Petersburg city attorney gets lesson in First Amendment
Citizens no longer will be barred from addressing Petersburg City Council solely because they owe money to the city. City Attorney Brian Telfair notified the ACLU of Virginia that the prohibition would be lifted, the constitutional watchdog group announced Tuesday. Mr. Telfair issued the response after the Richmond-based group demanded an end to the practice that he previously had deemed legal. “This prohibition violates the First Amendment and must be rescinded immediately,” Rebecca K. Glenburg, legal director of the Virginia ACLU, wrote to Mr. Telfair in a letter issued Feb. 5.
Richmond jail diversion showing results
The figures reflect the stepped-up efforts by the courts, prosecutors, police, government officials and community service providers to use less costly approaches to justice than jail. The impact on the population at the new Richmond Justice Center is evident. On Monday, Jan. 26, Sheriff C.T. Woody Jr. reported holding 1,126 inmates, or 240 fewer than the 1,366 people who were being held in the old City Jail on the same day in 2014.
Fundraising growing at VSU
A $200,000 check shows Dr. Pamela V. Hammond is keeping her promise to rev up fundraising at Virginia State University. The university’s interim president received the contribution from the foundation of Thompson Hospitality Inc., which offers food service and catering at VSU’s Gateway Center.
Petersburg council to revisit jail closure plan
Will the Petersburg City Jail close as Mayor W. Howard Myers has announced? Stay tuned. Mayor Myers is facing a Petersburg City Council revolt over his announcement last week that the jail closing is a done deal and that arrestees would be housed outside the city at Riverside Regional Jail beginning March 1.
City Council seeks regional efforts on new ballpark
Mayor Dwight C. Jones keeps saying that he might one day return with a revamped proposal to build a new ballpark in Shockoe Bottom. However, his prospects of gaining the six City Council votes he would need to move such a proposal forward — particularly after his initial plan to build a ballpark in Shockoe Bottom went nowhere — are growing increasingly dim.
Morrissey trial set for April 28
Delegate Joseph D. “Joe” Morrissey hoped for a speedier trial. Now he must wait two months to fight new grand jury indictments — including a charge that he forged a document that he presented as evidence in the case that landed him in jail.
Elkhardt’s closing signals harsh reality for mayor, City Council
Elkhardt Middle School is a fresh reminder of the increasingly shabby and dilapidated condition of most of Richmond’s school buildings — a condition that the mayor’s office and City Council have yet to seriously address despite repeated reports and warnings in recent years. Set to be shut down this Thursday night, with students, teachers and staff moving 10 miles north across the James River into the vacant Clark Springs Elementary building, Elkhardt on South Side reflects the stark reality the city is facing — the need to provide big money to keep Richmond’s school buildings usable, a reality that no longer can be papered over with rosy talk about bike races, baseball stadiums and football training camps.
City eyeing sale of parking operations to raise millions
City Hall has been considering using its parking operations as a way to raise $150 million for school construction, street paving, sidewalk development and other unaddressed capital needs. Norman D. Butts, the city’s top financial officer, confirmed that there have been discussions about awarding a long-term conces- sion to an undisclosed private group willing to pay big bucks for a 30- to 40-year concession to operate the city’s 20 parking lots and garages.
Natural gas getting cheaper in Richmond
Heating and cooking with natural gas just got a little cheaper in Richmond. Effective with February’s bills, the cost of the fuel is being lowered again, saving the average residential customer about $6 a month, the city Department of Public Utilities just announced. It’s more good news for consumers who also are enjoying cheaper gasoline prices to fuel their vehicles.
RRHA leadership changes under cloak of silence
Adrienne E. Goolsby was described as a “proven leader ... with a remarkable track record” when she was lured from Chicago in 2012 to take over as the chief executive officer of the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority. But less than three years into her tenure, the 45-year-old Atlanta native is out and a retired Richmond development expert, T.K. Somanath, 69, has been installed temporarily as RRHA’s top official as the search for Ms. Goolsby’s successor begins.
A new top cop in town
The Richmond Police Department has stayed free of public accusations of police brutality as “Black Lives Matter” demonstrations grow locally and across the nation to protest atrocities by white police officers in the black community. The nearly 740-officer force has garnered mostly praise for its community policing efforts to gain closer ties with neighborhoods in the city it serves.
State Dems hit with voting rights suit
Did the Democratic Party of Virginia violate the U.S. Constitution and the federal Voting Rights Act in choosing its nominee to compete in a recent special election for a House of Delegates seat? Yes, say three African-Americans, who are taking their case to federal court.
VSU spring enrollment brings optimism
Enrollment at Virginia State University has dropped less than initially projected — good news for the school and a relief to Dr. Pamela V. Hammond, the interim president. The latest figures indicate nearly 4,500 students are en- rolled and validated as meet- ing their financial obligations. That’s about 130 students fewer than projected for the spring semester in the university’s budget. Earlier this month, Dr. Hammond and VSU’s board of visitors were advised that fewer than 4,250 students might be enrolled this semester. Dr. Hammond told the Free Press last week the higher enrollment means she will not have to consider additional personnel actions to balance the budget. After taking office Jan. 1, she ordered a freeze on hiring and other spending to stabilize finances and those freezes are still in place. She said the freezes should keep spending in line with revenue through the rest of the fiscal year.
McDonnell skirts jail with appeal
Former Gov. Bob McDonnell will remain free on bond while he appeals his conviction on corruption charges. In a win for the one-time Republican star, he will not have to report to prison in two weeks to start his two-year sentence. That’s the result of Monday’s order from the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. The order approved the request from Mr. McDonnell’s legal team for him to remain free while his jury conviction is challenged. The two-page order also took a slap at U.S.JudgeJamesR.Spencer,whopresided
Documents surface in Morrissey case
Information has begun to surface that appears to bolster Delegate Joseph D. Morris- sey’s claim that the new felony charges against him “are absolutely false.” Take the court document that the Henrico County grand jury has charged the scandal-tainted legislator with forging — the key element of the four counts
Burrs named to Venture Richmond post
For the past four years, Stacy L. Burrs has led efforts to transform the historic Leigh Street Armory in Jackson Ward into the new home of the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia.
Plans call for using smartphones to boost health in city
Smartphones could change the delivery of health information in Richmond — particularly to low-income residents. Mobile phones are now seen as a key to helping people set up and get reminders about appointments with doctors, navigate the health care system and learn about preventive care options now available through the Affordable Care Act or Obamacare.
Hammond moving quickly to shore up VSU
Dr. Pamela V. Hammond radiates energy and optimism in her new role as interim president of Virginia State University. “Every day there is something new to celebrate” she tells anyone who will listen.
Morrissey busted on new charges
The situation has gone from bad to worse for scandal-tarred Delegate Joseph D. “Joe” Morrissey.
General Assembly ousts Jamison, welcomes McClenney
Birdie Hairston Jamison has just a bit more than 10 months to preside over the Richmond Traffic Court.
Joe locks up win, gets cold shoulder
Delegate Morrissey back in General Assembly
Joseph D. “Fighting Joe” Morrissey is back in the General Assembly.
Public barred from North Side park
It’s called a public park, but, ironically, the public is barred from entering the small grassy space on North Side without buying a city permit.
New SCLC chapter chartered in Richmond
The Rev. Dwayne E. Whitehead is the leader of a new Richmond area chapter of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference.
Holiday ‘miracle’ may save South Side church
The Richmond Christian Center might not have to sell its sanctuary after all.
Judge defends record
Embattled Judge Birdie Hairston Jamison defended her record on the Richmond General District Court and urged skeptical legislators to re-elect her to a new term.
Joe down for count
Lawmakers call for his resignation
Is Delegate Joseph D. “Joe” Morrissey an innocent man who took a plea deal because he feared a jury would convict him?
Morrissey preps for trial that could be ‘career-ender’
On Friday, Dec. 12, Delegate Morrissey pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
3 judges under fire
City’s Judge Jamison facing ouster?
A group of Richmond lawyers is rushing to the defense of Richmond General District Court Judge Birdie Hairston Jamison as word circulates that the 57-year-old jurist is among three judges the General Assembly might refuse to re-elect to new terms.
Judge gives more time to Richmond Christian Center
The bankrupt Richmond Christian Center has gained a fresh 12-day opportunity.
Preston, Jones vie for 63rd House seat
Joseph E. Preston is a step closer to realizing his 21-year-old dream of representing the Petersburg area in the General Assembly.
Grand Illumination, Love Lights to ignite holiday spirit
The holiday spirit will envelop Richmond this weekend with two big events — the joint Grand Illumination and Love Lights skyline lighting Friday night, Dec. 5, and the Dominion Christmas Parade on Saturday, Dec. 6.
City Council leadership to change?
Sources: Mosby has votes to be council president
City Council member Michelle R. Mosby could have the votes to become the first African-American woman to lead Richmond’s City Council.
Richmond Christian Center auctioned to Henrico church
The building that housed the bankrupt Richmond Christian Center is going to remain a worship center.
The blessing of Heaven
It’s about family togetherness
For Ayisha Carter and her children, every day is Thanksgiving.
$275K for VSU interim president
Dr. Pamela V. (for Valleria) Hammond is ready to jump into her new role as interim president of struggling Virginia State University.
Sharon Baptist Church building no longer for sale
Sharon Baptist Church in Jackson Ward is still on the market, according to a major Richmond real estate company’s website.
A steal for the Squirrels?
Baseball team gets sweet deal with city’s five-year lease at The Diamond
Virtually free rent. That’s what the minor league baseball team, the Richmond Flying Squirrels, got in their new five-year lease deal on The Diamond.
VUU receives $50,000 from Florida couple
Mr. Nathaniel Green, who grew up in Richmond’s Fulton neighborhood, said the new fund carries the Fulton name to recognize neighborhood residents who attended VUU, as well as the VUU graduates who taught him in city schools that served Fulton.
Foundation eyeing former Catholic school for apartments
An abandoned Catholic school on North Side is being targeted for a projected $10 million transformation into 92 affordable apartments for the elderly and disabled.
Petersburg man lost dream, but made $45,000 profit
Montague D. Phipps had big dreams three years ago when he bought a derelict duplex from the City of Petersburg for the rock-bottom price of $5,000.
3 area churches up for sale, auction block
The prominent Richmond Christian Center at 214 Cowardin Ave. is one of several sanctuaries that are on the market, including the former home of Second Baptist Church of South Richmond a few blocks away and Sharon Baptist Church in Jackson Ward.
New boss at VSU
Hampton provost to take reins
Pamela V. Hammond is on track to become the first woman to lead Virginia State University in the school’s 132-year history, the Free Press has learned.
Altria Theater lights up with new acoustics, amenities
Revamped acoustics — including a new sound system and sound-absorbing materials — are among the biggest changes in the grand venue once known as The Mosque and Richmond’s Landmark Theater.
Happy Dance moving to state Senate
Democrat Rosalyn R. Dance waltzed to victory in the special election to fill the 16th Virginia Senate District seat that General Assembly veteran Henry L. Marsh III resigned during the summer.
Warner to get new Washington term after nail-biter win
Whew! That’s how many supporters of U.S. Sen Mark Warner are reacting after he narrowly won re-election to six more years of representing Virginia in Washington.
Miller out at VSU
Dr. Keith T. Miller handed in his notice last Friday at the start of a closed-door meeting of the university’s board of visitors. His resignation comes four and a half years after taking the helm of the 132-year-old institution and more than two years before his contract was to expire.
Minister, wife allege harassment
Co-pastors claim state tax department had them arrested on bogus charges
A Northern Virginia minister claims he and his wife have suffered illegal prosecution at the hands of the Virginia Department of Taxation.
Mayor’s plan keeps Flying Squirrels at The Diamond
Mayor Dwight C. Jones has kept his promise. He has returned to City Council with his latest proposal regarding a minor league baseball stadium in Richmond.
'Disabled not welcome'
Federal lawsuit seeks elimination of barriers at apartments
Are the housing rights of disabled people being protected in Richmond?
