Richmond City Council

Friday, July 20, 2012

Councilwoman Ellen F. Robertson to hold Highland Park Neighborhood Community Meeting in Gateway 6th District

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, 20 July 2012

Councilwoman Ellen F. Robertson to hold Highland Park Neighborhood Community Meeting in Gateway 6th District

All Highland Park Neighborhood residents invited and encouraged to attend

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

Planned Agenda

• Richmond National Night Out Event (Tuesday, August 7, 2012)

- Youth engagement

- Food

- Activities

- Community Partnerships, etc.

• Announcement of Community Selected Priorities for Richmond Master Plan Projects - Budgeted at $325,000

- Outdoor Theatre

- Exercise Trial - Fitness Stations

- Basketball Court Refitting

- and more…

• Community Issue Reports

- Safety

- Workforce Development

- Engaging our Youth

- Communication - i.e. Newsletter, etc.

WHEN Thursday, July 26, 2012

5:00-7:00 p.m.

WHERE Richmond Department of Parks Recreation and Community Facilities

Ann Hardy Plaza Community Center

3300 First Avenue

Richmond, Virginia 23231

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

CONTACT For more information, please contact Cybelle O’Sullivan-McDaniels, Richmond

City Council, Gateway 6th Voter District, at 804.646.7964 (office) or cybelle.o’sullivan@richmondgov.com; www.ellenrobertson.com (website)

- 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.

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

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, 20 July 2012

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

Entire Richmond Northside 3rd District invited and encouraged to attend

WHAT The Honorable Chris A. Hilbert, Councilman, Richmond City Council Northside 3rd Voter District, will hold a meeting in the Northside 3rd Voter District. Councilman Hilbert holds individual meetings in Richmond's Northside 3rd Voter District throughout the year that include information on his goals and accomplishments; a topical agenda; and, special guests. These meetings are free and all Richmond Northside 3rd Voter District citizens are invited and encouraged to attend.

The planned agenda topics for this meeting include the following:

AGENDA

• Richmond Northside District - Public Safety Report

Report to include Crime Status and Statistics

Richmond Police Department - 4th Police Precinct Team

• Richmond Hurricane Preparedness

Mr. Anthony McLean, Coordinator

Richmond Department of Fire and Emergency Services

Office of Emergency Management,

WHEN Wednesday, July 25, 2012; 6:00-8:00 p.m.

WHERE Richmond Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities

Pine Camp Recreation Center - Room 117

4901 Old Brook Road, Richmond, Virginia 23227

WHO The Honorable Chris A. Hilbert, Councilman, Richmond City Council, Northside 3rd Voter District

CONTACT For more information, please contact Councilman Chris A. Hilbert, at 804.646.6055 or chris.hilbert@richmondgov.com.

- 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.

Thursday, July 19, 2012

Services Subcommittee of Richmond City Council GRTC and Transit Study Task Force to hold meeting: CARE Van System to be discussed

Richmond City Council GRTC and Transit Study Task Force Macro Subcommittee to hold meeting

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Councilwoman Ellen F. Robertson invites all former RRHA Dove Court residents to Community meeting tomorrow

Richmond City Council Finance and Economic Development Standing Committee discussion on Proposed Ordinances that would exempt a number of Richmond real estate properties from taxation being continued to September

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

Wednesday, 18 July 2012

Richmond City Council Finance and Economic Development Standing Committee discussion on Proposed Ordinances that would exempt a number of Richmond real estate properties from taxation being continued to September

(Richmond, Virginia U.S.A.) - - Proposed Richmond City Council Ordinances that would exempt a number of Richmond real estate properties from taxation, that were scheduled to be heard by the Richmond City Council Finance and Economic Standing Committee Tomorrow (July 19, 2012), will be continued to the September meeting of that standing committee. Individuals and organizations interested in this proposed legislation are invited to attend the September meeting.

The proposed Richmond City Council Ordinances can accessed on the Richmond City Council website from the following link: http://eservices.ci.richmond.va.us/applications/clerkstracking/index.asp

The proposed Richmond City Council Ordinances include the following:

1 . Ord. No. 2012-112 (Patron: Mr. Jewell, By Request) - To exempt 1301 Blakemore Road from real property taxation for the tax year beginning Jan. 1, 2012, and all subsequent tax years contingent upon the continued use of the property by James River Apartments, a nonprofit organization, in accordance with the benevolent purpose of providing housing and supportive services for residents of the Richmond area with disabilities.

2 . Ord. No. 2012-113 (Patron: Mr. Jewell, By Request) - To exempt 48 West Pilkington Street from real property taxation for the tax year beginning Jan. 1, 2012, and all subsequent tax years contingent upon the continued use of the property by Good Samaritan Ministries, Ltd., a nonprofit organization, in accordance with the religious, charitable and benevolent purposes of providing housing, substance abuse treatment and life skills training for residents of the Richmond area suffering from drug and alcohol addiction.

3 . Ord. No. 2012-114 (Patron: Mr. Jewell, By Request) - To exempt 2307 Hull Street Road from real property taxation for the tax year beginning Jan. 1, 2012, and all subsequent tax years contingent upon the continued use of the property by Good Samaritan Ministries, Ltd., a nonprofit organization, in accordance with the religious, charitable and benevolent purposes of providing housing, substance abuse treatment and life management training for residents of the Richmond area suffering from drug and alcohol addiction.

4 . Ord. No. 2012-115 (Patron: Mr. Jewell, By Request) - To exempt 1203 Giles Avenue from real property taxation for the tax year beginning Jan. 1, 2012, and all subsequent tax years contingent upon the continued use of the property by Boaz and Ruth, Inc., a nonprofit organization, in accordance with the charitable purpose of providing low income housing for residents of the Richmond area.

5 . Ord. No. 2012-116 (Patron: Mr. Jewell, By Request) - To exempt 1207 Giles Avenue from real property taxation for the tax year beginning Jan. 1, 2012, and all subsequent tax years contingent upon the continued use of the property by Boaz and Ruth, Inc., a nonprofit organization, in accordance with the charitable purpose of providing low income housing for residents of the Richmond area.

6 . Ord. No. 2012-117 (Patron: Mr. Jewell, By Request) - To exempt 1211 Giles Avenue from real property taxation for the tax year beginning Jan. 1, 2012, and all subsequent tax years contingent upon the continued use of the property by Boaz and Ruth, Inc., a nonprofit organization, in accordance with the charitable purpose of providing low income housing for residents of the Richmond area.

7 . Ord. No. 2012-118 (Patron: Mr. Jewell, By Request) - To exempt 1212 Highland View Avenue from real property taxation for the tax year beginning Jan. 1, 2012, and all subsequent tax years contingent upon the continued use of the property by Boaz and Ruth, Inc., a nonprofit organization, in accordance with the charitable purpose of providing low income housing for residents of the Richmond area.

8 . Ord. No. 2012-119 (Patron: Mr. Jewell, By Request) - To exempt 1213 Giles Avenue from real property taxation for the tax year beginning Jan. 1, 2012, and all subsequent tax years contingent upon the continued use of the property by Boaz and Ruth, Inc., a nonprofit organization, in accordance with the charitable purpose of providing low income housing for residents of the Richmond area.

9 . Ord. No. 2012-120 (Patron: Mr. Jewell, By Request) - To exempt 1517 Jefferson Davis Highway from real property taxation for the tax year beginning Jan. 1, 2012, and all subsequent tax years contingent upon the continued use of the property by James River Apartments, a nonprofit organization, in accordance with the benevolent purpose of providing housing and supportive services for residents of the Richmond area with disabilities.

10 . Ord. No. 2012-121 (Patron: Mr. Jewell, By Request) - To exempt 201 North Hamilton Street from real property taxation for the tax year beginning Jan. 1, 2012, and all subsequent tax years contingent upon the continued use of the property by Virginia League for Planned Parenthood, Inc., a nonprofit organization, in accordance with the charitable purpose of providing low-cost, high-quality health care and health education to women in the Richmond area.

11 . Ord. No. 2012-122 (Patron: Mr. Jewell, By Request) - To exempt 2023 West Cary Street from real property taxation for the tax year beginning Jan. 1, 2012, and all subsequent tax years contingent upon the continued use of the property by Cary Street dFind, LLC, a nonprofit organization, in accordance with the benevolent purpose of providing housing and supportive services to formerly homeless families in the Richmond area.

1 2 . Ord. No. 2012-123 (Patron: Mr. Jewell, By Request) - To exempt 2123 West Cary Street from real property taxation for the tax year beginning Jan. 1, 2012, and all subsequent tax years contingent upon the continued use of the property by Cary Street dFind, LLC, a nonprofit organization, in accordance with the benevolent purpose of providing housing and supportive services to formerly homeless families in the Richmond area.

1 3 . Ord. No. 2012-124 (Patron: Mr. Jewell, By Request) - To exempt 2320 Broad Rock Boulevard from real property taxation for the tax year beginning Jan. 1, 2012, and all subsequent tax years contingent upon the continued use of the property by New Life for Youth, Inc., a nonprofit organization, in accordance with the religious purpose of providing housing, substance abuse treatment and life skills training for residents of the Richmond area suffering from drug and alcohol addiction.

1 4 . Ord. No. 2012-125 (Patron: Mr. Jewell, By Request) - To exempt 2504 3rd Avenue from real property taxation for the tax year beginning Jan. 1, 2012, and all subsequent tax years contingent upon the continued use of the property by Chestnut Hill Apartments, LLC, a nonprofit organization, in accordance with the benevolent purpose of providing housing and supportive services for homeless families in the Richmond area.

1 5 . Ord. No. 2012-126 (Patron: Mr. Jewell, By Request) - To exempt 2908 West Cary Street from real property taxation for the tax year beginning Jan. 1, 2012, and all subsequent tax years contingent upon the continued use of the property by The Byrd Theatre Foundation, a nonprofit organization, in accordance with the historical purposes of preserving the Byrd Theater as a state and national historic landmark and promoting the continued operation of the Byrd Theater as a historic treasure for the citizens of the City of Richmond.

16 . Ord. No. 2012-127 (Patron: Mr. Jewell, By Request) - To exempt 2915 Broad Rock Boulevard from real property taxation for the tax year beginning Jan. 1, 2012, and all subsequent tax years contingent upon the continued use of the property by New Life for Youth, Inc., a nonprofit organization, in accordance with the religious purpose of providing housing, substance abuse treatment and life skills training for residents of the Richmond area suffering from drug and alcohol addiction.

17 . Ord. No. 2012-128 (Patron: Mr. Jewell, By Request) - To exempt 2925 Cherokee Road from real property taxation for the tax year beginning Jan. 1, 2012, and all subsequent tax years contingent upon the continued use of the property by Cherokee Hill of Richmond, Inc., a nonprofit organization, in accordance with the benevolent purpose of providing housing and supportive services to residents of the Richmond area with HIV or AIDS or residents of the Richmond area recovering from substance abuse problems.

18 . Ord. No. 2012-129 (Patron: Mr. Jewell, By Request) - To exempt 3005 1st Avenue from real property taxation for the tax year beginning Jan. 1, 2012, and all subsequent tax years contingent upon the continued use of the property by Boaz and Ruth, Inc., a nonprofit organization, in accordance with the charitable purpose of providing low income housing for residents of the Richmond area.

19 . Ord. No. 2012-130 (Patron: Mr. Jewell, By Request) - To exempt 3007 1st Avenue from real property taxation for the tax year beginning Jan. 1, 2012, and all subsequent tax years contingent upon the continued use of the property by Boaz and Ruth, Inc., a nonprofit organization, in accordance with the charitable purpose of providing low income housing for residents of the Richmond area.

20 . Ord. No. 2012-131 (Patron: Mr. Jewell, By Request) - To exempt 3019 1st Avenue from real property taxation for the tax year beginning Jan. 1, 2012, and all subsequent tax years contingent upon the continued use of the property by Boaz and Ruth, Inc., a nonprofit organization, in accordance with the charitable purpose of providing low income housing for residents of the Richmond area.

21 . Ord. No. 2012-132 (Patron: Mr. Jewell, By Request) - To exempt 3030 Meadowbridge Road from real property taxation for the tax year beginning Jan. 1, 2012, and all subsequent tax years contingent upon the continued use of the property by Boaz and Ruth, Inc., a nonprofit organization, in accordance with the charitable purpose of providing job training programs for residents of the Richmond area.

22 . Ord. No. 2012-133 (Patron: Mr. Jewell, By Request) - To exempt 4909 Chamberlayne Avenue from real property taxation for the tax year beginning Jan. 1, 2012, and all subsequent tax years contingent upon the continued use of the property by FIND, Inc., a nonprofit organization, in accordance with the benevolent purpose of providing housing and supportive services for homeless disabled veterans in the Richmond area.

23 . Ord. No. 2012-134 (Patron: Mr. Jewell, By Request) - To exempt 5748 Orcutt Lane from real property taxation for the tax year beginning Jan. 1, 2012, and all subsequent tax years contingent upon the continued use of the property by New Life for Youth, Inc., a nonprofit organization, in accordance with the religious purpose of providing for the residence of a minister of New Life for Youth, Inc.

24 . Ord. No. 2012-135 (Patron: Mr. Jewell, By Request) - To exempt 5754 Orcutt Lane from real property taxation for the tax year beginning Jan. 1, 2012, and all subsequent tax years contingent upon the continued use of the property by New Life for Youth, Inc., a nonprofit organization, in accordance with the religious purpose of providing for the residence of a minister of New Life for Youth, Inc.

25 . Ord. No. 2012-136 (Patron: Mr. Jewell, By Request) - To exempt 6117 Bliley Road from real property taxation for the tax year beginning Jan. 1, 2012, and all subsequent tax years contingent upon the continued use of the property by Bliley Manor, Inc., a nonprofit organization, in accordance with the benevolent purpose of providing housing and supportive services to residents of the Richmond area with traumatic brain injuries and other disabilities.

26 . Ord. No. 2012-137 (Patron: Mr. Jewell, By Request) - To exempt 929 North 26th Street from real property taxation for the tax year beginning Jan. 1, 2012, and all subsequent tax years contingent upon the continued use of the property by Friends East End Day Care, LLC, a nonprofit organization, in accordance with the charitable purpose of providing developmental childcare and instructional and other social services to at-risk children from low and moderate income families in the Richmond area.

27. Ord. No. 2012-138 (Patron: Mr. Jewell, By Request) - To exempt certain personal property from personal property taxation for the tax year beginning Jan. 1, 2012, and all subsequent tax years contingent upon the continued use of the property by Virginia League for Planned Parenthood, Inc., a nonprofit organization, in accordance with the charitable purpose of providing low-cost, high-quality health care and health education to women in the Richmond area.

CONTACT For more information, please contact The Honorable Ellen F. Robertson, Chairman, Richmond City Council Finance and Economic Standing Committee; Councilwoman, Richmond City Council, Gateway 6th District, at 804.646.7964 (office) or ellen.robertson@richmondgov.com (email); www.ellenrobertson.com (website)

- 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.

Monday, July 16, 2012

Councilwoman Ellen Robertson and Virginia Army National to hold news conference regarding massive 2-week work being done in July on the Richmond Cannon Creek Greenway Bicycle and Pedestrian Trail

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

Camera Opportunity

Monday, 16 July 2012

Councilwoman Ellen Robertson and Virginia Army National to hold news conference regarding massive 2-week work being done in July on the Richmond Cannon Creek Greenway Bicycle and Pedestrian Trail

Entire Richmond Community invited and encouraged to attend

WHAT (Richmond, Virginia U.S.A.) -- The Honorable Ellen F. Robertson, Councilwoman, Richmond City Council, Gateway 6th Voter District and the Virginia Army National Guard will hold a news conference regarding the massive 2-weeks of work being done in July on the Richmond Cannon Creek Greenway Bicycle and Pedestrian Trail.

This immense project is being accomplished by the Virginia Army National Guard, with the assistance of the Richmond Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities and the Richmond Department of Public Works.

From July 15-27, 2012, approximately 40 citizen-Soldier engineers from the Virginia Army National Guard's Gate City-based 1033rd Engineer Support Company, 276th Engineer Battalion, 91st Troop Command will be clearing sizable undergrowth and grading pedestrian and biking trail along Cannon Creek, which runs parallel to the Richmond-Henrico Turnpike. The Virginia Army National Guard Petersburg-based Forward Support Company, 276th Engineer Battalion is providing logistical support for the units on site and keeping them fed and fueled. Additional Soldiers and equipment from the Virginia Army National Guard Bowling Green-based 189th Engineer Company will also take part in the mission.

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

Wednesday, 18 July 2012

10:00-10:30 a.m.

WHERE Richmond Cannon Creek Greenway Bicycle and Pedestrian Trail

Near the (former) Virginia Army National Guard Armory

500 Dove Street (Intersection of Dove Street and Richmond-Henrico Turnpike)

WHO This important event will include:

• Col. Walt Mercer, Commander, Virginia Army National Guard 91st Troop Command

• Citizen Soldiers from the Virginia Army National Guard

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

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

CONTACT For more information, please contact:

Steve Skinner, Richmond City Council Public Information Manager, at 804.646.6052 (tel) 804.937.1386 (mobile) or steven.skinner@richmondgov.com (email)

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

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

The Honorable Ellen F. Robertson, Councilwoman, Richmond City Council,

Gateway 6th District, at 804.314.7658 (tel) 804.646.7964 (home) or ellen.robertson@richmondgov.com (email)

BACKGROUND __________________________________________________________________________

Richmond Cannon Creek Greenway Bicycle and Pedestrian Trail Project

The Richmond Cannon Creek Greenway Bicycle and Pedestrian Trail Project is an ongoing community improvement and reclamation initiative for 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 Gateway 6th District and Northside 3 District of Richmond.

The goal of the project is to establish a nature, bike and pedestrian trail that includes family-oriented park facilities and a 1.9 mile, 10 foot wide, asphalt-surfaced path. It is envisioned that this project will help to increase the social, economic, and physical revitalization of the Northside and Gateway Voter Districts of Richmond. 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 is planned for the near future.

The sidewalk and street intersections of the Greenway’s bicycle and pedestrian trial will connect the business and commercial corridor along E. Brookland Park Boulevard residential neighborhoods, 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.

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.

Other projects leading up to this work have included two community cleanups, held in 2009 and 2010 to remove unwanted trash and debris and clearing the site of underbrush in 2010 and 2011 by 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. The work of the Virginia Army National Guard, 180th Horizontal Construction Company, 276th Engineer Battalion, has been critical to the success of this community project. The work performed by the Virginia Army National Guard in 2011 is valued at more than $275,000 and was provided to Richmond at no charge.

The Richmond Cannon Creek Greenway Bicycle and Pedestrian Trail Project is supported by The Honorable Ellen F. Robertson, Councilwoman, Richmond City Council Gateway 6th District, The Honorable Christopher A. Hilbert, Councilman, Richmond City Council Northside 3rd District, Richmond Department of Public Works, Richmond Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities, Virginia Army National Guard, Southern Barton Heights Community Association, Virginia Chapter 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 the Virginia Tech School of Architecture and Design - Landscape Architecture Program.

TIMELINE ________________________________________________________________________________

The following is a summarized Progress Timeline:

2012 May 5, 2012

Richmond Cannon Creek Greenway Bicycle and Pedestrian Trail First Phase Ribbon Cutting Ceremony & Community Bike Ride held: Marked the Official opening of a .4 mile stretch of the 1.9 mile planned project

A Richmond Cannon Creek Greenway Bicycle and Pedestrian Trail First Phase Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and Community Bike Ride was held to officially mark a significant milestone and achievement of the ongoing community improvement and reclamation initiative for the 1.9 mile area that comprises the Cannon Creek Greenway.

The Richmond Cannon Creek Greenway Bicycle and Pedestrian Trail First Phase Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and Community Bike Ride commemorated the official opening of a .4 mile stretch (Dove Street to Valley Road) of the 1.9 mile planned project. A community bike ride was held immediately following the ribbon cutting.

2011 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, with the assistance of the Richmond Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities and the Richmond Department of Public Works, cleared sizable undergrowth and grading the land for a pedestrian and biking trail along Cannon Creek. The Petersburg-based Virginia Army National Guard - Forward Support Company of the 276th Engineer Battalion provided logistical support for the units on site to keep them fed and fueled. The work performed was valued at more than $275,000 and was provided to Richmond citizens at no charge. 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.

July 26, 2011

The Honorable Ellen F. Robertson, Councilwoman, Richmond City Council, Gateway 6th District and the community surrounding the Cannon Creek Greenway held a thank you dinner and celebration for Virginia Army National Guard - 180th Horizontal Construction Company, 276th Engineer Battalion. The celebration dinner was sponsored and hosted by the community in appreciation of their outstanding work and included a community tour of the site. The work performed was valued at more than $275,000 and was provided to Richmond citizens at no charge.

2010 Saturday, March 20, 2010

Richmond Cannon Creek Greenway Community Cleanup was held to remove unwanted trash and debris from the Richmond Cannon Creek Greenway. The cleanup included an estimated 100 community volunteers.

July 22 - July 27, 2010

The First Phase of the Project was begun to clear undergrowth in the Cannon Creek Greenway. This included approximately 25 Citizen Soldier Engineers from the Powhatan-based Virginia Army National Guard - 180th Horizontal Construction Company, 276th Engineer Battalion and the assistance of the Richmond Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities and the Richmond Department of Public Works. This project included the clearing of sizable undergrowth and grading the land for a walking and biking trail. The Petersburg-based Virginia Army National Guard - Forward Support Company of the 276th Engineer Battalion provided logistical support for the units on site to keep them fed and fueled. The work performed was valued at more than $20,000 and was provided to Richmond at no charge. The use of heavy and light engineering 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.

2009 Saturday, January 24, 2009,

A Richmond Cannon Creek Greenway Community Cleanup was established to remove unwanted trash and debris from the Richmond Cannon Creek Greenway. The cleanups have been extremely successful in helping transform the area, which, over the years, had been used as an illegal dump site. The cleanup included more than 200 volunteers who cleaned up 20 tons of trash, which included 400 tires.

October, 2009

A stakeholders’ Planning “Charrette” was conducted to decide on the features of the reclaimed Cannon Creek Greenway by faculty and students of the Virginia Tech Landscape Architectural Program. The Richmond Government Administration also completed an environmental study of the Greenway site began conducting an engineering study of the area and hired an engineering consultant contractor to study of the proposed alternative routes of the Greenway’s bike and pedestrian trail.

December 1, 2009

Richmond submitted an “Innovative Readiness Training Request for Military Assistance Application to the Virginia Office of the Office and the Virginia Adjutant General to the Virginia Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense, Reserve Affairs. The request was for them to establish, as a training function of the Virginia National Guard, the clearing of undergrowth and construction of the Cannon Creek Greenway’s bike/pedestrian trail and park by the Virginia Army National Guard, 180th Horizontal Construction Company, 276th Engineer Battalion.

2008 Planning for the features of the Greenway began in 2008 and has 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.

Dove Street Redevelopment ______________________________________________________________

Once the location of Dove Court, a public housing complex, operated by the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority (RRHA), plans for the area include building new mixed-income rental and for-sale housing on the former Dove Court site and the site of the former Carrington Gardens-Northridge Apartments. It will also include redevelopment of a former Virginia Army National Guard Armory building located there and the creation of for-sale housing.

- 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.

Friday, July 20, 2012

Thursday, July 19, 2012

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Monday, July 16, 2012

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