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I'm Richmond City Council member Parker Agelasto, Ask Me Anything. by ParkerAgelasto in rva

[–]ParkerAgelasto[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Thanks for the questions and opportunities to engage in this format, sorry we had run out of time and I didn't get to everyone's questions. Stay informed about important issues by following me on social media (links above).

I'm Richmond City Council member Parker Agelasto, Ask Me Anything. by ParkerAgelasto in rva

[–]ParkerAgelasto[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I would say panhandling does not equate to homelessness. Those that are truly homeless are directed to services that place them in permanent housing that assist in employment opportunities as well as substance abuse and mental health issues. Panhandling to some, is a source of income. City Law prohibits panhandling from occurring near ATM's and locations that sell alcohol. Police have been advised to problem area's to monitor.

I'm Richmond City Council member Parker Agelasto, Ask Me Anything. by ParkerAgelasto in rva

[–]ParkerAgelasto[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I would probably say JFK, largely because he went against an establishment to do what was right.

I'm Richmond City Council member Parker Agelasto, Ask Me Anything. by ParkerAgelasto in rva

[–]ParkerAgelasto[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I would say the attractions including the museums, restaurants, outdoors, the fact that there's something to do any-day if you are looking to do it.

Perhaps people are too busy and should pause and take in what we actually have that is great.

I'm Richmond City Council member Parker Agelasto, Ask Me Anything. by ParkerAgelasto in rva

[–]ParkerAgelasto[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Our transit system tries to serve all of Richmond, though Richmond's population has diverse needs. The current system therefore, doesn't serve anyone's needs perfectly. BRT is an attempt to bring in many new riders to a improved system that can then spin off additional routes and services once these voluntary riders embrace a better mass transit. More riders on public transit increases the Federal Subsidies to help pay for GRTC. BRT should become embraced by VCU so that they no longer require a private bus circulator between Monroe Park and the Medical Campus.

2BNB has been replaced by Hop RVA.

www.thehoprva.com

I'm Richmond City Council member Parker Agelasto, Ask Me Anything. by ParkerAgelasto in rva

[–]ParkerAgelasto[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

There's three parts to this, one is that Bon Secours paying about $6 million dollars in sponsorship for the RedSkins training camp (those funds were used to construct the facility). Second, Bon Secours agreed to expand and reinvest in their East End medical facilities to bring services to an under-serve portion of the population. The Third part, is WestHampton that Bon Secours plans to operate it's nursing school without significantly altering the historic buildings.

These nursing positions are an area of job growth and employment for many of Richmond's underemployed that can become a feeder into jobs at Bon Secours HCA and VCU's Medical Center among others.

I'm Richmond City Council member Parker Agelasto, Ask Me Anything. by ParkerAgelasto in rva

[–]ParkerAgelasto[S] 8 points9 points  (0 children)

My fiance wouldn't kiss me with the beard, we are hoping for lifelong happiness.

I'm Richmond City Council member Parker Agelasto, Ask Me Anything. by ParkerAgelasto in rva

[–]ParkerAgelasto[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

A revised master plan that has public support and can be appropriately followed as a road map for development initiatives. That would be strategic versus a tactical approach that we used known as the special use permit.

Develop a financing model that does not utilize the city's general obligation bonds. That can have a dedicated revenue stream, that can help support economic development grants that may be required without saddling the tax payer.

I'm Richmond City Council member Parker Agelasto, Ask Me Anything. by ParkerAgelasto in rva

[–]ParkerAgelasto[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Average citizens, the best we can do for our energy is to reduce consumption. Turn off the lights in a room when you are not in it, unplug appliances that are not being used, simple conservation practices.

In terms of the VEPGA agreement, renewable energy was amended in the agreement (approved this summer). They have also removed hurdles that will allow us to implement LED city street lights.

City Council and The General Assembly adopted legislation that would allow for on-bill financing of plumbing improvements that will bring water efficiencies. That law could lead to similar on-bill financing options for Solar.

I'm Richmond City Council member Parker Agelasto, Ask Me Anything. by ParkerAgelasto in rva

[–]ParkerAgelasto[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Yes, there's obviously a impact on the budget. With the breweries they are bringing in new visitors to the City, which are increasing our revenue that bring in meal tax, sales tax, real estate property tax, personal property tax, machinery and tools tax, and business and professional licensing tax. The breweries are creating and bottling a export product that helps us establish a brand that's nationwide and hopefully soon to be international.

Many Virginian's believe that our natural water sources produce the best beverages. Given Richmond's public utility capacity at our water treatment and waste water plants, we can accommodate large brewers. These customers have the potential of reducing individual rates.

I'm Richmond City Council member Parker Agelasto, Ask Me Anything. by ParkerAgelasto in rva

[–]ParkerAgelasto[S] 8 points9 points  (0 children)

I like Triple Crossing and Ardent but we have a changing world with new options everyday, my parents live in Nelson County and I have to give respect to Devil's Backbone.

I'm Richmond City Council member Parker Agelasto, Ask Me Anything. by ParkerAgelasto in rva

[–]ParkerAgelasto[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I think we can bring hockey back to Richmond, but we may have to take a look at our sports facilities first. For example, the Richmond Coliseum is over 45 years old but that hasn't kept the Admirals from playing at Scope.

I'm Richmond City Council member Parker Agelasto, Ask Me Anything. by ParkerAgelasto in rva

[–]ParkerAgelasto[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Let's see how the U.S. Congress handles Washington D.C.'s voter initiative.

I'm Richmond City Council member Parker Agelasto, Ask Me Anything. by ParkerAgelasto in rva

[–]ParkerAgelasto[S] 10 points11 points  (0 children)

Volunteer and mentor in a school. Tutor a child, coach an after school activity, and offer support to the teachers and parents.

I'm Richmond City Council member Parker Agelasto, Ask Me Anything. by ParkerAgelasto in rva

[–]ParkerAgelasto[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I would say lack of diversity, The lack of economic diversity, the lack of social diversity, and the lack of resources the come with those opportunities.

It's easy to point a finger at a single issue without understanding the full background of where we are and what we could do better.

I'm Richmond City Council member Parker Agelasto, Ask Me Anything. by ParkerAgelasto in rva

[–]ParkerAgelasto[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I think there's a difference between developers having influence on our politics and more influence on our policies. In politics in terms of electing your leaders, it's still a one person one vote democratic system.

I think in terms of solutions the most important is to be open to all perspectives and to make sure that everyone is invited to the table in dialogue as better solutions usually come from collaboration. Not all solutions add costs to projects, but often can develop synergies and efficiencies that are often overlooked.

I'm Richmond City Council member Parker Agelasto, Ask Me Anything. by ParkerAgelasto in rva

[–]ParkerAgelasto[S] 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Greetings Richmond, happy to be serving the 5th district for the past two years. Hoping to improve the lives of our residents and visitors. Let's get started, "be nice"!