After 34 years of making downtown Richmond shine, the time-honored tradition of Grand Illumination hosted by the James Center will now be operated by the City of Richmond. The Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities (PRCF) will host Downtown Illumination RVA at Kanawha Plaza, 801 E. Canal Street, on Friday, December 6, 2019 beginning at 5:45 p.m.

Originally catered to the tenants, visitors, and their families of the Hames Center, this long-standing kick-off to the holiday season has annually attracted thousands to Downtown Richmond for family-friendly fun. The City of Richmond would like to thank the James Center for serving as the originators and the driving force behind this time-honored holiday tradition.

PRCF will have more details in the coming weeks.

For more information about the department, follow PRCF on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Bagged leaf collection begins October 1; vacuum service starts November 1
The City of Richmond’s annual Leaf Collection Program begins October 1. Vacuum service, which begins Nov. 1 can be requested through the RVA311.com customer service portal.

Four options for leaf pick-up:

Option 1 | Bag Collection (10 bags)

• Begins October 1
• Up to 10 bags collected on trash day
• Biodegradable plastic bags preferred·
• Place bags near supercan

Option 2 | Unlimited Bag Collection by Sector

• Wednesday trash collectionLeaves collected between Oct. 30 - by Nov. 13
• Thursday trash collectionLeaves collected between Nov. 14 - Nov. 23
• Monday trash collectionLeaves collected between Nov. 25 - Dec. 09
• Tuesday trash collectionLeaves collected between Dec. 10 - Dec. 28

Option 3 | $30 Vacuum Service

• Begins November 1 and will continue based upon available funding
• Rake leaves to front property line
• Request by calling 3-1-1
• RVA311.com (online or mobile app)15 day window provided, based upon availability.

Note: Leaves must be raked and ready for pick-up when service request is made.

Option 4 | Do-It-Yourself

• Dispose of loose leaves at:
• East Richmond Convenience Center, 3800 East Richmond Road
• Maury Landfill, 2900 Maury Street

Residents can pay for vacuum service in person at the DPW main office on the 7th floor of City Hall; mail in payment to DPW at 700 E. Broad St., Suite 704, Richmond, VA 23219 or, if requesting service online of through 3-1-1 the fee can be placed on the utility bill.

On October 1, residents can call 3-1-1 or 646-LEAF for schedule information or for updates in the event inclement weather causes delays. Residents may also send e-mail inquiries to Leafprogram@richmondgov.com.

For more information on the leaf program, visit www.richmondgov.com/PublicWorks/Leafcollection.aspx

As a primary recipient of Federal Funds HCD is required by federal mandate to post these draft documents for the public to view.

Click the links below:

CAPER FY18-19 Draft
HOPWA CAPER Draft

In 2018, the City of Richmond contracted with Homeward, the planning and coordinating agency for homeless services in the Greater Richmond area, to create a strategic plan for addressing homelessness in the city. Now, Homeward is soliciting input to create a plan that reflects the needs and interests of the community.

To voice your opinion, take this survey: https://www.psychdata.com/s.asp?SID=186859

The survey will be available through August 29, 2019.

For more information, visit homewardva.org.

The Lynhaven Avenue Bridge over Broad Rock Creek is shutting down immediately as the city prepares to replace the 70 year old structure.

Funding for the new bridge, estimated at $1.1 million, is in place effective July 1, 2019 and the project is expected to be advertised for construction bids this coming fall with work commencing in the winter. The replacement bridge is scheduled to open before the fall of next year.

The bridge has a posted weight limit of three tons due to some deterioration. However, the continued violations by large commercial vehicles prompted the closing. The impact to motorists will be minimal, as only approximately 520 vehicles cross the bridge daily. Traffic detours will be implemented near the location.

We’re Social! For updates on DPW-related projects, activities and events visit us on Twitter @DPW_RichmondVA.