Forest Hill Avenue Improvement
Project Public Hearing Wednesday, March 6, 2013,
From 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM
Southampton
Elementary School 3333 Cheverly Road, Richmond VA 23225
Thursday, February 7, 2013
Monday, September 19, 2011
Cyclist victim of Hit-and-Run on Forest Hill Avenue
Richmond Police are seeking information from the public in reference to a hit and run that occurred this past weekend.
Just after 6 a.m. on Saturday, September 17, a female was riding a bicycle westbound in the 6500 block of Forest Hill Avenue when a westbound vehicle struck her. The vehicle continued westbound.
As a result of the collision the cyclist was thrown from the roadway. She suffered a broken shoulder and was transported to CJW Medical Center.
At the scene officers found a right side-view mirror they believe came from the suspect vehicle. Investigators believe it comes from a 2002 to 2006 Chevrolet Tahoe.
The Department is currently looking for the vehicle and the driver. The vehicle may have sustained damage to its passenger side.
Anyone with information about the incident, the vehicle or the driver is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 780-1000 or contact the Hit and Run unit directly at 646-1369. One may also text Crime Stoppers at 274637 first using the word "ITip" followed by your tip. Both Crime Stoppers methods are anonymous.
Just after 6 a.m. on Saturday, September 17, a female was riding a bicycle westbound in the 6500 block of Forest Hill Avenue when a westbound vehicle struck her. The vehicle continued westbound.
As a result of the collision the cyclist was thrown from the roadway. She suffered a broken shoulder and was transported to CJW Medical Center.
At the scene officers found a right side-view mirror they believe came from the suspect vehicle. Investigators believe it comes from a 2002 to 2006 Chevrolet Tahoe.
The Department is currently looking for the vehicle and the driver. The vehicle may have sustained damage to its passenger side.
Anyone with information about the incident, the vehicle or the driver is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 780-1000 or contact the Hit and Run unit directly at 646-1369. One may also text Crime Stoppers at 274637 first using the word "ITip" followed by your tip. Both Crime Stoppers methods are anonymous.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
So what happend at the July 18th Planning Commission Meeting?
After holding a public hearing on the proposed plans, the Planning Commission found that in concept the general location, character and extend of the proposed modifications were in accordance with the City of Richmond’s Master Plan recommendations for Forest Hill Avenue. Specifically the Commission found that the provision of a landscaped median that allows for left turn lanes; bike lanes in both directions; sidewalks on both sides of the street with a green planting strip separating the sidewalk from the road; drainage modifications; and two travel lanes in each direction were in accordance with the recommendations of the Master Plan. These features of the project were conceptually approved by the City Planning Commission under the condition that the design details of each of these items would be developed in consultation with the affected stakeholders, City staff and the City’s Urban Design Committee.
Friday, July 15, 2011
Forest Hill Ave. Widening Debate Continues – Plans Reviewed by City Planning on Monday
Forest Hill Ave. Widening Debate Continues – Plans Reviewed by City Planning on Monday
City Planning Commission Meeting is scheduled for Monday, July 18, 2011 in the 5th floor conference room of City Hall at 1:30 p.m and item 13 on the agenda is “Conceptual review of Forest Hill Avenue Improvements from Melbourne Avenue to Powhite Parkway.”
City Planning Commission Meeting is scheduled for Monday, July 18, 2011 in the 5th floor conference room of City Hall at 1:30 p.m and item 13 on the agenda is “Conceptual review of Forest Hill Avenue Improvements from Melbourne Avenue to Powhite Parkway.”
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Monday, June 20, 2011
DEFERRED -- suspense builds!
The Forest Hill Widening Project application has been deferred from the Monday, June 20, City Planning Commission Public Hearing agenda.
Want to add your 2 cents before their vote?
Want to add your 2 cents before their vote?
SEND YOUR EMAILS/LETTERS DIRECTLY TO: Lori Markham, Planner III/Land Use Administration, Department of Planning and Development Review, 900 E. Broad Street, Richmond, VA 23219. Her phone number is 804-646-6039 and her email address is LORY.MARKHAM@RICHMONDGOV.COM.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
UDC RECOMMENDS REJECTING FOREST HILL PLANS
Today the City of Richmond's Urban Design Committee voted in support of a RECOMMENDATION to the City's Planning Commission to reject the proposed design plans for the Forest Hill Improvement Project. The UDC listed around a dozen reasons against the updated proposal from the Department of Public Works. Regardless of this vote, the Planning Commission will have the ultimate say at their June 20th Meeting. (and oddly enough, the Richmond Area Metropolitan Planning Organization is scheduled to approve the funding for this project later today).
I am pleased to report: Bike Lanes have been improved in the designs on this section of Forest Hill Avenue so that FULL 5' BIKE LANES will exist. Signs and sharrows will be included to help cyclists merge back into traffic when necessary.
Still remaining to be addressed is the transition at the RMA where traffic exits the toll booth heading west on Forest Hill Avenue. We all know how dangerous this area is and we continue to raise this concern as an issue that should be addressed within THIS PROJECT.
Today the UDC sided with a very organized and vocal opposition to the project coming from the neighborhoods along the corridor. Concerns were raised by the UDC dealing with the median size, dedicated left turn lanes, tree canopies, speed, and the overall footprint of the project. The UDC criticized DPW for not allowing genuine public input into the project design. The Chairwoman of the UDC stated she felt it was ironic that DPW designed a road that is clearly built to increase traffic flow thru the corridor and then package it with inadequate pedestrian and cycling designs.
Now it is up to the Planning Commission.....
I am pleased to report: Bike Lanes have been improved in the designs on this section of Forest Hill Avenue so that FULL 5' BIKE LANES will exist. Signs and sharrows will be included to help cyclists merge back into traffic when necessary.
Still remaining to be addressed is the transition at the RMA where traffic exits the toll booth heading west on Forest Hill Avenue. We all know how dangerous this area is and we continue to raise this concern as an issue that should be addressed within THIS PROJECT.
Today the UDC sided with a very organized and vocal opposition to the project coming from the neighborhoods along the corridor. Concerns were raised by the UDC dealing with the median size, dedicated left turn lanes, tree canopies, speed, and the overall footprint of the project. The UDC criticized DPW for not allowing genuine public input into the project design. The Chairwoman of the UDC stated she felt it was ironic that DPW designed a road that is clearly built to increase traffic flow thru the corridor and then package it with inadequate pedestrian and cycling designs.
Now it is up to the Planning Commission.....
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Monday, May 9, 2011
Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) – FY 12 - FY15 TIP Public Review and Public Comment
Here’s another chance to make our case and be heard by the local funding agency for this project – the Richmond Regional Planning District Commission. Under this organization, the Richmond Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (RA-MPO) is the body where state, regional, and local policy makers decide which major transportation projects are in our region’s future, and which projects will receive funding to advance within the next four years.
You'll see that it is "seeking public comment" from April 27- May 18, 2011, on the draft 2012-2015 Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP). Go to website at http://www.richmondregional.org/default.htm and this information is located at the top of the page under FY12-FY15 TIP Public Review and Comment. The TIP includes our favorite "improvement" for Forest Hill Avenue on Section 2/page 49.
There is a comment card available on their webpage and it can be submitted to Barbara Nelson no later than May 18, 2011 at the following address:
Barbara Nelson
Richmond Regional Planning District Commission
9211 Forest Hill Avenue, Suite 200
Richmond, VA 23235
Phone: (804) 323.2033
Fax: (804) 323.2025
http://www.richmondregional.org/
E-mail: bnelson@richmondregional.org
You'll see that it is "seeking public comment" from April 27- May 18, 2011, on the draft 2012-2015 Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP). Go to website at http://www.richmondregional.org/default.htm and this information is located at the top of the page under FY12-FY15 TIP Public Review and Comment. The TIP includes our favorite "improvement" for Forest Hill Avenue on Section 2/page 49.
There is a comment card available on their webpage and it can be submitted to Barbara Nelson no later than May 18, 2011 at the following address:
Barbara Nelson
Richmond Regional Planning District Commission
9211 Forest Hill Avenue, Suite 200
Richmond, VA 23235
Phone: (804) 323.2033
Fax: (804) 323.2025
http://www.richmondregional.org/
E-mail: bnelson@richmondregional.org
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Public Hearing THURSDAY
Here is the latest Story NBC12 has.... do YOU think the City Engineers got it right? Their plans still do not address cycling needs at the Powhite/RMA interchange and at the Shopping Center.... if you agree, come to the Public Meeting and let them know!
NBC Story on Forest Hill Project
NBC Story on Forest Hill Project
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Second Public Hearing: March 17th
An important public meeting will be held on Thursday, March 17, 2011 to review plans to improve Forest Hill Avenue from west of Powhite Parkway to east of Hathaway Road. Based on citizen input, the City of Richmond has developed a plan to enhance safety and livability through bike lanes, sidewalks, pedestrian crossings and landscaping. If you live, work or travel on Forest Hill Avenue, we invite you to join us to learn about the proposed improvements and to provide your comments.
Where: Southampton Elementary School, 3333 Cheverly Road, Richmond, VA 23225
When: Thursday, March 17, 2011 5:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Where: Southampton Elementary School, 3333 Cheverly Road, Richmond, VA 23225
When: Thursday, March 17, 2011 5:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Planning Commission VOTE on Forest Hill Project
The Forest Hill Avenue widening project has been placed on the Planning Commission docket for Monday, February 7th at 1:30 pm. The meeting will take place in City Hall in the 5th floor conference room.
If you can attend -- this may be the last chance to have any influence on how the City plans to address the bike lanes along Forest Hill Avenue between the RMA and Stratford Hills Shopping Centy.
Please plan on attending if you can.
If you can attend -- this may be the last chance to have any influence on how the City plans to address the bike lanes along Forest Hill Avenue between the RMA and Stratford Hills Shopping Centy.
Please plan on attending if you can.
Friday, January 21, 2011
Update: City Discuss Changes in Plans
The City of Richmond Engineers returned to the table recently to discuss changes to their original plan for Forest Hill Avenue. Acknowleding that they received a lot of feedback regarding the design of the bike lanes, the City is now proposing FULL 5' lanes and which will NOT incorporate a gutter as part of the 5 feet.
More information is coming to us soon, but other details include a posted speed limit of 35 miles per hour.
The last part of the details that will still need to be advocated for is the completion of these bike lanes up to the Stratford Hills Shopping Center and through the Expressway Interchange. While not expressly part of this plan, the City still needs to address how these bike lanes will make sure cyclist enter and exit this cooridor safely. Right now it appears cyclists will need to re-enter traffic just short of the Shopping Center -- if we can fix this it will be a wonderful advancement in the plans.
STAY TUNED FOR MORE SOON.
More information is coming to us soon, but other details include a posted speed limit of 35 miles per hour.
The last part of the details that will still need to be advocated for is the completion of these bike lanes up to the Stratford Hills Shopping Center and through the Expressway Interchange. While not expressly part of this plan, the City still needs to address how these bike lanes will make sure cyclist enter and exit this cooridor safely. Right now it appears cyclists will need to re-enter traffic just short of the Shopping Center -- if we can fix this it will be a wonderful advancement in the plans.
STAY TUNED FOR MORE SOON.
Friday, December 3, 2010
Do the City Engineers have their Numbers Correct?
City Engineers claim that traffic on this stretch of Forest Hill Avenue is expected to grow by 30% with the City claiming growth upwards to 44,000 vehicles per day. Actual traffic volume per day was only 27,000 in 2008 (between Chippenham and Powhite) and even more, it SHRUNK to 26,000 in 2009.
The numbers the City Engineers are using are way too aggressive, the neighborhoods along this stretch of road are already built out and are incapable of generating large increases of motor vehicle use. Lets stop using these numbers to justify placing a drag-strip through this neighborhood. We know that traffic grows to the size of the road, if you are worried about faster speeds and more cars, then don't encourage it to happen through road design.
The numbers the City Engineers are using are way too aggressive, the neighborhoods along this stretch of road are already built out and are incapable of generating large increases of motor vehicle use. Lets stop using these numbers to justify placing a drag-strip through this neighborhood. We know that traffic grows to the size of the road, if you are worried about faster speeds and more cars, then don't encourage it to happen through road design.
Friday, November 19, 2010
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Richmond's chief administrative officer getting results
Who is Byron C. Marshall? He is the City of Richmond's Chief Administrative Officer and according to an email sent from Councilwoman Kathy Graziano's office, Mr. Marshall will make the final decision on how to proceed with the Forest Hill Avenue Widening Project.
The Richmond Times Dispatch had a nice write-up on Mr. Marshall... he is someone that can really help us address our concerns; Details soon on how to reach out to him.
Richmond's chief administrative officer getting results | Richmond Times-Dispatch
The Richmond Times Dispatch had a nice write-up on Mr. Marshall... he is someone that can really help us address our concerns; Details soon on how to reach out to him.
Richmond's chief administrative officer getting results | Richmond Times-Dispatch
Monday, November 15, 2010
Disconnect at the Mayors Office
Today we received an email update from the City of Richmond's Mayor Dwight Jones talking about: "Bicycle, Pedestrian and Trails"
Here is the text, I wonder if he is aware of all the problems we are having with the FOREST HILL AVENUE WIDENING PROJECT??
Another green initiative that I am particularly fond of is the Mayor's Pedestrian, Bicycling and Trails Planning Commission that I established on May 21, 2010, to give advice on ways to incorporate bicycling and walking as viable methods of transportation in the city of Richmond. In the Mayor's Order, I noted the benefits of physical activity to reducing the high incidence of obesity that exists in the city of Richmond. And I shared with the Commission my strongly held beliefs about opening the city's streets to bicyclists and pedestrians, as this would help to change the community's environment, promote physical activity and lead to a healthier, physically oriented culture.
In September at a public forum held at the Carillon, well over 200 individuals gave great input, and helped the Commission prioritize over 20 significant recommendations. Another 1200 responded to an on-line survey. The community decided that the Commission should advance the following recommendations to me as priorities that should be implemented over the next 6-18 months:
- Create a Pedestrian, Bike, and Trails Coordinator position;
- Implement "Complete Streets" policy and design standards, which are
streets that make room for cars, buses, bikes, and pedestrians.
- Develop a dedicated funding stream for the infrastructure development;
- Establish education/safety programs for all motorists, bicyclists and
pedestrians;
- Formally adopt the Mayor's Pedestrian, Bicycle and Trails Planning
Commission recommendations, and prioritize greenways, blue ways,
trails, on-road bicycle routes, and pedestrian routes as official routes for
the city of Richmond.
I will advance these recommendations to the City Council for formal adoption, Also, several members of City Council have already identified bike or trails projects in their districts that can be funded from the $1.25 million that was set aside from the FY10 budget surplus. If approved by City Council, the Commission's recommendations can begin being implemented in the next paving season.
Here is the text, I wonder if he is aware of all the problems we are having with the FOREST HILL AVENUE WIDENING PROJECT??
Another green initiative that I am particularly fond of is the Mayor's Pedestrian, Bicycling and Trails Planning Commission that I established on May 21, 2010, to give advice on ways to incorporate bicycling and walking as viable methods of transportation in the city of Richmond. In the Mayor's Order, I noted the benefits of physical activity to reducing the high incidence of obesity that exists in the city of Richmond. And I shared with the Commission my strongly held beliefs about opening the city's streets to bicyclists and pedestrians, as this would help to change the community's environment, promote physical activity and lead to a healthier, physically oriented culture.
In September at a public forum held at the Carillon, well over 200 individuals gave great input, and helped the Commission prioritize over 20 significant recommendations. Another 1200 responded to an on-line survey. The community decided that the Commission should advance the following recommendations to me as priorities that should be implemented over the next 6-18 months:
- Create a Pedestrian, Bike, and Trails Coordinator position;
- Implement "Complete Streets" policy and design standards, which are
streets that make room for cars, buses, bikes, and pedestrians.
- Develop a dedicated funding stream for the infrastructure development;
- Establish education/safety programs for all motorists, bicyclists and
pedestrians;
- Formally adopt the Mayor's Pedestrian, Bicycle and Trails Planning
Commission recommendations, and prioritize greenways, blue ways,
trails, on-road bicycle routes, and pedestrian routes as official routes for
the city of Richmond.
I will advance these recommendations to the City Council for formal adoption, Also, several members of City Council have already identified bike or trails projects in their districts that can be funded from the $1.25 million that was set aside from the FY10 budget surplus. If approved by City Council, the Commission's recommendations can begin being implemented in the next paving season.
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Public Hearing Recap:
I was at the public hearing as well, and I can only express disappointment at how adamant the City’s Engineers were that their design for Forest Hill is what is best for those who live along the corridor. Speaker after speaker stood up and expressed legitimate concerns over the City’s designs and many suggestions were put on the table for the City to consider. It is obvious that the community will need to continue to speak out if we ever hope to get the Engineers to change their minds.
I heard a number of good ideas yesterday; some of them include (1) forcing traffic to stop at a T when exiting the RMA and heading west, so that drivers will not have to look back over their shoulders when trying to merge into traffic (this is where MOST of the accidents occur); (2) slowing the speed limit down on the corridor to recognize that it is a residential neighborhood; (3) placing a stoplight at Rettig road to assist drivers and cyclists in making a left turn; (4) removing the planned median altogether, or having a flush median so that residents are not prohibited from left turns onto Forest Hill; (5) actually designing safe and thoughtful pedestrian crossings (what they have in mind now is a JOKE; it hurts me to just describe what they expect pedestrians crossing the street to endure); (6) design bike lanes that protect cyclists either by delivering full 5′ lanes that are well marked and contain no gutter or by giving cyclists a dedicated lane next to the sidewalks; and (7) include traffic calming mechanisms so that drivers are encouraged to keep their own speed down (don’t design a road that’s main purpose is to make cars go faster).
I feel it was obvious from last night’s meeting that the City wants to build a road for traffic, coming from somewhere else, to drive as fast as possible through this corridor — this road is designed for them and not for the neighbors and cyclists that want a very different road.
More thoughts can be found on the Hills & Heights Blog:
http://hillsandheights.org/2010/11/11/forest-hill-avenue-improvement-meeting-summary/
I heard a number of good ideas yesterday; some of them include (1) forcing traffic to stop at a T when exiting the RMA and heading west, so that drivers will not have to look back over their shoulders when trying to merge into traffic (this is where MOST of the accidents occur); (2) slowing the speed limit down on the corridor to recognize that it is a residential neighborhood; (3) placing a stoplight at Rettig road to assist drivers and cyclists in making a left turn; (4) removing the planned median altogether, or having a flush median so that residents are not prohibited from left turns onto Forest Hill; (5) actually designing safe and thoughtful pedestrian crossings (what they have in mind now is a JOKE; it hurts me to just describe what they expect pedestrians crossing the street to endure); (6) design bike lanes that protect cyclists either by delivering full 5′ lanes that are well marked and contain no gutter or by giving cyclists a dedicated lane next to the sidewalks; and (7) include traffic calming mechanisms so that drivers are encouraged to keep their own speed down (don’t design a road that’s main purpose is to make cars go faster).
I feel it was obvious from last night’s meeting that the City wants to build a road for traffic, coming from somewhere else, to drive as fast as possible through this corridor — this road is designed for them and not for the neighbors and cyclists that want a very different road.
More thoughts can be found on the Hills & Heights Blog:
http://hillsandheights.org/2010/11/11/forest-hill-avenue-improvement-meeting-summary/
Meeting on Forest Hill Avenue project Wednesday - NBC12 News, Weather Sports, Traffic, and Programming Guide for Richmond, VA |
NBC12 is doing a great job informing the public about the Public Hearing!
Meeting on Forest Hill Avenue project Wednesday - NBC12 News, Weather Sports, Traffic, and Programming Guide for Richmond, VA |
Meeting on Forest Hill Avenue project Wednesday - NBC12 News, Weather Sports, Traffic, and Programming Guide for Richmond, VA |
Here is the link to the Story that was on NBC12:
http://www.nbc12.com/global/category.asp?c=195973&clipId=5266689&topVideoCatNo=undefined&autoStart=true
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