Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: What a 190-unit Shockoe Bottom project could mean for Richmonders

And check out Superhero 5k on the Richmond Patch calendar

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What's up Richmond! Let's start this morning right by getting caught up on what's going on around town. Keep reading to stay in the loop. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • What a 190-unit Shockoe Bottom project could mean for Richmonders
  • What really led to mold closures at two Richmond elementary schools?
  • How a DPU theft scheme exposed security gaps in Richmond utilities

Also on today's calendar: Superhero 5k and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: What has a cap but no head? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Saturday: Cooler with a few showers, with a high of 67 and low of 59 degrees.
  • Sunday: Rain, temps: high: 67, low: 61.
  • Monday: Pleasant with sunny spells, with a high of 77 and low of 47 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Richmond selects local developer for 190-unit residential project (virginiabusiness.com) — Richmond officials have picked local group Shockoe Shines RVA to negotiate a 190-unit mixed-income apartment building on a city-owned parking lot in Shockoe Bottom, with at least 57 units reserved as affordable housing. The Seabrook project still needs City Council approval but could start construction as early as August 2027, adding new residents and amenities near jobs, transit, and downtown attractions.
   

2. Emails show Richmond paused scheduled air filter changes before mold closed 2 schools (wtvr.com) — Richmond parents are learning that Richmond Public Schools paused contracted air filter changes months before mold forced Barack Obama and Bellevue elementary schools to close for more than a week. Emails and the division's auditor highlight serious gaps in preventive maintenance, while the superintendent cites tight budgets and the high cost of systemwide filter changes as major obstacles.
   

3. Richmond DPU supervisor stole $18,000 worth of wire, sold it for fraction of the cost: OIG (wric.com) — Richmond's Office of the Inspector General found that a former Department of Public Utilities supervisor stole nearly $18,000 in copper and aluminum wire from city utility trucks and sold it for scrap. After the investigation and restitution, DPU has tightened security by locking high-value materials, restricting key access, and increasing oversight to better protect public assets that support local services.
   

4. Richmond police investigate cyberbullying, sexual misconduct allegations (foxrichmond.com) — Richmond Police are investigating reports of cyberbullying and possible off-campus sexual misconduct involving students at Trinity Episcopal School, prompting immediate safety and policy changes on campus. Some boys were temporarily kept off campus, cell phone use during class is now banned, and outside counselors and an independent investigator have been brought in as the school works with RPD to protect students and review its procedures.
   

5. Amazon's drone delivery plans draw mixed feelings from greater Richmond residents (nbc12.com) — Amazon is preparing to launch Prime Air drone deliveries from its Richmond-Henrico Turnpike fulfillment center, serving customers within 7.5 miles in under an hour. While the company touts quieter, electric drones and faster service, many Greater Richmond and Henrico residents have raised concerns about noise, safety, privacy, and wildlife impacts during recent public comment and county discussions.
   

📸 Around Richmond

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Richmond

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📣 Richmond Shout Outs!

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Anyone missing this cute small American Bully?
    Found on our neighbors porch around Bliley. Update: they have been reunited with their owner. (Nextdoor Forest Hill Farm)
  • This is a neighbor's dog.
    He moved away before I was done, so I still have it. Makes me smile every time I walk past it. What a character! (Nextdoor Carillon)
  • Alfa Laval posted a job opening for Machine Operator II- 3rd shift(Sunday-Thrusday) in Richmond. Apply here.
  • Kellermeyer Bergensons Services posted a job opening for Warehouse Janitorial Associate in Richmond. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Richmond here.

Ok Richmond! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: "What has a cap but no head?" — A bottle (Thank you Glo M. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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