Hello, neighbors,
I miss seeing you all and am sad to once again send an email instead of our in-person WHNA meeting. Below are brief updates from Council, House of Delegates, School Board, and WHNA
Thank you for continuing to stay connected and engaged, and for being compassionate neighbors. I look forward to hopefully seeing you all on July 14!
Take care,
Ashley Hall
WHNA President
4th District Richmond City Council: Kristen Larson
- I received an overwhelming influx of calls, text messages and emails from 4th district residents. I’ve been reading and listening to all the feedback from our community and I sincerely appreciate and thank residents for their input. After careful consideration, I will support the confederate statue removal when it comes before City Council in July. Through this action, I believe we can find ways to bring Richmond together and heal from the trauma and history of racial inequality and divide. I look forward to working with my colleagues to create policies that address racial and socioeconomic inequities in our city. As you continue to reflect on recent events and engage in meaningful dialogue, please share your ideas and thoughts with me.
- The Department of Planning has just released its draft plan to Richmond 300, the City’s Comprehensive Planning Process. I encourage you to review the document and provide your feedback. A Richmond 300 virtual meeting regarding the future of the area surrounding the Coliseum will take place at 5:00 pm on June 15, 2020. This meeting’s discussion will help inform the Coliseum Framework Plan which is being developed in response to Council Resolution 2020-R009, which requested the withdrawal of the Navy Hill ordinances.
- Richmond is entered phase 2 of the state’s re-opening plan Friday, June 12. Changes that went into effect under phase 2 include 50% indoor capacity at restaurants, gatherings limited to 50 people, and the allowance of recreational sports with some restrictions. For a complete list of guidelines and requirements for phase 2, please visit the governor’s website.
House of Delegates: Betsy Carr
- I recently issued a press release outlining legislative actions I plan to take in response to police brutality. You can read it along with my other legislative updates by visiting www.betsycarr.org
- There is still time to complete the Census by visiting 2020census.gov, calling 844-330-2020, or returning the questionnaire that you should have received by mail in March
- Primary Day is on June 23rd for the 4th congressional district, currently represented by Congressman A. Donald McEachin, whom I support. Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. The deadline to request an absentee ballot to be mailed to you is Tuesday, June 16th. You can request an absentee ballot here: https://www.elections.virginia.gov/citizen-portal/
- Visit the Virginia Department of Health’s website (www.vdh.virginia.gov) for information on how to check your symptoms and get a test for COVID-19
- Governor Northam’s updates on COVID-19 are on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 2:00 p.m. You can watch it at www.facebook.com/GovernorVA.
RPS School Board: Jonathan Young
- The Governor released general guidelines for reopening school. Read more here.
- RPS will survey all stakeholders to assess sentiment. Initial survey of Westover Hills/Forest Hill neighborhoods identified community is evenly split on reopening plans.
- A third RPS employee has tested positive for COVID after visiting a school site and RPS has encouraged quarantine for persons that came in contact.
- A new math and language curriculum was adopted for RPS that allows schools to opt-out of the latter as it relates to the coming school year.
- New school construction along with renovations including HVAC and window replacements are on schedule.
WHNA Committees
- WHNA 4th of July – Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, the annual fireworks at Dogwood Dell (which we have a perfect view and party vibe for) will be at the Diamond and televised. For this year, we’re canceling our 4th of July events. We’ll go big next year!
- WHNA Yard Sale (in collaboration with FH, WHES, and Goodwill) – still hoping for a September date. Stay tuned.
- WHNA Picnic – Also due to COVID-19, we’re canceling the annual picnic. We look forward to a great event in the spring!
- WHNA Merchants – Keep supporting our local restaurants/businesses. They are amazing! Stay up-to-date on progress with the Hill Standard development here.
- The Rag – look for your next issue later this month!
- WHNA Membership – Don’t forget to turn in membership dues. It’s easy to do online.