Tonight’s meeting was attended by Richmond Police and Fire officials, 2nd District School Board Member Lisa Dawson and Delagate Jennifer McClellan, all of whom spoke briefly. City Council President Bill Pantele spoke for perhaps 30 minutes, then answered question for another hour. Around 50 people attended the meeting. Here are the headlines. A more detailed report will be posted tomorrow.

1. Jennifer McClellen highlighted the restrictions on Payday Lending passed by the legislature
2. Problem nightclubs draw manpower from neighborhood patrols. As many as 26 police cars are required to handle crowds at 2:30 AM on Harrison St on a Friday night.
3. Julian’s Nightclub is deader than a doornail.
4. The Atlanta Braves offered to pay 1/3 the cost of a new stadium before giving up and deciding to move.
5. A major retail development on the Boulevard is in jeapordy as a result.
6. $600,000 has been budgeted for ADA compliance by the School Board.
7. Real estate tax rates will be decided at the April 14th Council Meeting.
8. Daily Planet may soon move to new Freedom House facility near the City Jail.
9. Two lawsuits against Mayor Wilder will be reviewed by the Supreme Court
10. A compromise is being sought over the Echo Harbor development
11. Rockett’s Landing will start building a $200,000,000 project inside the city limits.
12. A major condominium development, Ginter Place, is in the works for old Memorial Hospital.
13. Utility rate reform will reduce the share homeowners pay for infrastructure improvements.
14. Richmond’s Administration suffers from high turnover in key positions such as CAO and Economic Development Coordinator.

That’s all folks.

City Councilman Bill Pantele invites you to attend a 2nd District Meeting.

The Hermitage,
1600 Westwood Avenue,
March 26th
6:00 until 8:00 p.m.

Contact Info for Bill Pantele
Office: 646-6532
bill.pantele@richmondgov.com