September 16, 2019 – 7:00PM (48 neighbors and friends of the neighborhood in attendance)

I. Mark Brandon, President, introduced the Board.

II. Parke Richeson gave an update on Maymont. Currently, the park is working on an exhibit to tell the story of Maymont during the Jim Crow era.

III. An update on the geese in Byrd Park will be presented in the November meeting.

IV. The tax abatement program was summarized. For more information or assistance on applying, please contact the Maymont Civic League Board and we would be happy to assist.

V. The Maymont Civic League gave approval on getting a P.O. Box. More details to come.

VI. Lt. Woo presented his neighborhood report: crime has continued to decrease. Car thefts are the biggest issue (3 thefts in Texas Beach parking lot cameras have been installed). Texas Beach looks good overall. The Richmond Police has been working with VCU to educate students. He reminded the neighborhood to call in any report.

VII. Amy Robins presented a report on behalf of our City Council member, Parker Agelasto. She reminded the neighborhood of the RVA 311 app for problems around the City, especially regarding potholes. She informed the neighborhood of several important dates: October 24 – Navy Hill report at St. Andrews; September 25 – City Council candidate forum at Richmond City Democratic Committee building. She mentioned the City’s tax abatement for personal property tax program and said they are fixing the brochures and should be circulated around Thanksgiving time. The City’s lead paint program is not getting much attention from City residents so please contact Parker’s office for information on how to qualify for this program as well.

VIII. The Maymont sidewalk issue is being resolved as there were concerns about disruption of the trees on Pennsylvania.

IX. Crystal with RRHA discussed Project Homes and Habitat for Humanity houses in the neighborhood. 18 homes in Phase 1 are almost complete. There will be a dedication for a home on Kansas Street in November and it would be nice to see a neighborhood presence. 16 homes will be part of Phase 2. There are many volunteer opportunities which can be found on the Habitat for Humanity website (or checking the Maymont Civic League Facebook page).

X. Three City Council candidates shared their backgrounds, platforms, and their reasons for running for the 5th District City Council seats. These included Mamie Taylor, Robin Mines, and Thad Williamson.

X. A proposal was presented to the neighbors by Lori Markum about the property on 1901 Georgia (corner of Kansas and Georgia). The builders are requesting a special exception to the setback rule because of several unique features of the property (corner lot, empty lot behind it). The plans show blueprints for a modern house and many neighbors expressed concerns about the aesthetics. Direct neighbors expressed concerns about the height of the proposed house. There will be a meeting on October 3 with the City and the neighborhood’s opinion will be taken into consideration. Neighbors brought up points about this exception becoming a slippery slope of exemptions while others expressed concerns with never allowing exceptions becoming an issue in the future. The neighbors were unable to come to a full agreement on the issue.

XI. Two more City Council candidates shared their backgrounds, platforms, and their reasons for running for the 5th District City Council seats. These two included Jer’Mykeal McCoy and Stephanie Lynch.

XII. The meeting was adjourned. The next meeting will be Monday, November 18, 2019 at 7:00PM.