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Florenz Sterling edited and Mary Garber produced the January, 2001 issue of
the Newsletter. That issue includes:
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Civic Association General Meeting ? February 6, 6:30 PM for pizza; 7:00 pm for
meeting, Christ Ascension Church
Security Patrol Training ? February 22, 7:00 pm, Battery Park Christian
Church, Call Winnie Cobb (264-0959) or Chris Sterling (266-7496) for
information.
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No shortage of news!
Here's a roundup of what's going on in and around Bellevue,
and how your civic association is getting involved on your behalf.
Still waiting on Crisis Pregnancy
To update you on an issue discussed in the last newsletter,
Crisis Pregnancy Center (CPC) has now obtained ownership of the medical
complex at 4100 Brook Road (just behind the stores at Bellevue and Brook). CPC
currently operates in Carytown, but lacks facilities to conduct diagnostic
tests on its clients and to conduct birthing classes. CPC's executive
director, Michael Daily, met with the Bellevue Board in July to brief us on
plans for the Brook Road site. Before they can offer these services, though,
they must apply to the City's Department of Community Development to obtain a
use permit as a nonprofit medical services provider. The permit must then be
approved by City Council. To date, no paperwork has been filed with the City,
so we have no definitive plans to respond to. If you'd like more information
or are interested in getting involved, please contact Tim Pfohl at 264-1362 or
Delaney Mescall at 262-2608.
More alcohol on Azalea?
At the request of our Ginter Park neighbors, we joined several
civic associations and organizations in opposing an application for an
off-premise alcoholic beverage permit for a convenience store to be opened at
837 Azalea Avenue. The store will be owned by Teresa West of Jolly Company
Inc., and operated as Jolly Mart. The applicant passed the Virginia Department
of Alcoholic Beverage Control's background check, but a number of issues
alarmed the neighbors and were conveyed to the ABC special agent overseeing
the application, Mr. Orlando Caraballo. Concerns include the history of crime
problems in the area, the proliferation of nearby ABC outlets, and the
proximity to facilities for youths and other citizens at Pine Camp recreation
and cultural facility (which it abuts), John Marshall and Henrico High
Schools, Henderson Middle School, and the Northside YMCA.
Based on the objections, the ABC staff has notified us they will schedule a
hearing on the application (no word yet on a specific date). Watch the
Bellevue website for more info, or call Agent Caraballo at 213-4620 or the ABC
hotline at 1-800-552-3200. Feel free to attend the hearing and express your
views.
Westminster-Canterbury plans
At the gracious invitation of Westminster-Canterbury President
Don Lecky, Bellevue has been represented at a multi-month planning process to
determine the future role and physical configuration of our institutional
neighbor on Westbrook Avenue. Westminster Canterbury obtained the former
Charter Westbrook hospital property last year, and has undertaken this
planning process to examine an array of opportunities. Westbrook Avenue
resident Beryl Riley has represented Bellevue in the meetings, and she reports
that the task force has studied issues including growth onto the adjacent
Charter Westbrook and Azalea Mall properties and further enhancing community
services and activities for Westminster-Canterbury residents and surrounding
communities. Draft recommendations are being sent to the task force for review
during January. If you have any questions, please call Beryl at 262-6746 or
Westminster-Canterbury Vice President for Community Services Wilda Ferguson at
264-6000.
Cities unite for tax equity
A coalition of Richmond neighborhoods called Concerned Civic Associations of
Richmond held a meeting in December that featured a presentation by Richmond
Deputy City Manager Connie Bawcom on the inequities of state tax revenue
allocation that harms all older Virginia communities. Ms. Bawcom provided
evidence indicating that flawed revenue distribution formulas are costing
Richmond upwards of $117 million in annual state tax revenue allocations for
education, road maintenance, and mandated social services. She includes in
that figure the foregone value of tax exempt state properties and the state's
failure to fund so-called "599" payments (for giving up annexation
rights). Delegate Viola Baskerville and State Senator Henry Marsh attended the
meeting and expressed support, but stressed the challenge of gaining
significant relief. A coalition of older, larger cities -- called Virginia's
First Cities ? will join Richmond in lobbying for more equitable revenue
allocation at this year's General Assembly, but declining state revenues due
to a cooling economy and political footballs like car tax relief promise to
take center stage.
ACORN grows
If you haven't yet heard of or attended their seminars, the Alliance to
Conserve Old Richmond Neighborhoods (ACORN) is a great resource to check out
and support. ACORN provides information on available properties, financial and
technical assistance and other strategies to protect the architectural
heritage of Richmond neighborhoods. ACORN also recognized our own Delegate
Viola Baskerville with their Marguerite Crumley Preservation Award this past
October. Find out more on their www.richmondneighborhoods.org
or call them at 422-2148 -- and consider supporting them with a dues payment
of $25 per year.
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It's time to pay those dues!
Thanks to your dues checks and our advertisers, we are on
somewhat better financial footing than six months ago, but we still have only
a few hundred dollars in our general fund. With that and the new calendar year
in mind, please take a moment to fill out the dues application on the back
page and mail it to us at Post Office Box 9282, Richmond, Virginia 23227. Dues
are still only $6, but if you would like to include an additional contribution
for the Arch Fund or Security Patrol, we'd be most appreciative! If you have
questions about dues, please call our Treasurer, Ed Parks, at 264-8867.
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North Team third Thursdays
The North District Neighborhood Team, with representation from
several civic associations and interested citizens, meets the third Thursday
of every month at Richmond Neighborhood Housing Services, 2712 Chamberlayne
Avenue. Dr. Norma Murdoch-Kitt of the Ginter Park Residents Association is the
North Team's new chairperson. For agenda info contact Senior Planner Charles
Lynch in the City's Department of Community Development at 646-7426.
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Visit the Bellevue web pages for
the latest neighborhood news:
 |
See the pictures from the Marathon in Bellevue. |
|
Read about Sudie Pasco's appearance at the School Board to
complain about the noise from Holton School. |
|
Read about the awful SOL scores in the Richmond Schools (including,
unfortunately, Holton). |
There are four ways to visit the Bellevue web page:
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The Richmond Police
Department
is sending out a daily "Notables" list.
Basically it's a list of the crimes the police think they all
should know about. John Anderson is posting it daily to the Bellevue
ListServer that Paul Johnson has created. You can get it if you link to http://www.egroups.com/group/Bellevueneighborhood
and sign up.
The server will send you everything (at least 35K Bytes per
day) or just a list of what's available (less likely to clog your modem).
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SAFETY COMMITTEE MEETS WITH
CVS DISTRICT MANAGER ABOUT STICKUPS
On January 12, 2001 the Safety Committee met at
Westbrook-Canterbury (Thanks, Libby!) with Jeff Swanson, the District Manager
for CVS. Jeff said he manages seventeen CVS stores in his district.
Neighbors from Ginter Park Residents Association, Rosedale
Civic Association, Hermitage Road Historic District Civic Association, and
Near West District Teams, along with Lt. James of the Richmond Police
Department, joined us to discuss the rash of armed robberies at the Bellevue
Avenue CVS store.
Dr. McCue of the Police Department had furnished the list of robberies in the
1200 block for 2000:
|
OFFENSE
|
LOCATION
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DATE
|
TIME
|
PREMISE
|
|
ROBBERY AGAINST BUSINESS
|
1205 BELLEVUE AV
|
1/13/2000
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1955
|
DRUG/STORE
|
|
ROBBERY AGAINST BUSINESS
|
1205 BELLEVUE AV
|
11/30/2000
|
1830
|
DRUG/STORE
|
|
ROBBERY AGAINST BUSINESS
|
1205 BELLEVUE AV
|
12/26/2000
|
1825
|
DRUG/STORE
|
|
ROBBERY AGAINST PERSON
|
1200 BELLEVUE AV
|
4/7/2000
|
2325
|
HIGHWAY/ROAD/ALLEY
|
|
ROBBERY AGAINST PERSON
|
1200 BELLEVUE AV
|
7/12/2000
|
30
|
HIGHWAY/ROAD/ALLEY
|
|
ROBBERY AGAINST PERSON
|
1200 BELLEVUE AV
|
12/17/2000
|
1950
|
PARKING LOT/GARAGE
|
(These followed two stickups in '99). The December 17
robbery involved a woman driving down Brook Road who stopped, thinking the
store was open. It was closed. The robber took her wallet.
We told Mr. Swanson that the CVS looks to be turning into a crime magnet that
imperils the safety of neighbors, customers, and employees.
Mr. Swanson told us that up to about 14 months ago, the store
had been burglarized frequently for cigarettes. In response, they have now
locked up the cigarettes, and they leave the store lights on, both as a
deterrent and to aid the police in the event the alarm is triggered.
In response to the robberies, the store has installed further in-store
security, including the TV monitor that you see when you enter the store and
the sign saying that the entire store is under surveillance. The manager now
is visible. Mr. Swanson said that they "have addressed" the security
of the video camera tapes in response to the earlier robbery when the robber
took the tapes.
Following a spirited discussion, we reached consensus on the following items:
* CVS will install a large "Closed" sign for use when the store is
closed.
* Officers Wacker and Hartnett, who are trained to perform CPTED (Crime
Prevention Through Environmental Design) surveys will survey the exterior of
the building.
* We will meet with Mr. Swanson in mid-February to consider the CPTED survey
and to continue our discussion.
The following matters remain open:
* CVS will consider offering a reward for the December robber.
* CVS will consider signs, similar to those in the 7-Eleven, announcing the
limited cash available at the registers.
* CVS is not currently willing to provide uniformed security or to change the
displays that block much of the front window.
We have seen the uniformed officers in the Walgreen's at Brook and Azalea and
the CVS at Boulevard and Broad. We all hope that kind of security will not be
necessary in Bellevue.
The in-store changes are major improvements. We all hope that those changes,
in conjunction with other improvements that may result from our discussions,
will resolve this problem. If not, the Committee will demand uniformed,
in-store security.
John Butcher
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Bylaws Get an Update
Our Bellevue Civic Association bylaws outline the purpose,
structure, and function of our organization. Ours have served us well, but are
very specific about a number of aspects of how we are organized. Overtime this
specificity has become less appropriate and applicable to what we are and what
we do. For instance, dues have been specifically set at$6 annually since the
early 1980s, the five months that we are obligated to meet are specifically
listed, and the seven specified standing committees do not reflect our current
committee structure that is effectively meeting most of our needs.
We're also not entirely sure what version of the bylaws is currently in
effect, because we are not sure what changes may have been made to the bylaws
over time. Therefore, the Board proposes to bring the matter of bylaw
amendments before the membership at the February 6 general meeting. The bylaws
state that amendments may be made "at any regular meeting of the
Association by a two-thirds vote of the members present; notice having been
submitted in writing to the members prior to the meeting."
Rather than printing the entire three pages of
bylaws, the principal changes proposed by the board are summarized below.
Anyone wishing to see the entire bylaws as (we think) they currently exist,
can contact Tim Pfohl by phone at 264-1362 and let us know if you would like a
copy by fax, e-mail, or mail. Copies of proposed changes will be available for
review at the February 6 meeting.
Dues - remove the reference to $6 dues and state that dues shall be
recommended by the Board and approved by the membership at an annual meeting.
Change the start of the membership year from September 1 to January 1.
Meetings - remove references to the five specific months when meetings shall
be held and state that at least three meetings of the general membership shall
be held, including an annual meeting, with notification of members in writing
prior to each meeting.
Committees - remove the reference to the seven specific standing committees
and state that committees shall be created as determined by the Board and
consistent with the object of the Association ("to promote community
welfare, education, safety, preservation, social and recreational
activities").
The Board feels these changes will make the bylaws a more flexible and
effective tool for managing the organization, and remove any doubt about what
they currently call for!
Tim Pfohl
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Bellevue Security Patrol 2001
Mauri Shaw, longtime Chairman of the Bellevue Security Patrol,
retired from this position in December 2000. We thank Mauri for his dedicated
and tireless service and recognize that no one person can take his place. For
2001, Chris Sterling and Winnie Cobb, both former Captains of Patrol Team A,
will serve as Chairman and Vice-Chairman, respectively.
Winnie, Chris, and the Captains of Patrol Teams A, B, C, and D pledge to
continue the core business of the Bellevue Security Patrol: putting committed
neighbors to the task of driving the streets of Bellevue to deter activities
which threaten overall neighborhood security.
The Patrol needs your help. If you can commit 1 1/2 hours per month either
driving or riding, please consider becoming a Patrol member. We will hold a
Patrol Training Session for potential new members on
February 22, 2001, at Battery Park Christian Church, 4201 Brook Road. Training
will begin at 7 pm. Please call Chris Sterling (266-7496) or Winnie Cobb
(264-0959) if you are interested.
If you cannot commit time to patrolling, you still may be able to help the
Patrol. If you own a scanner, you can assist by monitoring it for activity in
or near the neighborhood. If you would like to help offset some of the
Patrol's nominal equipment costs, we would welcome your donation. If you have
some other special knowledge or skill which you think might be useful to the
Patrol, please let us know.
We remind our neighbors to call the Bellevue Security Patrol Community
Voicemail at 257-9705 for information on recent incidents within Bellevue.
Please leave a message at this number to report such incidents to the Patrol.
In the event of an emergency, please call the Richmond Police first and report
the incident to the Patrol thereafter.
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News from the Neighborhood Watch
The hot topic is CVS with two armed robberies within a month
and an armed assault and robbery outside the front door!
This is not acceptable. They need to and have taken some responsibility.
Bellevue has a strong Security Patrol and Neighborhood Watch. The Richmond
Police are giving us extra coverage. You can call the District Manager, Jeff
Swanson and voice your concerns. His number is 672-3732, and his voice mail is
1-888-556-4336. We are told the police have arrested a suspect from one of the
robberies. That is the good news. The bad news is others are still out there,
and CVS is easy picking and an entrance to Bellevue. Let's help stop this NOW!
We still need more Block Captains. Let's try for 100% coverage in 2001. Also,
Block Captains, please keep your phone trees updated and get copies to your
Section Leaders and/or me. Thanks for all the good work and dedication. Happy
New Year!
Libby Clark
266-6753
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OFFICERS NOMINATIONS SLATE
President - Tim Pfohl, 1511 Bellevue Avenue
Vice President- Ed Parks, 4203 Crestwood Road
Treasurer - Paul Johnson, 1422 Lorraine Avenue
Secretary - Kathleen Sadler, 4023 Clinton Avenue
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ST. ALBAN'S ANGLICAN
CHURCH
TO MOVE TO HERMITAGE ROAD
The former Church of Christ building at 4006 Hermitage Road
has been purchased by St. Alban's Anglican Church, which plans to begin
holding church services in the building by this Easter, reports Hilda
Braswell, president of the Hermitage Road Historic District Association.
Neighbors may recall that Imperial Plaza announced in 1999 it
had obtained an option to buy the property and planned to convert it to a
senior citizen physical therapy and rehabilitation center. Subsequent
objections from the Hermitage Road Historic District Association and Rosedale
Civic Association, which were supported by the Bellevue Civic Association, led
Imperial Plaza to rethink its plan last year. The surrounding neighborhoods
objected because Imperial Plaza's intended use of the building would have been
out of compliance with the residential zoning on Hermitage Road. St. Alban's
purchase of the building for continued use as a church is welcome news!
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Thank You!
Thank You!
Many thanks for the neighborhood volunteers who participated
in the Fall Cleanup last October. Your efforts, and the efforts of those who
have participated in the past, have had an immense impact on the
neighborhood's health, safety, and appeal. Bellevue has benefited with lower
crime, higher property values, and a higher overall quality of life because of
your work. You are true local heroes.
The Bellevue Civic Association would also like to thank Bellevue Hardware for
providing invigorating cups of hot coffee, the Brook Run Ukrops for providing
nourishing doughnuts, and Shenanigans for providing a lunch special for the
volunteers.
The Bellevue Civic Association will soon schedule a Spring Cleanup sometime in
late April or early May. Be on the lookout for future announcements.
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THIRTEENTH ANNUAL GARDEN WALK
Preparation for the Thirteenth Annual Garden Walk begins in
February, and the Garden Walk Committee needs your help. There are two ways in
which you can help:
|
Serve on the Garden Walk Committee and help with the
planning and execution (fun and rewarding). |
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Share your garden with your Bellevue friends and neighbors
by opening your garden to visit on the garden walk. |
For further information, call Co-Chairmen Michele Banalett at
264-8276 or Florenz Sterling at 264-8704.
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Writers' Group Started at
Ginter Park Library.
The Ginter Park Library has started a writers' group for
writers of all levels. The group met initially on December 18. Meetings will
be held at 6:30 pm on the third Monday of each month. For further information
and questions, contact the Ginter Park Branch Library.
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Special Events at Ginter Park
Baptist Church
Ginter Park Baptist Church is looking for artists and crafters
for the March into Spring Craftshow to be held March 31 at the church.
Potential vendors can contact the church office for information and an
application at 359-2475.
The church is also having a two-day pottery hand-building workshop: Clay and
Nature. The class meets Saturday, February 17, to build pots and Saturday,
February 24, to glaze the pots. The cost of materials is $25 per person. To
sign-up, contact Karen Wright at 515-1776.
Ginter Park Baptist Church
1200 Wilmington Avenue
Richmond, Virginia 23227
Phone 804/359-2475
Join us for Lenten and Easter Services
Wed. Feb. 28, 6:45 p.m. - Ash Wed. Service
Six Sundays of Lent (March 4 - 25, April 1 - 8),
4:30 - 5 p.m. Vesper Service
Maundy Thursday, April 12, 6:45 p.m. - Service of Tenebrae
and Communion
Good Friday, April 13, noon - Worship Service
Saturday, April 14, 10:30 a.m. - Children's Easter Party
with egg hunt, arts/crafts, stories
Sunday, April 15, 10:30 a.m. - Worship Service
Child care provided at each service
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BCA Board
| President |
Vacant |
|
| Vice
President |
Tim
Pfohl |
264-1362 |
| Secretary |
Kath
Sadler |
262-6835 |
| Treasurer |
Ed
Parks |
264-8867 |
| Past
President / Arch |
Chuck
Epes |
264-7123 |
| Education |
Cliona
Robb |
|
| Garden Walk |
Michelle
Banalett |
264-8276 |
| Florenz Sterling |
264-8704 |
| Neighborhood Cleanup |
John
Fisher |
262-0469 |
| Joe Robertson |
262-2121 |
| Neighborhood
Watch |
Libby
Clark |
266-6753 |
| Preservation |
Anne
Dervishian |
|
| Safety |
John
Butcher |
264-5942 |
| Security Patrol |
Winnie
Cobb |
264-0959 |
| Chris Sterling |
266-7496 |
| Website |
Rick
Wilmoth |
|
| At large |
Lisa
Harr |
|
| Paula Moolhuyzen |
|
| Security
hotline |
|
257-9705 |
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