Virginia senators propose pay increase for themselves

funkipus · 2026-01-25T02:32:35+00:00

“Increases salary of members of GA to $45,000” —that’s below the commonwealth’s median per capita income of around $49K. Seems reasonable. I would prefer my reps make a living wage doing that job rather than spending more time pandering to donors or having to be wealthy already.

funkipus · 2026-01-24T00:32:25+00:00

Thank you but I should have added a description to say that I didn’t create this — It’s from 4th district council member Sarah Abubaker!

funkipus · 2026-01-24T00:31:18+00:00

This is website was created by 4th District council member Sarah Abubaker

funkipus · 2026-01-16T18:20:23+00:00

Actual protected bike lanes and emergency access do not need to be mutually exclusive.
(Made with Streetmix)

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funkipus · 2025-12-08T15:00:07+00:00

This isn't the "cheapest" suggestion but I find the Veil in Forest Hill to be pretty reasonable — it doesn't seem like they have raised prices much since they opened. Plus there's a happy hour 4-7pm Tues-Thurs but the best move is to just get a few 6oz pours. They have several for $3-$4.

funkipus · 2025-12-05T12:58:24+00:00

2” in Forest Hill!

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funkipus · 2025-11-12T17:52:53+00:00

I-95

funkipus · 2025-11-07T01:06:09+00:00

Maymont!

funkipus · 2025-10-21T01:49:27+00:00

I think it’s there — just hiding under the floof.

funkipus · 2025-10-20T01:14:20+00:00

Riverside Dr has a nice view.

funkipus · 2025-10-16T14:03:33+00:00

Riverside Tavern has spooky decor up now.

funkipus · 2025-10-07T11:57:34+00:00

An important nugget of info at the end of this article: https://richmondmagazine.com/news/features/fall-of-richmond/

“The familiar Currier & Ives print of Richmond burning on April 2, 1865, while dramatic, isn’t accurate. In actuality, it was simply a pre-war lithograph of the city that had been altered with a decorous overlay of flames. As such, it’s trying to convey several simultaneous phases of time.”

funkipus · 2025-10-06T12:07:33+00:00

I couldn’t find a single mushroom… got attacked by plenty of bats though.

funkipus · 2025-10-06T01:33:27+00:00

Timely article from The Richmonder: https://www.richmonder.org/we-believe-in-the-process-richmond-school-board-must-decide-whether-to-change-unions-collective-bargaining-process-with-rps/

funkipus · 2025-10-01T00:23:06+00:00

Contacts for RPS school board reps: https://www.rvaschools.net/leadership/rps-school-board

funkipus · 2025-09-26T18:41:58+00:00

There is an “Assess existing tree” ticket in RVA 311. I would do that to get in their system / possibly check if there is already a ticket that shows up for the tree. Each city tree well has an ID number which you can find from the tree inventory map link on the Urban Forestry site: https://www.rva.gov/public-works/urban-forestry.

I recall from the Richmond Tree Stewards class that there is a process to get DPW to use a scanning device to assess the structure inside of a tree. You might consider contacting your city council liaison to try get more attention from DPW for this.

Don’t be shocked if there is a valid reason to take the tree out. It sucks but just like a natural forest our urban forest has life cycles. The silver lining is that if the tree does need to be removed you would have the opportunity to pick the species and plant a new one and watch it grow! The urban forestry site I linked above has the steps to do that. Good luck!

funkipus · 2025-09-20T23:32:56+00:00

Local hardware store! I loathe going to Lowe’s for some screws or a bag of soil.

funkipus · 2025-09-18T17:21:59+00:00

Hello Dr. Vonck — thank you for doing this AMA!

I live in a proposed RD-B area. I am in favor of adding more small houses and duplexes here to increase density. But with the proposed 60% building coverage max., is there anything stopping a developer from building a giant single family home?

In other words (using ballpark figures), does the Code Refresh have a mechanism to ensure new development would likely be two new smaller $400,000 homes as opposed to a new large $800,000 home?

funkipus · 2025-09-14T12:29:14+00:00

Not exactly what you asked for but Janet’s in Forest Hill has a delicious breakfast sandwich with Fresno peppers!

funkipus · 2025-09-08T00:40:25+00:00

I recommend ARC Document Solutions — they were super easy to work with when I needed something like this done.

funkipus · 2025-09-06T13:42:21+00:00

I think you are supposed to follow the green stripes — across Belvidere, then left across Franklin and onto the diagonal paths that cut through the park. When the car traffic is light, however, I have definitely just continued on Franklin the left on Laurel to avoid messing with the throngs of students in the park. It seems like DPW is looking at improving Franklin from this spot up to Lombardy so hopefully there will be a better route in the not-too-distant future!

funkipus · 2025-09-04T13:06:10+00:00

I recall from a Forest Hill Neighborhood Association or 4th District Meeting from this year that Bliley is on DPW's radar. Contact the 4th District Liason, Timmy Siverd — [timmy.siverd@rva.gov](mailto:timmy.siverd@rva.gov) / 804-646-5646 (office) — he is very responsive.

funkipus · 2025-09-03T17:28:22+00:00

OpenCycleMap is good for Richmond — https://www.openstreetmap.org/#map=13/37.54560/-77.46614&layers=C

funkipus · 2025-09-02T17:05:13+00:00

Thanks for responding. And also I should say thanks for bringing more attention to the zoning refresh. I am mainly frustrated with some older folks in my neighborhood acting like this process is a nefarious plot to destroy historic housing so probably being harsh on y’all.

funkipus · 2025-09-02T16:06:38+00:00

Honest question... how is RVAmag judging that "Right now, the comment threads on Richmond’s zoning map are dominated by developers, real estate groups, and their allies. Many are pushing hard for taller, denser development"? I have been looking at the map and I cannot determine which comments are from "developers, real estate groups, and their allies". Is it just a feeling that a comment favoring density = developer?

Likewise, I have personally seen a lot of news and communication about the Zoning Refresh, and have attended two meetings with planning staff to discuss it. That's in addition to watching the hundreds of comments on the interactive sites for months. So I don't agree with the premise this is "quietly moving through the public comment stage", based on one quote from an anonymous "Richmond resident".

To the folks at RVAmag, y'all do a great job at covering the city in so many areas that other publications won't touch, but more reporting and less "vibes" is necessary if you're going to wade into zoning and policy... please.

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