Richmond CCJB finalizing plans to present to City leadership The Richmond Community Criminal Justice Board (RCCJB) will meet to vote on the 2011-2012 Biennial Plan which focuses on alternatives to incarceration on Wednesday, June 9 at 3:30 p.m. The plan is being prepared to present to city leadership following Mayor Dwight C. Jones' charge for a review of alternatives and request for recommendations. Last year, Mayor Jones, city officials and RCCJB members visited alternatives to incarceration models in three other cities. "The current overcrowding conditions at the City Jail have been a huge problem in the city for years," said Mayor Jones. "I'm convinced that the proper application of alternatives will successfully reduce our jail population and connect individuals to the services they need." High priority recommendations expected to be presented today include: Increase the capacity of specialty housing and homeless programs targeted to offenders with

Pursuant to Mayor’s Order #2010-02 , Mayor Dwight C. Jones has established a Pedestrian, Bicycling and Trails Planning Commission. This commission was established to provide city administration advice on ways to incorporate bicycling and walking as viable methods of transportation in the city of Richmond. The commission will hold its inaugural meeting today at 2 p.m. in the 2nd floor large conference room of City Hall, 900 East Broad Street. “According to the City of Richmond Transportation Plan and the City of Richmond Master Plan 2000 – 2020, the city’s current transportation system is not friendly to pedestrians and bicyclists,” said Mayor Jones. “There are limited pedestrian or bicycle routes with limited signage; a lack of walking and bicycle maps and park and lock facilities; limited venues for the ease of exercise for disabled residents; and a lack of pedestrian and bicycle safety education resources.” The recommendations made by the commission will lead to the creation of a R

The firms of Barrett Sports Group, LLC., Populous and Weston Sports have been contracted to jointly conduct a Market Validation and Financial Feasibility study on the future of the Richmond Coliseum. The corporate and public partners of Altria Group Inc., Dominion Resources Inc., Genworth Financial Inc., MeadWestvaco, and the City of Richmond, unanimously chose the team after conducting a series of interviews with the four finalists. Chesterfield County, Hanover County and Henrico County have been supportive of these efforts. “This is the first step towards charting the city’s and region’s direction where our coliseum needs are concerned,” said Mayor Dwight C. Jones. “This type of regional and corporate partnership is a sign of our strong metropolitan region. Collaboration such as this will aid us as we prepare for future growth while providing a quality sports and entertainment venue for the residents of Central Virginia.” The Barrett team had extensive and direct experience in perfo