From NBC12 via CHPN (which I will lazily quote):

City Council is considering offering a hefty tax break on the real estate taxes for new constructing in certain areas with a high number of empty lots, “including North Church Hill, Carver, and Highland Park”. With around 1500 vacant lots in the city, the possible 100% exemption on real estate tax for 5 years could be expected to lead to 200 new homes per year.

Dang, that’d be nice.

Here is an interesting letter (PDF) from State Highway Safety Engineer Michael B. Sawyer to the Director of Public Works, Dexter White. The letter — dated June 18, 2009 — addresses some of the concerns the neighborhood and Councilman Hilbert have raised. Here are some juicy quotes:

Over the past 15 years, we [VDOT & the Virginia's Highway Safety Improvement Program (HISP)] have formed a valued partnership with the City of Richmond through a cooperation and mutual trust that has resulted in nearly $20 Million dollars of safety improvements throughout the City of Richmond. The results are astounding; through your engineers’ expertise, there are approximately 1,500 fewer deaths and injuries on the streets of the City of Richmond.

Per the HISP agreement dated 6/9/2008 between the Department [VDOT] and the City of Richmond, the only safety improvement which has been granted is to construct a roundabout … If another solution is selected, any expenses to date would not be covered by the FHWA [Federal Highway Administration]and the agreement would be void.

In 2003, House Join Resolution 594 was adopted to encourage the use of roundabouts in Virginia. Since July 2008, when VDOT revised the Road Design Manual for Virginia, roundabouts are Virginia’s preferred intersection design.

This particular safety project is behind schedule. As one of the top five worst intersections in the City, we rely on your staff to complete this safety improvement such that the citizens can experience the project’s benefits of reduced injury and potential for death from motor vehicle crashes … We strongly urge your timely construction of this project as it is in the citizens’ best interests from a safety and mobility perspective.

One of the factors that we consider in selecting and funding grant applications is the [sic] evaluating the leadership advocacy of the jurisdiction to support the safety countermeasure. The current project delay mention in #3 speaks to this issue. By terminating this agreement, future HISP funded projects may be in jeopardy as the City would not be as in strong standing as previous years with this blemish on the City’s HISP performance record.

All emphasis mine.

Again you can download the letter here (PDF) and read it in its entirety.

Two roundabout related bits for today.

Proposed traffic circle at Westminster and Seminary

DPW has proposed putting in a traffic circle at the intersection of Westminster and Seminary — to manage speeds at this intersection. Residents in the area would prefer a four way stop. Here are some of their thoughts:

I think the traffic circle is overkill and don’t think it’s worth
the cost. I still think if there is a 4-way stop that will reduce the
number of people cutting through the neighborhood, as those seem to be
the greatest speed offenders.

…no strong opinions on this subject and will go with the flow.
I support the traffic circle if the problem of cars parked on the
corners do not cause a headache for large traffic and those
living/parking there.

I assume that DPW is talking more about these temporary traffic circles seen in Church Hill and less about the proposed roundabout at Hermitage and Laburnum.

Traffic Stats from Laburnum and Hermitage

Here are some RPD provided traffic stats from the intersection of Laburnum and Hermitage. These are accidents/fatalities “in the intersection.” Something is considered “in the intersection” if it occurs 1 – 150 feet away from the intersection.

• 2006 — 17 / ?
• 2007 — 19 / 1
• 2008 — 15 / 0
• 2009 — ? / 0

I have a number to call for some more detailed statistics, when I get a second!

Richmond Police need the public’s help in finding a man who robbed the Market Place on East Brookland Park Boulevard this morning.

At approximately 7:42 a.m. today, a man walked into the Market Place at 101 E. Brookland Park Blvd. and robbed the clerks at gunpoint.

He is described as a black male, 5’5” feet tall, 120-140 pounds, short hair and slight facial hair. He was last seen wearing a black t-shirt with a white t-shirt underneath, blue jeans and white sneakers.

Anyone with any information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 780-1000.

From Style a great article on the new “Reward Good Behavior” policy going on at Overby-Sheppard Elementary.

One choice in particular, Stokes says, has been paying big dividends at her Overby-Sheppard Elementary School: a new behavior-rewards program introduced two years ago that eschews the city school system’s zero-tolerance disciplinary policy. The program, which establishes a reward system for good behavior to stave off discipline problems before they start, is still in its early stages, but the results are promising.

…

To the casual observer, the new policy looks more like a game than a disciplinary tool. Teachers, administrators and school staff wear pouches around their necks filled with colored slips of paper. The Soar Bucks — akin to Monopoly money — provide the basis for a system that relies on good old-fashioned child psychology.

Want a bad-behaving child to change? Reward the well-behaving child next to him, the theory goes, showering that child in praise and fake money that can then be used to buy real rewards like toys or tickets to attend fun school functions.

The school had a total of 74 suspensions last year.

From the RTD:

Two women were arrested after a fight in North Richmond left one with injuries from a frying pan and another with a small stab wound from a steak knife.

I think that about says it all.

Update #2

A astute reader points out:

However, if you look at the AM and PM peaks, you have 255 illegal left turns in the AM and 252 in the PM, when left turns are not allowed.

Look at the PM numbers. Almost all are left, northbound on Hermitage from people getting off I-64.

Doesn’t change the ratio of overall traffic, but that means almost 10% or AM and PM traffic is driving illegally and that’s why you have so many accidents. You put in a roundabout and the illegal left turns disappear.

It is a safety issue that no rumble strip or raised crosswalk will solve.

Does anyone actually know when which turns are illegal?

Update

One of the worries about the proposed roundabout is the uneven traffic flow between Laburnum/Hermitage. DPW cites the numbers as 55/45 and Hilbert sites them as 66/33. Here is the PDF with the actual numbers (PDF) if you want to take a look at it yourself. It supports Hilbert’s worry:

AM peak traffic

• Laburnum: 1883, Hermitage: 978, ratio: 66/34

Noon peak traffic

• Laburnum: 1019, Hermitage: 655, ratio: 61/39

PM peak traffic

• Laburnum: 2035, Hermitage: 1012, ratio: 67/33

Average

• Laburnum: 1645, Hermitage: 881, ratio: 65/35

Original

This was posted as a comment on the previous post and sent to NRN from Hilbert’s council liason:

Subject: ROUNDABOUT-Please post to the community web groups

Third District residents and fellow Northsiders,

Passions are indeed running extremely high on this roundabout issue. But I would ask that we step back a moment and see how we arrived at this point. Ask yourself, why would I take on an issue which quite frankly, I could have taken a pass. The Planning Commission had approved the roundabout. It is interesting to note that the lone no vote was cast by the Planning Commission member who lived closest to this intersection (a 3rd district resident) ! The Planning Commission had the final say unless council intervened. I took the extraordinary move of introducing an ordinance to prohibit this roundabout, because, I have this crazy notion that the residents of our district who had legitimate questions deserved answers from the government to which they pay their hard-earned tax dollar. I could have taken the easy route, but I stood up and demanded answers. The answers, as you will see below, were unsatisfactory. Others have said that we should give this roundabout a chance, we can always undo it. I think we can do better: why not get it right the first time ?

Some folks are complaining about the $70,000 already spent which may not be reimbursed by the state. Is their argument that we should spend $300,000 of the states’ money on a flawed plan to save the city $70,000 ?. I think that we are all state taxpayers as well, aren’t we ? The number was $50,000 last year. The Acting CAO asked me why city personnel would continue to spend money on a project that was pending before council. I think that is an excellent question !

Please allow me to state the issues that I have with the proposed roundabout:

1) All examples of roundabouts presented to the community had significant traffic calming before the intersections. My requests to have this issue addressed were rebuffed, with statements that VDOT would not allow such measures. Then when DPW personnel got in front of the Land Use committee of council, they changed their story. Subsequently they changed it back. Avon, CO, cited in the community presentations, instituted traffic calming measures such as blinking lights and raised sidewalks, features that our traffic engineering department say VDOT will not approve. Further, bicyclists in Avon are advised for their own safety to use the sidewalk when coming through the intersection. Finally, the speed limit at the Avon, CO roundabouts is 15 MPH. Our intersection has a 35 MPH speed limit.

2) The complete lack of an education plan. There is essentially NO plan to educate the public on how to navigate a roundabout. After a dual lane roundabout was installed in Avon, IN, (different from the Colorado city cited above) the traffic accidents were up to 4 a month ! To give some perspective, the Hermitage/Laburnum intersection has 19 accidents per year. Admittedly, these accidents were not serious injury causing accidents, but I think you get my point. Avon, IN has experienced so many accidents/violations at their two lane roundabout that it has started imposing fines of $170 ! Education of the public should not be an afterthought.

3) All studies cited about this roundabout design were based either: a)
designs from Australia b) 9 years old or c) located in Avon, CO. There were NO official traffic studies done on this intersection and the roundabout was the only alternative considered.

4) According to their own estimates, DPW admits that the people in the 1600 block of Laburnum Ave. will have approximately 10 seconds to back out of their driveway during rush hour due to the removal of traffic lights. These houses do not have alleys. I suppose that they could park on the street but given the 10 second window, are they to get into their vehicle via the passenger side ? I don’t accept this as adequate and suspect that no one who faced a similar situation would think it satisfactory.

5) Roundabouts work best when the traffic flow is somewhat even and the Laburnum/Hermitage flow is 55/45 respectively, was the information given at the public presentations. However when given the actual traffic count, I found it was actually 67 to 33 (or 2 to 1–no where near even).

6) No answers were forthcoming regarding the possibility of large trucks to remain in their lane and possibly “crowding out” other vehicles inside the roundabout.

7) Numerous times the Dept of Public Works wrote or said that the city would lose this grant from the state if it weren’t used within a certain time frame. They have now admitted to Acting CAO Chris Beschler that this was untrue.

8) While I would love to leave traffic matters to the “experts,” as you can see from the above, it is difficult to rely upon the information that was given to the community when a little research has shown their information to be, at best, misleading.

Mr. Beschler has offered to host a meeting with VDOT and city personnel to explore alternatives to a roundabout. Mr. Beschler is someone who is very objective. His willingness to seek alternatives to the proposed roundabout would seem to add credibility to my concerns.

Believe me, no one wants this to be resolved more than me. But this isn’t about me. It’s about you and what we should expect from our government. I think that we got less than we deserved: a thorough analysis of how we could make this intersection safer at a reasonable cost.

Chris Hilbert

A free and open meeting with Councilman Hilbert tonight at 6pm at the Richmond Police Department Training Academy located on 1202 W. Graham Road.

The agenda is:

• New Richmond Stormwater Management Utility Program. Presented by the Richmond Department of Public Utilities
• Richmond Police Department – Crime Report presented by Capt. Jimmy Horn, Lt. Tovar, team – Richmond Police Dept.

This would be a great time to talk about the rise in auto thefts and any other interesting topics.

A number of John Marshall High School alumni gathered on a recent Saturday to launch the “JM Football Field Self Help Revitalization Project.” The effort, spearheaded by 1988 graduate Mark Lomax, is just part of an overall campaign to increase student pride and alumni support of the North Richmond school. According to Lomax, the city’s Department of Parks and Recreation donated grass seed and water hoses. Corporate sponsors included Lee’s Chicken and Home Depot.

Update 4

I hear that the paper has been continued until July 27th. However, I don’t have “official” confirmation.

Update 3

I just got off the phone with the office of the City Clerk. She said that the paper MAY be continued and not talked about tonight. But she could not say for sure either way.

Update 2

Here’s a presentation from Thomas E. Flynn of the DPW (PDF) on the roundabout. Some takeaways:

• Total cost for the city: $600
• In 2008 the intersection had the 5th highest number of crashes (out of 6000 intersections)
• Could jeopardize future grants if not constructed

Update

Here are Councilman Hilbert’s comments from a recent committee meeting regarding public support (or lack of ) for the proposed roundabout:

• Councilman Hilbert on the Northside Roundabout (MP3)

In case you don’t have speakers here’s the money quote:

I have to say that most of the people that are educated informed [transcription typo, apologies -- Ed] about this are against it. That is clear. Certainly there are folks here today and others who have looked at it they’re are for it, but the vast majority of people that are the most well informed on this are against it.

Original

From the council agenda for tonight’s meeting:

Ord. No. 2008-189 (Patron: Mr. Hilbert) – To prohibit the installation of a roundabout at the intersection of Hermitage Road and Laburnum Avenue.

The proposal to prohibit the roundabout was introduced in July of 2008 by Councilman Hilbert and will be voted on tonight — eleven months later. Councilman Hilbert has consistently been against constructing the roundabout saying “the community is not accepting of this proposal.”

Some things to keep in mind:

• According to the Department of Public Works the total cost to the City for this project will be $600. Yes, six hundred dollars. The rest is funded by VDOT saftey grants.
• The City of Richmond began work on this in 2006. To date the City has spent $75,000 on the VDOT approved plans for this roundabout. This money will be reimbursed unless the project is prohibited.
• If the roundabout is not constructed the City could “risk losing any future monies for any other safety projects in the future anywhere in the City.” According to DPW the City currently receives $3M from VDOT for safety projects like this roundabout.

If you support the installation of the roundabout tonight would be a good time to go and show your support at the council meeting.

Resources

• You can also read Hilbert’s comments to North Richmond News from July 30, 2008.
• A USDOT report on the saftey of roundabouts (PDF)
• A DPW brochure explaining roundabouts (PDF)
• A DPW presentation on the benefits of the proposed roundabout (PDF)
• Other NRN posts about roundabouts

Here’s a couple of headlines from this weekend:

Murder suspect cleared

A charge of conspiracy to commit murder was dismissed today against Rodney L. Wright Jr., and Richmond prosecutors said an investigation has cleared him.

Read more from the RTD »

Virginia Union lands 1.3M$ for scholarships

The Richmond Community Hospital Foundation is donating $1.3 million to Virginia Union University to be used for a scholarship and internship program.

Read more from the RTD »

Spotlight on Axselle Auto Service

Jonathan Axselle works for his dad, David Axselle, at Axselle Auto Service in the Lakeside area of Henrico County near Bryan Park. The full-service shop was started by David’s late father, Ed, in 1951.

“Dad is an honest man,” said Jonathan, 21. “He would do anything he could for you.”

Read more from the RTD »

Discussions continue on exploring and engaging with Henderson Middle School–learning its strengths and challenges and how our neighborhoods can make a difference and help establish the school as one of choice for our residents. Towards that end, a special meeting has been scheduled for next Monday, June 22 at 5:30 at Henderson. At this meeting, Ms. Turner, Henderson’s principal, and others on her staff will address a number of inquiries raised about the school and its efforts/progress.

This meeting is a terrific opportunity for you to learn more about Henderson and the educational experience it offers. I encourage you to join us, whether you have a school age child (regardless of grade) or not. Based on Richmond Public School policies implemented this year and in line with attendance trends throughout the City, the progress of Henderson will become more and more relevant to our neighborhoods.

If you have any questions about this meeting or efforts related to Henderson, please let me know. Otherwise, I hope to see you on the 22nd.

Henderson Middle School is located at 4319 Old Brook Road (23227), adjacent to John Marshall High School.

Update

Here is a write up from the RTD.

Looking for something to do this weekend?

Our very own Bryan Park will be hosting the 2009 Vegetarian Festival, Saturday, June 20th from noon to 6pm.

Go here to learn more!

(Rain date is July 11.)

Tonight, the Police Department is hosting a Neighborhood Watch Training Conference to teach citizens about personal safety as well as neighborhood and home security. Officers will also explain how the Department works and how to start and recruit for a Neighborhood Watch in your community.

…

The training will be from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Richmond Police Department’s Training Academy, 1202 W. Graham Road.

Maybe someone should go and figure out what to do about the rise in auto thefts?

On June 24th from 6.30 — 8.30pm at the Firehouse Theatre the Commission of Architectural Review will be holding a public meeting on City Old and Historic Districts. Topics to include:

• Why do we have Old & Historic Districts?
• Why have we chosen to live in them?
• Why do we think they are important?
• What does the public want from them?
• How can the CAR, City and the residents be better custodians to O&HD’s?
• How can we strengthen the alliance between the CAR, City and residents?

However, not everyone desires a O&H designation for the neighborhood as Oregon Hill resident Scott Burger notes:

“Oregon Hill has National and State Historic Designation, but by choice not City O&H, though it may happen in the future. While I am personally favorable towards O&H for Oregon Hill, many of my neighbors have objected to government involvement and any possible economic hardship from maintaining O&H standards”

The Hermitage Road area is a City Old and Historic District. So if you are a property owner over there make sure you stop by the meeting.

Visit the restored Battery Park and celebrate its re-opening with free music and entertainment. Youth and adults can compete in a tennis tournament and a three-on-three basketball tournament. Also on tap are games and arts and crafts for the kids and a presentation on the park’s history. Citizens are invited to participate in the park’s oral history project and record their memories of Battery Park. Mayor Dwight C. Jones and other city officials will speak and officially open the park at 10:30 a.m. The swimming pool will open at 1 p.m.

Don’t forget to bring your fond memories of the park with you.

I just got a twitter direct message from a neighborhood resident saying:

Got a robocall from the police saying there’s an increase in car theft in the neighborhood.

Anyone else getting these calls or have more information?

Also, twitter is a great way to keep up with news going on in our neighborhood. Follow @northrichmond!

City pools open tomorrow at 1pm! The city has a page with hours and what not available.

• Battery Park Pool
  2917 Dupont Circle
  (804) 646-0127
• Hotchkiss Pool
  701 East Brookland Park Blvd.
  (804) 646-3762

All Things Richmond has a quick little spotlight on Jennifer Young who live in Bellevue.

she creates landscapes of the Italian and French countryside. Jennifer’s subjects are castles, ruins, quaint farms and seaside villages.

Make sure you check out Jennifer’s website too.

Update from the RPD #2

Harold A. Jefferson, 18, of the 2900 block of Fourth Avenue died at VCU Medical Center after being shot in the 1100 block of Bellevue Avenue. Richmond Police received a call of a shooting at 9:01 p.m. June 11.

Today Richmond Police charged Rodney L. Wright, 24, with conspiracy to commit murder in connection with the homicide.

This investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to please call the Richmond Police Tips Line at 514-TIPS (8477) and speak directly to a detective. Or they can call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 780-1000

Update from the RPD

Richmond Police detectives are investigating a homicide that occurred in the 1100 block of Bellevue Avenue.

At 9:01 p.m. the Department received a call of a shooting. Officers responded and found a male shot. He was transported to VCU Medical Center where he died of his injuries.

Richmond Police are looking for two suspects described as black males, approximately six feet tall, wearing black T-shirts.

Anyone with information is asked to please call the Tips Line at 514-TIPS (8477) and speak directly to a detective. Or they can call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 780-1000.

Update

The man found at Bellevue & Chamberlayne has died at VCU Medical Center.

–

The TD is reporting that a male was taken to VCU Medical Center with extremely critical injuries tonight around 9 after he was found lying on a grassy area off Bellevue Avenue just west of Chamberlayne Avenue.

Go here to read the full story.