Mr. Heywood Harrison of the Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities with the Church Hill Association rising President, John Johnson, organized a focus group meeting on 5 May 2008 at St. John’s Parish Hall to discuss the redesign of Chimborazo Playground. Approximately 25 people attended, including Petanque Players, parks representatives, Tricycle Gardens, Friends of Chimborazo Playground and community residents.

This was the second of three focus group meetings; the discussion was led by BAM Architect Ann Durkin.  The total budget for the project is $250,000. Additional funds are available for park deconstruction. More funding could be made available through grants.  The Friends of Chimborazo Playground presented a quick overview highlighting some of their concerns, including lack of lighting, drug use, prostitution, graffiti, and other safety and health issues. Other participants representing various interests in the community, presented their views as well.  Shared ideas on a new configuration for the park included but are not limited to:

• age-appropriate playground equipment for toddlers and preschoolers
• a water feature, including water and drinking fountains
• community gardens
• additional petanque courts
• bike racks
• recycling bins
• open pavilions for shade
• public art, such as sculptures and murals
• and more

BAM architects then presented their ideas for the future.  Some of the major points covered include:

• Upgrade alley that runs between 29th and 31st Streets
• Demolish park house
• Upgrade signage
• Install new lighting to address safety issues; improve usage
• Create “natural playgrounds” that integrate natural elements
• All trees will remain, and new ones will be planted
• Add a water feature, integrate with play area

The design team then presented five different design schemes showing various methods for organizing activity zones, including:

• basketball
• tennis
• petanque
• playground
• pavilion
• lawn
• community gardens
• skateboarding

No single design was chosen over any other. The only suggestion made was to place the tennis courts and basketball at opposite ends of the playground. Others noted that costs would be high for relocating courts. The community is encouraged to review the designs online when available and provide feedback through the comments on this website.

The Richmond Times Dispatch is hosting a Public Square forum on The James River on Monday May 5 from 7 – 8:30, at 300 East Franklin St. Downtown.  They have selected several members to participate on a panel discussing their, “observations, predictions and conclusions”, about The James River.  On the panel of “Experts” with five other individuals is Mr. George Ross, R3 Development/Echo Harbour.  His selection on the panel, according to Mr. Robin Beres of the Times Dispatch, was so that all opinions and viewpoints would be represented.   

We the neighbors and community of Church Hill need to have a presence at that forum and, during the public discussion, present challenges and points of view to re-emphasize our continued lack of support of Echo Harbour.  Included is a summary of the CHA October 15, 2006 Membership Meeting where a vote opposed the move by Echo Harbour to acquire a rezoning of the property from M-2 to RF-2 and a special use zoning variance from the RF-2 height restriction of 150’ to erect a building over 200’ tall on the property below Libby Hill Park.  The relevant minutes of that meeting are reproduced for informational purposes:    

– OCTOBER 15, 2006 GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING 

Call to Order: The President of CHA, Richard Worssam

The proposed site for Echo Harbour is between the Great Shiplock Park and the white cement towers along the North bank of the James River. The developer is seeking a rezoning of the property from its current M-2 Industrial zoning to RF-2 River District. They also are seeking a special use permit or zoning variance from the RF-2 height restriction of 150’ to build a building 206’ tall. (Sec. 114-447.1, 2, 8, 10, 11 and 17.)   

The developers are proposing 250 condominium units to be built in two 350’ wide buildings, (in a stair-step configuration), separated by a 275’ view corridor. These structures are to be placed atop a 3 level of parking garage, all of which would be setback 50’ from the river.  Following the Q&A session …a motion was made, seconded, and universally approved.  It stated:  “The Church Hill Association opposes the development as proposed and recommends no rezoning other than RF-1 with its 60 foot height limit.” 

This is and continues to be the position of the Church Hill Association.

Great Balls of Fire!!!  It’s time for the Gargantuan and all Over-shadowing Hysteric All Church Hill YARD SALE on 7 June 2008.  The YARD SALE will be in Libby Hill Park (2800 Block of E Franklin Street) from 9:00 AM to Sunset.  Open to everyone and all are encouraged to participate.  There are no space assignments and set up is as early as you like but spots with shade trees go fast.

Come early, stay late - wholesome fun for the entire family.  Contact Chuck Wrenn at 788-1715 for more details.

Volunteers are needed for a Church Hill Alley Rally on 14 June 2008 for neighborhood trash and debris clean up.  Meet at the Park House at 2800 E Franklin at 8:00 AM to help clean the neighborhood.  The best way to make sure your alley is covered is to volunteer and be there!  Contact Chris Bergen at 640-2710 for more information.

newsletter-april-2008.pdf

newsletter-march-2008.pdf

newsletter-february-2008.pdf

newsletter-january-2008.pdf

newsletter-novdec-2007.pdf

Just when you couldn’t think of anything to get your neighbors in Church Hill area …. the 2007 Church Hill Holiday Weekend posters have gone on sale. They are only $8 for CHA members and $10 for non-members. They can be framed at local stores for $10.00. Thus you can give a nice holiday house warming gift for under $20.

If you would like one or more call: John Johnson at (804) 814 1066