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Why Richmond, Why?!?

Last week "Why Richmond, Why?!?" tackled some tough questions about issues like the possibility of a Fan-to-Shockoe trolley system, problems with the Capitol Square fountain and glass recycling options in Richmond.

This week we delve into some big ones again. Why does red-light enforcement in Richmond seem lax? Where can a person film a movie around here and what's with the "big mound" in Byrd Park? You asked and we've got the answers.

What is the big mound in Byrd Park? It must be important because it is surrounded by barbed wired fencing and dozens of security cameras. I have lived in Richmond my whole life and I have no idea what this acre sized mound is all about. 

-- Tina

"That 'big mound' is indeed critical to the City of Richmond. It's the city's drinking water reservoir," says Christy Everson, a spokesperson with the marketing and public relations department of the city's Richmond Parks, Recreation & Community Facilities.

Why does there seem to be almost no stop-light enforcement in Richmond? It's one of the worst places I've seen for red-light runners. Almost daily I see it on the morning commute where 9th St. runs by the Kanawha Plaza area. Two to three cars sometimes go through lights after they are red and I've seen several near misses. It seems the city could easily station a police car near some of these key intersections to discourage this practice -- and get some money for the city with all the tickets given out!

-- Brian

Mary-Hope Gangwer , with the Richmond Police Department Public Affairs office, answers:

Officers from the Traffic Unit have been assigned to monitor this specific area in the upcoming weeks. They will watch the traffic lights and motorists at this intersection of Ninth Street. If necessary a summons will be issued to violators. Richmond Police also would like to remind motorists to be mindful of other vehicles, traffic congestion, and pedestrians at all times. It is better to stop and wait at the light versus being delayed by a traffic accident.         

I was reading your article in Richmond.com about the filming of HBOs film "John Adams." Do you know the address or near vicinity for the backlot in Hanover County? I have only heard of it as Hanover County, VA, but where specifically?

-- John

Mary Nelson , with the Virginia Film Office, answers:

We were thrilled to have the backlot locations that were used for "John Adams" remain here for other filming projects. However for reasons of security and privacy we can't reveal the actual addresses of where they are located. Anyone who wants a closer look at photos can visit our website at www.film.virginia.org or look for the "making of John Adams" documentary that gives a great behind-the-scenes story. Incidentally, you may be interested to know that the full series will be available on DVD on June 10. 

Why after years and years (15 total I believe) of re-doing Lakeside's main corridor and starting a huge campaign to re-do the area, does the city find it OK to let the median grass grow to be two feet tall? Furthermore why do they let whoever is cutting it to leave the clippings on the street where they decompose for weeks? I don't think this does any good for their campaign to rejuvenate the area.

-- Eric

Eric, I got a lot of answers for you on this one. I talked to the city first and Chris Dettmar , marketing and public relations specialist for the city of Richmond, answered:

Thank you for alerting the City about this issue. However, the stretch of road you're referring to belongs to Henrico County. The City only oversees Hermitage Road until it intersects with Bryan Park Avenue just after I-95, at which point it becomes Lakeside Avenue in Henrico County.

 

Regardless, the City did look into the median on Hermitage Road and confirmed that it is well-kept and by no means unsightly.

 

So I tried Henrico County and Tim Foster , P.E., assistant director of the Department of Public Works answered:

Lakeside Avenue in this area is maintained by the Virginia Department of Transportation, and it is their responsibility for all maintenance on the roadway, including grass cutting in the median. During the first week in May, we notified VDOT about the concerns of tall grass in the median, and the grass was cut. They also informed us that they were going to put this on a two to three week cutting schedule.

Finally, Dawn Eischen , public relations manager, Richmond District for Virginia Department of Transportation, answered:

Typically, VDOT begins mowing operations during the first or second week in May. However, due to the excessive amount of rain we had in the Richmond area during the latter part of April and into mid-May, mowing operations were delayed. The rainfall also caused the vegetation to grow at a faster rate than expected. 

Our mowing operations are now up and running and we are doing our best to get the excessive growth back to a manageable height. Mowing is usually done when the vegetation reaches four to six inches in height. Cutting when the vegetation is shorter than this height may cause damage to the grass. Crews will routinely sweep the streets after mowing.

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 .