Podcasts about lewis ginter botanical garden

This second week of May, we welcome gardener and plantswoman Holly Shimizu. Her four decades of work in some of America's notable public gardens have tracked and traced some of the most impactful changes in public garden standards, expectations, and accountability in that same time frame. From her visionary leadership roles at the National Herb Garden, the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, and the US Botanic Garden to her current board position at the American Horticultural Society, Holly's garden life is a beautiful public-garden journey that benefits us all. Enjoy! Cultivating Place now has a donate button! We thank you so much for listening over the years and we hope you'll support Cultivating Place. We can't thank you enough for making it possible for this young program to grow even more of these types of conversations. The show is available as a podcast on SoundCloud and iTunes. To read more and for many more photos, please visit www.cultivatingplace.com.

Henrico Police identify a 60-year-old man struck and killed at a West End intersection; how one Henrico nonprofit is working to make extracurricular activities more accessible for Henrico middle-schoolers; Henrico Restaurant Week continues all week; where you can get a 79-cent pork chop lunch Friday; Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden's plant sale is back this weekend.Support the show

Why students at one Henrico middle school won't have access to their cell phones for more than a month; Reynolds CC and Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden begin a new partnership; Henrico to host 'Suggestion Sessions' about potential land-use designation changes; REAL ID enforcement begins in less than a month.Support the show

A man is struck and killed by a train in Henrico County while riding his bicycle; Henrico officials considering additional boost of funding to school system; Breeze airways launches service to a new destination from RIC; Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden employees file for unionization; Henrico CASA welcomes 11 new volunteers, seeks more.Support the show

Plus: an upcoming vote for Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden staffers to unionize, Gov. Glenn Youngkin asking for more federal funding to help aid in recovery efforts in Southwest Virginia and Virginia's in-state tuition being among the highest in the country. 

"It's Friday. . . ."  That means that the time has come for a check-in with one of our "What to Do in Richmond This Weekend" gurus -- Clay Hamner, of shoprva.com!  Predominantly, Scott, Dan, and Clay chat about Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden and St. John's Church (site of the reenactment of Patrick Henry's "Liberty or Death" speech in March of 1775).

A big day ahead for the Glen Allen 13-year-old all-star baseball team; DMV officials urge motorcyclists to take safety training program; Flowers After 5 scheduled for tonight at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden; a Goochland band will play at The Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen later this fall.Support the Show.

The Virginia Tourism Corporation has awarded more than .27 million to 268 tourism programs statewide, including two in Henrico County. The Jefferson Cup Girls Soccer Showcase Weekend (,000) and Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden's “Flourish” (the theme for its 40th anniversary celebration; ,000) will receive a portion of the funds. The money will be used for marketing and event production to increase overnight visitation to Virginia. The funds are part of a matching grant and sponsorship program that will leverage state funds with local marketing dollars in an effort to attract more travelers to the state. This funding cycle expects more...Article LinkSupport the Show.

Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden will host its Spring Plant Sale from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 3-4 in parking lot B. The Garden's plant sales are among the largest in the region with more than 40 vendors selling plants ranging from well-known favorites to rare exotics and other garden-related items. Experts will be on hand to answer gardening questions. The sale is presented by Garden volunteers and all proceeds benefit the Garden's educational mission. Admission to the sale is free; paid admission required to enter the Garden. Rain or shine. For details, including a list of participating vendors, visit lewisginter.org/event/spring-plant-sale....Article LinkSupport the Show.

Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden is getting a major face-lift for its 40th anniversary, announcing a two-year, million expansion project called "Thrive." The project will nearly double the size of the Garden's Conservatory and will add about 7.5 acres of new gardens and another lake on the property. However, what may be most important, is the planned expansion of the Garden's "Kroger Community Kitchen Garden," which produces fresh produce for Feed More in Richmond. "We'll have peaches, apples, and fruit trees that we don't currently have. We'll also have small fruits like blueberries and brambles that we'll be able to grow...Article LinkSupport the Show.

Fleetwood Mac tribute band Rumours ATL will perform at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden Aug. 22 as part of the Groovin' in the Garden series. Tickets for the concert go on sale to the general public on April 26, at 10 a.m. at lewsiginter.org, and physical tickets will be available at Plan 9 Records. The concert is rain or shine and is part of the five or six outdoor concerts that are being organized by the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden as part of the series. Other upcoming concerts in the Groovin' in the Garden series include Carbon Leaf (May 30), Drive-By...Article LinkSupport the Show.

Inside Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden is a library for patrons.

A shooting leaves one man injured; Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden is growing; the Capital Region Land Conservancy is honored for its protection of a Henrico battlefield; Henrico Schools honored for its music education program.Support the show

Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden will host The Big Bloom, a festive garden party Friday, April 12 beginning at 6 p.m., to celebrate spring. Tickets for the adults-only event are for members and for non-members. The event will feature a performance by DJ Illexxandra, fire performances, visual projection art, and roaming entertainers in partnership with Party Liberation Foundation. Food and drinks will be available for purchase. The garden will be decorated in bloom for the event as part of its ‘A Million Blooms,' and the event will offer a rare chance to experience the garden after hours. For details...Article LinkSupport the show

The Virginia Daffodil Society Show will take place at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden on Saturday, March 23 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, March 24 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The show features hundreds of prize-worthy daffodils and expert growers. Included with Garden admission. For details, visit lewisginter.org. *** "The Habitual Hiker," Leonard M. Adkins, will present the multimedia program "Traversing Ancient Mountains: 2,000 Miles on the Appalachian Trail" on Saturday, March 23 from 11 a.m. to noon at Tuckahoe Library. His program depicts a typical Appalachian Trail thru hike. Adkins has hiked the entire length of the...Article LinkSupport the show

Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden's "Groovin' in the Garden" series is coming back with a show by Drive-By Truckers on their Southern Rock Opera Revisted 2024 Tour June 10 in the Cochrane Rose Garden. Tickets to the concert go on sale to the general public March 29. The band will perform all the tracks from its critically-acclaimed 2001 album Southern Rock Opera. Tickets start at , and premium seating also is available. Lawn chairs are welcome, but pets, outside food and drink, and blankets are not allowed. Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden and Broadberry Entertainment Group are co-sponsoring the series, which will...Article LinkSupport the show

Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden will host The Big Bloom, a festive garden party April 12 beginning at 6 p.m., to celebrate spring. Tickets for the event are free for members and for non-members. The event will feature a performance by DJ Illexxandra, fire performances, visual projection art, and roaming entertainers in partnership with Party Liberation Foundation. The garden will be decorated in bloom for the event as part of its 'A Million Blooms,' and the event will offer a rare chance to experience the garden after hours. For details or tickets, visit lewisginter.org.Article LinkSupport the show

After a decade hiatus, the outdoor concert series Groovin' in the Garden will be returning to Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden in Lakeside this summer. The initial event will be headlined by Carbon Leaf, a Richmond band that plays alt-country, Celtic, and folk-infused indie rock. That concert, on May 30, will mark the first time since 2013 that the outdoor series will have taken place at the venue. Last year, the garden held one "Groovin'" show, headlined by Gregory Alan Isakov and Lucius, which sold out and confirmed the Garden's plans to bring back the Groovin' series. “The decision is especially...Article LinkSupport the show

Henrico Police officials are investigating a homicide that occurred just after midnight Feb. 26 in Lakeside. At about 12:06 a.m., police responded to the 1600 block of Lakeside Avenue, not far from Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, after reports of a shooting. Once on scene, officers located an adult male with apparent gunshot wounds and began life-saving measures. The man was transported to a local hospital, where he died from his injuries later Monday morning. Detectives are working to learn what transpired and to inform the man's next of kin. Citing policy, police officials declined to provide more details about the...Article LinkSupport the show

Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden will offer free admission to all visitors through Sunday, Jan. 14. Hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Note that the Garden Café will be closed during this time. For details, call (804) 262-9887 or visit lewisginter.com. *** The Henrico Theatre in Highland Springs will show two movies this weekend: "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem" at 7 p.m. Jan. 12 and at 3 p.m. Jan. 13 and "Barbie" at 8 p.m. Jan. 13. Tickets and concessions are just [post_excerpt], sold only at the door. For details, call (804) 652-1460 or visit henricotheatre.com. ***...Article LinkSupport the show

Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden's Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights display has been named the top botanical garden holiday light exhibit in the nation by readers of USA Today. The exhibit earned the top honors in the newspaper's 10Best contest for "Botanical Garden Holiday Lights” following two years in the No. 2 spot. “It's an honor to be consistently recognized with such well-respected gardens around the country,” said Brian Trader, president and CEO at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden. “We're grateful to all those who voted for us, and it's especially fitting given this is the 25th anniversary of Dominion Energy's sponsorship....Article LinkSupport the show

The Virginia Cliffe Inn, 2900 Mountain Road in Glen Allen, will host "Christmas at the Inn" (formerly Christmas at Granny's) from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Nov. 24-26, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Nov. 27 and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Nov. 28. This annual craft show features handmade treasures in every room of the house. Tickets are and benefit Northstar Academy & Career Center and the Henrico Christmas Mother. For details, visit https://vacliffeinn.com/christmas-at-the-inn. *** Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden will present the Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Nov. 24-26. The annual event...Article LinkSupport the show

One of Metro Richmond's most popular attractions – the Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights – returns this weekend to Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden in Lakeside. The garden transforms its grounds into a winter wonderland with millions of lights, botanical decorations, model trains, festive dinners, hot chocolate and s'mores, and more. The exhibit is open to members only Nov. 17-19 and then opens to the general public Nov. 20. It will remain open through Jan. 7, 2024, closed only on Thanksgiving Day (Nov. 23), Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Buy tickets by clicking here.Article LinkSupport the show

Threads Consignment Events will hold a Ladies & Home Goods consignment sale at Regency Mall Oct. 27-29 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Items for sale include women's clothing (business, casual, athletic and formal wear), wedding dresses, jewelry, handbags, shoes, and small home furnishings including side tables, chairs, lamps, rugs, mirrors, art, housewares, decor and more. Specially marked items will be 25% off on Oct. 28 and 50% off on Oct. 29. For details, visit threadsevents.com or follow them on Facebook. *** Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden will host Harvestfest/Dia de los Muertos on Saturday, Oct. 28 from 10 a.m. to...Article LinkSupport the show

The Henrico County Department of Public Works will hold a public information meeting Tuesday, May 16 on projects to improve safety and mobility on Hilliard Road as well as to construct the southern portion of the Fall Line Trail. The meeting will be held from 5-6:30 p.m. at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, 1800 Lakeside Ave. Participants will be able to review plans and schematics as well as ask questions and comment on the projects. For details, click here.Article LinkSupport the show

Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden will host its annual Spring PlantFest from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 5-6 in parking lot C. The Garden's plant sales are among the largest in the region with more than 40 vendors selling plants ranging from well-known favorites to rare exotics and other garden-related items. The sale is presented by Garden volunteers and all proceeds benefit the Garden's educational mission. Admission is free; paid admission required to enter the Garden. Rain or shine. For details, including a list of participating vendors, visit lewisginter.org/event/spring-plant-fest. *** The Bizarre Bazaar's 31st Spring Market will take place at Richmond...Article LinkSupport the show

“Incanto: An Oasis of Lyrical Sculpture,” an exhibit featuring five sculptures from New York City-based sculptor Kate Raudenbush and accompanying poetry by Sha Michele from the Burning Man community, will open to the public at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden in Lakeside Saturday, April 29. A members-only preview will take place the previous day, April 28, from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Each piece was intentionally designed to be in dialogue with Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden's landscape, according to Garden officials. Dramatically lit from within, the Incanto sculptures offer multi-sensory experiences that are designed to invite further exploration at night. Beginning...Article LinkSupport the show

A Hall of Fame exhibit is coming to Henrico; TSA officials at Richmond International Airport help save a life; a longtime SMV volunteer from Henrico earns recognition; Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden honors the memory of one of its own; the opinion Energy Charity Classic's Community Invitation raising money for a local sports organization; Henricopolis SWCD honors winners of its poster contest, as well as volunteers.Support the show

On April 22, Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden invited the community to visit and reflect on the healing power of nature.  The Free Community Day for Nature & Healing honored the memory of Jonah Holland, a Garden team member and cyclist who died in August 2022 after being struck by a car while cycling, and included a class taught by Project Yoga Richmond and a performance by Holy River.  Admission was free, but donations to nonprofits aligning with Holland's interests in cycling, yoga and the environment were encouraged. Article LinkSupport the show

The Armour House & Gardens will host an outdoor screening of the movie “Night at the Museum” on Friday, April 21 at sunset, which is approximately 7 p.m. Bring dinner (a food truck will be onsite as well), a lawn chair or blanket, and flashlight. Before the movie starts, explore The Armour House and its history and enjoy lawn games and activities. Admission is free. For details, call (804) 501-7275 or email den63@henrico.us. *** On Earth Day, Saturday, April 22, Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden will host a Community Day for Nature and Healing with free admission for all guests from 9...Article LinkSupport the show

Joe Enroughty & The Royal Virginians will perform Friday, Jan. 13 at 7:30 p.m. at the Henrico Theatre. The Royal Virginians specialize in the big band music of the 20s, 30s, 40s and beyond. The 14-piece band has a large library of custom arrangements of classic tunes, waltzes, Latin styles, society numbers, swing, Dixieland and more. Tickets are . For details, call (804) 652-1460 or visit henricotheatre.com. *** Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden is offering free admission to all visitors Jan. 13-15. The Garden is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The warm and cozy Conservatory has aromatic orchids, passion...Article LinkSupport the show

Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden expanding; Henrico eyes a new baseball complex in Glen Allen; this week's Restaurant Watch; a high school band showcase planned; Henrico Schools plans a job fair next week.Support the show

We are now half of the way through a month that some may consider half way through the year. Many of these observations are arbitrary, but it is definitively June 15, 2022 and this is the equivalent installment of Charlottesville Community Engagement. What shall we learn today? Stay tuned and let me know if you did. On today’s program:The Charlottesville Economic Development Authority learns more about the city’s lease for space the S&P Global building downtown A key document for the third phase of the Cville Plans Together initiative will be released tomorrowA major toy manufacturer is set to open a factory in Chesterfield providing over 1,700 jobsThe U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issues a warning on “forever chemicals” in drinking waterAnd the Charlottesville Planning Commission recommends a special use permit for 11 homes in the section of the Belmont neighborhood inside a mixed-use urban zoning district First shout-out: The Plant Northern Piedmont Natives Campaign It’s getting very close to the technical end of springtime, and one Patreon subscriber wants you to know the Plant Northern Piedmont Natives Campaign is a grassroots initiative of motivated citizens, volunteers, partner organizations, and local governments who want to promote the use of native plants. Did you know that National Pollinator Week is June 20th-26th this year? There are many ways to celebrate and learn more about our native pollinators, and here's a great one to start with:Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden is hosting an in-person/virtual Pollinator Power Symposium on June 23rd, and there is an excellent line up of speakers scheduled for the day! There are plenty of resources on the Plant Northern Piedmont Natives Facebook page, so sign up to be notified of lectures, plant sales, and more! City details terms of S&P Global’s lease for downtown buildingCharlottesville’s Office of Community Solutions continues to review leases the city has with third parties who rent space. Council held a work session on the topic in May and learned that until now there was no central place in city government entrusted with keeping track of leases for about 145,275 square feet of floor space and about 50 acres under ground lease. (view the presentation)One of those buildings is a five-story structure currently occupied by a branch of S&P Global, an international company that does research into economic and business issues. According to the May presentation, the city’s Economic Development Authority takes in $240,000 annually in rent but the property’s market value could be as high as $1.58 million. “The S&P Global building started its life as the National Ground Intelligence Center,” said Chris Engel, the city’s economic development director. “Essentially it was built in the 60’s by the federal government and occupied by the Army.” In the 1990’s, NGIC moved to a larger and more secure location at the Rivanna Station in northern Albemarle County. “At that time the city was concerned about the loss of activity that building created and went and petitioned the federal government and the General Services Administration to have them gift the building to the city,” Engel said. The city entered into a lease with the Economic Development Authority and the EDA offered a 30-year lease to a company that used to be called SNL Financial, which then took the space to consolidate its offices into one place rather than be scattered across multiple locations. A company that would later be renamed S&P Global purchased the company in July 2015 for $2.2 billion. Engel said the EDA’s lease with S&P Global is about two thirds of the way through. “The way the lease is structured is that all the burden is on them to manage the facility and maintain the facility, everything,” Engel said. “We essentially do nothing from a physical standpoint.” Engel said S&P Global has earned upfit credits for about $9 million worth of investments put into the building at the beginning of the lease. “Those credits are nearly running out,” Engel said. “Those credits are nearly running out. They’re not quite all the way run out. They have actually just qualified for about $3.5 million in additional rent credits. They replaced the boilers. They replaced the roof, the chiling system, the elevator system. They added fire protection.”When the credits do run out, Engel said S&P Global will pay closer to market rate. Council will have a further discussion on city-managed leases.Charlottesville’s zoning rewrite is about to enter next phaseOn Thursday, the city will publish a document intended to set the stage for the final portion of the Cville Plans Together initiative.“So this is the diagnostic and approach report,” said James Freas, the city’s director of neighborhood development services. Freas briefed the Charlottesville Planning Commission at the beginning of their meeting on Tuesday. An open house to explain the event will be held on June 27 at the Charlottesville Pavilion, an event for which Freas said the city would validate parking. “We look forward to a lot of conversations with the community, with all of you, and whoever else chooses to show up at that meeting,” Freas said.The new zoning code is expected to make it easier for more dense development in the city. That’s a major goal of the new Comprehensive Plan adopted by Council last November. The zoning rewrite may also offer more guidance for rules and regulations about housing affordability. Direction for that comes from the Affordable Housing Plan adopted by Council in March 2021. “This first report kicks off our three-step process for the zoning rewrite,” Freas said. “As I’ve referred to it before, this is kind of the conceptual plan of the new zoning ordinance and it lays out the ideas. It talks about what we need to do to change our zoning ordinance in order to advance implementation of the affordable housing plan.” A joint meeting of the City Council and the Planning Commission will be held in September to confirm the next steps in writing up the new ordinance. A first draft will be the second step, followed by a review of a final draft next spring. In May, Planning Commissioner Hosea Mitchell got a preview at the closed-door meeting of the Land Use and Environmental Planning Committee that consists of top planning staff from Albemarle, Charlottesville, and the University of Virginia. “The rewrite of our code is not form-based code but as Mr. Freas mentioned a couple of times, it does contain form-based elements,” Mitchell said.In general, form-based code refers to a series of rules and regulations to govern building envelopes. We’ll hear much more about these details as the conversation continues. Meanwhile, there is an active lawsuit in Charlottesville Circuit Court against the City Council for adopting the Comprehensive Plan. Among other things, that suit argues that the city failed to provide a transportation plan. There’s a hearing on July 15 on a motion to force the plaintiffs to identify themselves, followed by another hearing on August 26.See also:Anonymous group of city property owners files suit against Comprehensive Plan adoption, January 12, 2022Charlottesville served with suit against the Comprehensive Plan, March 20, 2022City responds to Comprehensive Plan lawsuit, April 12, 2022Charlottesville zoning info slightly delayed, May 13, 2022Environmental Protection Agency sounds warning about PFAS in drinking waterThe United States Environmental Protection Agency today has issued four advisories on the potential for “forever chemicals” in water supplies. The term PFAS covers per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances which are used in the manufacture of many products people use every day such as non-stick cookware, food packaging, electronics, and more. These substances do not break down and can accumulate in the human body and blood over many years and have been linked to cancer and diseases that affect the immune system. The four advisories are for specific substances.“The updated advisory levels [for PFOA and PFOS], which are based on new science and consider lifetime exposure, indicate that some negative health effects may occur with concentrations of PFOA or PFOS in water that are near zero and below EPA’s ability to detect at this time,” reads a press release announcing the steps. “The lower the level of PFOA and PFOS, the lower the risk to public health.”This fall, the EPA will issue new regulations on drinking water related to PFAS. There’s also $1 billion in funding for states and localities to install equipment in drinking water supplies to filter out the substances. The Rivanna Water and Sewer Authority has applied for a $21 million grant to remove the contaminants by upgrading filtration systems, according to the May agenda. Youngkin announces LEGO factory in ChesterfieldWill everything be awesome in Chesterfield County’s near future? Governor Glenn Youngkin has announced that the LEGO Group will open a 1.7 million square foot manufacturing plant in Chesterfield County’s Meadowville Technology Park.“This transformational project will create more than 1,760 jobs and bolster Virginia's manufacturing industry, which continues its renaissance with major investments by high-caliber corporate partners like the LEGO Group,” Youngkin is quoted in a news release. The $1 billion investment is spurred by $56 million from the state’s Major Employment and Investment Project grant program. Such a fund has been established by the General Assembly  and that figure depends on LEGO providing every one of those jobs. There’s also another potential for $19 million in state funding for site development costs that will require approval by the legislature. The LEGO Company was founded in 1932 and remains a family run company headquartered in Denmark. Their primary product is plastic construction blocks. “These cherished play experiences are being made in factories across the world, keeping up with the continuously high demand and soon they’ll be manufactured right here in Virginia,” says the narrator of an announcement on a new website for people who’d like to work thereApplications for positions will be taken later this year and the Virginia Economic Development Partnership will use the Virginia Talent Accelerator Program to recruit potential applicants. Second shout-out is for LEAP’s new Thermalize Virginia program In today’s second Patreon-fueled shout-out: Have you been thinking of converting your fossil-fuel appliances and furnaces into something that will help the community reduce its greenhouse gas emissions? Your local energy nonprofit, LEAP,  has launched a new program to guide you through the steps toward electrifying your home. Thermalize Virginia will help you understand electrification and connect you with vetted contractors to get the work done and help you find any rebates or discounts. Visit thermalizeva.org to learn more and to sign up!  Planning Commission recommends approval of 11 units at 1000 Monticello Road The Charlottesville Planning Commission has recommended approval of a special use permit for additional density at 1000 Monticello Road in the Belmont neighborhood that would allow for 11 units and a small commercial space on the ground floor.A split City Council denied a similar permit in February 2021 with the majority expressing concern about adverse impacts on the neighborhood. At the time, five of the units were being proffered as affordable to households and individuals whose incomes at around 65 percent of the area’s median. This time around, two additional units would be restricted to tenants at 80 percent of the area median income. Neither is required by existing city code.“This project does not trip the standard in Section 34-12 of our zoning ordinance, the requirement for affordable housing, so this condition is offered by the applicant above and beyond what is required under our code,” said city planner Brian Haluska. The property in question already has an apartment building with 23 units that was purchased by Core Real Estate and Development in January 2018 and then sold to Piedmont Realty Holdings a year later. The special use permit is required for additional residential units on the 0.81 acre property. An existing curb cut into a parking lot would be removed. “The proposed new building footprint, which will house 11 units and a small commercial tenant space, is proposed directly adjacent to the existing building fronting along Monticello Road,” said Kelsey Schlein with Shimp Engineering.  (view the presentation)Schlein said the project has been brought back because Council adopted both an Affordable Housing Plan and a Comprehensive Plan that calls for more housing. “The purpose of the land use section of the Charlottesville Affordable Housing Plan states that ‘land use policies shape where housing is located, what housing looks like, and how much housing is built,’” Schlein said. Schlein said in this case, the developer would not be seeking any city funds to help subsidize the development. She added the site is within walking distance to eight bus stops, is an example of infill development. The length of the affordability period is at issue. The developer is offering the below market rates for ten years, but the city wants more.“I think a 30 year period would be more in  line with city policy and then also the lack of mention of a willingness to accept vouchers,” said Alex Ikefuna, the interim director of the Office of Community Solutions. The last time this project was before Charlottesville officials, there were several speakers who argued the special use permit should be denied because the rents at 1000 Monticello Road were increased. Schein said the current owner should not be punished. “There was a longtime owner, and then there was a short-term owner, and now we have this third owner in place who has been in place since 2018,” Schlein said. “During the short-term owner… I believe 11 of the units had already gone to a rental rate that somewhat more of a market rate.” Schlein said there are six tenants left at 1000 Monticello Road who are renting below market rate. She said the project would take federal housing vouchers. She said she knows the city would like to see longer terms, but her interpretation of the Affordable Housing Plan is that those would be triggered by the acceptance of public funds. “When an applicant utilizes city funds, there should be a standard by which they adhere to,” Schlein said. “In this case, ten years is what we can commit to on this project.” Councilor Michael Payne voted against the proposal the first time and said he wanted it to be known that Piedmont Holding has displaced some of the former owners. Only one person spoke at the public hearing. Brandon Collins worked for the Public Housing Association of Residents when this permit was last before the city. He now works for a government entity but last night he said he was speaking for himself. “As it stands I’m going to ask you to deny this special use permit for this property,” Collins said. “A special use permit is going outside of your existing rules. The property is already outside of your existing rules and in order to do so you have to show that there’s a benefit to the community and that there’s not a negative impact on the community and I think it’s really crass to hear the development team talk about their commitment to affordable housing and affordable housing crisis when this exact property has contributed to the crisis in Charlottesville when it comes to affordability.” However, the Commission recommended approval. “I do think it is a good infill proposal,” said Commissioner Karim Habbab. “I do like the commercial. I think something creative can happen there to extend that Downtown Belmont feeling.” “I’m of the opinion that this is a good project,” said Commissioner Rory Stolzenberg. “Certainly if you look at it in a vacuum ignoring the site its possibly the best possible project you can imagine. It’s replacing a redundant driveway and curb cut with 11 units of housing, seven of which are affordable.” Stolzenberg pointed out that Council is not permitted by law to consider previous actions by previous owners, or the current one, as it considers the permit. “If we’re denying those homes as punishment to the property owner, when does that punishment end?” Stolzenberg asked. The Council recommended the special use permit on a 5-1 vote with Commissioner Jody Lahendro voting no and Commissioner Taneia Dowell not present. Charlottesville Community Engagement is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Ting will match your initial payment! This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit communityengagement.substack.com/subscribe

Today the year turns 161 days old, but don’t get too used to that number, for it will be replaced quite soon with another, and another, and so on. But 2022 is still not yet at the halfway point, and you’ve got three weeks left until that not-quite-august occasion on July 1. The occasion right now is this installment of Charlottesville Community Engagement, and this person writing is Sean Tubbs.  There’s lot of information in every installment of this newsletter and podcast. Send it on to more people to help grow the audience!On today’s program:The University of Virginia is asking developers to send in qualifications to build two mixed-use communities as part of an affordable housing initiativeTwo redevelopment projects being undertaken by the city’s public housing agency may not get financing through low-income housing tax credits this yearCharlottesville City Council officially kills the West Main Streetscape Louisa County Supervisors discuss a referendum for a sports complex and whether it should include turf fields on existing athletic fieldsAnd Charlottesville will only one outdoor pool at a time for the time being First shout–out: JMRL to kick off the Summer Reading ChallengeIn today’s first subscriber-supported public service announcement, the Jefferson Madison Regional Library wants you to read as much as you can this summer, and for encouragement and incentives, they’re holding another Summer Reading Challenge. There’s an Ocean of Possibilities this year and the Central Library will kick off the challenge this Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon at the Central Library. It will be a party with music, food, and fun! The Friends of the Library will pop up a mini-book sale and a Books on Bikes parade! You can learn more about the Summer Challenge and how you or your family members can win awards and receive prizes. Visit jmrl.org to learn more about the kickoff event, this Saturday! University of Virginia issues first request for qualifications for affordable housing developerThe University of Virginia is moving forward with an initiative to use property owned by its real estate foundation to create units that will be reserved for people whose incomes are below the area median income. The UVA Foundation issued a request this morning for qualifications from firms to develop two separate projects, including a two-acre site on Wertland Street. The other is a 12-acre site on Mimosa Drive known currently as Piedmont. “UVA/UVAF intends to enter into a ground lease with one or more development team(s) best suited to satisfy UVA/UVAF’s requirements and desired features,” reads the request for proposals. UVA announced a goal of building between 1,000 and 1,500 affordable housing units in March 2020, but momentum was stalled by the pandemic. These two sites as well as the North Fork Research Park were identified in December after initial work for the project was conducted by the firm Northern Urban Real Estate Ventures. A similar request for qualifications for a firm for North Fork will be made at a later date. Under the arrangement, the UVA Foundation would continue to own both sites and the developer would own the structures and other improvements. “UVA/UVAF seeks to maximize the amount of affordable and workforce housing at each site and as such, will provide the land as a part of the Project,” the request continues. “UVA/UVAF will not otherwise contribute funding to the Project.” The developer will be responsible for preparing the plans and getting all of the necessary approvals, including archaeological studies. They’ll also have to have experience getting financing through Virginia Housing. Other development requirements include:Deliver a moderate to high-density mixed income housing communityOffer a maximum number of affordable housing units, with an emphasis on creating mixed-income communities that include, but are not limited to, units in the 30 percent to 60 percent area median income rangeCoordinate with UVA/UVAF and local jurisdictions on the utilities and infrastructure that will serve the development, and coordinate on the design aesthetic that interacts with the surrounding community.Demolish the existing improvements as needed to accommodate the Project, with the exception of historic structures (applicable only at Piedmont).City officially cancels West Main Streetscape projectCharlottesville City Council has voted to officially cancel the $55 million West Main Streetscape project as well as other projects in an effort to get the city’s transportation house in order. The Virginia Department of Transportation will now administer a project to extend a turn lane at Route 250 and Hydraulic Road. A project to coordinate traffic signals on Emmet Street has also been canceled, as has a Smart Scale funded project at the intersection of Preston and Grady. The details were discussed at a work session with the Planning Commission on May 24. (read my story)“While this is called cancellation of those projects, that’s in regards to the funding with VDOT, so as discussed, especially some of the safety projects, these are not going away forever, they’re just going away as Smart Scale projects,” said City Engineer Jack Dawson. The West Main Streetscape began with a $350,000 study authorized by Council in February 2013 which also led to a rezoning for the street. Over the years, Council authorized more and more funding as a local match for VDOT funds to build the project which was to be split into four phases.  The project lost support as a plan to renovate and expand Buford Middle School became a priority for the current City Council. Charlottesville Mayor Lloyd Snook said the project has been on life support for at least a year. “In a sense, this is almost a formality for us to recognize that which has already been made clear to us and decisions we have made ourselves over the last few years,” Snook said. “This is just finally pulling the plug on it.” The Commonwealth Transportation Board next meets on June 21 and may take up the official resolution to defund the project. Virginia Housing does not recommend funding for two CRHA projectsThe Charlottesville Redevelopment and Housing Authority has appeared to have fallen short in its attempt to get financing for two planned redevelopment projects in a current funding cycle. Virginia Housing, the entity that authorizes low-income housing tax credits in Virginia, has issued its final rankings for this year pending approval by their Board of Commissioners later this month.  Credits for 47 units in the Sixth Street Phase One project have not been recommended to be funded through what’s known as the Housing Authority pool. An application for additional credits for 113 units for the second phase of the redevelopment of South First Street also did not rank high enough to move forward. Virginia Housing granted credits for the second phase in 2020 and this second application was to fill in a funding gap caused by higher construction costs. South First Street Phase One is currently under construction and is expected to be occupied earlier this year. That 62-unit project did receive low-income housing tax credits in 2021. The only application recommended for funding from the Housing Authority pool this year is for new construction of 68 units in Norfolk by a company called Brinshore. In that project, 47 of the units would be supported through the credits. CRHA executive director John Sales said is hopeful the Virginia Housing Board of Commissioners will reconsider the rankings at their next meeting in Richmond coming up later this month on June 21 and June 22.“The Board in the past has fully funded Public Housing redevelopment efforts,” Sales said. “We are hoping the Board does the same thing this year when making final allocations.”Sales said if Sixth Street’s request is not funded, CRHA will pursue another financing opportunity later this year or reapply in 2023. He said the South Street Phase Two project will move forward if another source can be found to fill in the funding gap.   You can download the full list of rankings from the Virginia Housing website.Lifeguard shortage causes Charlottesville to limit outdoor pool hoursWith summer just getting under way, the Charlottesville Parks and Recreation Department has made the decision to restrict hours at both Onesty Pool and Washington Pool so that only one of them will be open each day. “The Department is actively recruiting lifeguards and if the staffing levels increase and are able to operate both pools concurrently, we will update the operating hours,” reads a press release that was sent out this morning. For now, Onesty will be open Thursday through Saturday between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. Washington Park Pool will be open those hours from Sunday to Wednesday. The indoor Smith Aquatic Center is now open every day after being closed for a couple of years. Outdoor spray grounds are also open. Visit the city’s website for more information. Second shout-out: The Plant Northern Piedmont Natives Campaign It’s getting close to the end of springtime, and one Patreon subscriber wants you to know the Plant Northern Piedmont Natives Campaign is a grassroots initiative of motivated citizens, volunteers, partner organizations, and local governments who want to promote the use of native plants. Did you know that National Pollinator Week is June 20th-26th this year? There are many ways to celebrate and learn more about our native pollinators, and here's a great one to start with:Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden is hosting an in-person/virtual Pollinator Power Symposium on June 23rd, and there is an excellent line up of speakers scheduled for the day! There are plenty of resources on the Plant Northern Piedmont Natives Facebook page, so sign up to be notified of lectures, plant sales, and more! Louisa County may seek a referendum for a sports complexDiscussion of a sports complex with new athletic fields in Albemarle County stalled at the end of the budget cycle, but Louisa County is considering a referendum on the issuance of $16.5 million in bonds for that purpose. The Louisa County Board of Supervisors discusses a draft petition for the referendum at their meeting this past Monday. For a referendum to get on the ballot, a Circuit Court judge has to sign an order by August 18. “This is for a bond issue of up to $16.5 million and it lists four baseball fields, four rectangular fields for sports, concessions, lighting, parking and related facilities, a field house at the high school football field and renovation of existing sports facilities,” said Louisa County Attorney Helen Phillips. Phillips said the language in the ballot question has to be in plain English and not in legalese.Supervisors discussed the proper wording, and whether the suggested wording was too broad. There is a possibility of two different ballot questions. One would be for the complex, and one would be for the field house and other renovations. “In the discussions we’ve had about going to referendum, I don’t recall anything other than just going to referendum to see if people would get behind building a sports complex,” said Mountain Road District Supervisor Tommy Barlow. Supervisor Fitzgerald Barnes said he sees the need for a complex that would expand the county’s offerings, but that the existing school fields also need to be addressed. “What we don’t have in this county is synthetic surfaces for girls’ softball where they could play in the rain,” Barnes said. “These fields would allow, number one, not having to water them, not having to fertilize them, not having to cut them. They would be maintenance free fields.” Barnes said this could help the county increase revenue from lodging taxes. Supervisor Toni Williams of the Jackson District said the ballot question as suggested appeared to assume that the county has already decided to proceed with the project. “It appears that the cake is baked in this that the decision has been made to build them,” Williams said. “Maybe the real special election should ask, first of all, do you want these facilities in the county, and if you want them, do you authorize the Board to pay for them by bond?” Supervisors gave direction to divide the referendum into separate questions. Final language will be discussed and approved at future meetings. The location for a future sports complex has also not yet been selected. For more information on this and anything else happening in Louisa County, visit Engage Louisa by Tammy Purcell. Town Crier Productions has a sponsorship thing with Ting!For over a year one year now, Town Crier Productions has had a promotional offering through Ting!Are you interested in fast internet? Visit this site and enter your address to see if you can get service through Ting. If you decide to proceed to make the switch, you’ll get:Free installationSecond month of Ting service for freeA $75 gift card to the Downtown MallAdditionally, Ting will match your Substack subscription to support Town Crier Productions, the company that produces this newsletter and other community offerings. So, your $5 a month subscription yields $5 for TCP. Your $50 a year subscription yields $50 for TCP! The same goes for a $200 a year subscription! All goes to cover the costs of getting this newsletter out as often as possible. Learn more here! This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit communityengagement.substack.com/subscribe

A mistrial in the case of a Henrico teacher accused of sexual assault; ‘Big Bugs' descend upon Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden; BetterMed is sold; a Lakeside bakery announces expansion plans; Henrico Schools officials to host “Drive the Bus” event.Support the show

Fans of longer days in the mid-Atlantic region of the United States of America have three weeks to go until the world begins turning back to the other way. The solstice will mark the official start of summer, but many would argue it is already here. I’m not here to argue, and neither is Charlottesville Community Engagement, a newsletter and podcast that seeks to document as much as it can. The I mentioned above is me, Sean Tubbs. Sign up for free to make sure you get every installment. But if you do pay to support the work, Ting will match your initial payment! On today’s program:Details on what’s in the compromise budget that the General Assembly will vote on todayAlbemarle Supervisors have a full meeting including a vote for a new Planning CommissionerTwo plans for a future Regional Transit Authority are presented to area leaders and both have hefty price tags First shout-out is for LEAP’s new Thermalize Virginia program In today’s first Patreon-fueled shout-out: Have you been thinking of converting your fossil-fuel appliances and furnaces into something that will help the community reduce its greenhouse gas emissions? Your local energy nonprofit, LEAP,  has launched a new program to guide you through the steps toward electrifying your home. Thermalize Virginia will help you understand electrification and connect you with vetted contractors to get the work done and help you find any rebates or discounts. Visit thermalizeva.org to learn more and to sign up!  General Assembly returns today to consider conference reportBoth chambers of the Virginia General Assembly will convene at 10 a.m. to finish work on several bills left over the regular session. The major item left waiting to be finalized is the state budget and conference reports were made public over the weekend. There are 370 pages in the conference report for HB30, the technical name for the bill that carries the two year state budget that begins on July 1. A team of six Delegates and eight Senators were appointed to come up with compromises. One running theme is the reduction of funding that is now required because of elimination of the sales tax on foods for human consumption and personal hygiene products. The standard deduction for Virginia income taxes has also been increased from $4,500 to $8,000 for single filers and $9,000 to $16,000 for married couples. There’s a lot in it, and here are some highlights. Let’s start with education. A $400 million competitive fund will be set up for local school boards to apply for funding for “construction, expansion, or modernization, of public school buildings.” The grants would cover up to 30 percent of the project cost. There is a separate $400 million for the School Construction Grant program “for debt service payments on school projects that have been completed or initiated during the last ten years.” School systems across Virginia will get $104.1 million in FY23 and $257.2 million in FY24 in “hold harmless” payments to represent the loss of revenue from the suspension of the grocery A hundred million dollars will go into a College Partnership Laboratory Schools Fund which would be for the creation of “public, nonsectarian, nonreligious schools in the Commonwealth established by a baccalaureate public institution of higher education.”The Secretary of Education is directed to study the practice of collecting student debts for public institutions of higher education. The RISE Foundation of Waynesboro is allocated $250,000 for preventive services for at-risk youth. Around $9.5 million over two years will go to support the implementation of the Virginia Literacy ActChesterfield County Public Schools would get $1.364 million over two years to help establish a recovery high school for students in “early stages of recovery from substance use disorder or dependency.”Here are some economic development and tourism items:There’s $66.7 million in funding over two years to support biotechnology in Virginia, including up to $18 million for the University of Virginia Institute of Biotechnology “to accelerate biotechnology commercialization, genomics and gene therapies, drug delivery technologies and biomanufacturing facilities in the Commonwealth over the next five fiscal years through incentives designed to attract 150 research scientists.”The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services will be allocated $125,000 to the Virginia Wine Board to breeding vinifera-style wine groups “with a specified focus on combining vinifera fruit quality with downy mildew resistance, with an objective of commercializing the resulting variety within 10 to 15 years.”There’s $700,000 to hire seven inspectors for regulating hemp products and investigating possible violations. This is related to changes in the already adopted rules for hemp and marijuana.Nine million would be spent over the next two years for the Governor’s Motion Picture Opportunity Fund.The Frederick County Economic Development Authority will get $5 million to help develop sites that can “support the growth of small aerospace, avionics, and unmanned systems companies in Planning District 7.”  Matching funds would need to be provided within a year. Virginia Tech would receive $2.5 million to “create a unique, world-class future truck research and development center in Southwest Virginia.”Nelson County would get $250,000 to support the planning of a Vietnam War and Foreign Conflicts Museum. The Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library in Staunton would get a $250,000 grant for renovations. Thirty million in funding for a new Solar Loan and Rebate program has been eliminated. The Virginia Economic Development Partnership Authority would get $2.5 million in FY24 for a grant program to spur development in the offshore wind industry. There’s $200,000 for a feasibility study whether a new inland port should be built in either southwest Virginia or the Lynchburg area. There’s $2 million for an international sailing event called OpSail250. Environmental items:There’s $575,000 in new funding for an invasive species detection program.The Department of Conservation and Recreation would get $350,000 for creation of an environmental literacy plan. The Dam Safety, Flood Prevention and Protection Assistance Fund would get an additional $10 million, matching a $10 million appropriation from the state’s share of the American Rescue Plan Act. DCR would also get $1 million to study of harmful algae blooms on Lake Anna. The phased ban on polystyrene containers would be delayed five years until July 1, 2028Another $320,000 would go to monitor groundwater for the presence of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).The Department of Wildlife Resources gets $400,000 over two years for a program to restore freshwater mussels across Virginia.Here are some land use items:The Department of Housing and Community Development is directed to develop a model lease for manufactured home parks in collaboration with a wide variety of stakeholders, and to conduct a feasibility study of these parks as a “source of affordable housing for Virginians.” Just over $11 million for planning for a Center for the Arts at the University of Virginia has been deferred. For more on how we got to here, some other articles: After months of wrangling, Virginia has a budget deal. What’s in it?, Virginia MercuryLawmakers to vote on budget, won’t take up stadium bill, Associated PressVirginia budget proposal includes new marijuana crime, WUSA 9Supervisors to appoint Planning Commissioner for White Hall DistrictThree candidates are awaiting to see if they will be the one selected to represent the White Hall District on the Albemarle Planning Commission. Jennie More resigned in April before the end of her second term.Supervisors will meet today at 1 p.m. and will make their appointments at 6 p.m. after a closed session. They will also select a new non-voting member to represent the University of Virginia. The previous holder of that position, Luis Carazana, was elevated to be the at-large commissioner. Unlike the Board of the Supervisors, there are seven members of the Planning Commission. The applicants for the White Hall seat are Marc McKenney, Lonnie Murray, and Elizabeth Wachtneister. Murray is an elected member of the Thomas Jefferson Soil and Water Conservation Board.Second shout-out: The Plant Northern Piedmont Natives Campaign It’s getting close to the end of springtime, and one Patreon subscriber wants you to know the Plant Northern Piedmont Natives Campaign is a grassroots initiative of motivated citizens, volunteers, partner organizations, and local governments who want to promote the use of native plants. Did you know that National Pollinator Week is June 20th-26th this year? There are many ways to celebrate and learn more about our native pollinators, and here's a great one to start with: Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden is hosting an in-person/virtual Pollinator Power Symposium on June 23rd, and there is an excellent line up of speakers scheduled for the day! There are plenty of resources on the Plant Northern Piedmont Natives Facebook page, so sign up to be notified of lectures, plant sales, and more! Partnership briefed on potential vision for regional transitWork is nearing completion on a conceptual study for how public transport  might work better across the entirety of the Thomas Jefferson Planning District. Today the Board of Supervisors will get an up close look at the $350,000 Regional Transit Vision.Last week, an appointed body consisting of elected officials and transit officials got an update on the Regional Transit Vision. “The project is a collaborative effort to evaluate and establish a clear long term vision for transit service in the region, and not just the urbanized area but also the rural areas surrounding Charlottesville and Albemarle County,”  said Tim Brulle of AECOM is the project manager for the vision plan. If you’re unfamiliar with planning, you should know that any plan needs a vision statement to provide an overarching purpose. “To develop, design, and provide transit in the Charlottesville area in a manner that reflects a collaborative, inclusive, and equitable process representing needs in both rural and urban areas,” Brulle said. The purpose is to reduce reliance on personal vehicles for multiple reasons and outcomes, and to provide a way to get around for people without access to one. But how to make that work? Scudder Wagg with Jarrett Walker + Associates presented one vision concept that assumed the region had access to new revenues from a transportation authority similar to one in the Richmond area. This is known the “constrained “ vision. “So basically if you applied a similar funding structure there to your region, how many dollars and if you put most of those dollars to transit, what could it produce?” Wagg asked. “It’s about $26 million a year.”Such an authority would take enabling authority from the General Assembly and would build off of existing services. Wagg also presented a vision that assumed no limits on transit funding. For instance, that would allow for expansion of demand responsive service to seven days a week, as well as fixed-route transit to places that currently don’t have it such as Scottsville, Ruckersville, Lovingston, and Palmyra. This “unconstrained” vision would come with a hefty price tag. “So there’s no defined limit when we were designing a network that we collectively with staff and others at the table felt would help you achieve those goals and the total annual estimate of that network is about $70 million a year to give you some sense of scale,” Wagg said. Most of that cost is in personnel with drivers and mechanics, as well as a additional vehicles. It takes people to run a transit system, and another way to measure one is through service hours. Wag said Charlottesville Area Transit has about 94,000 service hours a year, Jaunt operates 37,000 for a total of 131,000 service hours for the general public. The unconstrained vision includes potential collaboration with the University of Virginia whereas the constrained vision does not their role into account. The partnership isn’t in charge of the purse strings, so today’s conversation before the Board of Supervisors will yield more of a sense of whether there’s an appetite to pursue additional funding and if so, where to direct it. Jarrett Walker + Associates helped redraw the bus system in the Greater Richmond area, and CAT Director Garland Williams was there at the time.“The majority of the emphasis was actually put on frequency and our ridership jumped 22 percent,” Williams said. “Then the second piece was to look at once the frequent service is in, how can you readjust networks to adjust travel times.” Williams said that the same model could be applied here. A microtransit pilot in Albemarle is a year away from happening and depends on award of funding from the Commonwealth Transportation Board.“It will be awarded and the starting of it will be acquisition, development of the program, software acquisition, things that have to happen before the actual buses are on the ground,” said Trevor Henry, the assistant county executive. The regional transit study is separate from a $150,000 governance study about that will suggest how to actually move forward with setting up new structures to actually run the enhanced service, be they constrained or unconstrained visions.Watch the Regional Transit Vision presentation here: This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit communityengagement.substack.com/subscribe

A Henrico middle school teacher accused of sexual assault goes on trial today; a new discount retail store coming to Henrico's Northside; Henrico elevated to “high” COVID-19 community level; Henrico Police detain a woman who allegedly fired shots into a vehicle; Big Bugs' invade Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden. Support the show

The Sarah Dooley School for Autism prepare to open next week;10 straight days with more than 100 new COVID-19 cases in Henrico; Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden to offer free admission on Labor Day; the Facebook Henrico Data Center is now helping to train construction workers; take home a Kobo Clara HD e-reader today as part of the Henrico Citizen's '20 Days of Giving.'(Today's Henrico News Minute is brought to you by Henrico County CSB Prevention Services and Chess Counselor LLC.)Support the show (http://www.henricocitizen.com/contribute)

Henrico Police say they have in custody the suspect who allegedly robbed a Chick-fil-A worker in a drive-though lane in January; our weekly Property Transactions has a round-up of Henrico home sales; Flowers After 5 tonight at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden; Movies on the Pad continues at West Broad Village tomorrow night.(Today's Henrico News Minute is brought to you by Henrico County CSB Prevention Services.)Support the show (http://www.henricocitizen.com/contribute)

Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden and CarMax recently announced that the “CarMax Free Fourth of July” event will return to the garden this year. On Sunday, July 4, all guests will be admitted free between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. “This year's CarMax Free Fourth of July takes on special significance,” said Brian Trader, Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden's President and CEO. “People are eager for a place to relax, reflect, and reconnect with nature, and we are honored to be able to provide those experiences for our community.” Guests may simply walk in; no advance reservations are required. Guests should anticipate...Article LinkSupport the show (http://henricocitizen.com/contribute)

Good morning, RVA! It’s 36 °F, but today—and the next several days—looks amazing. Expect highs in the 70s until at least Friday and lows no lower than somewhere in the 50s. With the sun setting after 6:00 PM, there’s a real and good opportunity to knock off of work a bit early and spend some time outside. Do it!Water coolerAs of this morning, the Virginia Department of Health reports 892 new positive cases of the coronavirus in the Commonwealth and 87 new deaths as a result of the virus. VDH reports 90 new cases in and around Richmond (Chesterfield: 37, Henrico: 33, and Richmond: 20). Since this pandemic began, 1,125 people have died in the Richmond region. Whoa, a triple digit case count. Haven’t seen one of those since the end of October.Yesterday, the Richmond and Henrico Health Districts, along with the Chesterfield and Chickahominy Health Districts, announced that they’ve expanded vaccine eligibility to more folks in Phase 1b. For Richmond, Henrico, and Chickahominy that’s all of Phase 1b, for Chesterfield that’s just frontline essential workers groups one through six. So, to put it all in one place: Eligible folks in Richmond and Henrico now include people over the age of 65, frontline essential workers from all 11 groups, and people aged 16–64 with underlying conditions or disabilities that increase their risk of severe illness from COVID-19. That’s a lot of humans—almost half of all Virginians! Additionally, the Richmond and Henrico Health Districts included “food service” folks in 1b (previously part of 1c), which includes restaurant staff—both front and back of house. That’s a big deal, I think! Sabrina Moreno at the Richmond Times-Dispatch has some of the details, including the rationale for shifting restaurant workers up into 1b: “…tight workspaces among restaurant workers—where social distancing from customers without masks is almost impossible, create a high-risk environment for COVID-19. Most food service workers are uninsured or underinsured and lack paid sick leave…many areas of Richmond and Henrico are underserved by grocery stores, restaurants are often important points of access to food for lower-income communities.” At the moment, and, with any luck, for the foreseeable future, vaccine supply is plentiful, but, should it become constrained again, you can read how the Richmond and Henrico Health District will equitably prioritize vaccine doses across all of these newly eligible folks. Your next step, should you want to be vaccinated: Fill out the statewide pre-registration form so you can get in the system!Last night City Council approved ORD. 2020–261, which modifies the City’s zoning ordinance to allow for emergency, transitional, and permanent supportive housing to be built by right in more places. Roberto Roldan at VPM puts it well: “Right now, when someone wants to open a homeless shelter or transitional housing they have to go through a special permitting process. Even if they pass that hurdle, Richmond City Council can also block the development. Allowing these types of emergency and supportive housing ‘by right’ would eliminate those barriers….The goal of the legislation is to stop the game of hot potato city officials have been playing with homeless services for years.” Roldan’s whole piece is worth reading, if just to remind yourself of how much gross hot potato our local legislative body has played with some of the most vulnerable Richmonders.Everyone should take 30 minutes and read through this RVA Recovery Budget Investment Proposal (PDF) document from the folks at Richmond Together. They’ve put together a vision for how to equitably invest in specific services and programs over the next two years to rebuild and recover from the impacts the pandemic has had locally. In their words: “We are pleased to present this comprehensive investment proposal, designed to address many of the most severe consequences of the current crises and to also lay the groundwork for progress that helps Richmond begin to address long-standing racial and economic disparities.” Y’all, I do not know the last time I saw a local document like this that laid out specific strategies to address inequity, how much it would cost to implement those strategies, and then also where that money would come from. Some of the strategies I dig: A COVID recovery special fund for the Health District to manage, expanding the Mayor’s Youth Academy, increasing the City’s contribution to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, supporting child care providers in financial jeopardy, and free municipal wifi. Some of the funding mechanisms that I find clever: a continued hiring freeze, a 3% one-time reduction in the Richmond Police Department’s budget, and “a Racial Equity Tax Increment Financing Zone along Monument Avenue so that increased property tax revenues resulting from planned reimagining of Monument Avenue area may fund Racial Equity and Community Wealth Building activities.” Importantly: “We do not rule out potential tax increases in the future, but believe the need for them can be offset in whole or in part by successful implementation of other measures.” I’ll take it. Anyway, read this document and the accompanying explainer in Style Weeklyand think about it often as we move through budget season.Scooter alert! Richmond BizSense’s Jack Jacobs says Lime scooters have hit the ground in Richmond. Unfortunately they don’t have plans yet to bring in dockless bikes, but it sounds like that’s not completely off the table. The operational area for this particular scooter fleet is constrained to south of 95, parts of Church Hill, parts of Forest Hill, and most of Manchester. Two thoughts: First, I think Bolt is the only scooter company to allow free range of the entire city; Second, surely a way exists to just have one scooter app on my phone? Do I really need a fleet of apps just to take the scooter nearest me?Jonathan Spiers, also at Richmond BizSense, has an update on the Short Pump Town Center planning charrett. Look at all the stuff they can fit into what’s now just surface parking! Incredible. If you really want to, you can watch the full hourlong presentation over on YouTube.Last week I posted a picture of a nandina plant and captioned it with “Never-wake-up berries?”, which is a weak Blue Lagoon(1980) joke. Turns out nandina are never-wake-up berries…but for birds! The folks at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden pointed me towards this post from their Dirty Dozen series which explains how nandina is not only poisonous but an invasive non-native. What the heck! Time to break out the shovel, do some digging, and open up some space in my back yard—this stuff is everywhere.This morning’s patron longreadButtigieg Says US DOT Should Support ‘Right-Sizing’ City AsphaltSubmitted by Patron Brantley. I’m not going to count my road depavings before they hatch, but it’s wild to hear Secretary Mayor Pete even mention getting rid of some asphalt.Under current DOT formulas, states receive federal dollars based on factors like their total lane miles and the total vehicle miles travelled by drivers each year — a system that all but guarantees that when communities spend those dollars, they’ll prioritize expansion over simple maintenance (much less asphalt subtraction) wherever possible, regardless of the harm done to vulnerable communities by urban heat island effects, pollution, traffic violence, and the countless other impacts of overbuilding our road network. Between 2009 to 2014 (the last year for which final data is available), states spent about $120 billion on road repair and roughly the same amount on road construction, despite the fact that it should have taken an estimated $231.4 billion every year simply to bring the car-focused streets we already had up to par — a problem that hasn’t gotten any better in the years since.If you’d like your longread to show up here, go chip in a couple bucks on the ol’ Patreon.Picture of the DayEven up here on the Northside!

Richmond International Airport celebrates two new nonstop routes; Henrico records a one-day COVID record; six Henrico firehouses are short-staffed because of a COVID outbreak; Virginia now expecting fewer COVID vaccines this month than originally planned; a national honor for Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden; a Northside traffic alert; take the Citizen's reader survey.Support the show (http://www.henricocitizen.com/contribute)

Henrico's COVID-19 numbers take a downward dive, at least for a day; new unemployment filings in the county remain on par with the previous week's levels; a sneak peek at the Dominion Energy Gardenfest of Lights at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden; Richmond Raceway lands another truck series race; how to help Little Hands of Virginia support babies and toddlers; Virginia ABC stores announce their holiday hours; our weekly Restaurant Watch.(Today's Henrico News Minute is brought to you by Commonwealth Catholic Charities and Henrico Area Mental Health.)Support the show (http://www.henricocitizen.com/contribute)

What caused nearly 15,000 absentee ballots in Henrico not to be reported right away?; COVID-19 cases in the county continue to rise; a traffic alert in Eastern Henrico; Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden names a new president and CEO; our weekly crime round-up.(Today's Henrico News Minute is brought to you by Commonwealth Catholic Charities.)Support the show (http://www.henricocitizen.com/contribute)

New developments in the debate about Freeman High School's nickname; will a debate about the school's name itself be next?; Freeman students plan a protest today; some potential good news on the unemployment front; good news from GRTC; Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden announces its reopening plans; reopening plans for Virginia's colleges and universities; a traffic alert for Monday and Tuesday; a free way to honor your Class of 2020 graduate.(Today's Henrico News Minute is brought to you by the Lakeside Farmers' Market.)Support the show (http://www.henricocitizen.com/contribute)

An updated look at COVID-19 cases in Henrico; state and federal officials identify three potential field hospital sites in Virginia, including one in this region; a local organization will build a raised garden in your backyard for free; a 5-year-old boy shoots himself at a Henrico Wawa; Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden may lay off about 90 employees; a Henrico Kroger employee tests positive for COVID-19; masks become the norm at HCA Virginia hospitals.Today's Henrico News Minute is brought to you by Azzurro Italian restaurant.Support the show (http://www.henricocitizen.com/contribute)

The former Colortree Group printing facility in northern Henrico gets a new owner; a two-car accident leaves a Henrico woman dead; two Henrico teams win regional basketball titles; a special sensory tour of Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden; one location of a popular local restaurant chain closes.Support the show (http://www.henricocitizen.com/contribute)

Good morning, RVA! It’s 59 °F, and we may see the sun later today! But, beware the wind! We’re under a wind advisory until 4:00 PM, and you should expect 15–25 mph winds with gusts up to 40 mph. After all that rain, some stuff may fall down, and your power could even go out! Saturday and Sunday look pretty rad though.Water coolerPolice are reporting that Leon T. Robinson, 27, was shot to death on the 1600 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike, near the 804 Market, on Wednesday night. This is the fifth murder of 2020.Elections matter, and every single dang day the New Democratic Majority has pushed for consequential laws that make the lives of Virginians better. It’s really been something to watch. Graham Moomaw at the Virginia Mercury says that the House and the Senate have both passed versions of HB 1663, the Virginia Values Act, which “not only adds sexual orientation and gender identity as protected classes in housing, employment and public accommodations, it establishes a new framework for people who feel they’ve been discriminated against to take legal action against the offending party.” Those bills still need to do the crossover dance and get signed by the Governor and what not, but seem like they’re in a good place. Of course, there’s more work to be done! Side by Side, an excellent organization focused on creating supportive communities for Virginia’s LGBTQ+ youth, has a couple of ways for you to support HB 145 and SB 161, which direct the Virginia Department of Education to create policies regarding transgender students. You can read an open letter from Side by Side and a bunch of other local, youth-focused organizations about this legislation over on RVA Mag, which you should, because you’ll learn that “according to Side by Side’s November 2019 youth survey, 21% of transgender youth were ‘always’ afraid of getting hurt by someone at school and 72% had some level of fear attending schools in Virginia.” Finally, if you want to get involved in the work to push these bills across the finish line, you can attend an event at Diversity Richmond (Facebook) (1407 Sherwood Ave) this coming Monday, February 10th, from 6:00–7:00 PM.Labor law in Virginia is something I’m still learning about. Growing up in the Commonwealth, I’ve accumulated an insidious internal background noise that whispers bad things about unions. I’m working to get rid of that, and it’s nice to see progress on several pro-labor bills at this year’s General Assembly push my personal conversation, but also the public conversation, on labor forward. In fact, Mayor Stoney has a column in the Washington Post about HB 582 and SB 1022, bills lifting the ban on public-sector collective bargaining. And, like I off-handedly mentioned the other day, Del. Carter’s bill to repeal Right to Work made it out of committee. See previous point about how elections matter.Sarah Vogelsong at the Virginia Mercury has the details on the Virginia Clean Economy Act, which has emerged, fresh and mewling, from the Labor and Commerce Committee and on to the House floor. Again, elections matter! This is, of course, exciting, but I’d still like to see more aggressive transportaiton legislation and funding as it relates to climate change. Transportation is the single largest source of greenhouse gas emissions, and, while electrification is most certainly an important and critical piece of the puzzle, we’ve also got to work hard on policies that incentivize and make it easier (or even possible!) for folks to use their cars less. That’s just the facts, Jack!This Saturday, the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden will host a seed swap from 1:00–3:00 PM! Did you know that Lewis Ginter has a seed library? They totally do and, not to minimize the importance of this work, I think it’s such an awesome Busytown-type thing! The seed swap and seed library (which is in an actual card catalog library box thing) are free for members or included with admission.The Oscars are this coming Sunday, which, if you start right now you should still have enough time to finish The Irishman before showtime. Wikipedia has my preferred list of nominations and eventual winners.This morning’s patron longreadCalifornia, Mired in a Housing Crisis, Rejects an Effort to Ease ItSubmitted by Patron Lisa. California’s legislature once again failed to pass a bill that would allow for dense housing near good transit. The fascinating thing here is the alliance between classic NIMBY folks and the people (legitimately) worried about increased housing costs and getting pushed out beyond the reach of the transit system. In Richmond, of course we need to allow for more, denser housing near our best transit—but we also need to figure out ways to keep some of that housing affordable for a wide range of folks.For years, a determined state senator has pushed a singular vision: a bill challenging California’s devotion to both single-family housing and motor vehicles by stripping away limits on housing density near public transit. Now the state will have to look for other ways to relieve its relentless housing crisis. On Thursday, one day before the deadline for action on the hotly debated bill, it failed to muster majority support in a Senate vote. In the end, in a Legislature where consensus can be elusive despite a lopsided Democratic majority, the effort drew opposition from two key constituencies: suburbanites keen on preserving their lifestyle and less affluent city dwellers seeing a Trojan horse of gentrification. The failure marks the third time since 2018 that State Senator Scott Wiener, a San Francisco Democrat and one of the country’s most outspoken advocates for reforming local zoning laws, has tried and failed to push through a major bill meant to stimulate housing production.If you’d like your longread to show up here, go chip in a couple bucks on the ol’ Patreon.

A recap of Gov. Ralph Northam's State of the Commonwealth address; details about how and when you can visit Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden free; your chance to go swimming with the family Friday night; are you buckling your children in their car seats the right way?Support the show (http://www.henricocitizen.com/contribute)

Vediamo come LEWIS GINTER BOTANICAL GARDEN, grazie a Facebook e EventBrite sono riusciti Impara a vendere su Amazon, iscriviti al nostro Gruppo di formazione GRATUITO:►https://www.scuolaecommerce.com/gruppo-amazon/ Scarica gli Ebook Gratuiti di SCUOLAECOMMERCE.COM ►https://www.scuolaecommerce.com/ebook-amazon-gratis/ ----------------------------------------­-------------------ScuolaEcommerce.com è la prima scuola online che ti insegna a progettare, realizzare e sviluppare il tuo E-commerce. Aumenta le tue vendite online grazie ai nostri consigli. ► Impara a realizzare un E-commerce di Successo grazie alle nostre guide: https://www.scuolaecommerce.com/

Vediamo come LEWIS GINTER BOTANICAL GARDEN, grazie a Facebook e EventBrite sono riusciti Impara a vendere su Amazon, iscriviti al nostro Gruppo di formazione GRATUITO:►https://www.scuolaecommerce.com/gruppo-amazon/ Scarica gli Ebook Gratuiti di SCUOLAECOMMERCE.COM ►https://www.scuolaecommerce.com/ebook-amazon-gratis/ ----------------------------------------­-------------------ScuolaEcommerce.com è la prima scuola online che ti insegna a progettare, realizzare e sviluppare il tuo E-commerce. Aumenta le tue vendite online grazie ai nostri consigli. ► Impara a realizzare un E-commerce di Successo grazie alle nostre guide: https://www.scuolaecommerce.com/

Parliamo di Come i social, o in particolare Facebook siano diventati uno dei modi migliori per raggiungere i propri obiettivi di marketing. Parliamo in particolare di:1. Creare una pagina Facebook Aziendale (Leggere la storia di Sasa Sushi)https://www.facebook.com/business/success/sasa-sushi 2. Utilizzare Facebook Ads (Leggere la storia di Univision)https://www.facebook.com/business/success/univision 3. Definire il proprio pubblico (Leggere la storia di Piquadro)https://www.facebook.com/business/success/piquadro 4. Creare una Campagna di successo (Leggere la storia di Tonki)https://www.facebook.com/business/success/tonki 5. Utilizzare il Video Marketing (Leggere la storia di MuteSix)https://www.facebook.com/business/success/mutesix 6. Definire un piano editoriale per i social (Leggere la storia di Miscusi)https://www.facebook.com/business/success/miscusi 7. Attivare le vetrine di Facebook (Leggere la storia di Danbury Mint)https://www.facebook.com/business/success/danbury-mint 8. Sfruttare Facebook Messenger (Leggere la storia di Sephora)https://www.facebook.com/business/success/sephora 9. Creare Eventi su Facebook (Leggere la storia di Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden)https://www.facebook.com/business/success/lewis-ginter-botanical-garden 10. Valutare l’assunzione del personale su Facebook (Leggere la storia di Zeus Place)https://www.facebook.com/business/success/zeus-place--- Impara a realizzare un E-commerce di Successo, iscriviti al nostro Gruppo di formazione GRATUITO:►https://www.scuolaecommerce.com/gruppo/ Scarica gli Ebook Gratuiti di SCUOLAECOMMERCE.COM ►https://www.scuolaecommerce.com/ebook-gratis/ ----------------------------------------­-------------------ScuolaEcommerce.com è la prima scuola online che ti insegna a progettare, realizzare e sviluppare il tuo E-commerce. Aumenta le tue vendite online grazie ai nostri consigli. ► Impara a realizzare un E-commerce di Successo, grazie alle nostre guide: https://www.scuolaecommerce.com/

Parliamo di Come i social, o in particolare Facebook siano diventati uno dei modi migliori per raggiungere i propri obiettivi di marketing. Parliamo in particolare di:1. Creare una pagina Facebook Aziendale (Leggere la storia di Sasa Sushi)https://www.facebook.com/business/success/sasa-sushi 2. Utilizzare Facebook Ads (Leggere la storia di Univision)https://www.facebook.com/business/success/univision 3. Definire il proprio pubblico (Leggere la storia di Piquadro)https://www.facebook.com/business/success/piquadro 4. Creare una Campagna di successo (Leggere la storia di Tonki)https://www.facebook.com/business/success/tonki 5. Utilizzare il Video Marketing (Leggere la storia di MuteSix)https://www.facebook.com/business/success/mutesix 6. Definire un piano editoriale per i social (Leggere la storia di Miscusi)https://www.facebook.com/business/success/miscusi 7. Attivare le vetrine di Facebook (Leggere la storia di Danbury Mint)https://www.facebook.com/business/success/danbury-mint 8. Sfruttare Facebook Messenger (Leggere la storia di Sephora)https://www.facebook.com/business/success/sephora 9. Creare Eventi su Facebook (Leggere la storia di Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden)https://www.facebook.com/business/success/lewis-ginter-botanical-garden 10. Valutare l’assunzione del personale su Facebook (Leggere la storia di Zeus Place)https://www.facebook.com/business/success/zeus-place--- Impara a realizzare un E-commerce di Successo, iscriviti al nostro Gruppo di formazione GRATUITO:►https://www.scuolaecommerce.com/gruppo/ Scarica gli Ebook Gratuiti di SCUOLAECOMMERCE.COM ►https://www.scuolaecommerce.com/ebook-gratis/ ----------------------------------------­-------------------ScuolaEcommerce.com è la prima scuola online che ti insegna a progettare, realizzare e sviluppare il tuo E-commerce. Aumenta le tue vendite online grazie ai nostri consigli. ► Impara a realizzare un E-commerce di Successo, grazie alle nostre guide: https://www.scuolaecommerce.com/

The Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden has a fabulous conservatory and tropical plant collection but that’s not the only options for gardeners who want to keep tender, exotic plants at home.

This is the second part of the conversation that focuses on the creation of Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, how it was formed, how it almost never came to be, how it almost became part of Maymont Park, and how it … Continue reading →

This episode features Frank Robinson, the President and CEO of Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden talking about Lewis Ginter and his legacy.  Lewis Ginter not only helped shape the tobacco industry in America and built the Jefferson Hotel, but he can also … Continue reading →

00:00 Dump City (8.28.09 - Canopy Club, Urbana, Illinois) 19:38 Billie Jean (6.25.09 - Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, Richmond, Virginia) 24:54 Rocker part II* (7.16.09 - Capitol Theatre, Davenport, Iowa) 38:12 Power of Soul** > 51:51 Miss Tinkle's Overture (6.26.09 - Rocks the Harbor, Buffalo, New York) 62:51 Time > 69:21 Great Gig in the Sky (8.27.09 - Canopy Club, Urbana, Illinois) Total Broadcast Length 72:35 Notes: * with Everything In Its Right Place (Radiohead) jam ** with Immigrant Song (Led Zeppelin) teases