Ask the Mayor
The parking meters were taken down to encourage people to come to Downtown. What is the plan with these meters now going up again?
Win Clark
Richmond
To encourage travel to our exciting Downtown area, Richmond has reduced its meters by almost half – from 2,000 to 1,050. We do not plan to add any meters. The remaining meters located in Downtown and around the VCU campus are intended to encourage short-term parking. Individuals who need all-day parking should consider using a parking deck or similar monthly arrangement.
I've heard that the Mayor is trying to get the State to sell us the Old City Hall building . How is that going?
Joe Robisch
3rd District
The City could save nearly $1 million each year by relocating our city department personnel into city-owned buildings, rather than continuing to pay rent for outside office space. As we are in desperate need of our own Downtown office space, I had asked the Governor to sell the Old City Hall back to us, because it's not being used by the state but is instead being leased. Regrettably, the Governor declined our request.
I've seen your new Web site at RichmondsMayor.com and I wondered why do you need this?
It's important that the good news occurring in our city reaches our citizens. More and more people receive their information and news via the Internet and mobile technologies, and Richmond is no exception.
Mainstream media may focus on conflict or trivial issues and leave out important facts that would provide "balance" to their report. This new Web site is a direct approach to bypass these filtering limitations and take the message directly to those who want and deserve it most -- you.
When will the new Hilton Hotel open in Downtown Richmond?
Thomas Davis
Southside
The 250-room Hilton Garden Inn , formerly the Miller & Rhoads department store at 5th and Broad in Downtown, is set to open this Fall. The $100 million project also features 133 adjoining condominiums as well as retail and commercial space.
This project had stalled until I got it back on track in late 2005 by bringing in New Orleans-based HRI Properties Inc. and Prudential Securities as joint owners with the original developer, Illinois-based ECI Investment Advisors.
Mayor Wilder wishes to thank the public for its overwhelming outpouring of concern and support through "Ask the Mayor." Your feedback is important and Mayor Wilder wants you to know that your views will be taken into consideration as issues are examined. Please note that the mayor refrains from responding to specific questions relating to employment, personnel issues, private business proposals or policy matters within the jurisdiction of the state and federal levels of government. Click here to submit your questions to Mayor Wilder.
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