Manchester Neighborhood Plan Implementation Grade: F Ankle Biter by Michael C. Hild - June 12, 2016June 12, 201662 The City of Richmond adopted a Neighborhood Plan for Old Manchester in 1996 as part of the City’s Master Plan. The strategic plan was intended to be a blueprint for the City that would set forth the revitalization of Manchester, yet be flexible enough to allow adaptation as the area developed. The plan explicitly called for the City to take the lead in spearheading Manchester’s revitalization: “The City should take a proactive approach and demonstrate its commitment to the revitalization of Old Manchester by implementing key public improvements and orchestrating initial rehabilitation efforts.” We thought it would be interesting to see how the city has done on the implementation of its plan since it was established in 1996. Here are each of the public priorities as outlined in the plan and the Dogtown Dish’s grade. If you have been to Manchester recently, the number of failing grades are no surprise to you. Frankly, the revitalization that has happened recently in Manchester has been despite the City, not because of it. As a result, we score the City of Richmond’s Implementation of its Manchester Revitalization Plan as Adopted in 1996 with an overall Grade of F.
RT @DogtownDish: Manchester Neighborhood Plan Implementation Grade: F #rva #manchesterrva https://t.co/7bhbS0JoM7 Reply
RT @DogtownDish: Manchester Neighborhood Plan Implementation Grade: F #rva #manchesterrva https://t.co/7bhbS0JoM7 Reply
RT @DogtownDish: Manchester Neighborhood Plan Implementation Grade: F #rva #manchesterrva https://t.co/7bhbS0JoM7 Reply
Richmond is becoming a haven for trash and overgrown lots. The city has alot of cleaning up to do. It’s laughable that they expect the taxpayers to pitch in. Reduce the tax burden and maybe I’ll help mow a median or cut back some bushes. We need better management of resources. Reply
There are three vacant lots beside my property that are overgrown and I always report to get them mowed. I called the city regarding their tax status. Taxes have not been paid since 1987! And they are not up for auction…still in collections. Reply
We just found 1 property that was 11 years delinquent, but holy smokes-1987?! What are the addresses of the lots? Reply
The Dogtown Dish I sent you a PM. To make matters worse, city can only collect on last twenty years of taxes. These are 29 yrs delinquent. Reply
Wow… I have a few lots near me on Bainbridge… Same problem. At least they mowed them last week.. Never thought about calling to see how long they have been delinquent Reply
Flattering John, thank you, but I’d rather see us vote in an experienced executive to run the city. We’ve tried the “Outsider” choice by electing a minister and clearly see how that’s worked out. I hope we don’t make the same mistake again. Reply
Jack Berry dishonorably reneged on a repeated promise to community and government and should NOT be elected Mayor. http://www.oregonhill.net/2014/03/27/ohhic-press-release-the-city-of-richmond-and-venture-richmond-renege-on-promised-section-106-review-of-the-future-tredegar-green-amphitheater/ Reply
The lack of progress over such an extended time period of time is discouraging for sure.But I’m not sure the “Overnight Transportation” line item warranted an “F”. An “F” would be if Overnight was still the owner and letting the land sit idle. You spoke favorably of Miller and Gecker as stewards of this land in your March 13th post. Seems like a “B” to me. “C” at worst. Reply
The reason for the F was solely because the City’s intent was to acquire the land. It failed in that regard. Mr. Cochrane of Overnight Transportation decided to give it away to VMFA, rather than see it end up in the City’s hands. That actually probably worked out for the best, but was absolutely not the City’s intent per the plan. Hence the reason for the F as a score relative to their stated objective. I agree this actually turned out far better in the end, because the City failed and wasn’t able to get ahold of it and screw it up. Reply
RT @DogtownDish: Manchester Neighborhood Plan Implementation Grade: F #rva #manchesterrva https://t.co/7bhbS0JoM7 Reply
