OK Richmond. I get it. You guys are really excited about the opening of Trader Joes and Whole Foods and you want to know when it’s going to happen.

I do too ... I just don’t yet.

Neither store has released an opening date yet, though both are slated to open in 2008. I've got calls in to the PR contacts for both stores and assurances from one that I'll get a call as soon as an opening date is announced.

I can promise you this, Richmond. As soon as I know, you'll know.

In the meantime, though, we've got plenty of your questions answered this week. From eBay stores to Asian American societies and more street-related questions, it's all covered. And I can tell you that next week you'll have some answers about Grace Street blight and downtown traffic.

But enough preview, we've got "Why Richmond, Why?!?" questions to answer.

I have a friend who is single, 32 and Asian. He doesn't feel like Richmond has a lot to offer an Asian male that is looking for a traditional Korean lifestyle. Can you help me keep him from moving away? Are there Asian groups that he could get into in Richmond?

-- Rachel

Vicki Mirandah, community relations director for The Asian American Society of Central Virginia, answers:

The Asian American Society of Central Virginia is an organization that serves the 75 thousand Asians that live in this region. There are many social and cultural activities that are on-going which appeal to a broad audience -- both Asian and non-Asians alike. Our biggest event is the annual Asian American Celebration, which was just held on May 3, 2008. It draws more than 10,000 people to the day-long festival where participants can immerse in more than 18 different Asian communities that are represented by this organization. 

Additionally, there is an active Korean community group in the Richmond area. Their Web site is www.kasgr.org.

Isn't there an eBay type store somewhere in the Richmond area? It's a business where you can take things to them for them to sell on eBay at a small cost. There used to be one in the West End and there may still be one on the Southside, but I do not know the names of the businesses. Would love to find out.

-- Laurie

No problem, Laurie. The store is called iSold It and there are currently two Richmond locations. Sadly for West Enders, both are on the Southside. The first location is in Stratford Hills, within the city limit, at 7101 Forest Hill Ave., 804-915-9436. The second location is way down Hull Street, across the street from Brandermill, at 4672 Commonwealth Centre Parkway, 804-693-7653.

What about the deplorable condition of the Belvidere/Broad Street intersection. I was really looking forward to hear what excuse the city would give for the overgrown "new" intersection looking so bad.

-- Ben

Why Richmond, Why did you spend so much money to renovate the Broad Street/Belvidere intersection and then just leave it to become over grown with weeds. Last summer this intersection was redone, not even a year later it looks worse than it did before. Who is in charge of this stuff? It looks pathetic.

-- Jimbo

About Boulevard north of Broad Street, the median landscaping that was put in a couple of years ago is now full of trash and the irrigation lines have become uncovered. It looks like it hasn't been cared for since it was first out in place. Why do important details like this keep falling through the cracks and how can we fix it?

-- Jeff

Marc LaFountain, public information manager for Richmond's Department of Public Works, answers:

Due to significant rainfall this spring, the Department of Public Works has been unable to trim vegetation at this location as often as it would like. On Monday, May 12, a multi-day effort was launched to address overgrowth at this location. Thank you for sharing your concerns.

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 it in the comments sections below. And if you missed last week's "Why Richmond, Why?" you can read it here.