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Here’s a recap of the top stories on the morning of Thursday, December 30, 2021:
Politicians and voters in Virginia are pouring over the commonwealth’s new political maps. The maps, approved by the state supreme court Tuesday, could require many incumbents to face off in the state legislature. Ben Paviour has more.
Last week, VPM News reported that Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority will lift the freeze on lease enforcements at the end of the month. Meg Schiffres checked in with some residents who may be affected.
Chesterfield County Public Library’s current location in Midlothian will officially close today, as the county prepares to replace it with a building about double in size. The current library opened to the public in 1980 and was renovated in 1995. It will be demolished and replaced with a new structure. County officials say the new Midlothian Library will include a digital media center, an outdoor reading garden and interactive learning features for kids. It's expected to open in the summer of 2023.
Many people are using interactive COVID-19 maps and data trackers to decide where it is and isn’t safe to travel. But, as Whittney Evans reports, epidemiologists say the maps aren’t always a good indicator of what’s happening on the ground.
The City of Richmond took another step in the long process to redevelop the 60-plus acres around The Diamond baseball stadium Tuesday by issuing a formal request for interest or RFI. The document is the start of a two-part solicitation process that the city hopes to conclude next year, according to Richmond BizSense. The city’s plan calls for turning the district into a multi-use site. Headlined by a new 10,000-capacity stadium, it would also incorporate retail, a hotel and residential housing – including some for lower-income households. The full RFI document is posted at rvadiamond.com.
State Parks in Virginia will offer free parking on New Year’s Day – to encourage healthy resolutions for 2022. The Virgnia Department of Conservation and Recreation is hosting First Day Hikes at all 41 state parks.Visitors can follow their own hike or take guided tours at select locations. For more details, head to virginiastateparks.gov/firstdayhikes.
With the holiday season ending, Chesterfield residents have two locations to take their Christmas Trees. Northern Area Convenience Center on Warbro Road and Southern Area Convenience Center on Landfill Drive will recycle Christmas trees free of ornaments until January 31st. Both locations are open from 7 am to noon on Friday. And they are both closed on New Year's Day. For more information about Christmas tree recycling in Chesterfield, go to chesterfield.gov
