Access points to the James focus of city planners, citizens

NBC12′s Laura Geller reported on a meeting between city planners and residents on access to the James River, something we’ve discussed at length with James River News Hub. From NBC12:  

Ralph White: Great blue heron rookery is ‘unique experience’

Credit: NBC12.com

NBC12 paid a visit to the great blue heron rookery at Pipeline Rapids in downtown Richmond and spoke with James River Park manager Ralph White, who was as colorful and knowledgable as ever.  See the video on NBC12.com:

Signage coming this month to complete Richmond Slave Trail

Credit: NBC12.com

The Richmond Slave Trail Commission has been working hard to create and develop the 2.5 mile path retracing the steps taken by so many slaves during Richmond’s infamous time as a hub for slave trade. The idea of the trail began in the late 1990s and should finally be complete next month. See the report from NBC12′s Yvette Yeon:

You’ll soon see a whole lot of new trail markers and signage put up around Richmond’s Shockoe Slip. After two years, the Richmond Slave Trail is now complete. The trail starts at Ancarrow’s Landing just south of Shockoe Slip and the James River.

By April 3, all 17 markers should be in place.  Each one, illustrating what slaves went through at that particular spot, with pictures and explanations — something you can’t even see in the history books.

Caught on tape: Albino python prowls at Belle Isle

Credit: NBC12

A Richmond man on Belle Isle shot video of an eight-foot long albino snake, perhaps a python, as it slithered in the James River, according to NBC12′s Tara Morgan.  The snake was someone’s pet and the owner let it loose for a while Sunday, freaking out some onlookers. Was it legal? The NBC12 said:

According to Richmond Parks and Recreation, there’s no regulation against bringing a snake-like that into a city park but once you let go of that reptile you’re breaking state law and it could lead to jail time. It’s against state law for reptile owners to knowingly allow them to run at large or in this case slither.

Planning Commission approves Cannon Creek Greenway

If you are following the progress of Mayor Dwight Jones’ Pedestrian, Bicycling and Trails Planning Commission – promising to implement a “Complete Streets” policy and making room for cars, buses, bikes and pedestrians on city roadways – today was a big step in the name of progress. See this report from NBC12′s Rachel DePompa:

Plans for a bike and pedestrian trail in north Richmond cleared a major hurdle today. The Richmond Planning Commission green lighted the creation of a new greenway along the Richmond-Henrico Turnpike. 

As of now this area of north Richmond is a virtual dumping ground. The residents here want to see this place turned into a scenic greenway.