Improving Multimodal Access — Woodland Heights and Forest Hill
Emily McMillen, our community-building ninja of a neighbor in Woodland Heights, writes the following: “The current traffic configuration at the Semmes / Forest Hill junction is built almost exclusively for car traffic, leading to friction points between other modes of transport.
Systemic Corridor Gaps: The abrupt end of the bike lanes forces cyclists to merge into car traffic with little warning, putting both at risk.
Forced Behavior: The lack of a safe cycle path through said juncture often leads to people on bikes riding on the sidewalk, which can lead to friction with pedestrians, particularly around the curve at Reedy Creek bridge.
Infrastructure Obstructions: Currently, due to lack of parking and/or designated lanes for buses by this pinch point, buses end up blocking the dedicated bike lane and sidewalk in order to not block car traffic. These blockages force cyclists into fast-moving traffic and push pedestrians onto the grass or street, creating significant hazards for children, families, and residents.
Sudden Lane Drops: Eastbound on Semmes/Forest Hill, the left-hand lane becomes left-turn only just past a blind curve. Drivers get little warning and often change lanes recklessly. There have been 81 vehicle crashes along this short stretch in a 5-year period according to VDOT data.”
At our last Forest Hill Neighborhood Association meeting we discussed this issue and agreed to rally behind this initiative. See details below about an upcoming vote…
Next FHNA Meeting — Tuesday, Nov. 17
(Forest Hill Presbyterian Church, 7-8 PM)
On the third Tuesday of each month we gather for updates from Councilmember Sarah Abubaker and other City representatives. At this month’s meeting we will elect a new slate of FHNA Board members and vote on a letter expressing Forest Hill support for multi-modal upgrades in Forest Hill and Woodland Heights.
Come connect with your neighbors and join the community conversation!
Community Meeting on WHES Bus Loop Design — Thursday, Nov. 5
(Westover Hills Elementary School Cafeteria, 5:30-6:30 PM)
In conjunction with the two-year Jahnke Road Improvement Project (currently in full swing), Councilmember Sarah Abubaker and School Board Rep Wesley Hedgepeth have been advocating for a redesign of the Westover Hills Elementary School bus loop and student drop-off/pick-up areas. Richmond Public Schools has commissioned Timmons Group to draft designs. Tomorrow evening, Abubaker and Hedgepeth will co-host a public meeting to view and vote on three potential designs. The RPS Board will then make a final decision at its December meeting.
To make the meeting more family friendly, kids’ activities and refreshments from Y Tu Mama will be provided. Please RSVP here by noon on Thursday to make sure there is enough food for all.
Pedestrian Safety Master Plan
The Richmond Department of Transportation wants your input on its first Pedestrian Safety Master Plan, which aims to make walking and rolling safer, more accessible, and better connected throughout Richmond. The plan will identify challenges such as missing sidewalks, unsafe crossings, poor lighting, and accessibility barriers while establishing priorities for future pedestrian safety improvements. Take the survey here by November 19.
Richmond INSPIRE — Parks and Rec Master Plan
For the first time since the 1970s, the City has a new 10-year roadmap for improving Richmond’s parks, greenways, community centers, and recreational opportunities. The years-long effort was approved by City Council on September 28.
You can view the Richmond INSPIRE website here and the plan document itself here.
LB Beauty Academy 3rd Annual Fall Festival — Sunday, Nov. 15
(1210 Westover Hills Blvd, 12-4 PM)
LB Beauty Academy invites all neighbors to its 3rd Annual Fall Festival. This special event is an opportunity to celebrate their students, showcase their hard work and talent, and bring the community together for an afternoon of fun, fellowship, and connection. You will enjoy the following:
Student demonstrations and mini beauty services
Mini manicures, waxing, mini facials, flash tattoos, and more
Food, music, and local vendors
Opportunities to learn more about the Academy’s career-training programs
In addition to celebrating beauty and creativity, this year’s event will include a “Chat & Chew” Networking Experience for aspiring and experienced entrepreneurs. Whether you own a business, are thinking about starting one, or simply want to connect with like-minded individuals, this is your opportunity. Come ready to enjoy good food, great conversations, and meaningful connections.
Upcoming Calendar
November 5: Community Meeting on WHES Bus Loop Design (Westover Hills ES Cafeteria, 5:30-6:30 PM)
November 17: Monthly FHNA Meeting (Forest Hill Presbyterian Church, 7-8 PM)
December 15: FHNA Holiday Party (Gramophone, 6-8 PM)
