March 3 Newsletter: Council retreat; zoning changes coming

Weather: Spring faked us out, as usual. A chilly day with a high of 48.

On this date in 1983, a state commission on the future of higher education predicts that by the year 2000, schools will "eliminate narrow, specialized tracks and place primary emphasis upon teaching people how to think."

At all-day retreat, Richmond’s elected leaders focus on improving trust and transparency

Richmond’s new mayor and new-look City Council huddled together for nearly an entire day Friday for a freewheeling and occasionally frank conversation about how city government can work better. Among the highlights:

• Two councilors were particularly blunt as they said communication hasn’t been good enough since they took office a few months ago.
• Both sides agreed on the importance of redeveloping Southside.

Read more on the discussions, and where things go from here.

Proposed new zoning districts unveiled at ‘Code Refresh’ open houses

Richmond's zoning code hasn't been overhauled since 1976, but that will change, probably early next year.

The city has hired Code Studio, a consulting firm, to lead the rewrite. Late last week, they held open houses to unveil the 23 proposed new zones and collect feedback on them.

Read more on the zoning update here.

Randolph-Macon women complete historic season with ODAC title

March Madness started with some history, as Randolph-Macon became only the fifth women's hoops team in ODAC history to complete a perfect campaign: 16-0 in the regular season, and three more in the tournament.

• The last team to finish unblemished? The 2005 Randolph-Macon team that advanced to the Division III National Championship game.

Read more on the game, and the team, here.

In other news

• University of Richmond will start paying Spider basketball players (CBS 6)
• Amtrak train hits vehicle at Staples Mill station Friday night, three injured (8 News)
• A Crispy Dynasty: Looking back on the heyday of a Richmond fried chicken phenom (Richmond Magazine)

The editor's desk

A Monday morning shout-out to the Southampton Ice Revue team, which put on a cool show on a warm Saturday evening.

Michael Phillips, founding editor
mphillips@richmonder.org

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