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BELLEVUE CIVIC ASSOCIATION (BCA)
GENERAL MEETING
2/23/99
1. BCA President, Chuck Epes, called the meeting to order at approximately 7:05 p.m. after pizza and soft drinks were served. Chuck acknowledged all the neighborhood merchants who contributed to the dinner, including Domino's, Nuttall"s and Walgreen's.
2. Ed Parks, treasurer of BCA, reported the treasury balance to be
$3003.37. Ed asked that everyone remember to pay their Association dues which could add an additional $2400 to the treasury.
3. Chuck then make some general announcements to include the following:
-City is offering free compost bins; information was in the recent newsletter.
-Newsletter was delayed due to delivery problems; still looking for people who are interested in delivering 3-4 times a year for payment of $100 each delivery.
-Neighborhood Watch Program still needs block captains; the blocks without block captains were listed in the recent newsletter.
-Representatives of BCA and the City will meet about speeding in Bellevue on 2/24/99. The focus will be on developing a comprehensive plan to prevent speeding.
-The Neighborhood Patrol will conduct a training for new members on 3/20/99 from 9-11 at Battery Park Church.
-The sign design for the new school at Thirteen Acres was voted on today
-On 3/4/99 at 10:00 a.m. there will be a ground breaking for a new community art center at Pine Camp.
-Christmas in April will happen on 4/24/99 in Providence Park. Interested volunteers should call 751-5080.
-Ginter Park Civic Association signed a contract with VCU Urban Planning Department to focus on Chamberlayne Ave.
-There is a brand new Chamberlayne Business Association.
-Friends of Bryant Park drafted a master plan and will present to civic association groups.
-Viola Baskerville could not be with us tonight due to the General Assembly being in session; however, she did ask us to call the Governor and support the derelict structure fund and increased funding for public transportation.
-The Bellevue Arch idea is still alive, but the funds are not sufficient at this time. There will be renewed attention to this project in hopes of completing the fund drive necessary to achieve this project. Holly Anna Jones announced that she was writing a check for $106 -$6 for dues and $100 for the arch. She then challenged others to make contributions for the arch.
4. Chuck then introduced the speakers for the main topic of the meeting which was safety and security in Bellevue. Lt. Linwood Bennett, who is in charge of street enforcement, detectives and vice in the Third Precinct. He explained that the Third Precinct is the largest precinct population-wise and has a total of 137 officers. He then introduced several other officers who spoke on their particular area of focus:
-Sgt. Buddy Sipple, auto theft prevention unit
-Det. Frank Williams, property crime 780-4067
-Det. David Carroll
-Officer Lou Roelke, speed control
-Officer Doug Wacker, Community Officer for the Precinct 780-6212
-Sgt. Carol Croxton, Crime Prevention Unit 780-6842
5. Chuck adjourned the meeting at approximately 9:00 p.m.
Submitted by:
Kathleen Sadler, Secretary
BELLEVUE CIVIC ASSOCIATION MEETING
4/27/991. President Chuck Epes called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m.
2. Chuck recognized several merchants for the contributions to the pre-meeting dinner, including Domino's, Walgreen's and Nuttall's.
3. Treasurer, Ed Parks, announced that we were in good standing. treasury balance is presently $3912 before the newsletter printing The treasury balance will probably be $3100 after the printing bill is paid. The designated funds in the balance are as follows:
$ 933.15 = security patrol
$2104.71= arch fund
$ 874.18 = general fund4. Chuck then introduced the main topical speakers concerning the new Holton elementary school. In attendance were Ann Jenkins, the new principal, David Baugh, school board representative, and Archie Paris, schools' facility director. Information that was discussed included the following:
-hired 3/4 of the staff; quite a few current teachers are applying.
-staff retreat scheduled for 8/3 and 8/4.
-expected enrollment is 475-500 students for pre-k through 5th and 7 exceptional ed classes; maximum enrollment is 550-
600.
-there will be I pre-k class, 4 k classes, 4 1st grade classes, 4 2nd grade classes, 4 3rd grade classes, 3 4th grade classes and 3 5th grade classes.
-Mary Scott building is the site for registration on 4/29.
-all other current elementary schools will remain open.
-student/teacher ratio is 1:20 for K classes, 1:23 for 1 st-3rd classes and 1:24 for 4th and 5th classes.
-communication will take place through a monthly newsletter to the parents and to the civic association; a web site for the school was also discussed as a possibility.
-PTA has already been formed. All but 1 teacher was in attendance at the 1st meeting.
-Bus traffic flow will be to cross Claremont (E) and enter through Monticello (S) in both the am and pm. Each bus can accommodate 35-40 children.
-Parking will be on the Hermitage side.
-There will be no fence around the school. There will be a playground, but no softball, football, etc. fields or basketball courts.
-There are no current plans for the historic home on the site.
-There will be before and after school day care classes provided by the YMCA.
-The school day for students is 9:05-3:35. There will be special activities after school on Wednesdays.
-School construction plans are on schedule.
In addition to the above information, Mr. Baugh added that he thought that the primary issue facing the schools was the lack of nurturing of children in the schools today; that uniforms would be helpful to identify outsiders in a school and children playing hooky; that the school calendar of 9 months is archaic. Mr. Baugh also addressed the rumor of schools closing. He said where the school board is looking is at the high schools where there are empty classrooms and empty buses The high school cost is twice that of elementary schools.
Questions about Holton elementary can be addressed to Ms. Jenkins at 780-8193 and to Mr. Paris at 780-6152.
5. Chuck Epes then introduced Delegate Viola Baskerville. She said that she was pleased with the success they had in this past session of the General Assembly. In particular, she was pleased with the demolition fund and the women's' health initiative that was signed by the governor. The Central Virginia delegation is working together on revenue sharing and regional transportation issues. She was also happy to appear at the ABC license hearing for an opposed issuance in our neighborhood. She will run for re-election and is currently unopposed.
6. Chuck then explained that he had appeared at an ABC hearing for the Civic Association to oppose the single sale liquor sale at a FAS MART near Henrico H.S. He also requested audience feedback on the new stop signs on Bellevue and on Fauquier which Bill Johnson, our City Council representative, helped to have installed. The City was very reluctant to have them installed as a means of controlling speeding in the neighborhood. The feedback received was positive and perhaps more signs with better visibility are needed.
7. Chuck then introduced Bill Johnson, our City Council representative. Mr. Johnson said that the budget session is in full swing at the present time and that the budget hearing is 5/5. Although the CDBG funds are targeted for 6 neighborhoods that are not in the 3rd district, he is trying to get CIP funding approved. His priorities are targeted at "less fortunate neighborhoods where there are more fires burning". Specific projects include the Chamberlayne Ave. corridor, Pine Camp, First Tee in Brookfield Gardens, Boys and Girls Club in Providence Park and computers in the YMCA. He is also focused on the maintenance needs of the City's infrastructure and the regional transportation needs. GRTC routing is antiquated and needs to be revamped to go where the jobs are. Mr. Johnson is not aware of any development at the Azalea Mall site. He can be reached through his assistant at 780-7894.
8. Chuck made a few more announcements as follows:
-Tim Pfohl reported on the Bryant Park Advisory Committee for the 95/64 Exchange. He said that the consultants had dismissed all roadway non-expansion options and were only looking at the roadway expansion options.
-Tim Pfohl reported that the new pay phone on MacArthur is owned by Lauderbach's. It is not an in-coming phone line. The owner is open to feedback from the community.
-Tim Pfohl reported that the Trade Winds Electrical Co. on MacArthur has installed an 8' chain link fence with barbed wire for current and expanded outdoor storage space which is not allowed by City zoning. They are in the process of filing for a permit.
-Chuck announced that this Saturday is Arbor Day at Bryant Park and that they need volunteers.
-Chuck announced that this Saturday is also the Neighborhood Clean Up and is the opportunity to volunteer and/or dispose of unwanted items.
-Chuck announced that 6/13 is the annual Garden Walk.
9. The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 pm.
Submitted by Kathleen Sadler, Secretary
BELLEVUE CIVIC ASSOCIATION (BCA) MEETING
MINUTES
9/14/99President of the BCA, Chuck Epes, called the meeting to order at 7:10PM. Before the meeting
started, Chuck recognized Domino's Pizza for their food donation and the Christ Ascension Church for the accommodations. He also recognized the Executive Director, Glenn Kiger, of Imperial Plaza, Tim Murray of the Richmond City Police and our City Council representative, Bill Johnson.1. Bill Johnson stated that he has been on City Council for 1 year now.
their use of the Richmond Memorial Hospital building and that he supported the concept.-He deferred to the speakers about the expansion of Laburnum Avenue.
-He said that Bon Secours approached J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College about
-He agreed that the personal property tax is too high.
-He knew nothing more about Azalea Mall than has been covered in the newspaper.
-He also agreed that the sewer taxes were too high.
2. Treasurer's Report - Chuck said that the treasurer, Ed Parks, could not attend tonight's meeting, but sent a report stating that the total fund was $3706.03 and $2700 was designated for the Arch fund.
3. 1603 Claremont Avenue - Chuck introduced a City Attorney representative, Greg Lukanuski, who is handling the property for the City Attorney's office. Mr. Lukanuski explained that there are 3 incremental options available in the City to address neglected property.
-the first approach is a building code violation which is a misdemeanor criminal offense.
-the second approach is through "Operation Squalor" where the criminal penalty is higher. The Commonwealth Attorney's Office is behind this program and it works well when the property owner is available which is not the case at 1603 Claremont Avenue.
-the third option is when an action is filed in Circuit Court and the judge issues an order. If the owner doesn't comply, he is in contempt of court.
Mr. Lukanuski stated that he has tracked down the owner at this place of work and they are communicating at this time. He also explained that the owner is up to date with his mortgage and personal property tax payments. One member suggested that he be asked to sell his property which Mr. Lukanuski agreed to pursue with the owner.
4. MacArthur's Restaurant - The current owner, Conley Booth, is in the process of selling the restaurant after several violations with the ABC Board. Currently, there are buyers, Alan and Joan Davis, interested in the property and they are requesting an unrestricted liquor license, meaning they could stay open until 2:00 am. Chuck explained that the other restaurants, Dot's Back and Belle B, were approved for a restricted liquor license which means closing at midnight during the week and 12:30am during the weekend. The consensus of the BCA membership was that they would support a restricted license for MacArthur's as well.
5. MacArthur's Apartments - Chuck explained that the sale is imminent to a group of local attorneys.
6. Lauterbach's Electrical Company - want to build a 15-20 foot high fence in the back out to the alley. Chuck will be asking for some help with this request.
7. Azalea Mall - no other news other than the newspaper coverage which is saying that demolition is scheduled for this month.
8. Laburnum Avenue Expansion - Chuck explained that there is concern about the increased traffic since the sale of the old Fairgrounds for a new Raceway Track. The owner, Wayne Sawyer, was approved for 120,000-125,000 seats. Chuck introduced the speakers, Lee Priestess and an assistant from Hen rico County and Robert Anderson from the City of Richmond.
The Henrico speaker explained that Henrico had planned in 1975 for Laburnum to be expanded. Recently, the Carolina Ave. to the City line expansion had come "on line" again with plans to increase to a 6 lane road with sidewalks and left hand turn. The plans actually include expanding 350' past the City line to North Avenue. The plans, which include expanding Carolina and Meadowbridge Avenues, are now under design with a projected start date of next year. A public hearing on November 10 is open to both City and Henrico residents.
The City speaker said that they had been called by Henrico to "look at" the expansion plans past the City line. This plan is only in the preliminary stages and funding this expansion has definitely not been discussed.
9. Fall Clean Up - The Clean Up is scheduled for 10/16 and needs volunteers.
10. Security Patrol - The next training is 10/20 at 7 PM. The Security Patrol is in need of additional volunteers.
11. 3900 Chamberlayne Avenue - There is a court case scheduled against the landlords of the apartment owners due to the drug use and prostitute activity on the property. There is a show cause hearing against the property owners.
12. Marathon - On 11/13/99, the Marathon will run through Bellevue, down Hermitage, Pope, Crestwood, Westbrook and Brook. Volunteers are needed to staff the refreshment table.
The meeting was adjourned at approximately 8:50.
Submitted by:
Kathleen Sadler, Secretary
BELLEVUE
CIVIC ASSOCIATION
GENERAL MEETING
DECEMBER 7,
1999
- President Chuck Epes called the meeting to order at 7:10 p.m. at Imperial Plaza. Chuck started the meeting by thanking Glenn Keiger for the meeting accommodations at Imperial Plaza and recognizing Dominos Pizza and Walgreens for the pizza and drinks.
- Election of officers. The slate of nominees was:
President vacant
Vice president Tim Pfohl
Treasurer Ed Parks
Secretary Kath Sadler
The floor was opened up for nominations for president. After Bob Almond declined a nomination, there were no other nominations for President. Nominations were then closed and seconded. Chuck then announced that the bylaws stated that, in the absence of a President, the Vice President would be acting until a President was elected.
- Treasurer’s Report. Ed Parks reported the treasury balance to be the following:
$3180 Arch fund
$ 560 General fund
$ 664 Security Patrol fund
$4404 Total
Questions were raised about the Arch, especially about the description and the maintenance. The concept design was described as a miniature (6-8’ tall) version of the arch on Pope that would be located on the median of Fauquier at Brook and Laburnum. It would not span across the street.
- Marathon. Chuck recognized the volunteers and announced that Bellevue had won a $300 prize for having the best water stop on the race. The next marathon will be 11/8/00.
- Holton School Update. Clina Robb reported that it has been a busy few months.
- The PTA held an auction that was quite successful, achieving between $6-7,000.
- The Tot lot will be re-instated.
- There is a rumor that the 13 Acres building will be torn down.
- There are no plans for a fence around the property.
- The noise level is bad in the cafeteria and the auditorium.
- She recommended that the BCA have a meeting at the new school.
- Bellevue Garden Walk. Chuck recognized the success of the Bellevue Garden Walk that was held earlier in the year.
- Belle B – The owner of Belle B requested that they be allowed to stay open past midnight. The BCA is opposed to that request with the exception of New Year’s Eve.
- MacArthur’s Restaurant – has been sold and is now called Shenanigan’s. Their new license is for beer and wine only. No hard liquor or mixed beverages is allowed due to their history of infractions. Their closing hours are midnight on weekdays and 12:30 am on the weekends.
Jama Smith, ABC agent, is always interested in feedback and will be monitoring Shenanigan’s.
- Lauterbach’s – applied to build addition. The BCA opposed and Lauterbach’s didn’t show up to pursue with the Zoning Appeal Board.
- 1603 Claremont – The owner is in the process of putting up siding. Chuck recognized the efforts of John Butcher and Dianna Presson.
- MacArthur Apartments – Members of the BCA board met with the owners and explained the reasons for their concerns. The owners were given until 1/31/00 to get an on-site manager.
- Azalea Mall - Mike McLoughlin, owner of Azalea Mall Garden Center, updated the BCA about the activities of Dewberry, current owner of Azalea Mall. Mike arranged for a meeting of the Vice President of Dewberry, David Shanahan, and several staff from the City economic development and zoning offices. Dewberry’s current proposal is to build an 8-story apartment building on the City property and they are also developing more plans for the rest of the Henrico property. Henrico’s supervisor, Frank Thornton, said he would support a plan that is also supported by the neighborhood.
- Charter Westbrook – The hospital is now closed. Westminister Canterbury has made an offer on the property.
- Bryan Park IAC – Chuck Epes urged residents to call Department of Transportation to express their opinion on the current proposal.
- Imperial Plaza – Glenn Keiger, Executive Director since 5/98, reported on the following:
- Renovations completed worth $3.5 million, including elevators, pantry per floor, windows, and cosmetics.
- They have 900 apartments, including 750 independent living units and 150 assisted living units.
- American Retirement Corporation is the owner of Imperial Plaza.
- They are discussing plans with Sheltering Arms to develop their property on Hermitage.
16. Sheltering Arms – The Vice President discussed the plans in the development stage with Imperial Plaza. The site is desirable due to its one level and its handicapped accessibility. He said that they would like to provide therapy and recreation services at the Hermitage site. They would offer physical, occupational and speech therapies as well as physicians’ services, a fitness program and a structured recreation program. Their current site offers these services between 7 am and 7 pm and totals 62 visits/day. He also explained that they were working with Hummel Associates to provide a design for the exterior of the building so that it would not continue to look like a church and would conform to the architecture of the neighborhood. They would be planning to use existing space and not to expand. The building is currently zoned as residential and this plan would require a special use permit.
- Census Bureau – looking for workers.
- Adjournment – the meeting was adjourned at 8:40 p.m.
Kathleen Sadler,
Secretary
Last updated 02/24/02
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