A Windy Day, a Text Scam, and the Diamond District
Cheers RVA!
Today will be windy and rainy, with potential thunderstorms developing in the afternoon, with a high of 64 and a low of 42. Wind gusts could reach 30+ mph, so be careful and pay attention to any extreme weather alerts.
the juice:
The City of Richmond has sold and transferred an 18-acre plot of land as part of Phase 1A of the Diamond District redevelopment project.
The Economic Development Authority (EDA) sold the land for $11.4 million to Diamond District Partners, LLC (DDP).
Phase 1A will include a hotel and and 891 housing units, of which 18% will be ‘workforce housing units’ priced at 60% of area median income.
A press release from the city states:
The Phase 1A parcel will include six acres of public infrastructure (such as streets and parks), which DDP will convey back to the City and the EDA following completion. Approximately 12 acres will become private development that will include a 180-room hotel, 161 workforce housing units (at 60 percent of the area median income), 730 market-rate housing units, and 30,000 square feet of commercial space (with room to build more if there is demand). Phase 1B and Phase 1C will include an additional 177 affordable units, 625 market-rate units, and 126,000 square feet of commercial space.
CarMax Park, the future home of the Flying Squirrels, is currently under construction and expected to open for the 2026 season.
the pulp:
RPS Superintendent Jason Kamras has backed off the idea of splitting health care cost increases between employees and the division in an effort to save $4 million in the proposed budget, according to Sarah Vogelsong at the Richmonder. The proposal was opposed by teacher and staff unions who argued it was essentially a pay cut.
A coalition of more than 300 people attended the “March 4th Democracy” protest at the Capitol on Tuesday, according to the Mercury.
The Virginia DMV is warning customers about a new text scam referencing unpaid toll charges, advising: “Do not click on any links or respond to unexpected texts. The DMV will never send you text messages about toll bills.”
Got oversized trash? The City of Richmond is offering curbside pickup of bulk items such as furniture, mattresses, tires, and appliances, via WTVR. The clean up program begins March 15 and lasts until November. View the schedule here.
the vibe:
A hand-woven tapestry available to view this Friday at Gallery 5 at the Richmond Renaissance Fair fundraiser:
Have a steady day RVA!
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