Style Weekly
kazoo
Member since May 14, 2011
Recent Comments
Re: “Gathering Steam”
Wasn't the Science Museum building the original train terminal in Richmond? Why can't that become the city's main train terminal again? It's beautiful--a real train station, no? Is it not feasible? Main Street isn't feasible--and the Staples Mill station is an embarrassing little dump.
Re: “Accidental Tourists”
Richmond does a poor job of attracting tourists. Most vital cities attract tourists, and tourists help make cities vital because they can be a nice source of income. Those who say we don't need tourists are morons.
One big reason for Richmond's half-assed tourist situation there is no one area for tourists to hang out--to stroll, to shop, to eat, like, say, King Street in Charleston. That is important. There are nice spots, things to see, here and there, but it's a complete hodge-podge, and Richmond doesn't take real advantage of its Civil War history and Civil War attractions. The Museum of the Confederacy and Confederate White House are in a poor location that is not easy to find. Tredegar is nice--but there is nothing else there but the bridge across to Belle Isle, which is an OK walk but there is nothing on Belle Isle but trampled dirt. It is not attractive and is more appealing to 18-year-old BMX bikers than tourists with money to spend.
The James is the same way--a hugely neglected asset, partly because it too is such a melange of little islands and old pipes, etc. The river area near Shockoe Slip should be developed in an environmentally sound way that attracts visitors and locals alike--with areas to stroll, shop and eat. That's what tourists want to do. With good thinking and planning the River near downtown can lure both outdoor types and tourists alike. I know there is a grand plan for the river but from what I've seen it's more about trying link all the various little islands. Better, IMO, to concentrate on making one stretch of the river a beautiful area for walking, shopping, etc. Look at the Canal Walk: It's ok, but like most of Richmond's attractions, it's not really tourist friendly. It's not exactly a simple walk--and little else to see or do. It's cool to see the herons--if you can find the spot, and not a lot of folks are going to climb down steep steps and walk out along an old water pipe. Shockoe Slip could be very nice--it's charming--but in keeping with most things Richmond, there just isn't enough: Too small, too limited.
What does Savannah have that Richmond doesn't, in terms of attractions? And yet I'm sure that Savannah gets tons more tourists. I know Charleston does. I'm not a big Jones fan, but he is doing some good things. We've just never got our act together when it comes to tourism.
Re: “Can Eric Cantor Save the GOP?”
Cantor is a complete DOOFUS--very unimpressive, but then the same could be said about nearly all Republicans, no? There are a venal, fairly contemptible group of people nowadays--far more concerned with promoting the interests of Big Business and a small minority of wealthy individuals than the large majority of Americans. They NEVER miss an opportunity to stiff average folks--especially working people. Democrats in his district DO need to get their act together.
Re: “Council’s Rules: Popcorn? No! Firearms? Yes!”
Let's be clear: For decades the Supreme Court ruled that the 2nd amendment was only applicable to individuals in state militias. It was only in 2008 that a conservative Supreme Court ruled that individuals were legally entitled to own guns. Guns should not be allowed in public buildings. Conservatives who scream about the 2nd amendment and ignore the realities of our violent culture are only showing how out of touch they are. The personal safety argument is a myth--studies have shown that guns are far more likely to be used to shoot an innocent person or oneself than a bad guy--as is this idea that if only we did a better job of finding people with mental issues, all would be well. There are a million people in America who are but a cosmic nudge away from cracking up. Today's "responsible" gun owner is the guy who tomorrow will shoot his ex-wife in anger over a custody dispute--happens every day. Most gun owners are a little if not a lot paranoid to begin with--this is why they carry around guns.
Re: “Spaced Out”
whoops, a typo: the house is //now// being converted to single-family.
Re: “Spaced Out”
Why has no one mentioned an obvious problem: Too many Fan houses are duplexes and rentals, which by the way are never very well maintained by their remote owners. These houses--and there are many--can have 3-6 people living in one house or converted house. That's three to six cars for one building. The house besides ours recently had three or four (young) people living in separate rental units. That's three or four cars for one house--but there's more. The renters have friends who come over and crash on weekends, or boyfriends/girlfriends who stay overnight or for hours at a time. So several cars for one house. And these are young college graduates with jobs, not VCU students, so for them public transportation is not relevant. I'm happy to say the house is not being converted back to a single-family residence
Other Publications
Re: “Is Boulevard the Next Short Pump?”
--The baseball stadium is already quite close to the new Redskin complex. I too think it should stay where it is, with either a new stadium built on site or just major improvements.
--Richmond, in case some have not noticed, has no decent stores. We don't need to replicate Short Pump but we need better shopping alternatives--wherever they might be. CaryTown has deteriorated a lot--a bunch of scruffy businesses these days. Good shopping is one way you attract and keep middle-income families, which is key to building a dynamic city. I realize some/many city residents don't like the bourgeoisie--want to keep the city poor and funky--but I'm not one of them. I would hate to see Wal-Mart anywhere near the Boulevard--do not shop at that store, please--but they go where they want.
--No question that the city must start building some new schools with serious emphasis on STEM. That must be a top priority, but takes money.