Free Solar Panels, A Bridge Reopens, and an Ask Me Anything with Avula
Cheers RVA!
Today we’ll see a mix of sunshine and clouds with a high of 80 and a low of 53.
the juice:
As Earth Day activities continue this week, Capital Trees is hosting an Earth Day Celebration on Sunday at Hotchkiss Field Community Center.
The free, family-friendly event will include hands-on activities, insights into environmental sustainability, a chance to connect with local organizations, and of course free treats for participating.
the pulp:
A man died after his motorcycle veered off the Manchester Bridge late Monday evening, according to the RTD. Witnesses said the motorcycle was being "operated in a reckless manner" prior to the incident.
A Dominion Energy program is offering free solar panel installation to low-income residents, via WRIC. The $5 million fund could provide solar to up to 250 residents. To qualify a household of two would need a maximum household income of $85k.
VDOT has reopened the Skipwith Road bridge now that a two-year rehabilitation project has been completed.
the dive:
After nearly 100 days in office Mayor Danny Avula hosted an "Ask Me Anything" on the subreddit r/rva on Wednesday.
One of the first questions asked was about split-rate taxation (SRT), meaning to switch property tax systems from being a flat rate system to a system where the value of the unimproved land can be taxed at a higher rate than the rate applied to improvements on that land. The poster argued this land-based value system would encourage healthier and sustainable economic development. The Mayor said he was open to the idea of Land Value Tax but would need to study the effects of a significant change and to discuss the plan with city council.
Included in the discussion was a map created by redditor kfinity displaying how a LVT tax could affect property owners across the city:
Regarding a question on funding for RPS, the Mayor replied:
As Mayor, funding RPS is a top priority, but it cannot be the only priority. We have serious needs in housing, infrastructure, poverty reduction, transportation, public safety, and improving City Hall. To tackle all those needs, we all will need to be very disciplined and very strategic.
Richmond is a city that faces deep challenges. We have a disproportionately high number of residents (and children) in poverty and also have a tax base limited by our inability to annex and by the large amount of tax-exempt property within the city.
The Mayor was pragmatic in his reply to a question regarding food deserts in some of the poorer neighborhoods in the city:
I don’t think there’s an easy answer since this is driven so much by market forces, but I do think there are some policies that can help improve access to healthy food. Larger businesses with lower prices can only exist where they have a high volume of customers, so housing density needs to come first, along with transportation corridors that bring other customers easily.
Avula demonstrated a sense of humor when asked who would be the leader of the Office of Gun Violence, replying 'Chuck Norris.' He clarified he was joking and followed up noting the interview process is ongoing.
His favorite food is a Philly cheesesteak and he confirmed a hot dog is not a sandwich.
Read the full post here.
the vibe:
Have an uncomplicated day RVA!
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