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Here’s a recap of the top stories on the morning of Nov. 13, 2023:
City Council considers funding two Richmond shelters
Reported by VPM News’ Connor Scribner
Council will consider multiple ordinances tonight to fund operations at two planned emergency housing shelters — one in Northside that’s been open in previous seasons and a new shelter downtown.
The Northside shelter would be opened nightly by the Salvation Army from Dec. 1 through April 15, 2024. It would be able to house 150 people per night, up from 30 last winter. But there are hopes to expand that: Chief Administrative Officer Lincoln Saunders told a council committee in September that the city would like to offer 50 beds at the Northside facility year-round while expanding back to 150 beds during the winters.
Council is also set to vote on resolutions that would clear the way for a new downtown shelter in the former Richmond Hostel/Seven Hills Hostel & Lodge. That year-round shelter would be run by local nonprofit HomeAgain and provide housing for 50 people at a time, according to Traci Deshazor with Richmond’s Office of Human Services.
Speed enforcement cameras land at 2 Richmond public schools
Reported by VPM News’ Ian Stewart
Linwood Holton Elementary School and the Patrick Henry School of Science and Arts have the gray boxes, which sit squat in the median and sort of look like something out of a Doctor Who episode. The schools were chosen because of their proximity to the city’s high-injury street network — which sees a high number of traffic-related crashes, according to cityofficials.
At Holton, cameras are pointed toward westbound Laburnum Avenue and northbound Hermitage Road. The Patrick Henry cameras are pointed toward both directions of traffic on Semmes Avenue.
“I don't think there's a single school where I've observed arrival and dismissal that would not benefit from having school zone speed enforcement,” said Tara Fitzpatrick, Safe Routes to School coordinator at Greater Richmond Fit for Kids.
In other news:
- Richmond casino plan included $26.5 million upfront for childcare programs. Now what? (Richmond Times-Dispatch)*
- Feds fault LewisGale hospital in Salem over morgue issue (Roanoke Times)*
- Anger at Youngkin’s strategy fueling Virginia House GOP leadership fight (Washington Post)*
In case you missed it:
- Plaza Azteca agrees to pay $11.4 million in back wages, damages after federal investigation (Virginian–Pilot)*
*This outlet utilizes a paywall.