Richmond, VA

Excerpts from the article:

The city of Richmond finalized the island's purchase earlier in the year and hosted an event Thursday morning to begin the public engagement process on what will be a public park for Richmonders and visitors to enjoy.

[...]

Parks and Rec officials said the public engagement process for the project begins in October. The city wants to hear from residents about the design of the park before finalizing any schematic plans, officials said.

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What’s everybody doing this weekend? We might be in for a wet one - keep an eye on the forecast.

Excerpts from the RTD article:

• Richmond Folk Festival: Friday (6:30 PM to 10 PM), Saturday (Noon to 9:30 PM), and Sunday (Noon to 6 PM) at Richmond’s riverfront. Free to attend. richmondfolkfestival.org
• State Fair of Virginia: Friday thru October 6th (10 AM to 9 PM). Meadow Event Park, 13191 Dawn Blvd., Doswell. $12-$15.50; free for ages 4 and younger; midway rides extra. statefairva.org
• Kevin Hart: Friday & Saturday at 7:30 PM at Altria Theater. Tickets start at $75. etix.com or (800) 514-3849
• Richmond International Film Festival: Now thru Sunday. Times and locations vary. riff.eventive.org
• Pumpkin picking: Opening Saturday at Ashland Berry Farm. All-you-can-carry pumpkins for $30. On the weekends, attractions include a massive inflatable maze, inflatable obstacle course, straw maze, and the animal corral. Kids activities $5-$12. Saturdays and Sundays 10 AM to 5 PM, weekly hours vary. 12607 Old Ridge Road, Beaverdam. ashlandberryfarm.com

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Excerpt from the article:

This November, Richmonders will not just help choose a new president – but they will also elect a new mayor. Five candidates are running to replace Mayor Levar Stoney. Each will join CBS 6 individually to discuss their vision for Richmond.

City Councilor Andreas Addison sees the opportunity for continued progress in Richmond's future.

"I think the next mayor has to make sure they understand what's at stake," Addison said, "More importantly, what tools are available to make sure that as we grow, it's going to support those who might be on the fringes or on the elements of where they're being priced out."

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Other useful links:

• Election Day is Tuesday, November 5, which is 41 days from today. (live countdown)
• Check your voter registration status - the deadline to register or update your registration is October 15
• Find which district you live in
• RVA Ballotpedia page
• Virginia Public Access Project

Excerpt from the web site:

The 13th Annual Richmond International Film Festival (RIFF) will be held September 24 - 29, 2024. 170 Films from the U.S. and 29 Countries, 30 Live Music Performances & Daily Special Events.

“We are an arts organization that supports storytellers with diverse points of view from all countries. We will not discriminate based on race, gender, or country of origin. We support freedom of speech, respectful dialogue, and meaningful engagement. Several embassies participate in supporting travel for artists and musicians from their country or hosting receptions. Everyone is welcome at RIFF.”

Check the web site for schedules and tickets.

Excerpt from the article:

This November, Richmonders will not just help choose a new president – but they will also elect a new mayor. Five candidates are running to replace Mayor Levar Stoney. Each will join CBS6 individually to discuss their vision for Richmond.

Danny Avula, a medical doctor, public health executive and Richmond resident of about 20 years, said that this election is about selecting a leader who can usher in the next chapter of the city — and that Richmond's mayor should have experience leading local and state-level agencies.

"I don't think there's any private sector leader who would walk in and say, 'Oh, yeah, this is how things should be run. There's different rules," Avula said. "I spent 15 years being successful at leading and transforming local and state government agencies and doing the work of building a team, building culture, and improving service delivery, which is ultimately a huge part of what this job is about."

Read the full article | Archive.org | Archive.today

Other useful links:

• Election Day is Tuesday, November 5, which is 43 days from today. (live countdown)
• Find which district you live in
• Check your voter registration status
• RVA Ballotpedia page
• Virginia Public Access Project

Key dates leading up to November 5th (from the article):

• September 20 — First day of early, in-person voting. Most localities allow early voting during business hours, and many provide satellite voting locations too.
• October 15 — Deadline to register or update voter registration. Click the link for more resources on both registering and checking your voter registration status can be found.
• October 25 — Deadline to request a mail-in ballot. Check with your local registrar for details in your area.
• October 26 — First day of Saturday in-person voting. The only other early Saturday option is November 2.
• November 2 — Final day of early, in-person voting. Local election offices close at 5 p.m. that day.
• November 5 — Election Day polls open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Find your Election Day polling place and other important details through the Virginia Citizen Portal.

Read the full article | Archive.org | Archive.today

Other useful links:

• Election Day is Tuesday, November 5, which is 46 days from today. (live countdown)
• Find which district you live in
• Check your voter registration status
• RVA Ballotpedia page
• Virginia Public Access Project

What's everybody doing this weekend? Looks like the weather will turn favorable for outdoor activities.

Excerpts from the RTD article:

• St. Benedict Oktoberfest: Toast to fall at St. Benedict Oktoberfest. The fall celebration happens in the heart of the Museum District with authentic German food, music, a huge beer list and fun. 4-11 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday, noon-6 p.m. Sunday at Hanover and Belmont avenues. Free entry; pay as you go. (804) 254-8810 or StBenedictOktoberfest.com.
• Iron Blossom Music Festival: The Iron Blossom Music Festival returns for its second year at the Bon Secours Training Center. Caamp, Mt. Joy, Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats and the Turnpike Troubadours will headline the two-day festival, in addition to many others. Festival-goers can enjoy Richmond-favorite food trucks, craft cocktails and a craft bazaar featuring local vendors. 1 to 10 p.m. both days. 2401 W. Leigh St. $216 two-day pass, $135 single-day pass; limited ticket options left. Parking passes sold separately. ironblossomfestival.com
• Maymont Bier-Garden: Get your dirndls and lederhosen ready for Maymont Bier-Garden. Savor delicious Bavarian specialties crafted by Capital Ale House and more fun festival treats from your favorite food trucks. There will also be a Marketplatz filled with local artisans, Bavarian dancers, oom-pah classics, yard games, fire pits, live performances and a Kinderzone. 11 a.m.-7:30 p.m. $10 admission, $6 for ages 3 to 16. Carriage House Lawn at Maymont, 1700 Hampton St. maymont.org
• Jim Gaffigan: Seven-time Grammy-nominated comedian, actor, writer and producer Jim Gaffigan will visit the Altria Theater for his “Barely Alive” tour. 7 p.m. 6 N. Laurel St. $42.75. altriatheater.com
• RVA East End Festival: The RVA East End Festival is back after a two-year hiatus. This family-friendly event for the RVA community will feature performances by the Richmond Symphony, the Celebration Male Chorus, the Dap Mallory Band, James “Saxsmo” Gates and many more. The festival raises money for arts programs in Richmond Public Schools. Noon-9 p.m. Chimborazo Park, 3201 E. Broad St. Free to attend. rvaeastendfest.wixsite.com/rva-east-end-festiva

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Excerpt from the article:

Spirit Halloween is teaming up with the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU to help support young patients who may be spending the holiday at the hospital.

Now through Halloween, you can support the fundraising campaign by using a 10 percent off coupon in-store or by entering the code “GIVING2024” online.

The popular Halloween costume and decoration store will donate that 10 percent back to the Children’s Hospital in Downtown Richmond.

In-store shoppers can also donate at the checkout.

The money goes to the hospital’s Child Life team, a network of specialists who support patients and their families by making the experience less scary for kids.

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Excerpt from the article:

This November, Richmonders will not just help choose a new president – but they'll also elect a new mayor. Five candidates are running to replace Mayor Levar Stoney. Each will join CBS6 individually to discuss their vision for Richmond.

Community organizer Maurice Neblett calls himself a common man going into politics.

After a moment of silence at his suggestion, Neblett explained that this election is a crucial time and is not just about a vote.

"It's about the future of our children, because this vote is going to make a great impact on the generations to come," Neblett said. "It's about transparency for us. We've started this campaign with transparency and accountability from the start, because we know how important it is to communicate and have that trust with the community."

Read the full article | Archive.org | Archive.today

Other useful links:

• Election Day is Tuesday, November 5, which is 50 days from today. (live countdown)
• Find which district you live in
• Check your voter registration status
• RVA Ballotpedia page

Summary:

• VA Pridefest - Saturday the 14th - Noon to 8 PM - Bon Secours Training Center - free entry, pay as you go
• 43rd Street Festival of the Arts - Saturday the 14th - 10 AM to 4 PM - West 43rd St. and Forest Hill Ave - free to attend
• Virginia Distilled - Saturday the 14th - 6 PM - Virginia Museum of History & Culture - $60
• Strad Fest - now through Sunday - various start times - Dominion Energy Center - tickets free to $86
• Family Day: Brazil - Saturday the 14th - 11 AM to 3 PM - Virginia Museum of Fine Arts - free

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Excerpt from the article:

This November, Richmonders will not just help choose a new president – but they'll also elect a new mayor. Five candidates are running to replace Mayor Levar Stoney. Each will join CBS6 individually to discuss their vision for Richmond.

Former lead city councilor Michelle Mosby said this election is about Richmond's next chapter, and ensuring everyone's voice is heard.

Mosby, who sat on the Audit Committee during her time on city council, said she would make sure that department leadership are experienced in local government, and that departments are appropriately staffed.

Read the full article | Archive.org | Archive.today

They’ve done a similar piece for Maurice Neblett, which I’ll post as a top level link tomorrow.

Excerpt from the article:

This November, Richmonders will not just help choose a new president – but they'll also elect a new mayor. Five candidates are running to replace Mayor Levar Stoney. Each will join CBS 6 individually to discuss their vision for Richmond.

Harrison Roday, who has a background in nonprofit and business leadership, said he shares values with the people of Richmond like affordable housing, investing in schools, and supporting neighborhoods.

Read the full article | Archive.org | Archive.today

They've done a similar piece for Michelle Mosby, which I'll post as a top level link tomorrow.

On the topic of fairs and festivals, here's a rundown from the article:

• Chesterfield County Fair (August 23-31) - more info
• Happily Natural Day (August 31) - more info
• Pridefest (September 14) - more info
• Dogwood Dell Festival of the Arts (Now through September 21) - full schedule
• Iron Blossom Music Festival (September 21-22) - more info
• East End Festival (September 21) - more info
• St. Benefict Oktoberfest (September 20-22) - more info
• State Fair of Virginia (September 27 through October 6) - more info
• Richmond Folk Festival (September 27-29) - more info
• 2nd Street Festival (October 5-6) - more info
• Armenian Food Festival (October 4-5) - their website seems to be broken at the moment

Read the full article | Non-paywalled version | Archive.today

Excerpts from the article:

The City of Richmond announced on Monday that the Double-A baseball team and the Richmond Economic Development have formally signed the lease and development agreement for a new $117 million stadium to be built just south of The Diamond as the anchor of the overall Diamond District development.

[...]

The signed documents include the Squirrels agreeing to a 30-year lease of the 10,000-seat stadium, which will be owned the EDA, managed and operated by the team, and paid for by bonds issued last month by the city.

[...]

The lease calls for the Squirrels to pay $3.2 million in rent annually for the first 10 years of the 30-year agreement. The rent will then drop to $1.34 million for the 11th year and rise 3% each year thereafter. That equates to $66 million paid by the Squirrels over the life of the lease.

Virginia Commonwealth University will also pay a yet-undisclosed amount of rent to the EDA for its baseball team’s use of the new stadium.

Those rents will be used to pay off $40 million in lease revenue bonds that are funding infrastructure improvements for the Thalhimer-led first phase of the overall Diamond District development. The stadium is to be financed using $130 million in general obligation bonds, which are to be paid back using tax revenue generated by the overall 67-acre, $2.4 billion project.

[...]

Monday’s announcement said the stadium is scheduled to be completed in time for the 2026 baseball season.

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Monday evening, the Richmond Crusade for Voters hosted a City Council candidate forum at Third Street Bethel AME Church in Jackson Ward, which was rescheduled because of Tropical Storm Debby.

Read the full article | Archive.org | Archive.today

Other useful links:

• Locate Third Street Bethel AME Church: Bing Maps | Google Maps
• Election Day is Tuesday, November 5, which is 82 days from today. (live countdown)
• Similar article from the Richmond Mayoral Forum on August 1
• Find which district you live in
• Check your voter registration status
• RVA Ballotpedia page

The Richmond Jazz and Music Festival is back for its 12th annual array of popular performing artists this weekend at Maymont.

...

"A lot of people have probably seen the lineup for this year. We've got Fantasia, Ludacris; Wyclef is our artist in residence," Burruss said. "We've also got St. Paul in the Broken Bones, which is a phenomenal group, Bob, James Lee, Ritenour, Monica, Andra Day, and the list goes on and on."

The list also includes Gregory Porter, Regina Belle and hometown favorite Elliott Yamin from season 5 of "American Idol." Yamin, who recently appeared on CBS 6's "Virginia This Morning," is excited to be back for a second year.

Check out the official lineup.

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Excerpt from the article:

Richmond Crusade for Voters is hosting a mayoral candidate forum from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday night at Third Street Bethel AME Church on 614 North 3rd Street in Jackson Ward.

“Our mission is to help educate the voters,” said Bernice E. Travers, chair of the Crusade’s Research Committee. "These forums are one way we are carrying on that mission nearly 70 years after our founding. Everyone is welcome to attend to gain a better understanding of the candidates and their positions.”

The five candidates are:

• 1st District Councilmember Andreas Addison
• Local and state public health leader Dr. Danny Avula
• Former 9th District Councilmember Michelle Mosby
• VUU graduate Maurice Neblett
• Bridging Virginia founder Harrison Roday

Election Day is Tuesday, November 5, which is 96 days from today. (live countdown)

Locate Third Street Bethel AME Church: Bing Maps | Google Maps

Learn more about Richmond Crusade for Voters, the organization hosting tonight's event.

Watch/read the full article | Archive.org | Archive.today

• Dogwood Dell (Byrd Park)
• The Diamond (after the Squirrels game)
• Chesterfield County Fairgrounds
• Meadow Farm Museum at Crump Park (sensory friendly)

Hopefully the weather doesn’t mess up anyone’s plans tonight.

Does anyone in or around Richmond use GloFiber for their internet? I've seen them building out their lines in my area and it looks like they offer higher speeds for less than what Comcast charges.

Soon the lush streets of Woodland Heights will come alive with the sounds of strings, beats, horns and songs this summer. Meet the Tiny Porch concert series, which brings neighbors out for what organizer Emily McMillen describes as “magical.” The once best-kept musical secret had its cover blown; it’s one of the most engaging musical events in RVA.

What started as a grassroots venture has blossomed into a spectacular, highly anticipated event. When the world shut down during the pandemic, two Woodland Heights neighbors had an idea to stitch things together in the community. McMillen leaned in and goodness ensued.

“We’re all in our houses. We said, ‘Let’s build community and redefine what gathering looks like. Let’s build on our love for the neighborhood. Let’s do porch concerts,” says McMillen, adding that it was organic at the time. “Everything was just shared via social media and word of mouth.”

Read the whole article | Archive.today | Archive.org

A decade-plus effort to provide new signage for the entrance to Carytown has reached the finish line.

City approval is expected this week for a new gateway sign in the 3500 block of Cary Street that would mark the start of the nine-block shopping district for drivers and pedestrians traveling east on the one-way road.

The two-sided, Art Deco-style sign with neon tubing and LED lights would be suspended above the road via steel wires attached to two 25-foot steel poles, creating an arch-like entrance that cars would pass under just before Cary’s intersection with Nansemond Street. The green- and white-colored sign with gold accents reads “Carytown” with “Richmond VA” below it and “Est 1938” above.

In the works since 2011, the sign will replace a decades-old wooden sign that had stood beside Cary across from Thompson Street. That sign, which had replaced an older one from the 1990s, fell down last year, providing further motivation for a replacement.

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GRTC riders are in line for another year of free rides, thanks to some $3.6 million from the state.

The Commonwealth Transportation Board‘s new Six-Year Improvement Plan draft includes that money to help cover the free fare program’s costs for the fiscal year beginning July 1.

Read the full article | Archive.today | Archive.org

Sixteen years after its first phase was built, a Manchester development is heading into its final leg.

Lynx Ventures is planning to build a 127-unit apartment building at 1021 E. 4th St. that would be the sixth and final section of New Manchester Flats.

Read the full article | Archive.today | Archive.org

The City of Petersburg has chosen The Cordish Companies as to operate a proposed casino project.

The City Council voted to select Cordish from a field of at least five companies after a closed session meeting Wednesday evening.

Lawmakers gave Petersburg the “all clear” last week to host a referendum in November for voters to approve a casino coming to the city.

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Alternate coverage from CBS 6 News | Archive.org | Archive.today