Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: What CSX says really caused July’s grain train derailment downtown

Spotted on the Richmond calendar: Please Remain Seated: Stay Seated

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Good morning to you Richmond! Catch up on our news and events right here. Keep reading to stay in the know. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • What CSX says really caused July's grain train derailment downtown
  • How long will the Capital Trail detour last near Great Shiplock?
  • See what's new before Brown's Island fully reopens in 2027.

Also on today's calendar: Please Remain Seated: Stay Seated and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: What day of the year is trucker's day? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Friday: Very warm with a thunderstorm, with a high of 87 and low of 68 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Saturday: Mostly cloudy and humid, temps: high: 81, low: 66.
  • Sunday: Humid with clouds and sun, with a high of 85 and low of 68 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. CSX says extreme heat caused July train derailment in Richmond (newsadvance.com) — Richmond residents now know CSX blames July's Dock Street derailment, which sent three grain cars into a canal off the James River, on heat-warped tracks. While no injuries or immediate hazmat risks were reported, the incident closed Dock Street between 18th and 22nd streets and highlights how extreme heat can threaten rail safety through the city's core.
   

2. Section of Capital Trail Closed for Repairing Train Derailment Damage (rvahub.com) — If you bike or walk the Virginia Capital Trail in Richmond, be aware that the section between Great Shiplock Park and the Floodwall is still closed while the city redesigns canopy supports damaged in July's train derailment. Public Works warns people to stay out of the closed area due to falling debris risks and says repairs may take three to six more months, with detours and safety barriers now in place.
   

3. A First Look at the New Brown's Island (rvamag.com) — Brown's Island is set to briefly reopen for the Richmond Folk Festival Oct. 9–11, giving Richmonders an early look at a $30 million overhaul adding restrooms, shade, a splash pad, and a new performance pavilion. The City of Richmond and Venture Richmond are splitting the cost, with full completion expected in early 2027 and Friday Cheers returning afterward.
   

4. Richmond People's Budget and GRTC celebrate completion of bus shelter in Jackson Ward, Carver (wric.com) — Richmond's People's Budget program has delivered its first completed project: a new GRTC bus shelter by the Lombardy Kroger serving Jackson Ward and Carver riders. Funded from a $3 million pool allocated across council districts, the $50,000 shelter was chosen by Second District residents to improve comfort and safety, and neighbors are already pushing for more shelters and larger participatory budgets.
   

5. City leaders face questions over Richmond zoning code rewrite (nbc12.com) — Richmond residents are pressing city leaders about the proposed "Code Refresh" zoning rewrite, worried about infrastructure, traffic, schools, and neighborhood impacts from added housing density. Officials say growth can help pay for long-needed upgrades, while the latest draft limits lots to one primary home plus an ADU and adds new vegetation requirements as the timeline for council action remains uncertain.
   

📸 Around Richmond

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🪧 Patch Classifieds

  • Looking for former employees
    from the City of Richmond City Garage between 1980-1990. Please contact Brittney Fries at 813.230.7702 or bfries@mrhfmlaw.com (More info)

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • New Residence Building Opens at Avery Point! —Elizabeth Fabiano Read on Patch
  • Hey y'all, my 16 year old indoor/outdoor cat has been missing for a couple of days.
    I live right near Sankofa Community Garden and Orchard. He is a black cat, with a little tuxedo marking under his chin. He is chatty, has the spirit… (Nextdoor Forest View Heights)
  • Had two very tall bookcases on either side of my fireplace.
    I called Russell Bonovich, who gets very good reviews on Next Door, to come and look at the bookcases and make base cabinet doors. He did not… (Nextdoor The Fan West)
  • HCA Healthcare posted a job opening for Medical Office Specialist in Richmond. Apply here.
  • Dunkin' posted a job opening for Opener/Bakery Finisher 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: 10-4, good buddy! (Thank you Jean H. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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