Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Community Services topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Downtown groups launch 'Mittens on Millstone' drive; resident urges more sidewalks and safer crossings
Summary
During public comment, the Richmond Downtown Neighborhood Association and the Richmond Human Rights Commission announced a Nov. 13 winter-clothing collection for people experiencing homelessness, and a resident urged the commission to accelerate sidewalk and crosswalk repairs.
Ed Brown, speaking for the Richmond Downtown Neighborhood Association and the Richmond Human Rights Commission, announced the organizations' "Mittens on Millstone" clothing drive set for Nov. 13 from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m., and said collection boxes are located at City Hall, the Chamber of Commerce, Fort Bank at Lantern Ridge, God's Outreach Food Bank and Jackson's Restaurant on South Third. "We are collecting new clothes, gloves, mittens, hats, socks, shirts, jackets for men, women, and children for those who don't have, for those who are living without homes," Brown said.
Brown described an increase in demand for services and urged community support and donations; he said organizers will accept cash donations and will purchase items if donors prefer. The drive will collect items through the morning of Nov. 13.
Resident David Franklin described several pedestrian and bicycle safety problems around Richmond, including missing or crumbling sidewalks, nonworking crosswalk signs and narrow ledges under a CSX railroad bridge that force pedestrians into traffic. "To put it simply, Richmond is pretty hostile towards pedestrians in terms of walkability, and we need to construct more sidewalks, replace existing ones, and encourage citizens to start walking and biking," Franklin said. He asked the commission to increase sidewalk construction and repairs to improve safety and health.
Mayor Blythe and staff responded that the city has an ongoing sidewalk effort, that some thoroughfares are maintained by county or state agencies, and that staff continues to coordinate with higher-level highway authorities where applicable. The City Manager also invited Franklin to participate in upcoming community workshops on the city's five-year comprehensive plan, saying the plan review is a venue for the concerns he raised.
Details and contacts: Brown listed multiple collection sites throughout the city and said a contact phone number and email are available at the collection boxes for donors who prefer to give cash.
