14th St. Takeout problem - an open letter

[Greg V.]

Your help is needed...

Unfortunately, especially after such great work on Sunday, I received the following email on Monday from the Director of DPU (Dept. of Public Utilities, they own the lot and are leasing it to the JRPS for paddlers to use as a Takeout).

Regarding the email below, I know the broken gate has been out of commission for a while, and I don’t think it was sabotaged by paddlers, but none-the-less the amount of partying down there has risen to the point where it is now threatening our use. ….And that makes the paddling community look irresponsible, so therefore we could get blamed for stuff that we may not be responsible for.

Personally I can fully understand and relate to sticking around after paddling, and that should still be ok “to an extent”, but we can’t risk losing our access because of some folks being too relaxed and indiscrete.

The partying has got to be toned down and/or moved elsewhere.
It is imperative we nip this in the bud, especially with Spring and Daylight Saving Time coming soon.

Please consider your actions and those of others, and how they may be viewed and perceived by the public. Also, please feel comfortable to politely say something if need be.

Kindly pass this on to all folks who may use the 14th St. Takeout.
Thanks so much,
Greg


From: Steidel, Robert C. - DPU [mailto:Robert.Steidel@richmondgov.com]
Sent: Monday, February 25, 2013 1:43 PM
To: Velzy, Greg; VelzyG@verizon.net
Cc: Taylor, Johnetta S. - DPU
Subject: RE: Falls of the James Meeting. Thursday, Feb 17

Greg I was not aware when we met last Friday but today I received a report that paddlers have broken the gate to be able to have access to 14th Street at all hours and days. In addition there have been words exchanged between paddlers and our staff about drinking and other activities at 14th Street. Before this gets out of hand can we get the leadership of the various groups to get together on the same page? Thanks for your consideration. Bob

Robert C Steidel
City of Richmond Virginia
Director Department of Public Utilities
730 E. Broad Street, 6th Floor
Richmond, Virginia 23219
804-646-1378
Customer Service: 804-646-7000