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Southampton Citizens AssociationP.O.Box11347Richmond,VA23230

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Name(s) Address Zip Code Home Phone E-Mail (for alerts) Make checks payable to Southampton Citizens Association. Mail to SCA Treasurer, P.O. Box 11347, Richmond, VA 23230.

2008 Southampton Citizens Association Membership Form Membership $15 per year. Your dues secure membership for the calendar year in which you paid. Your address label will indicate this.

TheNewsletteroftheSouthamptonCitizensAssociation SPRING2008

Over The Fence

Why the Act?A major source of water pollution

comes from rain water running off of urban and suburban areas. The General Assembly enacted The Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act in 1988 in an effort to reduce this pollution, which is hard to control and regulate. The act requires local governments to include water quality protection measures in their ordinances.

The water running off our roofs, driveways, parking lots and sidewalks carries soil particles, nitrogen and phos-phorus from fertilizer, animal waste, toxic substances and pathogens. It runs down our ditches and into creeks and ultimately into the river. Sediment from eroison clouds the water, obstructs water-ways, clogs sewers, and smothers aquatic plants and animals. Too much sediment can make it difficult for a water filtration plant to clean the water. Toxic substances include pesticides, formaldehyde, house-hold chemicals, gasoline, motor oil, and salt used to deice roads and sidewalks. Because the hard, nonporous surfaces found in urban and suburban areas don’t absorb the rainwater, this fast moving runoff is nine times greater than runoff from forest land.

Trees and vegetation along streams and rivers act as a natural buffer. By slowing the water down they allow the water to soak into the ground where the native vegetation is able to filter out

many of the pollutants. The result is less sediment and chemicals reaching the water. Slower moving water is also less likely to erode stream and river banks.

In its goal to protect water qual-ity, The Chesapeake Bay Act des-ignates this land lying beside perennial rivers and streams as resource protection areas. The Act provides for a 100-foot wide buffer area of vegetation that is effective in retarding runoff, preventing ero-sion, and filtering nonpoint source pollution.

The Code of the City of Richmond, Chapter 50, Flood Plain Management, Article IV, provides the local requirements to meet this act. A few details from this chapter include these requirements:

Trees may be pruned or removed selectively to provide for sight lines and vistas, provided that where removed, they shall be replaced with other vegeta-tion that is equally effective in retarding runoff, preventing erosion, and filtering nonpoint source pollution. Pruning of trees may be allowed, pursuant to sound horticultural practice incorporated into locally adopted standards.

This act makes those living along streams and rivers on the frontline of protecting our waters, because this is the final stop before the water leaves the land. But we can help by remembering what happens in our yards affects the water quality and property of those liv-

ing downstream. Before doing any work near rivers or

streams call the city’s Citizen’s Assistance number 311. Chesterfield County has a brochure that breaks the Chesapeake Bay Act down for citizens. You can link to this at <http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/chesapeake_bay_local_assistance/documents/RPAfactsheet.pdf>http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/chesa-peake_bay_local_assistance/documents/RPAfactsheet.pdf. The Department of Conservation and Recreation provides more information The Chesapeake Bay Act and water quality on their website www.dcr.virginia.gov.

Mark Your Calendars!Southampton Citizens AssociationMeets the third Tuesday of each month, 7:15 p.m., at Southampton Recreation Association, 3201 Chellowe Rd.

Tuesday, June 17No meetings July and Auguast

Huguenot Neighborhood TeamMeets the first Tuesday of each month, at 6 p.m., Bon Air Library, Rattlesnake Rd. For updated listings go to www.scarichmond.com.

Southampton Riverfest 200810:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

5K Wicked River Run/Walk8:30 a.m.

June 7th.

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issues in the General Assembly as well as solving future chal-lenges. As one speaker pointed out the vitality of our neigh-boring localities is important to the entire metro area.

Spotlight on Our Business Neighbors

Flowerama

The corner at Hathaway and Forest Hill has been blooming for four year now. Flats of flowers, garden orna-ments and usually a kite or two flying in the breeze sur-round Flowerama. Victoria and John Zachary saw this busy intersection as the perfect spot for a business that relies heavily on impulse buying. All occaison cards, balloons, baskets, flags, and other gift items round out the retail offerings.

The couple gave up their corporate jobs for a change of pace. But the pace of a full service florist shop is far from slow and relaxed. Inside flowers need to be processed and put in the back cooler, placed into arrangements that fill the refrigerated case that runs practically the length of the store and flowers need to be delivered to customers. It can be very production oriented according to John. On large volume days like Valentine’s Day or Mothers Day there is the added duty of pro-viding plenty of inventory.

One of the biggest challenges has been changing area buy-ing habits. Flowerama was not a known name in town so there must be high level of service to attract and keep customers. The owners have been sensitive to the buying habits of this area by giving up carrying gardening tools for the occaisonal gardener, because this area has a lot of gardeners that most likely shop at Lowe’s. They also provide flowers by the stem, as this is more popular than premade arrangements.

Building the business continues to be a major goal. John says he has learned that consistency in making sales calls is one of the most important aspects of the job. This is key to the success of the other side of the business which is providing flowers for weddings, funerals, churches and for event planners in the city.

While the job requires hard work, both John and Victoria are up to the challenge. They enjoy meeting new people and are working hard to be the best florist in the city. John says that he meets more and more people that have heard of Flowerama and know exactly where it is.

TogetherForever

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CheCk Out sCariChmOnd.COm

a great place to find informationpertinent to our community

April 1 the Huguenot Team held a community forum, “A Citizens Approach to Regional Cooperation.” Invited to share their thoughts were the following elected officials: John Watkins (State Senate), Manoli Loupassi (House of Delegates), George Braxton (Richmond School Board), Kathy Graziano (Richmond City Council), Dan Gecker (Chesterfield Board of Supervisors), Aubrey Stanley (Hanover Board of Supervisors), Patricia O’Bannon (Henrico Board of Supervisors), John Montgomery (Henrico School Board) The panel let the audi-ence know where Richmond and its neighboring counties work together and where we need to work harder and together.

The metro area comes together to provide additional educa-tional opportunities at the two area governor’s schools Maggie Walker Governor’s School and the Appomattox Governor’s School, and at The MathScience Innovation Center. The center promotes math and science to the region through classes for students as well as support for teachers.

Richmond and area localities worked together to create The Greater Richmond Convention Center, which provides a large venue for local events as well as attracts national groups to the city. Attracting businesses to the area is The Greater Richmond Partnership, an economic development team made up of public and private business members.

Future challenges facing our area include transportation. This is a growing issue as money becomes tighter for building and improving roads coupled with the rising price of gas. These factors added to a growing population make looking at more public transportation whether it is increasing bus service or light rail essential.

Speakers said the metro area will need to work together on protecting our water resources through conservation and man-aging wastewater. It is not just sewer that will need attention but solid waste disposal as well.

The Richmond Regional Planning Commission takes on many of these issues. Made up of nine localities, this group serves as a forum addressing issues of regional significance ranging from bicycle and pedestrian programs to light rail planning to solid waste issues.

It was noted the area can get more accomplished by work-ing as a group. This solidarity would help when presenting

The SCA Board

PresidentJeff Donahue, 272-0978 7615 Piney Branch Rd.

Vice PresidentMary Blanchard, 272-59598847 Riverside Dr.

TreasurerSue Stewart, 272-21758143 Riverside Dr.

SecretaryBob Call, 267-16198954 Cherokee Rd.

Elizabeth Bolin, 560-54084418 Butte Rd.

Robert Bryden, 512-96103043 Kenmore Road

John Cardwell, 330-3675 7424 Tanglewood Rd.

Jeanne Dorman 267-5685 8721 Rivercrest Rd.

Gregory Garrison 347-29057126 Shawnee Rd.

Dick Grinnan, 320-64348811 Riverside Drive

Jean Marie Hay, 272-70313450 Custis Rd.

Wendy Inge, 560-0016 4317 Wakefield Rd.

Bob Scott, 320-00073838 Cheverly Rd.

Jonathan Young, 320-42518511 Waxford Rd.

Bert Waters, 323-06187751 Rockfalls Dr.

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4. South of the James Market is now open thanks to the work of Councilwoman Kathy Graziano. The market is open Saturday mornings, from 8 to noon. It is located at the end of New Kent Avenue and 42nd Street, at Shelter 2 in Forest Hill Park. Products include strawberries, flow-ers, soaps, candles, breads, coffee (of course!), sweets, eggs, meats, and more.

5. The Forest Hill Project. Over 60 neigh-bors attended a May 14 public meeting regarding the city’s proposal to add a fifth lane to Forest Hill Avenue between the Powhite Parkway and Hathaway Road. The project also includes sidewalks, bicy-cle lanes, and landscaping and improve-ments to the stormwater system.

City officials described the project as one that would improve safety, increase effi-ciency, and make the neighborhood more “livable.” They said they had secured funding for design and right of way work, which would take at least three years, but that construction funds have not yet been identified. The total project cost, which would be financed by federal funds, is $12 million.

Residents in the adjacent neighborhoods-said they are concerned about immediate issues regarding traffic, speed, and access. City officials said they would consider those concerns as part of the overall proj-ect evaluation.

City officials also said that area residents would have many opportunities to offer comments about the project. More infor-mation about the project can be obtained from Jim Leadbetter, engineer, at 646-3704 or leadbjl@ci.richmond.va.us.

6. Stony Point Shopping Center plans to install a 46.67 square foot sign along Huguenot Road. The sign would be approximately seven foot tall and would be lighted and would increase the visibility for Stony Point and their tenants. Burt Jarvis of Talley Signs anticipates City of Richmond approval this summer with con-struction in late summer. Installation of the sign will require an amendment to the Community Unit Plan for the shopping center.

1. Ntelos proposes a shorter tower. Ntelos has presented a revised plan for a cell tower at Southampton Baptist Church, near Cherokee and Comanche. This tower would still be above the tree line, but at 94 ft high it would be lower than the original proposal. It would also be “disguised” to look like a tall tree with a cluster of branches at the top and sim-ulated bark pole. Ntelos would be the only carrier instead of the original 2 carrier plan. The pole could benefit roughly 240 area households of potential Ntelos customers. Last year the Southampton Citizens Association board after much discussion and hearing comments from neighbors voted to oppose the tower. Having a commercial tower in a residential neighborhood and the proposed benefit to a limited number of Ntelos subsribers were key factors in the decision. The tower continues to require a Special Use Permit to build on the R-2

(residential) zoned land. The company is planning to present this new proposal to City Council sometime in June/July. The SCA board will vote again on this proposal in June.

2. Huguenot Bridge. Work is expected to begin the Summer of 2010. VDOT is currently working on Right of Way issues. VDOT has recently determined that Westham Station Road will remain open after construction of the new bridge. A key factor was Henrico County’s emergency vehicle access

requirements. The bridge design which will include: n Open rail system n Low level lighting to light deck n Tinted concrete for a muted effect n Concrete form liners for the pilings to improve look and fewer pilings n Additional landscaping to be placed around chain link fence around the retention pond on the south side of bridge

n Other landscaping for the site At this point there is no plan for a rumble

strip or barrier between the bridge lanes. A raised barrier is not likely because it would mean an increase in the width of the bridge.

3. Trinity Episcopal School will begin expand-ing its sports/arts complex this summer. The result will be a 55,000-square-foot athletic and fitness center, a music center, theater, and visual-arts center.

Area ActivityInformation in this column is subject to change.

Get your swimsuits on!Its pool time.To become a member call

272-7401

The result will be a 55,000-square-foot athletic and fitness center, a music center, theater, and visual-arts center.

ww.scarichmond.com

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Come join the fun!Saturday,June 7th, 8:30 am - 2:00 pm

co-sponsored by Southampton Citizens Association & James River Park System

Entry Form for 5k Wicked River Run/Walk

Name of Participant Age GenderI have enclosed my check for $ T-shirt , circle size: S M L XL I know that running a race is a potentially hazardous activity. I should not enter and run unless I am medically fit and properly trained. I agree to abide by all the decisions of the race officials. I assume all risks associated with entrance into this event, including but not limited to fall, contact with other participants, effects of weather, traffic and road conditions, all such risks are known and appreciated by me. Having read this waiver and knowing these facts, I for myself and anyone entitled to act on my behalf, waive and release Southampton Citizens Association, the City of Richmond, all sponsors and volunteers and organizers from all claims and liabilities. I understand that no rolling devices, including but not limited to strollers, rollerblades, skateboards, and bikes are allowed. Dogs are prohibited on the 5k course. I agree to be bound by the rules of this event. I understand if the race is canceled by circumstances beyond the control of the organizers, my entry fee will not be refunded.

Signature DateSignature of Parent is runner/walker is a minor

Please Note:This run is open to all ages, but an adult must be present on site if runner is under 16.mail to SCA Treasurer, PO Box 11347, Richmond Virginia 23230, checks made out to SCA

Come see old friends and make new ones against the backdrop of the beautiful James River.

8:30 – 5K Wicked River Run/Walk – 7:45 check-in at the Pony Pasture parking lot. Race ends at the Meadow with a fun awards ceremony. The run/walk is limited to the first 150 who register. Registration forms can be obtained off the website scarichmond.com or fill out the form below. To guarantee a t-shirt, we encourage registration by May 30th.

8:30 – Bird Watching at the Pony Pasture with neighbors Mary Arginteanu and Larry Robinson of the Richmond Audubon Society – come out and learn about our feathered friends. This child friendly excursion starts in the Pony Pasture Parking lot and lasts from 1 to 2 hours. Can’t stay the whole time? That’s ok, stay as long as you can . Binoculars will be available for those of you who don’t have a pair.

10:30 - Fancy bicycle, scooter, wagon parade - 10:15 check-in at the Meadow. Dress up and decorate your ride. The theme is FUN ON THE RIVER. Other activities include bubbles, face painting, fish printing and more. Come check out the Soil Tunnel and River Rescue truck (if not on call).

Austin’s Extreme Climbing Wall - 30 foot high wall with four sides of varying difficulty.

Tree Climbing with Riverside Outfitters. Let Scott Turner and his staff put you up in a tree, a truly unique experience or try out one of their kayaks.

11:30 River Critters - Join Ralph White, the James River Park Naturalist, and meet our interesting river neighbors.

Transportation, Parking and Misc. InformationRiverside Dr. will be closed from the Pony Pasture exit (going west) to Rockfalls Drive from 7:30 am to 2:30 pm. Parking is available at The Pony Pasture - .4 miles from the Meadow and Huguenot Woods (approx. 2 miles away)

Hayride and two bicycle rickshaws from River City Rickshaw (no charge) will make a continuous loop on Riverside Dr. from the Pony Pasture to Rockfalls Drive. Note: Please respect any no parking signs.

If you don’t feel like packing a picnic, SCA will be selling hot dogs, drinks, and snacks. Event t-shirts will be available for sale for $10.

Stay informed and get involved. Become a member of the SCA. There will be a sign-up table at the Meadow for new members and renewals. The annual fee is $15.

An early morning rain does not cancel Riverfest. A downpour will. Steady rain doesn’t cancel the Wicked River Run/Walk, lightening does.

AT THE MEA

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Walkways and driveways should be kept in a proper state of repair and be kept free of trip hazards, thus reducing the potential for injuries.

Address numbers should be posted in a position plainly legible and visible from the street or road fronting the property. These numbers shall contrast with their back-ground, be Arabic numerals or alphabet letters, and shall be 4 inches high with a minimum stroke width of ½ inch.

This list does not represent all items that may be inspected or cited. If you have a question, please call your inspector Randall Masters at 646-6974 or 646-6419

• For weeds, debris, inoperable vehicles on private property call (804) 646-7448.

• For building code violations call (804) 646-6419• All other issues call Citizen’s Assistance, 311

Earlier this year Councilwoman Kathy Graziano invited Art Dahlberg from the Department of Community Development to dis-cuss with neighbors the property mainte-nance code. Mr. Dahlberg informed homeowners the department was changing the way it did business. The department has divid-ed Richmond into 30 districts with each

district having a property inspector. Rather than reacting sole-ly to complaints, these inspectors are going out to the neigh-borhoods to catch violations and use this opportunity to edu-cate the property owner. If the inspector sees a violation, he/she will leave a door hanger that states the inspector’s name, what is not in compliance with the code and that the inspector will revisit in 45 days to see that it has been corrected.

Listed below are some of the more common items that property owners must do to meet property standards under City code or State law.

Make sure your outside garbage is stored properly in leak proof, covered containers. Dispose of rubbish such as ashes, paper, rags, cartons, boxes, wood, tree branches yard trimmings, tin cans, metals, discarded appliances, and inoperable mechanical equipment.

Remove any accumulated trash or refuse from your yard, sidewalk area and alley.

Trim grass and weeds to less than 12 inches and trim any vegetation that protrudes into the alley, sidewalk or street or public right of way.

All vehicles on your property have to be operable and display either a current license plate or inspection stick-er. If not they need to be fully enclosed in a garage.

All structures including houses, garages, sheds, walls and fences need to be structurally sound and in good repair.

Stairways, porches, decks, balconies, handrails, and guard rails must be properly anchored and able to safe-ly support a normal weight load.

Yards should be graded to drain water away from the building foundations or slabs and to prevent the accu-mulation of stagnant water.

Running in Stratford HillsBert Waters

As a regular neighborhood runner, member of Richmond Road Runner’s Club, and race director for this year’s RiverFest Wicked River Run 5K run/walk, I’d like to mention two annual, neighborhood races.

On Sunday, June 1st, the Stratford Hills 10K starts at 8 a.m. This annual race is put on by the Richmond Road Runners Club and limited to the first 300 registrants. The course starts and ends at Stratford Hills Shopping Center, with a one mile downhill at the beginning and a one mile uphill at the end. Stratford Hills resident Mike Levins is the race director and can be reached and (804)272-2926 or TRU2mike@comcast.net. For more information and registration form, go to: www.rrrc.org.

On Saturday, June 7, Southampton RiverFest’s 4th annual Wicked River Run 5K starts at 8:30 a.m., and is limited to the first 150 registrants. Sign-up and packet pick-up begins at 7:45 at Pony Pasture parking lot. For more information, con-tact Bert Waters at (804) 502-0619 or lhwaters@vcu.edu. This year we are offering a new on-line registration option at:http://www.scarichmond.com/riverfest.html

Finally, there is a standing Wednesday morning run at 5:30 a.m., weather permitting, from Stratford Hills Shopping Center. The pace and distance vary depending on who shows up, but we generally run between 8 and 10 mph pace, and the typical out and back course is between five and eight miles in length. Please feel to contact me, Bert Waters, lhwaters@vcu.edu, if you are interested in attending, or just show up one Wednesday morning. We park near Benny’s BBQ. For more information on any local races or group runs, you can go the Richmond Road Runner’s website, at www.rrrc.org.

Property Maintenance