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FORUM
This is where you can sound off about issues that
concern/annoy/humor you.
Just send an email to
editor@bellevueweb.org.
Please be civil, and sign
your first and last names.
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| Dear Neighbors and Citizens,
I appeared at the public hearing on this matter and
raised
safety concerns based on conversation with parents and with
Holton principal, David Hudson. I questioned the safety of
children crossing a busy street with NO traffic lights, I questioned
why no one had contacted the people in Richmond Public Schools'
transportation and operations departments concerning what this
means for students arriving by bus.
I believe that had the traffic group pushed for the vote at the
meeting, it would have gone down in flames, largely because
of the concerns I presented. Meg Lawrence (Ginter Park) and
Roy Reynolds (Bellevue) were there as was Irene Jennings.
I think the traffic people have good intentions. I am just not
convinced that this is the solution for the problem we have w/
that intersection.
Respectfully,
Carol A.O. Wolf
Third District Member
Richmond School Board
804-264-8015 (home)
804-357-2778 (cell)
26 June 2008
To email Council Member Chris Hilbert about this topic, click
HERE
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Chief Monroe,
On March 19, Mr. Doody of DIT told the Public Safety Committee
that the City intends to stop posting Incident Based Reporting
System (IBRS) data on the Web and regress to posting only the Part I
Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) offense data.
This is a dreadful idea at several levels: First, the Part I UCR
categories do not include important information, including drug
offenses, prostitution, promiscuous shooting, and theft from vehicle,
that are important to Richmond's neighborhoods. Second Mr. Doody's
rationale is factually inaccurate and fails to justify his proposal.
Finally,
Mr. Doody insults the Richmond taxpayers who pay his salary by
suggesting
that those taxpayers are too stupid to understand or correctly analyze
the
IBRS data.
I write to tell you that the RPD Web data surely can use improvement,
such as
a city-wide data category, but that Mr. Doody's proposal is a giant step
backward
that will conceal useful information from the public and will create new
and
unnecessary work for the Police Department.
John Butcher
27 March 2007
To email Council Member Chris Hilbert about this topic, click
HERE
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Looks like they are getting ready to cut up some large portions
of Bellevue (judging by the paint marks) This after all the trouble
a few years ago to get it re-surfaced. Now , as before we will have
to deal with the constant pot holes and badgering the city to get
them repaired.
What in the Hell is the city thinking, they constantly
do this all over
the city, re-pave/ re-surface and then a few months later the chop holes
in it to replace pipes/ repair pipes,etc.
Mike LaBelle
30 July 2006
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Hello- I live in the Bellevue neighborhood of the city.
Why in the world did the city lay gravel on Crestwood Avenue? Our
kids
ride their bikes and skateboards on our paved streets. A gravel
surface
is dangerous for them and our local motorcycle riders.
Please do not lay gravel on any more streets in our neighborhood.
Thank you.
Keith Elliott
26 July 2006
[EDITOR'S NOTE] Many of us on Crestwood were surprised to see the gravel.
Upon calling the city works department, we were assured that this is a
temporary
situation. In a week or so, the road will be resurfaced. Or so we've been
told!
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Erin;
Here is a link to Paul James the garden guys site, and a good article on
getting rid of bamboo.
I have also read you can use rock salt poured down the hollow stalks after
you have cut them to within 5-6 inches of the ground.
I have also read that you can install a galvanized steel barrier into the
ground
around the clump of bamboo to at least two feet and then cover the barrier
with
black plastic to smother the bamboo.
Also you can cut the canes to about 5-6 inches and then paint the bamboo
with
roundup-full strength.
They have to understand that Bamboo is a very invasive specie of plant and
as
such is extremely difficult to control, once it has a foothold. Your
friend could also
try digging up the plant and all the roots, rhizomes and then install an
impermeable
barrier between her and her neighbors property and that should at least
slow it down
from spreading and ease the control issues.
I cannot believe with all the quality gardeners there are in Richmond that
they cannot
find someone to help with the problem.
Have them call-
James River Nurseries-798-2020
Tilley's Landscaping-798-8560
Green Tree Landscaping-346-0193
One of them should be able to help.
Hope this info helps,
Mike LaBelle
16 September 2005
http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/gl_plants_grasses/article/0,,HGTV_3607_1729272,00.html
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Drug transactions in Bellevue
On Aug. 6, about 6:30 p.m. on the 1200 block of Lorraine, a white cougar
car
was seen idling. Within minutes a dark blue, almost black older model van
--
small, non-family type, no windows on the back passenger seats, Plymouth/
Chevrolet van with amazing, glittering hub caps (called "dubs") pulled up
and
an exchange was made. The plate for the cougar was written done.
Since then, the police have been informed and in the neighborhood on many
occasions. The van continues to appear.
Sept. 8th, two neighbors and I watched a transaction between a late model,
green truck with a covering over the bed and the ubiquitous van. In front
of us
on Lorraine Avenue! We contacted the police and a patrol car arrived
shortly
thereafter. The van had gone.
On Sept. 12, I witnessed two transactions on Statford between Westbrook
and
Warren at 8 p.m. and 9:30. Police responded, but the van was gone. It is
always
the same van, different cars.
Lt. Morley has been very interested and his officers have been great.
Unfortunately,
this is apparently and "call and meet" and that can occur anywhere,
anytime. I have
noticed a couple of things:
They like wider streets and pull up under the darkest part of the street.
On Lorraine,
they pulled up infront of homes where the lights were not on and few cars
were parked
infront. They also parked up by that barnlike building near the corner of
Brook Road.
It is not well lit.
On Stratford they pulled up between Lorraine and Warren, closer to
Lorraine, where the
street is darker. Also, the people on the corner weren't home. One
transaction was farther
down Stratford, closer to Westbrook, again, on the dark side of the street
and behind that
mound of dirt by the alley.
If you find strange cars idling, call the police.
Linda Dunham
16 September 2005
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I was just wondering if anyone has had problems regarding
the creeping
nature of the running bamboo that is so prevalent in northside. My friends
in Sherwood oaks are having a dispute with their neighbor about their
beautiful, old bamboo stand, and can't get any professionals to help them.
Can anyone advise?
Many thanks,
Erin Wright
14 September 2005
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Greetings all!
Due to the overwhelming response to Reggie's Seafood
Grand Opening, we at Reggie's have decided to keep this
train a'rolling! Starting this Friday, Reggie's Seafood will be
open every weekend: Fridays from 1:00pm on, and Saturdays
from 12:00pm on! Stop by soon and enjoy Reggie's famous eats!
As always, you'll enjoy great prices and rockin' tunes!
Come out and support your local merchants, every Friday and
Saturday at Reggie's Seafood!
Reggie Bracey
1 September 2005
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Was the neighborhood Security patrol notified of this
incident?
Was the Neighborhood watch notified?
This is interesting as it is the first I have heard of it and there was
no notification through the neighborhood watch.
Did You contact the Fourth precinct in regard to the
police
not responding? 646-4721
Lt. Tim Morley is the Lt. In charge of our area.646-4105
Commander of the Fourth Precinct- John Hall-Captain-646-4278
I would certainly call and raise hell over their not
responding to this incident.
Lt. Morley has been the patrol training officer in the
past, so he knows the area.
Mike LaBelle
16 August 2005
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DRUG DEALING IN OUR NEIGHBORHOOD!!!!
Police were notified and were unresponsive.
Be on the lookout for a white Mercury Cougar sports car
and a early model dark blue minivan with tinted windows
and chrome wheels. A neighbor witnessed a drug exchange
on Thursday August 4th around 7pm. Several neighbors have
seen the white Mercury Cougar on several occasions which
indicates that Bellevue may be a regular area for their drug
dealings.
Call the police immediately should you see either of these
vehicles in our neighborhood.
This absolutely has to stop!
Alice Buckner
15 August 2005
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Good Morning Bellevue!!
Would like to ask everyone to call or E-mail Mr.Mike West of the
department of Public Works and Thank him for his efforts in getting
Bellevue Avenue paved.
It is through his tireless efforts that this had coma about.
I had been after him and the department of Public Works for over a
year about the potholes and the generally poor condition of the pavement.
He went to his boss and asked for the money to get the paving done this
year.
Please send your thanks to him as he is Certainly One city employee that
deserves the credit for a job well done.
He has always been quick to respond and quick to come up with a solution
to some tough problems.
Phone-646-0999
E-Mail-WestMH@ci.richmond.va.us
Thanks Everyone,
Mike LaBelle
13 June 2005
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I just read about the recent bicycle theft which was
thwarted.
It reminded me of our sons remote adventures. One bicycle was
stolen off the back porch on Seminary Ave, and we suspect that
the thieves watched our son bicycle into the back yard.
Reminder--lock your bicycle, even if it is on the back porch.
We were lucky to spot our son's bicycle being ridden in apartments
off Old Brook Road, and with the assistance of police it was recovered.
The more worrisome incident occurred when our son had matured
to the point that we let him bicycle to the Ginter Park pool. A group
of boys not from the neighborhood tried to take his bicycle away from
him, and a neighbor witnessed the incident and chased down the boys
and retrieved the bike. I would suggest that kids not ride flashy bikes
to the pool, that identifiers like social security numbers be engraved
into
the bike, and that kids be educated to avoid such groups from a distance
--darting if needed into a neighbors driveway.
Two youths on one bike, or one walking and one on a bike are also a red
flag
that they may be seeking someone else's bicycle to procure.
Many of us have tales of college bicycle thefts. In a prior life after
having
my second state-of the-art bicycle lock hacksawed at the VCU health
sciences
campus, I purchased a third bicycle--quite beat up and decrepit. It never
was stolen! Sadly such street smarts are part of life in the City.
Dan Lawrence--Ginter Park
14 May 2005
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The trees in Carytown do interfere with the sidewalks, when they get
too large and interfere with pedestrian traffic and parking the city
either
chops them up or removes them and replants a new tree.
Trees and sidewalks do not normally get along well. Roots have a tendency
to heave the sidewalks up and crack the sidewalks, damage sewer and
water lines, etc.
It's not that I do not like trees , I do I have learned these things the
hard
way with the severe trip hazards on our street and the challenge with
getting
the city to repair these sidewalks without damaging the existing old
growth trees.
They put in a new sidewalk on the west side of our street about 8-10 years
ago and in the past three or four years the new trees the city planted had
heaved the sidewalk up to a foot in the air in places , causing extreme
trip
and safety hazards, not to mention a liability problem for the city.
Mike LaBelle
29 April 2005
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Hello-
I live on the 3900 block of Fauquier and am wondering what type of trees
did
the city plant in our median strip?
I agree that the look of Macarthur would be helped by the addition of
street
side trees.
Surely the Cary Town trees do not interfere with the sidewalk?
Thanks.
Keith Elliott
21 April 2005
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In regard to the question posed by Brooke Ullman about the possibility of
trees being planted in places on Macarthur, I would love to see tree's
planted
there, Although the city has a tendency to plant tree's that have root
systems
that destroy the sidewalks after a few years.
They plant tree's that have surface running roots that destroy the
sidewalks,
sometimes water lines and sewer lines as well.
We have experienced that problem on our street and I have seen the problem
throughout Bellevue and other areas of the city.
If the city can plant the proper type of tree, that will not disrupt the
sidewalks
and consequently cause safety issues with the sidewalks being heaved up, I
would welcome the addition of tree's anywhere in Bellevue.
Mike LaBelle
7 April 2005
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Question:
I bought my house on Greycourt (right near Holton School) and I frequent
the
local shops on MacArthur: "Once Upon a Vine" and "Stir Crazy", etc. I see
the
article on the website about Bellevue's trees missing:
http://www.bellevueweb.org/neighborhood/business/new_trees_for_bellevue_avenue.htm
But what about some tress curbside on MacArthur? Has anyone tried to get
the
city to pull up the occasional cement square and to plant a tree? Is this
possible -
I'd be very interested in donating time and to start a fundraiser to the
cause.
Is anyone else interested?
Brooke Ullman
31 March 2005
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[RE: Leaves in Bryan Park]
The leaves will keep the cars from parking there in the springtime....
eventually,
the leaves will decompose and the flower beds will have an abundance of
mulch!
C. Neary
16 February 2005
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Ingrid;
You probably need to get some help from an environmental engineer, if the
city will not help you in filling out the forms, Also I believe you mean
retention
pond, Not detention pond.
The Chesapeake bay act can sometimes be rather confusing.
Hope this helps.
Mike LaBelle
13 Jan 2005
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[EDITOR'S NOTE]
To see the new watershed map, visit
http://www.richmondgov.com/visitor/images/PropChangChesBayPresAreaMap3.pdf
7 Jan 2005
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I've just run into a problem getting a building permit from the city to
tear down my old garage and build a new one. Did anyone notice that on
January 1, 2005, the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act lines were changed
and now many houses in Bellevue are in watershed area?
The line now runs through my lot dividing it in half front to back. If I
put my
garage on my front lawn, I have no problems. However, because I want it in
the
back and not visible from the street, I have to deal with three different
worksheets
that make little to no sense to me. While I've paid for the building
permit and it has
been approved by every possible office, it cannot be issued until I figure
out a multitude
of calculations.
I need to figure the current square footage that is impervious, the square
footage that
I want to add of impervious ground and factor in phosphorus run off and
the run off from
a ten year storm to determine the increased "load" in terms of pounds per
year. If that
is over some mysterious number, then I have to abate the run off by having
having a
detention pool designed to detain 6 to 12 hours of first flush runoff
volume of .5 inches
over the impervious area, a wet pond, ground infiltration system flushing
the runoff or
a grassed swale.
HELP! My head is spinning and I don't know where to turn.
Ingrid Olson
7 Jan 2005
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Just a note to one and all, wishing all of the great people in Bellevue
the Merriest of Christmas's and a Happy New Year!!
Mike LaBelle
22 Dec 2004
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[EDITOR'S NOTE]
John Butcher (the previous webmaster) had some good pages
on the speeding problem in Bellevue. I refer you to our old site...
http://members.tripod.com/johnrbutcher/traffic/speeding_in_bellevue.htm
17 Nov 2004
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Hello!
My name is Chris Orth and My wife, Lindsay, and daughter, Isabella
(13 mos) just moved into the neighborhood. We love it so far!
One concern that deeply troubles us and seems to be shared amongst
neighbors I have spoken with on Bellevue Avenue is the speeding motorists
on Bellevue. The street is zoned to be a 25mph zone, but this limit is
many times disregarded. Being new to the area, is there a history to
addressing this problem, or am I one of the first to mention this? I would
really like to lobby for a bit of help in solving the issue, whether it be
through a traffic study, additional police patrol or signage.
There are many kids that play in our front yards. I would hate to see a
speeding motorist result in a preventable tragedy.
Looking forward to hearing from you!
Chris
16 Nov 2004
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Fellow Toilers in the Bellevue Vineyard:
I agree that we are the Third World of Northside, with the notable
exception
that our real estate taxes defy imagination.
Having said that, I've lived here since 1973, and never in all those years
did
I get a flooded basement (with the exception of the Great Sewer Fiasco of
last January, and the time the kids flushed a hairbrush down the toilet in
1985).
We got about 7 inches of water in the basement during Gaston - which made
a nasty mess. I haven't fired up the furnace yet (installed 1948), but
aside
from that, all the electrical stuff seems to be ok.
I had to haul out mountains of furniture, papers and assorted important
things, and now the alley is filled with unspeakable debris, crushed
sofas,
splintered crockery and delicious smelling carpet & linoleum.
I await the jack-booted storm troopers bursting though the front door
shouting, "Public Nuisance Police!! Search Warrant!!" at any moment.
At which time, though I am old and infirm, I'll be handcuffed while the
building
and premises are carefully searched for offending "debris". Perhaps I'll
be
cited for having a "disorderly Super Can", or hauled away in a wire choke
collar
on the end of a stick, to one of the old folks homes or crack houses that
populate Chamberlayne Avenue.
First they will have to have me psychologically evaluated - for I have no
grass,
and there is a tree growing in my gutters.
After many IMPORTANT OFFICIALS visit the crime scene, local news people
have photographed, and editorialized on the carnage back of my garage, I
will be hauled before the bar of justice.
A wise judge, encouraged by a gaggle of IMPORTANT OFFICIALS weeping
great tears and declaring they'd never seen such a mess, will pronounce
that I am a habitual offender (for I was once cited for a torn yard leaf
bag
with a stick poking out of it). In their great wisdom, they will rule that
my
house must be confiscated, sold at public auction, the proceeds used to
pay my fines, my psychological profile, and my room and board at the
Apocalypse Convalescent Center.
Destitute, I will wonder --- grizzled, blind, and limping piteously around
the
Blasted Heath (oops, I mean Brook Run), where I will no doubt catch my
foot
on a discarded hypodermic needle, fall into the creek and die of a
concussion.
The $17.00 left in my confiscated proceeds from the sale of the house will
be
used to dispose of my carcass when they find it hung up on a branch in the
Chickahominy River next spring.
I'm glad I got that off my chest. I feel much better now. I'm going to go
pour
another gallon of Clorox on the basement floor.
Elizabeth Kambourian
27 Sep 2004
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(Click thumbnail for larger photo)
Last Sunday, September 19, we found a beautiful Huskie in our front yard.
I
sent an email to the Laburnum Park group and so far have not had any luck
in
finding his owner. He’s probably less than 3 years old, has a tan face
with a
black stripe down the center from forehead to nose, black with tan legs
and underbelly.
He’s wearing a flea collar, choke collar and cloth collar but no
identifying tags.
He’s very sweet, loves people and other dogs and is currently residing in
our
back yard and porch. If you know his owner, please relay this message.
We’d
love to reunite him with his family.
Our home number is 358-9335.
Julie Henley
111 Virginia Street
22 Sep 2004
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Had a problem with Gaston's rain at our home on Chevy Chase
Street, we got
around 19 inches of water in our basement and lost the burner on our new
furnace, our washer and dryer. We were of course not covered by insurance
as
we were not aware of a sewer/ drain backup add-on to our homeowners
policy.
I was in Florida at the time Gaston hit Richmond, My wife had to deal with
this frightening event .
When I arrived back home at the end of the week, and surveyed the damage
to our belongings and our appliances, I was amazed at the amount of water
we
had gotten into our basement, having lived in Bellevue for over twenty
years I
had never seen anything like this. Then when I was told most of the water
came back up through the floor drains in many people's homes I was
shocked.
I immediately went to the city's website looking for a link for some help,
I also
tried the Va. dept. of emergency management's website and FEMA. Well the
city and state's website's were totally useless, NO information or links
/numbers to call for help. FEMA' s website as of Friday the 3rd of
September ,
Richmond was not even listed as a disaster area ( not until Saturday the
4th).
I applied with FEMA for financial assistance and a inspector came out and
surveyed the house and damage from Gaston.
We were pleasantly surprised to find out we had received enough grant
money
to allow us to replace our washer, dryer and repair the furnace.
I have spent the past two weeks disinfecting what I thought was
salvageable
from the basement and throwing away quite a bit of items not salvageable,
Cleaned the basement and bought a pump and de-humidifier for the
basement, developed severe allergies from the mold and mildew and
generally
was disgusted with the cities response to the Gaston damage in the
northside
(Namely Bellevue).
Many thanks to my Neighbors John and Libby Clark and Erik Bjorklund for
their
help after and during the flooding.
Mike LaBelle
Chevy Chase Street
24 Sep 2004
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[EDITOR'S NOTE]
Some contact info:
Dominion Power
Reliability Department
Roger Martin
755-5432
Va. State Corporation Commission
Division of Energy Regulation
Tammy Rudd
371-9611
15 Aug 2004
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We too had a similar sewer backup into our basement (like Ms. Kambourian).
Last year we asked the city Public Works folks to use their cameras on
fiber-optic cables. They saw no problem with our pipes (nor theirs) but
dug
up the alley and did something. We have not had a problem since (but now
have a lake in the alley where they did their digging).
Between the sewage backups and the power outages, I am beginning to view
Bellevue as being a third-world neighborhood. The number of electricity
outages is ridiculous. I am speaking of the power grid that covers most
homes on the west side of Fauquier Ave. and most Bellevue homes south of
Bellevue and west of Fauquier Ave. The power went out four times
yesterday,
with one five-hour break (from 10:00 in the evening until about 3:00 in
the
morning). I have lived here 18 years and the power goes out on this grid
significantly more (and for longer periods of time) than any other grid I
have ever seen. The grid on the east side of Fauquier Ave. rarely goes
down
and I can think of only one outage where the west-siders got back power
before the east-siders.
In Isabell we lost power for 12 days. This was longer than anybody I know.
I am the HR chief for over 2,500 people from all around the Richmond area
and I was not aware of any employee, even on remote rural farms, who did
not have power restored before us. (By the way, the east-side grid got
power
back several days before us west-siders.) Over the last 18 years, the grid
has been out an average of at least 36 hours a year.
What can we do to get Dominion Power to address this problem?
Rich Souser
14 Aug 2004
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If any of my fellow Bellevuers have problems with their
sewer lines, i.e.,
backing up into the basement, toilet, or whatever inlet is available,
please
read this carefully.
In January I had a massive backup into my basement. After getting it
routed
out by Roto-Rooter (to the tune of $300), it happened again within a
month. I
called the city.
They declared they couldn't get anyone out there as they had ever so many
emergencies all around the city. I advised them that my basement is a
studio
apartment where my sister, and her heart-transplant patient husband live,
and the large amount of sewage coming up through the floor was not
conducive to good health.
The city servant still swore he couldn't get here for a couple of days -
even
though I had an ever-increasing influx of WHO-KNOWS-WHAT coming out of
the basement floor. I told him I would throw a stick of dynamite down the
drain and see if that would open it up. He arrived within the hour, with
his
nifty video camera. After several routs, toilet extractions, and cameras
on
fiber-optic cables were shoved down the offending pipe, the city fellow
declared my line was full of roots, "low spots", broken sections, and
maybe
even Jimmy Hoffa. His analysis of the situation was that I needed to
back-hoe
the entire back yard, and excavate under my concrete 2-car garage, and
replace the entire pipe.
It was clear, he swore, that it was a problem on my property, not on the
city's.
After getting estimates ranging from $9,000 to $15,000 to replace the pipe
(this ungodly amount would not even improve the looks of the place), I
decided to look at the video the city made. I called them, and they said I
could
have a copy for $25.
I purchased it and gave it to one of the gentlemen who had made an
estimate.
His name is Scott Toler, and if you EVER need this kind of work - DO call
him.
He took it home and looked at it. He called me back and said he had viewed
the video, and declared that he had never seen such a clean, lovely,
pristine
condition sewer pipe in his life - it had a "low spot" but that wasn't
causing a
problem.
However, said he, the fitting at the end of the pipe, belonging to the
city was
installed wrong, and was causing a ledge to be present at the end of the
pipe,
along the bottom surface. (Imagine two tubes stuck together at the end at
a
45 degree angle. (No elbow fitting, just stuck together).
This ledge was causing the back-up.
He told me to have a look at the video and call the city back. Fortified
with a
barrel of popcorn and a bottle of whiskey, I sat down to view the entire
length
of my 81 year old sewer on the VCR. It was just as Mr. Toler said, perfect
until
it reached the recent "capital improvement" the city had done last summer.
I
did notice that there was a matching gap of about 2 inches in the top of
the
pipe, just opposite the ledge in the bottom. I wonder whose land was
polluted
with that run-off?
After four months of going up the chain of command, I finally got the big
kahuna, who said they would all get together and review the situation.
Prior to
this I had been told that:
"the camera was upside down"
"it's supposed to look like that"
"the ledge is on the top of the pipe"
"we don't see any ledge or gap"
About two months ago, a previously unspoken-to city official called me and
said they had installed a "ferco" joint on the pipe.
I think it was true, too, as there was a recent excavation behind the
garage.
SO:
If the sewer backs up:
1) Get the city to come make a video tape - it's free, but you have to pay
$25
for a copy. Roto-Rooter wanted $200 for a video.
2) Don't believe anything they (the city) tell you
3) Call Scott Toler to look at the tape. (I have his number)
4) Look at it yourself
5) Make sure you have a problem in your pipe before you send in a crew of
coal miners to dig under the garage
To those of you who live on the north side of Laburnum near Brook Road:
you
got the same capital improvements that I did. Had any problems? If not,
they
probably ran out of "ferco" joints when they got to my house, and said,
"what
the hell, we'll just jam this last one together.
Elizabeth Kambourian
13 Jul 2004
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[EDITOR'S NOTE]
The number for Animal Control is 646-8648 (After hours dial 780-5123)
I don't think the city has a department of Neighbor Control!
In the refrigerator?
RE: Samis Grotto - no indication of that here...
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In response to D.Payne...
That Chow mix that gave your the "Stink Eye" near Avondale is named
'Patch'
he belongs to my neighbor. My wife and I call him 'Butterfinger'. First
week we
moved into our house we saw this dog running around with a pound# of
butter
in its mouth. Wrapper and all. So 'Butterfinger' seemed an appropriate
name.
'Patch' aka 'Butterfinger' is harmless- - His 'Poo" is not. Repeated calls
to
Animal Control and the owner might have solved the problem. Please feel
free
to call AC if you see the dog out on his own. I have seen the dog stop
traffic
on Brook RD. south of Union Seminary. He gets around!
Is there a number to call for neighbor control?
Where does a dog find a whole # of butter?
Is Samis Grotto a Cult?
D.Jones
1315 Avondale
10 Jul 2003
|
In response to Tom Buckner's post of worry over RPS's
failing quality--
I was homeschooled from kindergarten up to 7th grade, whereon I attended 7
Hills School for two years. Following that, I went to Open High School up
until
November, when the misery exerted upon me from that school became too
much to bear, and I dropped out into homeschool again.
I consider homeschool a wonderful option if it is done right. The first
thing I
would advise you to do is pick up The Teenage Liberation Handbook by Grace
Llewellyn from the bookstore or library. It's a fantastic book on
homeschooling and the endless options it opens up.
Llewellyn points out the many, many faults that the school system (not
just
public) has. She has legal advice, curriculum suggestions, etc. It's
really a
great read even if you aren't considering homeschooling.
I, for one, think the school system is total trash. I can't stand being in
a building for 7 hours every day, regardless if it's a nice day out or
not.
Daniel Payne
05 Jul 2004
|
|
Three times during the past three weeks (as of July 3, 2004), teenagers
have
been going door-to-door in Bellevue selling candy for the supposed charity
"The After School Program for Teens Against Drugs and Gangs", often just
called "Teens Against Drugs and Gangs". Bellevue residents should be
aware
that this is somewhat of a scam which may or may not be taking advantage
of
the teenagers who doing the selling. The organization is out of
Chesapeake,
VA and it is not registered with the Virginia Department of Agriculture
and
Consumer Services.
When giving any donation, always determine how much of the donation will
actually be used for charitable purposes versus overhead and fundraising
purposes. Contributions to "Teens Against Drugs and Gangs" may not be used
for charitable purposes, per
http://www.vdacs.state.va.us/news/releases-b/062403jrachiever.html
[EDITORS NOTE - THIS DOCUMENT NO LONGER ONLINE (20050821)]
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
STATE WARNS PUBLIC ABOUT SOLICITATION BY THE AFTER
SCHOOL PROGRAM FOR TEENS AGAINST DRUGS AND GANGS
June 24, 2003
Contact: Marion Horsley, 804/225-3820
"The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services' Office of
Consumer Affairs (OCA) cautions consumers that an organization based in
Chesapeake, Virginia, called The After School Program for Teens Against
Drugs and Gangs has solicited contributions from Virginia citizens for
allegedly
charitable purposes. However, this organization has not registered with or
been granted the appropriate exempt status by the Commissioner as required
by law. Therefore, contributors are cautioned that their contributions to
such
organization may be used for non-charitable purposes."
"OCA has received reports that The After School Program is using teens to
go
door to door to sell candy and representing that the funds would be used
to
"keep kids off the streets.""
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Dan Salkovitz
Avondale Avenue
3 Jul 2004
|
How come nobody posts things on the
forum anymore? I've got something:
What say we flood out Grass Alley (the little valley-like pathway between
Crestwood/Pope and Stanhope) and make some sort of huge, natural
swimming pool? I mean, clearly it was some sort of river in the past--it's
a
lush concave path, and it's still got a stream (albeit through the sewers)
running underneath it. Who's with me?! I want to go swimming in Grass
Alley!
Or you know what? I'm suddenly having this urge to reconsider. If we flood
it, the rabbits will all run away, and those rabbits are usually what's on
our dinner table five nights out of seven.
Just kidding! We don't REALLY eat rabbits. But we can scratch the idea of
the Grass Alley pool. I was just kidding about that one, you know?
Sincerely,
Daniel Payne
15 Jun 2004
|
Citizens of Bellevue:
As a parent in Bellevue I have one concern, our children. There are many
issues that concern me within our community and I would like to know if
anyone else may have similar concerns. I live on Lorraine Avenue and love
our wonderful community. Two of my concerns are the speeding in our
community and the educational opportunities.
I would like to know from ANYONE that also may be concerned about these
issues as I have been thinking of several alternatives to help protect our
children and make Bellevue a safer place for everyone. I have heard many
of our residents claim that they will move from our neighborhood due to
school options in the near future. I have consulted with an education
professional and have started an investigation into a Bellevue Charter
School. If approved we could get state and federal funding and give our
children an alternative than our failing neighborhood schools.
I support public education, but obviously the problems that persist in our
public schools are not being resolved and I for one will not sit back and
hope the issues are resolved prior to my children being forced into a
poor,
failing rediculous educational environment.
Anyone interested or that may have information to pass along can call me
at
home 264-4420.
Thanks
Tom Buckner
Lorraine Avenue
10 Jun 2004
|
Found: Golden Retriever about 3 months old, male, found at Chamberlain and
Overbrook Road on Wednesday, March 3. Call 740-6196
5 Mar 2004
|
I'd like to alert neighbors who live on Westbrook, Lorraine and other
streets
close to the Westminster-Canterbury construction site that numerous RATS
have been seen in the area. They have been seen in wood piles and two
neighbors report that they have eaten holes in their sheds and have found
droppings inside. Another neighbor reported a dead rat in her yard.
Obviously, vermin have been displaced from their happy homes across the
street in Henrico due to the construction. I'll be sending a letter to W-C
and
the Department of Public Health to put them on notice.
In the mean time, check your sheds and other outbuildings. If you find the
need to put down poison, please do so in a way that does not endanger
curious
kids or dogs. The outdoor cat community will likely kill some and leave
them
in our yards. If you come across a dead rat, dispose of it immediately to
prevent kids and dogs from coming in contact.
Susan Burgess
1421 Westbrook Ave.
5 Mar 2004
|
Dear Mr. Johnson:
I wrote to you a couple of years ago regarding my ridiculous tax
assessment
on my house. You told me you were working tirelessly to reduce the tax
rate,
but that I should be happy my house was worth so much. Please look at the
following:
1998: $102,600
2000: $111,400 (+8%)
2001: $132,200 (+16%)
2002: $152,100 (+13%)
2003: $168,800 (+10%)
2004: $ 185,700 (+9%)
Total increase from 2000 to 2004 is 40%
I have requested (from the now discredited assessor) a review back in
2001.
It wasn't worth the city's time to come and examine this property.
Obviously I
am STILL not important enough to have my property looked at. Comparing
this house to similar ones in the neighborhood, I see that they have gone
up
in value almost dollar for dollar - same as mine. This tells me that NO
valid
comparison is being made, and I am being literally ripped off by the lazy
assessor, who can collect his paycheck, but cannot serve the citizen.
This house is 81 years old.
It has an oil furnace, converted from a coal furnace in 1948
It has a bad roof, which leaks
It has damaged eaves
It has no air conditioning
It has a 1960s kitchen
It has a 1924 bathroom
It needs to be painted (a job I continually put off, as I'm paying
outrageous
monthly installments into my escrow account to feed the city - which
spends
MY money on other neighborhoods, persons, projects, fraud, ineptitude,
deceit, wrongdoing, kickbacks and other unnamed scullduggery.
I am a single mother. I bought this house in 1973, when no one would touch
a
house in the city of Richmond with a barge pole --- due to bussing. Now,
31
years later, when the schools are completely ruined, the government
untrustworthy, I am being forced out of the city by the extortion
practiced by
the assessor's office.
When is the city going to do something for people who need their help? I'm
sick of subsidizing every crack head, social security benefit fraud,
tosspot,
wastrel in this city - especially the ones that are infesting Chamberlayne
Avenue. I'm sick of Neighborhoods in Bloom, which is palming off
ramshackle
hulks in Highland Park for $150,000 and up, on an unwary public (no doubt
these are being pushed with various "programs, subsidies, tax breaks") ---
all
of which I am paying for.
I don't want to hear how my house has increased in value. It in no way is
worth
$185,700. I can't get ahead of these vicious tax assessments long enough
to
do anything to make it presentable.
Furthermore, the rotten City of Richmond Sewer maintenance people have
installed a pipe in the alley into my sewer line, which is wrongly
installed and
is blocking the end of my line. My basement continually backs up with
feces. A
video of my sewer pipe, made by Mr. White himself, shows this to be the
case. I cannot get him to return my calls. While he dawdles and puts off
my
problem, I have sewage int he basement, since the first of the year.
I think I'll consult a lawyer. Why should I be victimized by the City any
more?
You have made life here impossible. I can be cited for code violations
when I
put a mattress out back, but it's ok for the city to cause fecal matter to
be
present in my basement.
And for all this (not to mention the unconstitutional treatment my
children got
in the city schools), I get to pay $300+ per month for the honor of being
used
as a milk cow for the "city projects" by the likes of Gwen Hedgepeth,
Sa'ad El
Amin, Leonidas Young, Chuck Richardson, and a host of other "community
leaders". I also get to pay extravagent monies for the Mayor to feed the
Towing Board!!! What is that all about?
Oh, yeah, a lot of my money went to the "school for unfortunate children"
run
by the crook in Fulton Bottom, who couldn't produce any students. Maybe
some
of my money can go to the Sheriff, so she can get new glamor shots made of
herself - and maybe get a membership to the Country Club of VA.
I am forwarding this to all of City Council, the Mayor, and to my
neighborhood
association.
No doubt, my increased tax assessment will be used to renovate the crack
houses on Chamberlayne Avenue, for the poor unemployed citizens who live
there.
I want some answers.
Elizabeth Cann Kambourian
4 Mar 2004
|
In response to Richard Stone's request for perennials, there is also the
annual
Spring Plant Swap (held on MacArthur Ave). You bring plants you need to
get
rid of and take home new ones - Free. Plants can also be purchased for
$1.00
each! I'm sure the spring newsletter will have the date and time. Be there
at
starting time......they go quickly!
Sandy Kreiser
02/13/04
|
In response to Richard Stone's request for perennials, I would more than
willing to part with some plants this spring! I live on Nottoway... the
house with prolific flowers in the front yard..... stop by as I am often
out
front tending to weeds, eh.
C. Neary
1416 Nottoway
10 Feb 2004
|
The other night, I was walking home from a friend's house over on
Avondale.
I went down Lamont, and had just passed the Lamont-Greycourt fork. Up
ahead, out of the shadows, came a dog, about a block ahead, on the
Lamont-Claremont intersection.
I was wary, for it was dark and nobody was out, so I slowed, and that was
when he started to chase me. I turned and outran him, but I was very
frightened, and he looked like he might be part chow-chow. We went back
later in a car and he was chasing cars in the area.
I consider this to be very dangerous--has anybody else gotten chased by
this
dog, or know who the owner is?
Daniel Payne
20 Jan 2004
|
I live at 1240 Westminster Ave. and my
wife and I are growing increasingly
concerned about the traffic on Westbrook. The speed at which cars travel
on
Westbrook is usually substantially in excess of the posted speed limit.
Additionally, the construction traffic from Westminster-Canterbury has
only
added to the confusion.
I understand that Westminster-Canterbury supports the idea of seeking a
four-way top at Crestwood and Westbrook as soon as possible, but that such
an initiative must come from the neighborhood association. I very much
support such an initiative and would be happy to assist in moving forward
on
this subject.
I would appreciate very much if you would place this item on the agenda of
the
next association meeting. I will plan to attend to speak on its behalf.
Additionally, I would be happy to assist in raising this matter with city
government as necessary.
Thank you.
Henry D.W. Burt
16 Dec 2003
|
Dear Richard;
You might try the City of Richmond's Property search and also their GIS
Maps
and Data system. Both are accessible on the City Of Richmond Website-http://www.ci.richmond.va.us
Hope this helps in your search for information on your house. You could
also try searching the deeds at City Hall.
Mike LaBelle
16 Dec 2003
|
To my fellow Bellevue residents:
I am recently moved to a classic 1930's house at 1515 Claremont Avenue
that
has one of the most beautiful back gardens in the spring that I have seen.
If
anyone has any old photographs of my house or gardens I would greatly
appreciate it!
I also would like to find out when the house was built...I know
sometime in the 30's but it would be great to know a year and the original
owner. Some time in the 40's or 50's a lady named Mary and her husband
purchased it, and from what I under stand Mary was the one who developed
the gardens. From what I gather she was very involved with the Garden
Club.
Naturally I'm sure the address hasn't always been 1515 but surely there
has to be some deed or real estate advertisements still out there. I have
a
great interest in renovating and have spent the last three seasons trying
to
get the yard back in shape so I can possibly have it on the Garden Tour
next
June.
Also, if there is anyone out there who has an excess of perennials that
they would like to share, I would be most grateful. This is indeed a
lovely
neighborhood and I look forward to living here for years to come.
Sincerely,
Richard Stone
26 Nov 2003
|
Dear Sirs;
My wife and I have been residents in Bellevue for over twenty years. We
have
enjoyed the quiet and the neighborly way of the community of Bellevue.
This
is due in no small part to the concerned citizens and neighbors who live
here
in Bellevue.
I was an original member of the Security patrol for five years and a team
captain for four years. I have tried to stay involved in the neighborhood
with
the neighborhood watch and the neighborhood clean-ups.
I would like to thank the members of the Bellevue civic association and
the
neighborhood watch and the security patrol for making this our
neighborhood,
one that we all can enjoy and love.
I cannot say enough for the people who have been instrumental in making
Bellevue a place that is safe, and enjoyable to live in.
Mr. Mauri Shaw, Mrs. John Clark, Lisa Harr, Chris Sterling, Winnie Cobb,
Dianna
Presson, Joy Mingus, Sandy Kreiser, and numerous others that all
have
shown
through their time and efforts that Bellevue is indeed our
neighborhood.
I have really enjoyed the simple and wonderful area that is Bellevue, It
is nice
to come home from work and enjoy the peace and quiet that is Bellevue.
I would also like to know why we haven't gotten civic association decals
anymore.
Sincerely,
Mike LaBelle
31 Oct 2003
|
Hooray!
Did anyone else appeal their 2003 tax assessment? Our original assessment
was ridiculous. After double digit percent increases for each of the 4
years
that we've owned the house I finally decided to protest.
The result of the reassessment was a 70% decrease in the original
increase!
Most people don't think about how huge a difference this makes but it's
the
same principle as compounded interest on a savings account (as if anyone
still has savings accounts!).
Anyway, it's a great time of year in Bellevue. See y'all around.
Trent, Mary Margaret, & Sallie C Park
27 Jun 2003
|
We found our third Civil War bullet in
the yard this weekend. About 15 years
ago we found 2 of the "usual" ones
that you see at all the CW
shows and book
shops. Yesterday, however, we unearthed a big one -
probably 20% larger than
the usual ones you see. The first two turned
up under the trellis after the
downspout came loose and routed out a hole.
This one was at the base of a
rose bush.
In 1989 my kids unearthed a bottle neck from a colonial onion shaped
bottle -
black glass - about 18 inches down in the ground, when they
were digging a
hole to plant a crepe myrtle.
I hate yard work, so it seems rather remarkable to find these 4 items
during my
meager attempts at horticulture.
Grandpa found two Civil War bullets beside his house on Fauquier Ave.
about
1968 - also in the side yard.
My house (on Laburnum) is facing where the battery was at Brook Rd. and
Confederate Ave. Three of the bullets are perfect. One has a
gash in it, as if it
had glanced off of something.
Bellevue was between the inner and intermediate defenses during the Civil
War, and I suspect my bullets either fell out of someone's pocket,
or failed to hit anything when they were fired.
I was wondering if anyone has found similar artifacts in their yards?
Elizabeth C. Kambourian
5 May 2003
|
In response to the tax assessment issue - yes, I have serious concerns
about
the rise, as well. I submitted a letter to the Editor, to the
Times-Dispatch,
that compared the assessment and increases I would have faced in
Chesterfield County if I had stayed there - -The facts show that in the 13
years
I lived in CC, and if I had lived there the previous 4 years, my taxes
would have
risen about $300, as opposed to the nearly $1000 they have risen in only 4
years that I have lived in Northside. Unfortunately, the letter did not
get
published. I am considering sending it again.
Pam Wiegardt
17 Apr 2003
|
Below is a letter I've sent to the City, regarding alley repairs. Anyone
else interested in trying to get the City to fix the alleys, feel free to
send one as well!
-Pat Murphy
April 8, 2003
Richmond, VA 23227
City of Richmond
Department of Public Works
900 East Broad Street, Room 701
Richmond, VA 23219 City of Richmond
Department of Public Health
900 East Marshall Street
Richmond, VA 23219 To the Departments of Public Works and Public Health: I am writing to alert you to a problem in the Bellevue neighborhood in the
City of Richmond. The city-owned/maintained alley immediately adjacent to
and behind my home -- located at 16xx Nottoway Avenue -- contains numerous
very large and very deep potholes. These potholes are not only causing
damage to vehicles that must utilize the alley; they have also become a very
serious health hazard, in that following any significant rainfall, they
contain stagnant, standing water for several days afterwards. At a time when
other localities are issuing ordinances against standing water on properties
due to the potential for mosquito breeding and West Nile Virus issues, I
request that the City address this problem immediately. This neighborhood
houses residents from infants to the elderly, and allowing this health risk
to go unaddressed at this time of year would be most undesirable. I look forward to your prompt response and to the prompt repair of this and
other alley-ways in the neighborhood. If there are any questions, I can be reached at 804-627-xxxx. Sincerely,
/s/ Patricia Murphy cc: Bellevue Civic Association, P.O. Box 9104, Richmond, VA 23227-9104
8 Apr 2003 |
Say, the weather is getting real nice around here! Has anyone been for a
stroll
out recently? There are some really funny and pleasant sights out,
from a bird
in a tree to funny (sometimes funny-looking) dogs scrambling
after squirrels.
I love this neighborhood in this time of year.
Daniel Payne
18 Mar 2003
|
I can't believe the City is going to whack us again with
higher tax assessments this year. Mine went up 11% last
year, and they say they will raise them another 8 to 11% this year.
I am now paying more in taxes than I do in principal and interest.
This is ridiculous.
Yes, it's a nice big house, but it isn't located in Reed's Landing.
The amenities we are getting from the city do not warrant the sort
of taxes that are being levied on us.
If they want to assess the houses in this manner, there needs to be
a dramatic, draconian cut in the tax rate - a cut that will reflect
the reality of city life.
Personally, I'm tired of funding voodoo makeovers of downtown, the canal,
Tredegar, statue bases, brick sidewalks for Jackson Ward (back in
the early 80s), which do NOTHING to improve the quality of life here.
Does anyone else in the neighborhood have any concerns about this?
Elizabeth C. Kambourian
5 Mar 2003 |
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