Culpeper Hokie

So happy to see the folks in E. Henrico might finally get their long-desired Red Lobster and Cracker Barrell. Maybe a few more 7-11's, while they're at it?

Oh, but this can't possibly be true! According to some, here, Richmond is the most backward, unprogressive, lacking culture, crime ridden, unworthy place on the planet. There must be some mistake. My favorite quote: "Quality health care and a low crime rate also were among the top requirements." These people are smart enough to know that Richmond's crime statistics are skewed due to the archaic Virginia practice of separating cities from the counties within which they geographically lie. But I'm sure all of this won't sway the naysayers ------->

Is trouble brewing at Y101? On another board, I asked if anyone knew what was going on with their annual "Y101 Birthday Bash". It's usually held in May, but there has not been any promotion of the event (nor even any date set), other than their battle of local bands with the winner supposedly securing a spot on the main stage of the Birthday Bash. Someone theorized that they weren't setting a date because it may not even happen, and things might be close to falling apart at the station. That would be a great shame, since it is a welcome respite from the bland fare found on the McStation which is their main competition, "The X". Any rumblings out there as to what might be going on, here?

I...absolutely...HATE country music, but I like Robert Earl Keen. Can't quite describe his music, but if it's country, it would have to be considered "counter-culture country". Or maybe "hippie-cowboy"? Or maybe he's the Jimmy Buffet of country?

Yes, I just got the same thing. Ugly.

It happened in all big cities during that period of time, but I think it hit Richmond particularly hard because of the Confederate attitudes many people had. When major pushes for desegregation occurred, white people and the businesses they owned, flew from downtown so fast, it would make your head spin. Of course, that's a simplistic explanation, and one which everyone already knows. The good news is, attitudes in race relations have finally evolved to the point that white people aren't afraid to live side by side with people of other races (at least most - there are still some diehards). Now that one whole segment of the population is not draining from the cities, the bleeding is beginning to subside, and the tide is beginning to turn. I think many of the bad things we have come to associate with downtowns, will slowly pass into history over the coming decades. It might be like watching the minute hand move around the clock dial, but it moves, nonetheless. Look at how different downtown Richmond is now than 10 or 15 years ago. Progress. Small steps, but progress. NO! I don't call it that, but there are plenty of folks who feel that way. I don't think revenue sharing accross a metropolitan area is Socialism at all. The city is the core of the region, and if it rots, then the whole metro area suffers. Henrico and Chesterfield need to share the wealth to keep the whole metro healthy.

Wow. That's a bit melodramatic. Geez, they didn't build that place just to piss you off. There were a lot of people out there who expected a certain level of retail, and who would go to Northern Virginia to get it. Now, although it doesn't particularly benefit the center city, at least the money stays in the metro area. Don't get me wrong, I love downtown and wish that Henrico and Chesterfield could come up with some sort of revenue sharing that would benefit the city (GASP!!! SOCIALISM!!!). I try to get down there as much as I possibly can, which is difficult since I have two little ones and work in NOVA most of the week. I think I'm probably the prototypical "new" western Henricoan in that regard, for better or worse. At least I'm not one of the long-time residents who shudder at the prospects of "goin' dow-un thay-uh buh-cah-wuz of all the muh-daz". Now, if I was single or it was just my wife and I, I'm pretty sure I'd be looking at some loft or townhouse downtown. But the problem would still be diversity of retail, and then I'd end up having to go out to the suburban malls for some of what I'd need. Heck, they're just stores. Some happen to be downtown, some happen to be in a suburban mall. No need to boycott them just because they aren't where you want them to be!

Here is the master plan. Maps included..... http://www.co.henrico.va.us/planning/2006/feb06/p-2-06.pdf Basically, across Broad Street from the Short Pump Home Depot and Target.

Hey!! That's my 'hood you're talking about, there!

I think Fairfax County is now too "sprawled" to ever have a single area to call "downtown". If anything, I guess you could think of the Dulles Toll Road as "Main Street" and call Reston uptown and Tysons Corner downtown. But, then, the area around Springfield and Bailey's Crossroads are seeing explosive growth, as well. And look out for the area around Centreville. I think the areas in and right around Fairfax City will always remain low rise and slower-growth. The folks around there seem intent on keeping a more traditional small-town feel there. And I don't much blame them!

What is this new set of buildings (twin towers w/cranes) in the Reston Town Center called? What's going in them? Offices, I assume? PS - This is a view out of my office window. Sorry for the poor quality. It was taken through glass with a very old digital camera.

And, of course, with my very first post, I have screwed up. This was meant to be under the off-topic heading, not a new subject. Moderator: Please feel free to move or remove. Thanks for your patience with this newbie!

Good morning folks. Just wanted to let you know I've joined your little club! I currently live in Western Henrico, between Innsbrook and Short Pump, but I'm extremely interested in the development of the City of Richmond. I'm a firm believer that, as the central city goes, so goes the overall health of the metro area. Just a little background: I was brought up in Culpeper, VA, am an alum of Virginia Tech (hence the moniker), but spent most of my adult life in Fairfax County (20 years). After tiring of the Northern Virginia rat race, my wife and I moved to the Richmond area about 8 years ago. It was one of the best things I've ever done in my entire life! Unfortunately, my job requires that I spend about 3 days a week in Reston. Just can't seem to entirely escape the NOVA nightmare. Mostly, I'll just be a lurker, soaking up everyone else's wisdom and knowledge, but I'll try to contribute when I'm inspired. Thanks for letting me participate in your forum!