D_C

I drive by there every night and last night, I swear, it looked like they may have had a few hundred people. That's it. I don't think I have seen over a couple of thousand yet this year. I don't know where these reported attendance figures are coming from but I believe they are pumping the numbers up to reflect tickets sold. That number doesn't reflect how dismal the stands look as you drive by. I have a suspicion as to why it is the way it is. It can't be because they suck as they have won 5 of their last 6 games. It can't be for lack of talent as the Braves have had some star pitchers come down for rehab and Timmons continues to be the new Charlie Hustle. The braves will get very little support from Richmond area residents after announcing their departure. I suspect the die-hard regulars aren't going because they feel like they have been abandoned. Kind of like during a divorce when the friends of the splitting couple, stay away from both until the smoke clears. Personally, I won't take my family to any games this year because I feel betrayed. I have been going to R-Braves games since I was a small kid growing up in the fan. For the team to just up and split to Georgia was a bullcrap move as far as I am concerned and I am happy to see that the seats are empty this year, as other regulars obviously feel the same way. As for the shockoe bottom stadium, I don't believe the funding was ever in place. There was very little public disclosure of funds as I recall. If they had started building this stadium in the bottom and the financing didn't happen, the city council and administration that was in place at the time, would have been an easy mark. Sir spend-a-lot Kaine and Rudy "fathead" McCollum would have made sure that city taxpayers would fill the bill. The idea of a stadium in the bottom isn't dead yet. It may still come to life only the Braves won't be the tenants. I hope they enjoy their new home in Gwinett.

Initially, over 50 were being held. As it turns out, 24 men and 9 women were being held for some kind of charges related to illegal activity. Charges include documentation fraud, being in the country illegally and re-entering the country after being deported. If they had hit this jobsite last year, they would have doubled their catch. The local news (NBC12) had an interview with a worker at the VAPAC site who said someone yelled "police" and the workers at the fed courthouse scrambled. They were pulling them out of port-o-johns, from under cars, hiding in materials, everywhere. Today, news comes about that there is some immigrant group that is planning a protest. I can tell you, from working with a legal immigrant, I see the struggle that comes with immigrating to this country legally and the costs associated with it. It is very expensive, income taxes are more oppressive, and the bullcrap that the fed agencies put one through is enough to give you an understanding why illegal exploration is wrong. Illegal explorers should not be able to jump the line like that. The T-D today stated that it isn't know what tipped authorities off. DUH! It's a freakin' FEDERAL COURTHOUSE under construction. What kind of genius couldn't figure that there would be some federal marshall or other federal authority poking around while this building is being finished, and realized that there were quite a number of latino workers.

Anyone working downtown able to witness the State Police and I.N.S. roundup over at the new Federal Courthouse this morning? Something like 50 illegal aliens were arrested at the new Federal Courthouse after it was surrounded by law enforcement. This happened around 8:30 I hear. Should have been interesting to see from the upper floors of a building nearby.

Excellent news today...... http://www.inrich.com/cva/ric/sports.apx.-...04-24-0254.html I am glad that he is looking to stay for a while. Create your own dynasty!!

I wonder how the Mayor's drainage improvements are holding up over in Battery Park.

Have they begun moving the old brick stable building to the corner of the soccer field block yet? That should be interesting.

The Kroger's a mess?!? I freakin' love that place!! The produce is kind of lacking but that Kroger has been a Godsend to the area. Now the krops at Grace has been a catastrophe ever since they tore down the Burger Meister and built the Safeway. It has always been a mess. The krops did some remodeling in the past but it was simply lipstick on a pig, if you ask me. I can totally understand this place cashing in its chips. As for what will become of it, my first guess would be VCU?

I would guess that the folks with RBI have already purchased a lot of land in Shockoe Bottom in preparation for this ballpark. The scenario played out well for them. At this point, I would not object as much as I did initially, against a stadium in Shockoe Bottom. If these guys think they can make a 'go' of it, and it is on their nickel, not the taxpayer, AND if taxpayers do not have to reimburse any damages due to floods as we already know that the wall isn't the cure-all, then I say, "what the hell. Go for it."

He was also instrumental with Richmond Baseball Initiative (RBI) efforts to build a ballpark in Shockoe Bottom. This may end up being one of those deals where if we really want AAA baseball in Richmond, we may have to live with a ballpark in the bottom. I guess I could deal with it.

That's your opinion. My opinion is that the car tax is oppressive. Like I said, why do I have to 'rent' my car from the city? That's bull-fecal-material! Obviously, a majority of voters in this state agree with my opinion, because Jim Gilmore was elected on that promise. Along comes Mark Warner (democrat). Now, he's not the worst we have ever had, but it was HE that reversed the phase-out of the car tax, not a republican. My opinions were in response to the comment about when have republicans ever made sence? On to parole. Sure, let's just tell felons that they don't have to do ANY time. Then we won't have to house ANY of them or pay ANY taxes to house them. I don't subscribe to your 'bounty' comparison mainly because I do not believe that there are private companies lining-up to build prisons. I am not sure if there are ANY state prisons in Virginia that are owned/operated by private companies anyway. Are they all Department of Corrections owned/operated? As for feeding and housing supposed 'innocent' people, well, I have never met an 'innocent' criminal. I have faith in our judicial system. I really do feel that the funding for this new building will not take place this year. Maybe the G.A. is waiting for a republican Governor so the building can be named after Bliley.

Well, I can think of 2 things off the top of my head: 1. Elimination of the Car Tax - this tax has to be one of the most oppressive taxes known. Why do I have to continue to 'rent' my car from the city? (Jim Gilmore) 2. Elimination of Parole - numbers don't lie. (George Allen) I understand that they want to be good stewards of our tax dollars and may be afraid of looking like the money-throwing dems in this, but I sure wish they could see past the trees to observe the forest on this one.

http://www.inrich.com/cva/ric/news.apx.-co...03-30-0232.html This story couldn't have come at a better time as far as discussion on this thread is concerned. Sometimes, it makes sence to spend big bucks when the return is a sparkling, new, modern structure. Makes more sence than throwing money down the toilet to upkeep a gravel lot and make repairs on an obsolete building.

For all of you photo enthusiasts, you had better get out there and get your photos of the West Hospital soon, especially the A.D. Williams clinic on Marshall at 12th. I feel that the wrecking ball may be coming sooner than any of us think.

I stand corrected. Good luck to the Hokies. Watch out for #1 on UAB. That guy is very fast and was burning Maynor all night long. I have never seen such flat-playing in my life! VCU really stunk up the place. Maynor's airballs and Rodriquez's missed 3-point attempts were enough to send half of the place home before the first half ended. Passes to the invisible man went out of bounds and created turnover after turnover. Piss-poor officiating was the icing on the cake. Even Schuler couldn't buy a bucket. He had a few nice 3-pointers but he seemed to not be able to get a good set before shooting. Neither team could make it into the paint. This had to be the worst I have ever seen them play. Truly a BIG disappointment.

Tickets are going fast!! Wednesday at VCU, the Rams take on UAB in the first round of the NIT. Tickets are $15. IF VCU gets by UAB, they will take on the winner of the VaTech - Morgan State game. If, for some strange reason, Tech loses to Morgan State, and VCU beats UAB, then VCU will play at home. If Tech beats Morgan State, VCU would have to travel to Blacksburg. I wonder if my yellow hoodie and black afro wig will clash in Castle Coliseum.

http://www.inrich.com/cva/ric/news.apx.-co...03-09-0275.html I can't help but laugh when residents of a suburban sprawl subdivision complain about more suburban sprawl. The same thing happened at Hampton Park in Chesterfield. The folks that moved in, assumed that there would be no further growth and were having a cow when they realized they were only a stepping stone to the newest section. Now, we have folks that live in Wyndham worried that the next section will bring newer, bigger houses, additional traffic and more depedancy on services and amenities. Gee. That sounds like the arguments I heard from residents who owned farms on Nuckols Road and folks that had old houses on Pouncy Tract Road before it was an 8-lane parking lot.

I do believe you are correct. It seems that I remember a couple of years back, Virginia opposing the use of emminent domain for private development. I made that comment in jest. I guess what I was trying to pick at is that even if the city could exercise e.d. over the state, they would have a difficult time winning their case with a similar gravel lot a couple of blocks away. I really do hope that the G.A. will approve this. The renderings are something else, although, it is really nice to be able to see St. Peters Cathedral from Broad Street. When I was at the National last weekend, I looked over there and couldn't help but wonder how long it has been since that side of the church has been seen. Also, one has to wonder how long can the state permit rainwater to perk down through the gravel surface lot and accumulate in the old basement of the Murphy. The rubble and debris from the demo of the last few floors was used to fill the basement and you know that water has to be accumulating under that. Kind of like a big french drain. I envision this problem being addressed within a year, so it would make sence to me that the state would cough up the money to begin construction as they will most certainly be spending a million plus to address the soupbowl effect anyway.

The way I hear it, the funding will not pass this year. Maybe next year. The General Assembly consensus is that the building is not needed. They don't even want to refurbish the building they are in which is outdated and in desperate need of repair. So look for this lot to remain gravel parking for at least another year. I believe it will get built eventually, but funding does not look good this year. IMO, if this lot remains gravel surfaced parking for a period of 2 years, the city should take the lot per emminent domain and sell the lot to a private developer for development. This has been done in other states for the benefit of the tax base and has been approved by the supreme court. You may remember the flap about the supreme court judge from Vermont, I believe, who voted in favor of municipalities using emminent domain for private development as a benefit to the community at large. I don't see why the city couldn't exercise this same option when it comes to the state maintaining a blighted parcel on Broad Street. Of course, the city would have to do something with the gravel hole on the south side of Broad between 6th and 7th first.

As we left downtown last night, I stopped to look at the West Hospital building again. I couldn't help but see those godforesaken window a.c. units. IF this building is to be saved, the removal of these window a.c. units should be a pre-condition to saving it. These a.c. units give creedence to the calls for replacement of this structure. Hmmmm. I always wondered what one of those a.c. units would sound like if it were to ever fall from the window up on the top floors. Here is a link to a story in this morning's T-D about the downtown master plan. The bottom of this article touches on how the master plan language has been "modified" to be less "accusatory". The word "compromise" was thrown in there as well, but it only related to the language in the plan. As for replicating the pyramid roof of this building, I would say, save your effort. It won't do the old roof justice. If the exact same roof cannot be re-used, then don't even attempt some half-cocked modern-type, cookie-cutter pyramid that has been used on several other VCU structures. Compromise = Exact Same Roof

Benedictine wins VIS Division I State Championship again!! Congrats to the Cadets!!!! http://www.inrich.com/cva/ric/news.apx.-co...03-02-0208.html

I know a guy who lives up at 35th and O and I told him that there would be someone taking some photos around Leigh, M and 35th. So if a heavy-metal type of guy is hanging about with a dog, it's one of our guys.

How about pooling together and making an offer on the old Julian's building? I seriously doubt that the owner of Velvet will be able to pull this off at this point. Just a plug for Mamma Zu's as well. My wife and I went to dinner the other night and this place NEVER let's you down!! We started off with a red table wine (my wife always picks the wine as I am a beer and liquor guy) from Lebanon (Bekka Valley) and ordered a small, white pizza while we sat at the bar to wait for a table. Their white pizza is the best in the world in my opinion. Once seated, I ordered Rockfish and my wife had the Eggplant Parmesian. Both plates were excellent!! I hear a lot of folks complain about the decor, location, blah, blah. But as far as I am concerned, it adds to the whole Mamma Zu experience. This place is my favorite place to eat and enjoy my food.

Jumping topic for a second here..... VCU men's basketball was excellent last night!! This team is very good and exciting to watch. When Maynor bopped the ball off of the defender's head who was in his face, it reminded me of the Harlem Globetrotters. Maynor's drive to the hoop has always been sweet. He can turn on the speed at the drop of a dime and still maintain excellent ball control. His shots are a lot better this year too. I didn't really care for his technical foul he drew as he bumped a ref last night though. I am sure he had his reason, as the ref was making some crappy calls, but he has to maintain composure at all times as he is the team's go-to-guy. Sanders had more than a couple of blocks last night and some great slams. Sanders plays some very hard ball and this guy is only a freshman. Schuler didn't disappoint with a few nice 3-pointers. It has been great watching him this year. When Fameni gets the ball within a step of the basket, you better get out of his way. His move to the basket is like watching a train. VCU has some extreme speed, and coach Grant is an excellent coach. Rodriguez is one super-fast guy. His speed and quickness make him a threat to anyone attempting to dribble the ball. Overall, there have been some excellent home games this year. Well worth the trip and tickets. Crowd participation is greater than I can ever remember and attendance is also greater than ever before. I would say that coach Grant has made a significant improvement of this program and I hope that he stays around for a while. Next up.........VCU baseball.......THE ONLY GAME IN TOWN!! Fri, Feb 29 Seton Hall University - Richmond, Va. 3:00 p.m. Sat, Mar 01 Bucknell University (DH) - Richmond, Va. 1:00 p.m. Sun, Mar 02 Seton Hall University - Richmond, Va. 1:00 p.m. Tue, Mar 04 Liberty University - Richmond, Va. 3:00 p.m. Wed, Mar 05 East Carolina University - Richmond, Va. 3:00 p.m.

I will bet anyone on this board that Dollar Bill Pantele, backed by Ellen "Free Lunch" Robertson, Delores the landlord, will pursue the selling of this property for a fraction of what prime waterfront property should go for. They will push hard, and may even pick up a few more supporters and could actually pull it off. Citizens need to offer input. Grassroots baby!! Get out there, talk it up with your neighbors and let them know what is up. If this property is sold, your best view of this shore will forever be from the shiplock park as it will surely be privatized. Developers will pander to the citizens that the waterfront will be open for all as they think we are a bunch of ignorant sheep, but make no mistake, if this land is sold to private developers, you will not be allowed there unless you own a unit and a boat.

A common compromise would be re-using the exact same roof. Not some knock-off similarity. I am talking about brining in a chinook helicopter or a team of mohawk skywalkers to disassemble it, but re-using the exact same roof, complete with rotating red light. I am just curious, who owns the Empire State Building. What if some group who were tight with the ownership determined that "that ugly thing has been cluttering up the skyline for decades and needs to be replaced with something else". I have walked by it several times and not even known it was there. I thought about that when it was said about this building being invisible to visitors. No joke. I walked right past it and never realized that it was there. So let's put things in comparison a bit here before we go erasing our history. Have a little compassion. After all, it IS the way we do things down here. Don't be confused by the gentle nature of a Richmonder. Not all of us have been cooped-up here forever and I would venture a guess that quite a few of us have lived in several different places. I was born here, moved to Oklahoma, Albany, Boulder and Eugene. I have travelled to just about every major city in the U.S., some several times. (Yeah, NYC is on my frequent visit list). I came back. It happens. With that being said, sure, Richmond is not the best place that I have been, but it is very unique and this building that VCU seems so ready to scrap, is worth giving a second, third, maybe even fourth thought about. They already did a great injustice to the architectural significance by destroying its sister building to the east. I love VCU. I love its energy, its drive to beautify parts of this city that need it. I don't think that all of their architecture is ugly. I think that most of it is very cool. Nice, clean lines and crisp finish with detail. But I don't think that they will EVER come close to replicating this building. It is too unique and too much a part of our city.