Community Corner

đŸŒ± Patch AM: What’s on Richmond City Council’s agenda and how water funds help

And check out Divorce Recovery Workshop on the Richmond Patch calendar

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Tuesday September 15th Patch AM
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Cheers Richmond! We're back, helping you stay up to date with what's happening. Let's take on the day together! ☕️️

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In today's newsletter:

  • What's on Richmond City Council's agenda and how water funds help
  • How a $32.8M upgrade could change Richmond's drinking water system
  • Why did Richmond deny having a Flock camera contract at all?

Also on today's calendar: Divorce Recovery Workshop and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: What has a tail, but no body? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Tuesday: Partly sunny; low humidity, with a high of 80 and low of 55 degrees.
  • Wednesday: Mostly sunny, temps: high: 83, low: 59.
  • Thursday: Mostly sunny and very warm, with a high of 86 and low of 63 degrees. 🌶 Hot!

📰 News we're reading

1. The Agenda: Local government briefs for 9.14.26 (richmondbizsense.com) — Richmond City Council returns from its August break tonight to consider a Gilpin Court redevelopment agreement, new townhome and apartment projects, and a Virginia Union University housing proposal. The city also just secured $32.8 million in state funding to upgrade its water treatment plant filters, while nearby Hanover and Henrico advance major development and tourism initiatives that could affect regional jobs and traffic.
   

2. Regional water workgroup recommends $32.8M for Richmond treatment plant upgrade (vpm.org) — Richmond's main water treatment plant is in line for a $32.8 million state grant toward a $43.8 million filter upgrade, aimed at improving reliability after the 2025 flooding crisis. Regional officials are pressing for assurances the money meets state rules and doesn't replace other funding, while the city races to finalize a grant agreement and construction contracts this fall.
   

3. As Richmond's FOIA foibles persist, city claims it has no 'Flock' contract (richmonder.org) — Richmond residents are learning more about how City Hall has repeatedly mishandled public-records requests, including initially denying it had a contract for Flock license-plate cameras despite nearly 100 devices operating on city streets. The mayor says staff acted in good faith and promises better FOIA training, but transparency advocates warn these wording-based denials erode public trust in local government.
   

4. Corn, geese and a closed trail: Richmond canal deals with derailment aftermath (12onyourside.com) — A key stretch of Richmond's Capital Trail remains closed more than two months after a CSX derailment dumped corn into the Kanawha Canal, forcing walkers and cyclists onto a hazardous Dock Street detour. City officials haven't given a reopening timeline, while leftover corn has fueled geese activity and earlier stressed canal aquatic life, underscoring ongoing safety and environmental concerns for nearby residents.
   

5. "Stick with us": Richmond DPU call center volume nearly triples amid billing system issues (foxrichmond.com) — Richmond utility customers are facing ongoing billing errors after a new system rollout, with call center volumes nearly tripling and some residents seeing confusing or delayed bills. City leaders say account data is accurate, have doubled call center staff, and plan longer service hours, open houses, and more resources so residents can get audits and faster resolution of problem bills.
   

📸 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

  • Tim Hayes of Executive Home Care Richmond Named IFA Franchisee of the Year —William Grundemann Read on Patch
  • Clearance Jobs posted a job opening for Production Controller (Title 32) (Indefinite) Jobs in Richmond. Apply here.
  • Sheehy Auto Stores posted a job opening for Automotive Receptionist/Cashier 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: Coin (Thank you John W. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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