On a secondary note, I have some neighbors who don’t do all they could with their properties but it doesn’t mean I want to invest the city with the power to come on people’s properties and do whatever they want. Let us see the big picture here. What happens when someone decides my bricks aren’t good enough? Are they going to tear down my house…?

Besides, it just seems common decency to leave this poor woman alone. If the garage is not a threat to public safety…then surely the city must have more pressing issues to worry about?

A few years back I went around with a crowbar and took down about 70 of these signs in the neighborhood. The problem is that they are usually placed really high on the poles, but being 6’2″ I was able to get them down standing on my tip toes.

If you see signs like that, call the number on the sign and complain to them directly. Also, call the utility company and give them the companies phone number or other info because they can be fined. Then, if you’re tall enough, or have a tall friend, take ‘em down!

Council person McQuinn should be able to help mediate this situation with you and the city inspectors. Has she been able to help you? Do try to get her involved if you can.

Keep us posted on your progress. Your house does look great from the photo above.

Again your home and yard look very nice.

It would be interesting to know the names of the investors trying to push you out.

I would also be interested in more information about you seeking a permit to fix the issues at hand, and the hurdles that they are asking you to jump through. I know from personal experience that sometimes those hurdles feel pretty big, and maybe we can get through some of that red tape together. I’m not positive what I can do, personally, but I might be able to lend some assistance with the guys downtown. I’m certain that we can figure out some creative solutions if we put our collective minds to it.

Not sure if it’s appropriate to have a huge public discussion on a blog – not my personal info, so it’s really not my call. But please telephone me if you like – 484 0367.

And by the way – I apologize if I offended you with talking about programs for the elderly. My mother is really sick (not even that old, really) and I guess I was just thinking of her and others like her. If she didn’t have help with her house, it would be pretty bad, I’m sure. So I guess I was just thinking along those lines – that’s all.

Your house is pretty! But why would the city want the house? Are they planning on changing zoning or something?

In regards to the story in the Voice: I love Richmond, but my least favorite thing about this town is the way that the race card seems to get played in EVERY discussion about anything and everything. I know I’m not alone is saying, hey, it’s NOT always about race. There are a lot of folks in this town (of all colors, genders, and creeds) who want diversity – but who also want to see neighborhoods kept up and crime kept down. These things don’t have to be (should not be) mutually exclusive. We can have neighborhoods that are BOTH diverse AND warm, safe, inviting places to live work and play….

-MMF

PS – Just want to make clear that I am not saying that the homeowner is playing the race card in this particular case… just that, in general, this seems to be the context within which many Richmond conversations are sadly framed.

http://www.ci.richmond.va.us/departments/budget/

I’m not too sure exactly how many “funds” there are…

There is also the demographics of the city.. had been looking all over for that and found it searching for this… awesome…

Got me to wondering about exactly where the cash is spent in this city, so I started googling. Unless I am being blind, which could well be the case, this info does not seem to be readily available.

So, anybody know where a regular citizen might get his or her hands on a copy of the city budget? Doesn’t it seem like the City’s budget should be readily accessible?

It really seems like there must be some ridiculous stuff that could be cut out in order to give back to people who have done their share, and now have a need themselves.

My experience with the city is that it is hit or miss. Sometimes the job gets done with one call, sometimes not. I found the info on the city’s website, which sucks, too.

Oh, and don’t worry newbie, the matter above has only gotten started. It doesn’t take much taunting of Gray to get her going on a tear.

I hope the matter above is resolved because it seems quite absurd; however, I saw this as an opportunity to inquire about real circumstances of property issues.

“Bullock was given until May 27 to fix the garage and the house or the city has the right to demolish the two structures.”

After exhaustive research I’ve determined it’s August. Allegedly the house is still standing.

I fail to see how this is a major issue.

Am I missing anything?

ps.
Gray, nicely veiled Israel bashing there…

For years, my good friends living on Chimborazo Blvd complained to the city about the dilapidated empty collapsing house next door sending rats their way and even inquired about purchasing the property to have it demolished but nothing was ever accomplished.

Something is fishy regarding this woman’s house being on the demolition list.