There's something powerful about the media. It's a shame to say, but for some reason an average Joe can't always get an answer from the powers-that-be when he needs it.

Reporter, on the other hand, is magical word. If Joe Smith the citizen needs something, then it's likely he'll be routed to 1-800-CustomerService. Joe Smith the reporter, on the other hand, can get a direct line, and often a direct answer, when he needs it.

Of course, it's not always the corporation or government's fault that it can't answer all of the questions it gets. There are millions of customers / citizens and only thousands of reports. And, let's face, often the customer is a nut-job with an axe to grind (or voices in his head to answer to).

But part of the motivation behind "Why Richmond, Why?!?" was to put the power of media into the hands of the people (as long as there's still a filter).

I say all of this to preface the last "Why Rich" question.

It's a long one, involving one tenant's lengthy, frustrating and drawn-out experience with a local property management company. I did my best to edit the question for length and brevity (and to ward against potential lawsuits), but it's still a long one. But bear with us; the girl's be on hold with 1-800-CutomerService for so long she can barely see straight.

But enough of the disclaimers, there are "Why Richmond, Why?!?" questions to answer.

What is being built on Starling Road in Henrico across the street from Sears at Regency Mall and beside Disco Sports?

 -- Stormy

According to EDC, the general contractor for the site, it's going to be a BJ’s Wholesale Club slated to open by Christmas of this year. BJs is like a Costco, only you can find a parking space.  

It is fantastic that the Pouncey Track bridge work appears to be completed. But, why oh why, did they build such a huge concrete median in between the lanes? Not only are the remaining road lanes very narrow, but the median is quite unattractive. Are they at least going to plant some trees in the middle?

-- Sammy

Dawn Eischen, public relations manager, Richmond District for Virginia Department of Transportation, answers:

When the Pouncey Tract Road bridge was widened from two to four lanes, an additional 12 feet of turning space was added to the areas just north and south of the bridge.

This will increase the capacity of Pouncey Tract Road at the Twin Hickory Lake Drive and Bacova Drive intersections. However, it was not necessary to continue the 12 feet of "turning space" over the bridge. We covered this area with a concrete median as a safety measure to prevent motorists from using this area to turn around.

There are no plans to add trees to the concrete median. Once the bridge is completed late next week, each of the remaining four lanes over the bridge will be 12 feet wide, which is the standard width for a travel lane.

I've lived in my apartment for 3 years now (signed the lease in 07/05). I've always had problems with maintenance since the start, but nothing major with office staff.

However, in November 2007, I received a statement saying I owed them $600 in retro-active late fees. I have NEVER paid my rent late and I had the documentation to prove it (bank statements and my check register). I called and notified one of the leasing agents about this. He said, "No problem. Fax it over and the bookkeeper will take care of it!" I did so, and never heard anything regarding it again.

In January 2008, I received a Pay-or-Quit notice regarding this same amount with court fees and administration fees attached. I complained, complained and complained. All-in-all, the only thing I received in response was the president of the company calling me a liar, then refusing to talk to me ever again.

Ultimately, I found out that I was not the only one they did this to -- another 20 to 30 cases they brought to court were thrown out for the same reasons (and I later found out on the Richmond City Civil Court database, that this has been going on for years).

Stupid of me, I paid a partial amount before any of it went to court, thinking it would take care of the problem (again, a leasing agent told me it should be fine). But after the court case was thrown out, I asked for my money back. They refused. I did, however, receive a hefty credit on my April month's rent.

[I requested my rent payment statements and] I did receive a copy of it in the mail. They're remained a "90 days past-due balance" of $202. I've tried relentlessly for the past two months to get an answer out someone at the company.  Instead, a $202.00 balance is left because partial charges from the court case were not credited.

I've reported them to the BBB and am desperate for any help. My lease runs out July 15 (and luckily, I'll have moved in to my new apartment July 1). But I know that getting this resolved will go beyond that time, and I'm almost positive that getting my security deposit will be impossible. Help!

-- Meredith

Meredith, I spoke to the president of the realty company who said he could not comment or he would be in violation of your privacy through the Virginia Landlord Tenant Act. I did, however, speak to Marion Horsley with the office of communications for the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Her response is below:

Telephone counselors at the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services answer questions about landlord-tenant problems (and many other consumer issues) through the Consumer Protection Hotline at 786-2042 in Richmond and 1-800-552-9963 throughout the rest of Virginia. 

For information about the rights and responsibilities of both tenants and landlords, go to the Department of Housing and Community Development's Web site dhcd.virginia.gov  for a handbook that provides information about the Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act. No state agency enforces the Landlord and Tenant Act so the individual may have to take the landlord to court. 

In this individual's case, she may also want to get a copy of her credit report to see if the balance she describes is listed on it. If so, she can dispute it through the credit reporting agency (Equifax, Experian and/or TransUnion). Also, if she does not receive her security deposit back with 45 days after vacating the apartment, she can take the landlord to court to get the deposit back.

Regarding repairs that have not been made, she may contact her local building inspector so someone can come out to inspect the buildings. If there are violations, the inspector will notify the landlord to make repairs within a certain amount of time, depending on the violation. The tenant can also contact the General District court in order to put her rent into escrow rather than paying it directly to the landlord. That way the landlord will not get the money until the repairs are made, or the landlord may only get a part of the rent.

If more specific information is needed, the tenant can call the Consumer Protection Hotline or she may contact Virginia Lawyer Referral Service for legal advice (804) 775-0808. 

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.