BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Who: Blasting Services, Inc. (Contractor)

What: Removal of bedrock and granite through a controlled blasting process

Why: Hardened ground resistant to the pneumatic drill process needs to be removed for the installation of two pipelines. One for sewer and the other for sanitation. When: Monday, June 26, 2023 – Friday, July 7, 2023. The blasting on June 26th will occur at 9:00 AM. The subsequent dates will have a detonation time of 3:00 PM. There will be NO blasting on the weekends and NO blasting on the 4th of July.

Where: Riverside & Southcliff Project site. The parcels are listed as 2001-2009 Southcliff Road and 4610-4612 Riverside Drive What residents will hear prior to blasting: Warning Signal - A series of Long Horns up to 5 Minutes prior to clearing the area. Blast Signal - A series of short horns 1 minute prior to the shot. All Clear Signal - A prolonged horn following the inspection of blast. Area: The size of the detonation is approximately 10’ x 15’.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. What is the permit timeline? The permit timeline is three (3) weeks, from June 26 to July 14, 2023. This timeframe allows for site assessment to determine if any additional detonations will be needed after July 7, 2023.

2. Are there any utility lines in the blasting area? The blasting impacts private property. As a result, there is NO impact on the utilities located in the public right of way. Background Information and Frequently Asked Questions about the Riverside and Southcliff Project Site

3. How long can residents expect each blasting session to last? Each blasting session will last up to 30 minutes.

4. Who do I contact if there is damage to my home or property? Contact the blasting company directly at (804) 749-4923, and they will put you in contact with their insurance company.

5. How can I review the plans? Send a Freedom of Information Act (F.O.I.A) request to petula.buks@rva.gov. If you have additional questions about the FOIA process, call (804)225-3056 or (866)448-4100.

6. How will the site be kept safe? The contractor will have individuals on-site surrounding the area to ensure no one comes into the blasting zone. There will be signs posted and red danger tape outlining the area. Additionally, there will be at least one Fire Marshal present every day.

7. What could delay a detonation? Heavy rain during the time of detonation will stop the detonations for the day.

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The Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities (PRCF) will host the 2nd Annual Jubilation in June Festival on Sunday, June 18, co-sponsored with Radio One Richmond and Unlocking RVA at Intermediate Terminal (3101 Wharf Street) beginning at 3 p.m. This festival will feature performances from Richmond’s Thea Paul, the Virginia Union University gospel choir, national recording group WanMor, KAMAUU, and DJs from Power 92.1 and Kiss Richmond. The evening will culminate with the multi-platinum Grammy Award Winning group Arrested Development, whose distinctive celebration of Boom Bap & Classic Hip Hop Style, flow, vibe, influential wordplay, and infectious soundscapes will be the background to this year’s fireworks display.

“We’re excited to be in the second year of this new tradition for the City of Richmond, as a reminder that it is not just a celebration of freedom but also one of opportunity, equity, and access,” says Priscilla Wright, Special Event Manager for the Department of Parks, Recreation, and Community Facilities. “It brings us jubilation to celebrate this event where many enslaved people first stepped foot in America.”

Those that plan to attend the event can park at the Main Street Station parking lot for free and catch the GRTC Pulse bus to the East River Front Station. On-street parking will not be available on East Main Street between the roundabout and Nicholson Street.

For more information about the department, follow PRCF on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram or visit our website.

RICHMOND, Va.  – New parking decals for residents of the Fan Restricted Parking District are on sale. They cost $25 each and are limited. Both mail-in and in-person renewal options are available for qualifying residents. The current Fan parking permit expires June 30, 2023.

Residents must display the Fan permit on their cars to park more than one hour from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Friday and, also on West Avenue, parts of Boyd and Birch Streets, and the 1600 and 1800 blocks of West Grace Street, the regulation is one hour from 7:00 a.m. to midnight, Monday through Sunday.

A resident is either the residing owner of record or renter of property located within the Restricted Parking District. A City of Richmond Residential Parking Permit Application must be completed and approved prior to decal issuance. To enable the Department of Public Works to verify residency, the following information and photo identification must be provided:

• Residential property owners must provide either a copy of their real estate bill or other information that verifies ownership of the property

• Renters must provide a valid written lease for the property in the Fan Parking District, and have the appropriate approval of the property owner on the application they present

A resident of the district is defined as an owner of record or renter of property in the district and members of their immediate family who reside with the owner or renter at the address in the District:

(1) Who are licensed drivers

-and-

(2) Whose domicile is the address for which they are seeking to obtain the parking permit

Annual Visitor Passes also are available and limited to two per house or building address at a cost of $35 each.

Annual Visitor Passes must be purchased at the same time the Fan permit is purchased and are restricted to residential homeowners.

Property owners and renters are required to comply with the residency requirements and the motor vehicle registration requirements of the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles.

Residents can get more information, verify residency in the Fan Parking District and download an application for mailing in on the City’s website: https://www.rva.gov/public-works/parking-enterprise

Fan decals and applications are also available at City Hall, Room 102, 900 East Broad Street, Richmond, Virginia. The office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Please call 804-646-5700 if you have any questions.

For additional details, please use the 3-1-1 mobile app or online portal at www.RVA311.com or call 3-1-1.

For more information, please visit us online at rva.gov/public-works or email us at askpublicworks@rva.gov

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

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The City of Richmond Department of Public Works (DPW) is one of only 195 currently accredited public works agencies in the United States. DPW’s portfolio comprises a wide array of services to include leaf collection; street, sidewalk and alley maintenance; trash collection; recycling; grass cutting;  graffiti removal; parking enforcement; urban forestry; street signs; traffic signals and pavement markings and civil engineering. In addition, DPW maintains upkeep on most city buildings; issues permits for working in the city’s right-of-way; manages the RVA Bike Share program and maintains the fleet of city vehicles. DPW’s operating budget comes from the general fund of the City of Richmond.  For more information about DPW services, click here or call 3-1-1.

Looking for something to do this summer? The City’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities (PRCF) is sure to have an event or program to kick start your summer along with great, free activities for everyone in your family!

Parks and Recreation will be introducing Jazz at the Fountain at Fountain Lake in Byrd Park as a new event for 2023. On Sunday, June 4, Jazz at the Fountain will feature Richmond native Chan Hall beginning at 4 p.m. Visitors are invited to bring out their lawn chairs to enjoy the afternoon by the lake. Subsequent performances will take place on July 2, August 6, and September 3.

Starting the Festival of Arts season, PRCF in partnership with the Office of Immigrant and Refugee Engagement, will host the National Immigrant Heritage Month Festival on Saturday, June 10 beginning at 11 a.m. at Dogwood Dell. This event will feature performances from the Panama Traditional Dance Group, Salsa Rueda de Casino representing Cuba, and a traditional performance from Afghanistan with food from Central America, Ukraine, and Argentina.

The department will host the 2^nd Annual Jubilation in June, with the kickoff beginning at the 66^th annual Festival of Arts. Desiree Roots and Friends will be performing at Dogwood Dell, 600 S. Arthur Ashe Blvd, on Friday, June 16 at 8 p.m. On Saturday, June 17, the Dell will host the R& B cover band Legacy Band beginning at 8 p.m. On Sunday June 19, Jubilation in June will culminate with a festival co-sponsored by Radio One Richmond at Intermediate Terminal (3101 Wharf Street) beginning at 3:30 p.m. This festival will feature performances from the Virginia Union University choir, national recording group WanMor, and DJs from Power 92.1 and Kiss Richmond. The festival will end with a fireworks show beginning at 9:15 p.m.

The full schedule for the 66^th Festival of Arts can be found on the Parks and Recreation website.

The department is also hosting summer camps that will begin on Tuesday, June 20. There are still slots available for the Summer Blast Day Camp, Pine Camp Summer Spotlight, Summer Dance Intensive, Theatre Fundamentals camp for teens, Page to Stage Theater Camp, and Nature Film Camp.  More information can be found on our registration site parksandrecreation.richmondgov.com under the “Spring& Summer Camps” tab.

For more information about the department, follow PRCF on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram or visit our website.

Voter referendum documents for entertainment and gaming venue introduced to City Council 

Tonight, the City of Richmond will introduce papers for the anticipated ONE Casino + Resort, a world-class entertainment and gaming venue that will benefit all of Richmond by infusing a $562 million project and 1,300 good-paying jobs into Richmond’s economy. The project will not utilize any taxpayer money and is projected to generate $30 million in new General Fund revenue annually in addition to a one-time payment of $25.5 million to the City upon passage of the voter referendum. The revenue from the project will be used to address city priorities.

ONE Casino + Resort will be a world-class entertainment and gaming resort that features a 12-story luxury hotel, live entertainment venue and conference 
center, audio and visual production studio, food and beverage amenities featuring local Richmond restaurants, and a 55-acre green space and park. With the introduction of today’s resolution and ordinances, the City continues its push for economic growth across the entire city.

“This is about more than just a casino,” said Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney. “This is about the 1,300 good-paying jobs and estimated $30 million in additional annual revenue generated that would enable us to provide an abundance of new opportunities for our residents, especially those who live in South Richmond. It is critical that we continue to find ways to diversify the revenue streams that feed our local economy, which is why I am excited about another shot at this game-changing development.” 

"If you know me, then you know that I am thrilled about the introduction of this casino paper,” said Councilwoman Reva Trammel. “I am thrilled because it 
places 1300 well-paying jobs back on the table for many who have been hit hard the last two years. And it's more than just jobs; it’s the creation of new revenue that will help the entire city.” “Over the years, we've discussed building a diverse economy, and with this project, along with the many others that are on the horizon, that conversation is a reality. My hope is that our residents will come together to do what is best for all, and that is to allow the casino project to move forward." 

“The proposed casino in Richmond offers an opportunity to promote economic growth and inclusivity for all residents,” said Council President Michael Jones. “With the infusion of 1300 well-paying jobs, the casino project could revitalize the area and strengthen Richmond's overall revenues and resiliency. Placing the project on the ballot would allow us to move forward and celebrate the start of this transformation. Let's work together to create a brighter future for our city.” 
“We continue to be very excited to work with the City of Richmond to bring this opportunity that will provide jobs and tax revenue that can support the City’s priorities, especially education,” said Alfred Liggins, CEO of Urban One. “We are thrilled to work with our new partner, Churchill Downs, in bringing a first-class entertainment and gaming resort to Central Virginia.” 

“Churchill Downs is proud to bring 150 years of history in entertainment, racing, and gaming to the City of Richmond,” said Bill Carstanjen, CEO of Churchill Downs Incorporated. “We pride ourselves on projects and partnerships that provide real benefits to the communities in which we operate while offering extraordinary experiences to our guests.” 

ONE Casino + Resort (RVA Entertainment Holdings, LLC) was selected as the City’s preferred casino gaming operator after a competitive process. The company is a partnership between Urban ONE and Churchill Downs Incorporated. Urban ONE is a publicly traded integrated media company. Churchill Downs Incorporated is a publicly traded company that owns and operates the Kentucky Derby and has expanded through the operation and development of regional casino gaming properties, live and historical racing entertainment venues, and the growth of TwinSpires horse racing online wagering business.

Richmond City Council has introduced this paper in order to meet deadlines in state law to place the referendum on the November ballot. Council is expected to formally consider and act on the paper in June following public comment and input. If approved by Council, the Virginia Lottery and Richmond Circuit Court will have to review and approve the referendum before it can be placed on November’s ballot.