, I’m sorry I forgot to mention you earlier, it won’t happen again, you are the coolest dog! Party on Cam
Mayors and dogs aside, the real message here is that CAR has been rendered almost useless and City Council continues to sacrifice Richmond’s historic neighborhoods for the whims of corporate developers.
Candidates are appearing (I know of at least two potential) — I think it is time for Change – Inclusiveness and Listening to our Neighbors across the District – a two way street that must be paved. As long as divisions exist or exploited across artificially created political lines – we will remain at the mercy of the politicians and game players instead of the politician being the representative of the people.
To kd – Correct me if I’m wrong but I was sure at one of those CAR meetings where your husband stood up for Fulton Hill that one of his points was to state that he liked the development and it would be a place you (or he) would like to live.
On neighbors being on the property next to your house — Fulton Hill does not own the property at the end of the block and many neighbors who know the owner of that property were given the okay to walk there. If you were not informed that there could be traffic next to your house, then join your neighbors on that one — we’re awaiting the massive car traffic and fumes running next to our houses in the next few years courtesy of the proposed Oakwood development. I would choose foot traffic over vehicle (cars and construction) traffic any day.
On Dogs – Many people in the Hill have dogs and many people walk dogs and it happens to be the nature of that beast that they bark when other dogs are near. Like all dogs, your dogs bark when dogs cross in front of your your house on the public sidewalk as well as on the other owner’s property next to your house.
I’m sorry you had to call out particular neighbors and people who have tried to be neighborly in order to feel better. They don’t deserve it. Public figures and Politicians set themselves up to be critiqued (for better or worse) — people who invite you to dinner or act neighborly don’t.
It is sad that you weren’t given the perspective of the neighborhood on the impending development by your landlord before you moved in so you could make an educated choice on whether you felt comfortable here but since your landlord (Fulton Hill) wasn’t listening to the neighbors perhaps that perspective wasn’t available. It is again sad it all fell out this way – it could have been different. Your animals seem adorable. I didn’t get to know you but I hope you and they find peace wherever you go and whatever you decide to do.
Hi Garry, nice to finally know your name. Sounds to me like you are quite the upstanding citizen; I was unaware of all the genuine things you have done over the years. I never thought or said you weren’t a good person. I appreciate all the efforts you have put into keeping the neighborhood safe and clean, and I apologize if I made you feel like your efforts weren’t valued. Every neighborhood needs more people like you. I also understand why you walk your dog on Joe’s land, as well as the natural behavior of dogs. It always just seemed to me that your behavior was intentional, since you were the only one that did it. I should not have taken it personally. I apologize for the misunderstanding! I’m sorry I stopped waving back to people as I drive by. I felt like some of the other neighbors (not you or your wife by any means) had started intentionally ignoring me, so I just kind of gave up. That could be a misunderstanding also I guess. It is hard to tell what was intentional and what was not when you don’t know people very well. I am extremely sorry that my husband and I almost ran you over once; I have absolutely no recollection of that. I always try to stop extra long at that stop sign because people are always flying down 36th . That really needs to be a four-way. Last, I apologize for not telling you guys how I felt, and instead letting it all out at Land Use. That was wrong of me. I guess I still have a lot of growing up to do. I am sorry that I made all of you dislike me, but I won’t say that I don’t deserve it. Thanks for your blessing. It will be sad to move away from the neighborhood, we have really enjoyed living there.
kd… so, why are you leaving?
Thank you, Ms. Wolf.
I see why you had a very good reputation on the School Board.
KD, you do belong in this community, and as long as you are here, you are a neighbor. We can disagree and agree that’s what friends, family and neighbors do. and you are right 36th and
Broad should be a four way stop and we should all be friendly to each other. Thanks for the great email and we are gonna smile and wave to each other from now on.
Re # 88. Scott, you like to find conspiracies…but who were the “corporate developers” in your fantasy? Jennie and Walter Dotts, who wanted to put a fence around their house. Maggie Freund, the owner of a small business, wwho wwanted to use the property she purchased acoording to the zoning in place for almost 100 years? Maybe the conspiracy is the members of CAR who dragged out a process for three years in hopes of the applicant would go away. Maybe its the neighborhood resident who went on CAR with the sole goal of twarting this project, was unsuccessful and now has resigned, blaming Council.
kd – I’m sorry we had to meet in this forum instead of on our street. Blogs and email can come across incredibly cold. I hope to wave and maybe even chat live before the opportunity passes.
Scott – I’m with you on Council — the decisions at Council this week have punched gaping holes in the ability of CAR and its protection of Historic Districts. Council became the arm of the developer and not the protector of its own city. Not all agree with Historic Designation but if you’ve built your city on History and plan to continue to market and grow that branding out to the world in order to attract dollars from tourism and events, then not protecting the Historic fabric is foolhardy at the least and detrimental to the marketing of Richmond as a tourist destination in Virgina.
Thanks, Ray …. I tried my best and I always told the truth, even when it wasn’t convenient.
Let’s see. CAR said you have to have setbacks. You have to have two stories on the street faces, you are permitted the density, so then CAR is surprised when the p[roject goes up in the center. BTW, don’t the guidelines for new construction say the design has to be contemporary? This just strikes me as CAR arrogancer and abuse of power. They got reined in on this one. Let’s see where we go from here. First, how about an ordinace saying that no resident in an O & H District on CAR can participate in any decision involving that district?
Deanna – We were planning on leaving because the project was approved. I guess now that the City Council decision is being appealed, we may be able to stay for a while. We have been looking for rentals in the area, but they are few and far between. Hopefully we will find something in the Hill!
Garry – I will certainly smile and wave from now on. You are a very kind man. I hope that I can be as diplomatic as you some day.
To all my other neighbors – I hope you can accept my apologies. I am not asking you to be nice to me, but do know that I feel terrible for handling things the way I did.
kd – sorry to see that you will be leaving because of it. However, sit tight though. This far from over.
Now that things are on the table and we found that no one wanted to run anyone over, and no one is letting their dogs foul Joe’s lot as an insult you should put it behind you.
For me, kd, no need to accept, or expect, an apology if what prompted you to speak was based on a misunderstanding. You’ve all made some candid personal statements and I hope you will all seek those forgiving smiles, hand shakes and hugs. It feels good clearing the air in here.
OK… now, back to me, she said with a grin 🙂
I’ve received some great emails from you all about what you would like to see in a council person AND some good feed back on what some of the important issues are here in the 7th district.
Keep them coming in. Thanks!
deanna@314n36thst.com
#82/deanna:
Are you running for office?
Not if you are my nemesis, hillkid 😉
It is not out of the realm of possibility. I think it would be wise to gather all the information, talk amongst those who may be considering a run and find the best fit for the needs of all of the 7th district.
deanna, did you receive my email?
gray – yes! I did get your email but haven’t had a chance to reply to them all.
FYI – just to let you all know, I’ll keep your personal info private. This is an open forum here and those of you who choose to use a pseudonym don’t have to worry about that being revealed.
deanna, when I emailed you, I didn’t realize you were running for office.
To all:
Would anyone out there be open to a gathering of neighbors to come up with some nominees for city council? So far we all know that Newbille will be running in this election. Who else? Who would we like to see run? Will anyone who applied for the appointment run?
Oh, Deanna is looking into it…sorry about that, my mistake.
Deanna – I think you would make an excellent candidate.
All – if you have not met Deanna, please take the opportunity if it presents itself. She is a beautiful, warm, intelligent, and free-thinking woman, as well as a great listener. Could be a real boon to the East End, an area that seems to have often felt ignored or underrepresented by playas with their own agendas.
Funny, I was in a meeting the other day with a gentlemen who announced that he and his friends were going to decide who would be the next council candidate from the CHA.
Who was this gentleman? Where was this announcement made?
Hi gray – Yes, it’s something I’m considering. I’m single, self employed and want to make sure that I could devote the time and effort necessary to the do the best job possible.
I think that there are some pretty intelligent people from diverse back grounds and opinions posting here. The purpose of my post for information was to feel out what you all believe are the important issues that need to be dealt with throughout all of the 7th district and what you would like to see in a candidate.
I believe it would be wise for all prospects to meet and see who might be the best candidate and of those, who would have the best chance of winning the election.
…………………………………
John M – gray asked some great questions… would you like to start another post for this subject to keep the topic of your original Oakwood Heights post on track?
If so, here are her ?’s:
anyone out there be open to a gathering of neighbors to come up with some nominees for city council? So far we all know that Newbille will be running in this election. Who else? Who would we like to see run? Will anyone who applied for the appointment run?
…………………………………
Shannon – beautiful? we must get thee to an eye doctor stat. Thanks for the thumbs up.
Ron – I believe you are right, my friend.
Deanna..be careful what you say here…you can bet they are reading every word and taking names..I would be interested in a meeting. give me a call. you know where i am. This entire district needs a strong person who is going to look out for them.. See the information I posted about the FREE program and dinner at Martin Luther King, Jr. Middle School today at 2:00 PM
Joe,
Private meeting. He was explaining to a local official how important he was.
Hey Deanna – I’ll maintain the right to be “the beholder”! 🙂
Keep us informed – I know you will.
Carolyn,
Noted. I’ll stop by this week and introduce myself. Looking forward to meeting you.
Shannon… then I will never question your eyes again.
Ron – so what did you think?
Let’s say, hypothetically, that the Church Hill community sucessfully blocks this development. In a year or two someone else could stick substandard apartments / Section 8 stuff in the space instead. Then who will we have to blame?
If this development is upscale – good for the tax base and bringing more professionals to Church Hill then it is good for Church Hill. The Oakwood developers are taking a substantial risk by investing in our neighborhood in the midst of a scary economy. Let’s make them feel welcome here.
Deanna,
I didn’t think he was all that important. But he does point to an electoral conundrum. If several would-be kingmakers attempt to select a candidate, then there will be several people purporting to represent Church hill. Politically, that will make the numbers difficult for you. With a very low turnout expected in November in the Seventh District, it could take as few as 1200-1500 votes to win the Council seat.
Ron – Yes, watering down the numbers is a danger, although not necessarily a difficulty for me. Must stay hushed though – can’t give away the campaign strategy pre-game. Want to take part in one of these get togetherss we are proposing? There will be be fake mustaches and Groucho glasses for all those that wish to remain anonymous.
Interesting post on the Carver & Jackson Ward blog mentioning Councils vote on Oakwood Heights – eservices.ci.richmond.va.us/applications/propertysearch/deta…