Richmond City Council

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Tonight: Community celebrates Virginia Army National Guard for clearing Cannon Creek Greenway: Dinner and walking tour of site

RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL
Richmond City Council – Richmond City Hall - 900 E. Broad Street, Suite 200 - Richmond, VA 23219 - www.council.richmondva.gov

COUNCIL PUBLIC INFORMATION NEWS ADVISORY
IMMEDIATE RELEASE TO BE FORWARDED AND SHARED
Tuesday, 26 July 2011

Tonight: Community celebrates Virginia Army National Guard for clearing Cannon Creek Greenway: Dinner and walking tour of site

This event is free and open and residents, volunteers and supporters of the Cannon Creek Greenway are invited and encouraged to attend

WHAT (Richmond, Virginia U.S.A; July 26, 2011) – Tonight, The Honorable Ellen F. Robertson, Councilwoman, Richmond City Council, Gateway 6th District and the community surrounding the Cannon Creek Greenway will hold a thank you dinner and celebration for Virginia Army National Guard - 180th Horizontal Construction Company, 276th Engineer Battalion. This event is free and open and residents, volunteers and supporters of the Cannon Creek Greenway are invited and encouraged to attend

The celebration dinner is being sponsored and hosted by the community in appreciation of their outstanding work in clearing the Cannon Creek Greenway and will include a community tour of the site. The work performed is valued at more than $120,000 and was provided to Richmond citizens at no charge by the Virginia Army National Guard.

WHEN Tuesday, 26 July 2011
5:00-6:30 p.m.

WHERE Fifth Street Baptist Church
2800 3rd Avenue
Richmond, Virginia 23222

WHO The Honorable Ellen F. Robertson, Councilwoman, Richmond City Council,
Gateway 6th District

Dr. Norman C. Merrifield, Director
Richmond Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities

Mr. Manouchehr Nosrati, Senior Civil Engineer
Richmond Department of Public Works

Capt. Dave Baber, Commander of the Virginia Army National Guard –
180th Horizontal Construction Company

Virginia Army National Guard, 180th Horizontal Construction Company
276th Engineer Battalion

Virginia Army National Guard - Forward Support Company of the
276th Engineer Battalion

Dr. Charles Price, Virginia Chapter of the Sierra Club

CONTACT For more information, please contact:

Steve Skinner, Richmond City Council Public Affairs Manager, at 804.9237.1386 (mob) or steven.skinner@richmondgov.com (email)

Mr. Cotton Puryear, Communications Director, Virginia Department of Military Affairs, at 804.539.1451 (mob); or cotton.puryear@us.army.mil (email)

Dr. Charles Price, Virginia Chapter of the Sierra Club, at 804.229.0075 (mob) or fewmit@comcast.net (email)

The Honorable Ellen F. Robertson, Councilwoman, Richmond City Council,
Gateway 6th District, at 804.314.7658 (mob) 804.646.7964 (home) or ellen.robertson@richmondgov.com (email)

BACKGROUND - Richmond Cannon Creek Greenway project __________________________

This work represents a continuation of Phase I of the Cannon Creek Greenway Project, and is a continuation of ongoing community reclamation and improvement of the 1.9 mile area that comprises the Cannon Creek Greenway, which includes a heavily-wooded ravine located adjacent to a section of the north-south Richmond-Henrico Turnpike between Valley Road on the south and Craigie Avenue, located in the Northside 3 District and Gateway 6th District of Richmond. When all phases are completed, there will be a 1.9 mile, 10 foot wide, asphalt-surfaced nature trail.

The immense clearing project was accomplished by the Virginia Army National Guard - 180th Horizontal Construction Company, 276th Engineer Battalion, with the assistance of the Richmond Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities and the Richmond Department of Public Works. From July 17- July 27, 2011, approximately 100 Citizen Soldier Engineers from the Powhatan-based Virginia Army National Guard - 180th Horizontal Construction Company, 276th Engineer Battalion cleared sizable undergrowth and grading pedestrian and biking trail along Cannon Creek, which runs parallel to the Richmond Henrico Turnpike, as a part of the Cannon Creek Greenway Project. The Petersburg-based Virginia Army National Guard - Forward Support Company of the 276th Engineer Battalion provided logistical support for the units on site and kept them fed and fueled.

The use of heavy and light engineer equipment on the site helps provide “real world” training in preparing Soldiers for the Defense Support to Civilian Authorities mission in responding in the aftermath of devastating hurricanes, floods, tornados and ice/snow events.

Other projects leading up to this work have included two community cleanups, held in 2009 and 2010 to remove unwanted trash and debris, and a clearing of area in 2011 by Virginia Army National Guard, 180th Horizontal Construction Company, 276th Engineer Battalion.

The clearing and cleanups are expected to prepare the Greenway for the construction of a bike/pedestrian trail and family-oriented park facilities. It is envisioned that this project will help to increase the social, economic, and physical revitalization of the Northside and Gateway Districts of Richmond.

The work of the Virginia Army National Guard, 180th Horizontal Construction Company, 276th Engineer Battalion, is critical to the success of this community project.

The Cannon Creek Greenway Project is a community improvement initiative supported by: Councilwoman Ellen F. Robertson, Richmond City Council - Gateway 6th District, Councilman Chris A. Hilbert, Richmond City Council - Northside 3rd District, Richmond Mayor Dwight C. Jones, Richmond Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities, Richmond Department of Public Works) Southern Barton Heights Community Association, Virginia Chapter of the Sierra Club, Richmond Public Schools, Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay, Green Park Civic Association, Highland View Civic Association, Chestnut Hill Action Team, Battery Park Civic Association and Virginia Tech School of Architecture and Design - Landscape Architecture Program.

Planning for the features of the Greenway began in 2008 and have included a series of community meetings and workshops involving neighborhood civic associations, elected Councilmembers, residents of the Highland Park and Barton Heights communities, Richmond Department of Parks and Recreation, Richmond Department of Community Development, Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority (RRHA), and several environmental and recreation organizations.

Beginning in 2009, an annual Richmond Cannon Creek Greenway Community Cleanup has been held to remove unwanted trash and debris from the Richmond Cannon Creek Greenway, which is a 1.4 mile area that includes the heavily-wooded ravine located adjacent to a section of the north-south Richmond-Henrico Turnpike between Valley Road on the south and Craigie Avenue on the north in Northside Richmond. The cleanups cleanup each year (held March 20, 2010 and January 24, 2010) have prepared the area for beginning the transformation of the site into a bike/pedestrian trail and family-oriented park facilities. It is envisioned that this project will help in increasing the social, economic, and physical revitalization of Northside Richmond. In both years, more than 200 volunteers removed tons of trash from the area that, over the years, has been used as an illegal dump site.

A stakeholders’ Planning “Charrette” was conducted in October, 2009 to decide on the features of the reclaimed Cannon Creek Greenway by faculty and students of the Virginia Tech Landscape Architectural Program. The Richmond city government administration has also completed an environmental study of the Greenway site and is currently conducting an engineering study of the area and a study of the proposed
alternative routes of the Greenway’s bike and pedestrian trail are being completed by City of Richmond engineering consultant contractors.

On December 1, 2009, the City of Richmond submitted an “Innovative Readiness Training Request for Military Assistance” through the Virginia Governor’s Office and the Virginia Adjutant General to the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense, Reserve Affairs. As a training function of the Guard Unit, the clearing of undergrowth and construction of the Cannon Creek Greenway’s bike/pedestrian trail and park features by the Virginia Army National Guard, 180th Horizontal Construction Company, 276th Engineer Battalion.

Plans for the Richmond Cannon Creek Greenway’s include serving as a scenic park and recreational area for the 300 unit, mixed income housing revitalization initiative of the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority (RRHA) that will be built nearby. Construction of the RRHA initiative are planned for the near future.

The Cannon Creek Greenway Project may also be linked to the United States of America East Coast Greenway, which is being built in sections from Main to Florida, and to the Virginia Capital Trail, which would link Richmond to Williamsburg and Jamestown.

The sidewalk and street intersections of the Greenway’s bicycle and pedestrian trial will connect the Northside’s business and commercial corridor along E. Brookland Park Boulevard residential neighborhoods, churches, schools, and community centers for ease of access by bicycling or walking. It will also provide an alternative transportation route for bicycle commuting from the residential neighborhoods of Highland Park and Barton Height to the City’s downtown. In addition to its use for family-oriented, recreational activities, the Greenway may also serve as an outdoor environmental laboratory for the science classes of nearby schools.

- E N D -

______________________________________
Steven R. Skinner, APR
Council Public Information Manager
RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL
OFFICE OF THE COUNCIL CHIEF OF STAFF
Richmond City Hall
900 E. Broad Street, Suite 305
Richmond, Virginia 23219
804.646.6052 (office)
804.335.4054 (mobile)
804.937.1386 (home/mobile)
804.646.5468 (fax)
steven.skinner@richmondgov.com (email)
www.council.richmondva.gov(website)
____________________________________________

MISSION The mission of Richmond City Council
is to represent citizens in creating and amending
local laws, providing government policy and
oversight, and approving the city budget.

VISION Richmond City Council is committed to
creating a vibrant community that is a great place
to live, work, learn, play, visit and raise a family.

Richmond City Council encourages everyone to come out for National Night Out events being held throughout city: Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Friday, July 22, 2011

Richmond City Council seeks five people to serve on Richmond City Council Slave Trail Commission

RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL
Richmond City Council – Richmond City Hall - 900 E. Broad Street, Suite 200 - Richmond, VA 23219 - www.council.richmondva.gov

COUNCIL PUBLIC INFORMATION NEWS ADVISORY
IMMEDIATE RELEASE TO BE FORWARDED AND SHARED
Friday, 22 July 2011

Richmond City Council seeks five people to serve on Richmond City Council Slave Trail Commission

Deadline to apply is September 1, 2011

(Richmond, Virginia U.S.A; July 22, 2011) – Richmond City Council invites all interested persons living or working in the City of Richmond to apply to serve as a member of the Richmond City Council Slave Trail Commission. Council has five open positions to appoint to this commission. The deadline to apply is September 1, 2011.

Established by Richmond City Council in1998, the purpose of the Richmond City Council Slave Trail Commission is to assist Council with oversight and assistance in helping to preserve and present the history of slavery in Richmond, Virginia. The Commission typically meets monthly and includes 17 members that are appointed by Council to serve for three year terms.

All persons interested in applying to be appointed to serve as a member of the Richmond City Council Slave Trail Commission can:

1. Apply online at: http://www.richmondgov.com/CityCouncil/CouncilBoardsCommissions.aspx or http://eservices.ci.richmond.va.us/applications/boardscommissions/index.aspx

2. Pick up an application from the
Richmond City Council Office of the City Clerk
900 E. Broad Street, Suite 200; Richmond, Virginia 23219

3. Call the Richmond City Council Office of the City Clerk, at 804.646.7955, to be mailed an application.

CONTACT
For more information, please call the Richmond City Council Office of the City Clerk, at 804.646.7955.

BACKGROUND __________________________________________________________________________
Application/Appointment Process
The Richmond City Council appointment process for local or regional public government bodies or non-government organizations includes the following:

1. Application is completed and submitted to Richmond City Council

2. The Richmond City Council Standing Committee providing oversight over that entity/appointment reviews application and makes recommendation

3. Application recommendation is forwarded to Richmond City Council Organizational Development Standing Committee for consideration

4. Richmond City Council Organizational Development Standing Committee has Richmond City Council Resolution for Appointment prepared

5. Applicant is invited to attend Richmond City Council Formal Meeting where Council Resolution will be considered for official approval

6. Richmond City Council holds Formal Meeting, which includes a public hearing, and votes on Resolution of Appointment (applicant must be in attendance)

7. Resolution of Appointment is approved or rejected

8. Approved Applicant is officially sworn in

9. Member’s service begins

Richmond City Council Slave Trail Commission
The Richmond City Council Slave Trail Commission is a government entity of Richmond City Council that was established by Resolution Number 98-R 102-107, adopted July 13, 1998, as amended by Resolution No. 2000-R111-109, adopted July 24, 2000, as amended by Resolution No. 2003-R132-123, adopted July 14, 2003, as amended by Resolution No. 2003-R155-141, adopted September 8, 2003, as amended by Resolution No. 2004-R125-131, adopted June 28, 2004.

The purpose of the Richmond City Council Slave Trail Commission is to assist Council with oversight and assistance in helping to preserve and present the history of slavery in Richmond. The Commission meets monthly and includes 17 members that are appointed by Council to serve for three year terms. The composition of membership is as follows:

The Commission shall be composed of seventeen (17) members. Such persons shall be appointed by the Council and shall serve for terms of three (3) years. The membership of the Commission shall include at least one (1) member of City Council, not less than three (3) members of the “Hope in the Cities” organization and a representative from the Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities. Any appointed Council members shall be given the first option of serving as the Chair of the Commission in order of their appointment. Five members of the Commission shall constitute a quorum for meetings.

Over the years, Richmond City Council Slave Trail Commission has worked on a number of important projects, which have included:

• 2011
Unveiling of 17 Richmond Slave Trail Markers located throughout the Shockoe Bottom area of Richmond, marking sites that help tell the historic journey, human impact, and the role Richmond played in the tragic history of slavery.

The Richmond Slave Trail Markers will serve to recognize the regrettable time in our nation’s history when parts of the United States allowed the enslavement of fellow human beings and an estimated 8 percent of U.S. families owned slaves just before the U.S. Civil War. The site of the event and location of one of the 17 markers, Lumpkin's Slave Jail was the largest slave-holding facility in operation in Richmond, Virginia from 1840 until the end of the U.S. Civil War in 1865. During that time, Richmond was home to the largest domestic slave export business in the United States. The Confederate Army surrendered Richmond, the Capital of the Confederacy, on April 3, 1865.

Following shortly after the end of the U. S. Civil War, which ended in Virginia on April 9, 1865, the Thirteenth Amendment to the United States of America Constitution was adopted on December 6, 1865. This amendment officially abolished slavery. A precursor for this amendment was the Emancipation Proclamation, an Executive Order signed by President Abraham Lincoln, on January 1, 1863, which proclaimed the freedom of slaves living in states under Confederate control.

• 2009
Development of the conceptual Richmond National Slavery Museum
Richmond City Council provides annual staff assistance and financial support for the Richmond City Council Slave Trail Commission. Council staff support includes providing fiscal management, public information, writing, publication creation, graphic design, special event and project management, promotions and fundraising. Additional staff support is provided by the Richmond City Administration through the Richmond Department of Economic Development, which includes project engineering and management.

• 2009
Development of the Richmond Slave Trail Marker Program, Signage and
Commemorative Site: Lumpkin’s Slave Jail

• 2008
Discovery of Lumpkin’s Slave Jail historic foundation and architectural
artifacts.

• 2008 – 2009
Phase II Lumpkin’s Slave Jail Archaeological Assessment: which
included engineering and storm water engineering

• 2007
Richmond International Unveiling of Richmond Slavery Reconciliation Statue on Friday, March 30, 2007, erected at 15th and E. Main Streets. Included design and construction of the Richmond Slavery Reconciliation Statute plaza and erection of the statue. This project was part of a global initiative placing three statues in three countries. Dedicated to slavery reconciliation, the installation of the statue represents nearly 10 years of work between the City of Richmond, Virginia, USA (North America), Liverpool, England (Europe), and the Republic of Benin (Africa). A statue was erected in Liverpool in 1989 and the Republic of Benin in August 2005.

• 2006
Lumpkin’s Slave Jail Archaeological Assessment
Lumpkin's Slave Jail was the largest slave holding facility in operation in Richmond, Virginia from 1840 until the end of the U.S. Civil War in 1865. During that time, Richmond was home to the largest domestic slave export business in the United States. Owned by Robert Lumpkin, the jail was a place that tens of thousands of African men, women and children were "stored" before being transported to slave owners living in states where slavery was legal. Following Lumpkin's death shortly after the Civil war, his common law widowed wife Mary Lumpkin, who was African-American, inherited the estate. In 1867, she leased the jail to Reverend Nathaniel Colver, who established a school for freed slaves at the site. Founded by the American Baptist Home Missionary Society and the National Theological Institute, the school grew into what is now Virginia Union University.

• 2003
Acquisition of Richmond Slavery Reconciliation Statue. For three quarters of the 18th Century, Virginia (North America), Liverpool, England (Europe), and the Republic of Benin (Africa) represented one of the largest global commercial trade triangles of enslaved Africans. Liverpool's shipbuilding industry provided the vessels that sailed to the Kingdom of Dahomey, now the Republic of Benin, where Africans were loaded on ships and transported to the Americas, with Richmond, Virginia being one of the major recipients.

Support
Richmond City Council provides annual staff assistance as available and financial support for the Richmond City Council Slave Trail Commission. Council staff support includes providing fiscal management, public information, writing, publication creation, graphic design, special event and project management. Additional staff support is provided by the Richmond City Administration through the Richmond Department of Economic Development, which includes project engineering and management.
Council financial support is provided through appropriations in the Richmond City Budget. This includes appropriations in the Richmond City Budget Capital Improvement Plan, Non-Departmental budgets and Departmental budgets. Funding is predicated on requests made by the Commission and as determined by Council.

Examples of Richmond City Council Slave Trail Commission financial investment support, per Fiscal Year (FY), include:

• FY 2011- $6,000
For general Commission support

• FY 2010- $6,000
For general Commission support

• FY 2009 - $75,000
For general Commission support ($30,000 - spent $5,124) and for development of the Richmond Slave Trail Marker Program; signage and commemorative site; Lumpkin’s Slave Jail; development of conceptual National Slavery Museum; and, paid sponsorship for Symposium at the University of Richmond for the Civil War Sesquicentennial.

• FY 2008 - $370,000
For general Commission support ($30,000 - spent $7,748) and for Phase II of Lumpkin’s Slave Jail Archaeological Assessment, which included $155,000 for earthmoving and $35,000 for engineering and stormwater engineering (floodplain and proximity to I-95 berm) and $150,000 for archaeological services to hire a vendor.

• FY 2007 - $511,000
For general Commission support ($11,000) and design and construction of the Richmond Slavery Reconciliation Statute plaza; erection of the statue; and, the International Unveiling of the Richmond Slavery Reconciliation Statue

• FY 2006 - $35,000
For Richmond Slave Trail Brochure Creation/Printing Phase I of Lumpkin’s Slave Jail Archaeological Assessment

• FY 2003 - $119,000
For acquisition (purchase) of Richmond Slavery Reconciliation Statue and freight
from the United Kingdom

Additional financial, staff and archeological support has also been provided by the Virginia Department of Historic Resources, Alliance to Conserve Old Richmond Neighborhoods, and a number of corporate, nonprofit and individual financial sponsors.

- E N D -

______________________________________
Steven R. Skinner, APR
Council Public Information Manager
RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL
OFFICE OF THE COUNCL CHIEF OF STAFF
Richmond City Hall
900 E. Broad Street, Suite 305
Richmond, Virginia 23219
804.646.6052 (office)
804.335.4054 (mobile)
804.937.1386 (home/mobile)
804.646.5468 (fax)
skinnesr@ci.richmond.va.us (email)
www.council.richmondva.gov(website)
____________________________________________

MISSION The mission of Richmond City Council
is to represent citizens in creating and amending
local laws, providing government policy and
oversight, and approving the city budget.

VISION Richmond City Council is committed to
creating a vibrant community that is a great place
to live, work, learn, play, visit and raise a family.

Councilman Chris A. Hilbert to hold meeting in Northside 3rd District

Thursday, July 21, 2011

THE FOLLOWING MEETING HAS BEEN CANCELED - Councilwoman Ellen F. Robertson to hold a Special Community Meeting in the Gateway 6th District: Redistrict

RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL
Richmond City Council – Richmond City Hall - 900 E. Broad Street, Suite 200 - Richmond, VA 23219 - www.council.richmondva.gov

COUNCIL PUBLIC INFORMATION NEWS ADVISORY
IMMEDIATE RELEASE TO BE FORWARDED AND SHARED
Thursday, 21 July 2011

THE FOLLOWING MEETING HAS BEEN CANCELED

Councilwoman Ellen F. Robertson to hold a Special Community Meeting in the Gateway 6th District: Redistricting and a proposed Richmond Noise Ordinance to be topics

All Gateway 6th District citizens are invited and encouraged to attend

WHAT The Honorable Ellen F. Robertson, Councilwoman, Richmond City Council, Gateway 6th District, will hold a Special Community Meeting in the Gateway 6th District. This meeting is in addition to the regular meetings she typically holds on the second Saturday of each month, which include information on her Gateway 6th District goals and accomplishments; a thematic agenda of current interest; and, special guests. All Gateway 6th District citizens are invited and encouraged to attend. Parking is Free. The planned agenda for this Special Community meeting will include:

• Richmond City Council
2011 Richmond Decennial Voter District Redistricting
Discussion, question and answers and input session to be held regarding any proposed changes to current boundary lines of the current Gateway 6th District.

• Proposed Richmond Noise Ordinance
Discussion, question and answers and input session to be held regarding a proposed new Richmond Noise Ordinance.

WHEN Saturday, July 23, 2011
10:00-Noon

WHERE Richmond City Hall – 5th Floor Conference Room
900 E. Broad Street
Richmond, Virginia 23219

WHO The Honorable Ellen F. Robertson, Councilwoman, Richmond City Council,
Gateway 6th District

CONTACT For more information, please contact Cybelle O’Sullivan-McDaniels, Richmond City Council, Gateway 6th District, at 804.646.7964 (office) or cybelle.o’sullivan@richmondgov.com; www.ellenrobertson.com (website)

BACKGROUND __________________________________________________________________________

2011 Richmond Decennial Voter District Redistricting
We, as Americans, govern ourselves at the state, local and national level and choose (elect) fellow citizens to assist us with the ownership and operation of our government. In order to do this, we organize ourselves into geographical areas (districts) based on population and we use these "voter districts" to determine where we vote, which positions we vote for and who we wish to represent us. This self-governance includes deciding how tax monies are invested; what laws are needed; and, what types of services are provided and how they are managed.

As populations shift over time, we redraw (redistrict) these areas to reflect population changes and help ensure everyone is represented as fairly as possible. Thus, every 10 years (decennially), we perform a United States Census to gather statistical information about ourselves and we use this (in accordance with state, local and federal guidelines) to update the boundary lines of our voting districts.

In 2011, Richmond City Council will redraw (redistrict) the existing nine Richmond Voter District boundaries that we use to elect our local Richmond Elected Government Officials (which include: Members of Richmond City Council, Mayor of Richmond, Richmond Public Schools Board of Trustees) in response to results of the 2010 U.S. Census. Adjustments to voting precincts and locations may also be made at this time.

Richmond City Council began working on this process in 2010 and New Richmond Voter Districts are to be adopted by December 31, 2011.

As Richmond citizens, we use our Richmond Voter Districts to elect the following positions that are established in the Richmond City Charter:

Richmond City Charter Officials
• A Mayor (who must receive the most votes in at least five of the nine Richmond Voter Districts and who serves a 4-year term)
• Members of Richmond City Council (elected by Richmond Voter District to serve four-year terms)
• Richmond Public Schools Board Trustees (elected by Richmond Voter District to serve four-year terms)

Virginia Constitutional Officers (Elected Government Officials)
Additional local positions we elect persons to include Virginia Constitutional Officers, which serve at the Richmond level but are established by the Virginia Constitution and are independent of local government. These positions are elected in Richmond citywide (not by district) but voting may be affected due to changes to voting precincts and locations, they include:

• A Richmond Sheriff (elected citywide to serve a 4-year term)
• A Virginia Commonwealth’s Attorney of Richmond (elected citywide to serve a 4-year term)
• A Richmond Clerk of the Court (elected citywide to serve an 8-year term)
• A Richmond Treasurer (elected citywide to serve a 4-year term)

National and State Elected Government Officials
Voting for the following national and state positions may also be affected due to changes to Richmond voting precincts and locations (Note: Decennial redistricting of voter districts in which these positions are elected will be performed in 2011 by the Virginia General Assembly:
• A President/Vice President of the United States of America (elected nationally to serve a 4-year term)
• Members of the United States Senate (elected statewide to serve 6-year terms)
• Members of the United States House of Representatives (elected by state districts to serve 2-year terms)
• Members of the Virginia State Senate (elected by state districts to serve 4-year terms)
• Members of the Virginia House of Delegates (elected by state districts to serve 2-year terms)

- E N D -

______________________________________
Steven R. Skinner, APR
Council Public Information Manager
Office of the Chief of Staff
RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL
Richmond City Hall
900 E. Broad Street, Suite 305
Richmond, Virginia 23219
804.646.6052 (office)
804.335.4054 (mobile)
804.937.1386 (home/mobile)
804.646.5468 (fax)
skinnesr@ci.richmond.va.us (email)
www.council.richmondva.gov(website)
______________________________________

MISSION The mission of Richmond City Council
is to represent citizens in creating and amending
local laws, providing government policy and
oversight, and approving the city budget.

VISION Richmond City Council is committed to
creating a vibrant community that is a great place
to live, work, learn, play, visit and raise a family.

Councilwoman Ellen F. Robertson to hold a Special Community Meeting in the Gateway 6th District: Redistricting and a proposed Richmond Noise Ordinance

TODAY – Braving heat: 75 Citizen Soldiers carry out massive clearing of New Cannon Creek Greenway, worth $120,000: Maj. General Daniel E. Long and Cou

RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL

900 E. Broad Street, Suite 200 - Richmond, Virginia 23219 - www.council.richmondva.gov

NEWS ADVISORY - CAMERA OPPORTUNITY- NEWS CONFERENCE
Thursday, 21 July 2011

TODAY – Braving heat: 75 Citizen Soldiers carry out massive clearing of New Cannon Creek Greenway, worth $120,000: Maj. General Daniel E. Long and Councilwoman Ellen F. Robertson to hold Special Walking Tour today

Virginia Army National Guard work on Phase I of new modern biking, hiking, walking trails and park facilities; Protective helmets to be provided onsite

WHAT (Richmond, Virginia U.S.A; July 20, 2011) -- A special walking news tour will be held today to explain the massive work currently being undertaken in Richmond’s Cannon Creek Greenway. The work being performed is valued at $120,000 and is being provided to Richmond citizens at no charge by the Virginia Army National Guard.

This important “walk and talk” event will include:

• Maj. Gen. Daniel E. Long, Jr., Adjutant General of the Virginia Army National Guard, Air National Guard and Virginia Defense Force

• The Honorable Ellen F. Robertson, Councilwoman, Richmond City Council, Gateway 6th District

• Dr. Norman C. Merrifield, Director, Richmond Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities

• Dr. Charles Price, Virginia Chapter of the Sierra Club

This immense project is being accomplished by the Virginia Army National Guard - 180th Horizontal Construction Company, 276th Engineer Battalion, with the assistance of the Richmond Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities and the Richmond Department of Public Works.

From July 17- July 27, 2011, approximately 75 Citizen Soldier Engineers from the Powhatan-based Virginia Army National Guard - 180th Horizontal Construction Company, 276th Engineer Battalion are clearing sizable undergrowth and grading pedestrian and biking trail along Cannon Creek, which runs parallel to the Richmond Henrico Turnpike, as a part of the Cannon Creek Greenway Project. The Petersburg-based Virginia Army National Guard - Forward Support Company of the 276th Engineer Battalion is providing logistical support for the units on site and keeping them fed and fueled.

The use of heavy and light engineer equipment on the site helps provide “real world” training in preparing Soldiers for the Defense Support to Civilian Authorities mission in responding in the aftermath of devastating hurricanes, floods, tornados and ice/snow events.

WHEN NEWS CONFERENCE
Thursday, 21 July 2011
11:00 – 11:30 a.m.

WHERE In Richmond’s Cannon Creek Greenway
Near the (Former) Virginia Army National Guard Armory
500 Dove Street (Intersection of Dove Street and Richmond-Henrico Turnpike)

WHO Maj. Gen. Daniel E. Long, Jr., Adjutant General of the Virginia Army National Guard, Air National Guard and Virginia Defense Force

The Honorable Ellen F. Robertson, Councilwoman, Richmond City Council,
Gateway 6th District

Dr. Norman C. Merrifield, Director
Richmond Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities

Capt. Dave Baber, Commander of the Virginia Army National Guard –
180th Horizontal Construction Company

75 Citizen Soldier Engineers of the Virginia Army National Guard, 180th Horizontal Construction Company, 276th Engineer Battalion

Virginia Army National Guard - Forward Support Company of the 276th Engineer Battalion

Dr. Charles Price, Virginia Chapter of the Sierra Club

Mr. Champe Bumley, Chairman, Mayor of Richmond Pedestrian,
Bicycling and Trails Planning Commission

CONTACT For more information, please contact:

Steve Skinner, Richmond City Council Public Affairs Manager, at 804.9237.1386 (mob) or steven.skinner@richmondgov.com (email)

Mr. Cotton Puryear, Communications Director, Virginia Department of Military Affairs, at 804.539.1451 (mob); or cotton.puryear@us.army.mil (email)

Dr. Charles Price, Virginia Chapter of the Sierra Club, at 804. 229.0075 (mob) or fewmit@comcast.net (email)

The Honorable Ellen F. Robertson, Councilwoman, Richmond City Council,
Gateway 6th District, at 804.314.7658 (mob) 804.646.7964 (home) or ellen.robertson@richmondgov.com (email)

BACKGROUND - Richmond Cannon Creek Greenway project __________________________

This work represents a continuation of Phase I of the Cannon Creek Greenway Project, and is a continuation of ongoing community reclamation and improvement of the 1.9 mile area that comprises the Cannon Creek Greenway, which includes a heavily-wooded ravine located adjacent to a section of the north-south Richmond-Henrico Turnpike between Valley Road on the south and Craigie Avenue, located in the Northside 3 District and Gateway 6th District of Richmond. When all phases are completed, there will be a 1.9 mile, 10 foot wide, asphalt-surfaced nature trail.

Other projects leading up to this work have included two community cleanups, held in 2009 and 2010 to remove unwanted trash and debris, and a clearing of area in 2011 by Virginia Army National Guard, 180th Horizontal Construction Company, 276th Engineer Battalion.

The clearing and cleanups are expected to prepare the Greenway for the construction of a bike/pedestrian trail and family-oriented park facilities. It is envisioned that this project will help to increase the social, economic, and physical revitalization of the Northside and Gateway Districts of Richmond.

The work of the Virginia Army National Guard, 180th Horizontal Construction Company, 276th Engineer Battalion, is critical to the success of this community project.

The Cannon Creek Greenway Project is a community improvement initiative supported by: Councilwoman Ellen F. Robertson, Richmond City Council - Gateway 6th District, Councilman Chris A. Hilbert, Richmond City Council - Northside 3rd District, Richmond Mayor Dwight C. Jones, Richmond Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities, Richmond Department of Public Works) Southern Barton Heights Community Association, Virginia Chapter of the Sierra Club, Richmond Public Schools, Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay, Green Park Civic Association, Highland View Civic Association, Chestnut Hill Action Team, Battery Park Civic Association and Virginia Tech School of Architecture and Design - Landscape Architecture Program.

Planning for the features of the Greenway began in 2008 and have included a series of community meetings and workshops involving neighborhood civic associations, elected Councilmembers, residents of the Highland Park and Barton Heights communities, Richmond Department of Parks and Recreation, Richmond Department of Community Development, Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority (RRHA), and several environmental and recreation organizations.

Beginning in 2009, an annual Richmond Cannon Creek Greenway Community Cleanup has been held to remove unwanted trash and debris from the Richmond Cannon Creek Greenway, which is a 1.4 mile area that includes the heavily-wooded ravine located adjacent to a section of the north-south Richmond-Henrico Turnpike between Valley Road on the south and Craigie Avenue on the north in Northside Richmond. The cleanups cleanup each year (held March 20, 2010 and January 24, 2010) have prepared the area for beginning the transformation of the site into a bike/pedestrian trail and family-oriented park facilities. It is envisioned that this project will help in increasing the social, economic, and physical revitalization of Northside Richmond. In both years, more than 200 volunteers removed tons of trash from the area that, over the years, has been used as an illegal dump site.

A stakeholders’ Planning “Charrette” was conducted in October, 2009 to decide on the features of the reclaimed Cannon Creek Greenway by faculty and students of the Virginia Tech Landscape Architectural Program. The Richmond city government administration has also completed an environmental study of the Greenway site and is currently conducting an engineering study of the area and a study of the proposed
alternative routes of the Greenway’s bike and pedestrian trail are being completed by City of Richmond engineering consultant contractors.

On December 1, 2009, the City of Richmond submitted an “Innovative Readiness Training Request for Military Assistance” through the Virginia Governor’s Office and the Virginia Adjutant General to the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense, Reserve Affairs. As a training function of the Guard Unit, the clearing of undergrowth and construction of the Cannon Creek Greenway’s bike/pedestrian trail and park features by the Virginia Army National Guard, 180th Horizontal Construction Company, 276th Engineer Battalion.

Plans for the Richmond Cannon Creek Greenway’s include serving as a scenic park and recreational area for the 300 unit, mixed income housing revitalization initiative of the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority (RRHA) that will be built nearby. Construction of the RRHA initiative are planned for the near future.

The Cannon Creek Greenway Project may also be linked to the United States of America East Coast Greenway, which is being built in sections from Main to Florida, and to the Virginia Capital Trail, which would link Richmond to Williamsburg and Jamestown.

The sidewalk and street intersections of the Greenway’s bicycle and pedestrian trial will connect the Northside’s business and commercial corridor along E. Brookland Park Boulevard residential neighborhoods, churches, schools, and community centers for ease of access by bicycling or walking. It will also provide an alternative transportation route for bicycle commuting from the residential neighborhoods of Highland Park and Barton Height to the City’s downtown. In addition to its use for family-oriented, recreational activities, the Greenway may also serve as an outdoor environmental laboratory for the science classes of nearby schools.

- E N D -

______________________________________
Steven R. Skinner, APR
Council Public Information Manager
RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL
OFFICE OF THE COUNCIL CHIEF OF STAFF
Richmond City Hall
900 E. Broad Street, Suite 305
Richmond, Virginia 23219
804.646.6052 (office)
804.335.4054 (mobile)
804.937.1386 (home/mobile)
804.646.5468 (fax)
steven.skinner@richmondgov.com (email)
www.council.richmondva.gov(website)
____________________________________________

MISSION The mission of Richmond City Council
is to represent citizens in creating and amending
local laws, providing government policy and
oversight, and approving the city budget.

VISION Richmond City Council is committed to
creating a vibrant community that is a great place
to live, work, learn, play, visit and raise a family.

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Friday, July 22, 2011

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Blog Archive