Share Email Print RSS

Why Richmond, Why?!?

It's been almost three months since Richmond.com published it's first-ever edition of "Why Richmond, Why?!?" and in that time I've had a blast writing and researching this column.

Don't get me wrong, it's been a lot of work. And I mean a lot of work. Richmonders have kept me plenty busy chasing down the owners of vacant properties, begging corporate media contacts to return my calls and calling local PR representatives so often that I fear they might put a restraining order on me.

But with every question I learn a little bit more about our city and its inhabitants.

And last week I got a little break from my constant research when a loyal reader sought out an answer on my behalf. So thanks, reader-who-asked-not-to-be-named. I really appreciate the scoop.

A few weeks ago, a few readers asked me to confirm a rumor that Dave & Buster's, the adults-focused arcade-like restaurant, was coming to Richmond. I got the confirmation, but the corporate big-wigs wouldn't release the details. Thankfully, my helpfully reader was able to fill in the blanks. He sent me this press release published on the Thalhimer/Cushman & Wakefield website. Here it is:

"Thalhimer/Cushman & Wakefield is pleased to announce Dave & Buster's has leased approximately 16,000 sq.ft. at West Broad Village for the development of Richmond's first Dave &Busters location. Dave & Buster's is an entertainment-themed style restaurant which combines food, drinks and games for an environment of fun and celebration. The restaurants are located across the country and around the world. West Broad Village, a high-end mixed use development consisting of retail, office and residential, located on West Broad Street at Broad Street and I-64 consists of 400,000 sq.ft. of retail. Dave & Buster's is scheduled for a 1st Quarter 2009 opening. Nicki Jassy and John K. Nielsen of Thalhimer/Cushman & Wakefield handled the negotiations for Dave & Buster's."

I live near Forest Hill Park where many local residents come to walk their dogs. While most are extremely conscientious about picking up after their dogs, I have seen quite a few who are not. One thing that may help remind and encourage those "forgetful" sorts would be the fine notices that I see elsewhere ($250 fine for not pick up after your dog). Will the city please put these up around the park?

--Tracy

Christy Everson with the City of Richmond department of marketing and public relations answers:

The city shares your concerns for clean parks and has posted signs as you have suggested throughout our parks. It is unfortunate that some people choose to ignore these signs. We work closely with Animal Care & Control (AC&C) to help educate pet owners of their responsibilities and this is one of the more challenging areas, as it is almost impossible to catch those who ignore the signs. We will continue our efforts and if there are specific times you notice offenders on a regular basis, please let us know so we can coordinate some patrols with AC&C to help to remind pet owners of their responsibilities. Animal Care and Control can be reached by calling 311 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday  through Friday.

I hear the Pumphouse at Pumphouse Park is being renovated.  Is this true?  If so what's the status of the renovation and what will the Pumphouse be used for?

--Jessica

Everson answers again:

The Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities plans to renovate the Pump House and use it as a Visitors' Center for the James River Park System. The Department is only in the very beginning stages of planning for this project, which may take four or five years. The Department is also looking at the possibility of offering bateaux rides there this summer to help generate interest in this area of the James River Park.

 

Is there a River City Beer Festival this June on Brown's Island?

--Ardena

I wish there was, but sadly, no. According to Lisa Sims , director of events for Venture Richmond who hosted the festival in years past, they'll be partnering with the Shockoe Craft Beer Festival this year to bring one, big beer festival The tentative date for the Shockoe Craft Beer Festival is September 26 and 27 and, this year, it'll be held on Brown's Island.

How can homeowners near the GRTC bus depot on Robinson stay informed of the progress regarding the company's planned move and about the new businesses and homes that are supposed to replace it?

­--Kristine

Very easily, according to Kathy Shaw Clary , director of marketing for GRTC. Its Web site, ridegrtc.com includes up-to-date information about all its plans for the space and its future. Just keep checking under "recent news."

So what do you want to know, Richmond? Send questions to: karri.peifer@corp.richmond.com with "Why Richmond, Why?!?" in the subject line or leave it in the comments sections below. And if you missed last week's "Why Richmond, Why?" you can read it here .