I live near Albert Hill Middle School in the near West End and noticed some construction at the front steps. Can I assume this is related to the school system making improvements for students and parents with disabilities?
Wilton Burford
Museum District

I wish I could say that is the case. The Richmond Public Schools has $7 million available for making improvements required by the Americans with Disability Act, yet has filed for only a handful of permits to initiate such work this summer. This is a school matter that City government has no control over, so I suggest you contact your School Board representative to find out the status of ADA improvements. 

My children and I really enjoyed the Schooner Virginia when it came to Richmond several weeks ago. Are any other ships similar to this coming to our city?

Edith Garrett

Richmond

The only other tall ships to make an appearance in Richmond recently were the Godspeed, the Schooner Virginia and three others (Lady Maryland, Kalmar Nyckel and The Pride of Baltimore) that arrived in May 2007 to celebrate the 400th anniversary of Richmond and Jamestown.

My plan to build the City’s first public marina would have a floating dock so the City can host tall ship festivals. Norfolk already hosts such festivals each year that bring thousands of people to the waterfront as well as millions of dollars in economic activity to their city. We hope to have similar success here when the City’s marina is built.

I saw where several buildings have been demolished on East Main and 6th streets and the area is roped off for a development called Centennial Tower. What is going on with this project?

Michael Monahan

Henrico

Centennial Tower, a $180 million project, will stand 30 stories tall and include upscale retail and office space, a 122 room boutique-style hotel, 90 furnished short-term stay corporate suites, 250 “ultra-luxury” residential units, and a parking garage.

The developer will soon set up a Main Street sales office to feature “virtual reality” views from different floors of the building upon its completion. Due to the slowing economy, the original completion date of 2010 has been postponed by one year, the developer says.

I would like to start my own business, but I have a felony on my record. Is there anyone at the city who can assist me in getting my business started?

Gladys Sheffield

East End

The City’s Office of Minority Business Development (OMBD) offers start-up information and other assistance to help individuals who want to go into business. For more information, contact OMBD at (804) 646-5947 or visit its website.

OMBD also helps those still incarcerated by supporting the City Jail’s Belief Program, a 12-step peer-to-peer program that helps inmates who are preparing for their release. This educational assistance improves their chances of successfully re-entering society and at the same time, helps to reduce the jail’s recidivism rate.