Does the fact that Richmond.com got purchased by RTD, have anything to do with why we have no "Why Richmond, Why?!?" column today?
-- B
Only indirectly. New owners means new responsibilities and, consequently, significantly less time for me to spend researching and writing "Why Richmond, Why?!?" At least over the last two weeks.
But thanks to comments like this and a flood of reader email and phone calls (can I count fewer than 10 correspondences as a flood?) I was motivated to carve out time for this column. And I anticipate it being around for the foreseeable future. So keep the questions coming, Richmond, and I'll keep doing my best to get them answered.
Is a possible arena football team returning to the Richmond area?
-- Scott
Robert Fleskes with the Richmond Coliseum answers:
I can confirm that we (SMG) are in contractual negotiations with a team and hope to make an announcement in 2009.
OK, here's my latest Why Richmond, Why?!? question: that church on Forest Hill, across from O'Toole's recently changed their sign to fancy, bright electric sign. Doesn't fit in with the neighborhood at all … did they have to get approval for that? Can we make them take it down?
-- Sara
Michael Wallace, public information manager III with the City of Richmond office of the press secretary to the mayor, answers:
New Canaan Baptist Church has complied with all zoning laws regarding the sign requirement for the district in which it exists. City representatives have examined the sign to ensure it meets illumination requirements and animated standards of not moving more than once every five seconds.
William Davidson, City of Richmond zoning administrator, follow up:
An animated sign is one that rotates, spins, changes pattern, flashes, etc. The regulations require that it not flash or change the message more than once every five seconds. Sign regulations do not regulate the content, but only the type, location, size and the number of them on a property. Both of the signs discussed were permitted and are legal. Obviously, the technology (and reduced costs thereof) has changed and these types of signs (and billboards) are going to become more prevalent.
What happened to the Moe's Southwest Grill on Forest Hill Ave? Will the other Moe’s locations be closing soon, similar to McAllister’s Deli, one at a time, without notice?
-- L
Lauren McGowen, public relations manager with FOCUS Brands, Inc., answers:
The Moe’s on Forest Hill Avenue was not achieving the sales needed to stay afloat. The decrease in sales can most likely be attributed to the poor economy.
The remaining Richmond Moe’s locations are alive and well! No other Richmond Moe’s locations are planning to close anytime in the near future.
So what do you want to know, Richmond? Send questions to: karri.peifer@corp.richmond.com with "Why Richmond, Why?!?" in the subject line or leave your question in the comments sections below. And if you want to read all the old "Why Richmond, Why?!?" columns, you can always check out last week's or read the "Why Richmond, Why?!?" archives.