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Henrico Redistricting Comment: The Power of the In...

Posted by Short Pump Mom in Short Pump Family Life on March 16, 2009 | No Comments

I heard an interesting story over the weekend that I wanted to pass on to show how powerful the Internet is becoming as a community tool.  We all know about the massive success of Facebook and other sites, but the same social media and community technology also made a difference to a Short Pump neighborhood.

The neighborhoods on the other side of Nuckols Road (ones like Chappell Ridge and Wyndham Forest) currently are within the Deep Run High School district.  But changes to the maps that were put earlier this year had them going to the newer high school which was quite a bit further away (relatively speaking).

The families there were quite unhappy with that decision especially when they heard that the decision was made based on an assmption by a consultant to Henrico country that Nuckols Road was a major barrier line.  The consultant apparently never came out to see the area and based the decision from maps which showed Nuckols Road as a larger thoroughfare compared to the other streets.

Little did he or she understand that Nuckols Road was not a major “barrier” at all and in fact, several of the children in these neighborhoods still walked to Deep Run High School which is so close by.

In the latest round of comments, the neighbors in these communities organized through a Yahoo Group set up by them and it was through communicating through Yahoo Groups that they were able to organize enough to successfully present their positions and reasoning to the Henrico schoo redistricting communities.

Given all of our busy lives and inability to attend live meetings or even scheduled phone calls, the use of technology such as Yahoo Groups can be extremely effective to help neighbors organize and share their thoughts.

I thought this was a great example of how even busy communities like Short Pump can still find ways to gather a large support group to push forward important matters.

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Short Pump Development- West Broad Village Questio...

Posted by Short Pump Mom in Uncategorized on March 15, 2009 | No Comments

I recently read an article about West Broad Village which states that it will have “wetlands, forested areas and numerous parks.”  Notice, these words are plural.

I know that the development, relatively speaking, is on a large tract of land but I am having trouble envisioning enough space for wetlands, forests and parks. . . for those areas to really mean anything.

People search out those areas to get away or at least feel like they are away from developed or urban areas.  I think about Central Park in New York City or the Golden Gate Park in San Francisco.

Plus, I lived in major city areas where the intended goal of having an area where people live, work, shop and play encompassed a defined neighborhood. But these neighborhoods spanned areas 5-10 times larger than the West Broad Village.

So, I must admit I am intrigued by the West Broad Village development as I feel like the area is really too small to do what it is trying to do.  Having said that, I am really hoping that the development is going to be successful because if it is not, there will be a major depressed development right in the middle of our Short Pump community. . . something no one desires.

I think that so far they have done a decent job of making you feel like you are in an urban area when you drive into as I did get a different feel when I recently ate at Kona Grill.  So, I am sure its restaurants will be successful but I just wonder if it will attract residents (especially home buying ones as opposed to renters) and I also am curious to see if businesses will be willing to pay the higher rental rates for that setting.

As the development completes it stages, I look forward to seeing the progress.

Short Pump Restaurant- Mexican Hole in the Wall...

Posted by Short Pump Mom in Short Pump Family Life on March 14, 2009 | No Comments

My husband is an avid Mexican food fan and ever since we moved to Richmond, we have struggled with finding authentic Mexican food in or near the Short Pump area.

Well, a few months ago, he finally found a small restaurant with some really good and authentic Mexican food.

Now, it is not strategically located in the heart of Short Pump where all the nice and new nicely decorated restaurants are. In fact, it is located in a small strip mall off of Gayton road.  While I would not give the restaurant many stars for ambiance, it is clean inside.

However, if you are looking for real authentic Mexican food, you should try this place out.  We have been there over 5 times now and have tried most everything.  Their traditional fare of tacos (crunchy and soft), burritos and quesadillas have plenty of high quality meats and the freshest ingredients.

They also offer an array of other Mexican items- I really love the Gorditas which come in a variety of fillings. My favorite is the Picadillo con Papas ( ground beef with potatoes, onions and tomatoes).  The homemade guacamole is nothing short of amazing if you like guac!

The family that runs it is Mexican and they are all very hospitable and friendly. If you are like us and long for something a little more authentic than the Casa Grandes and Mexico Restaurants, try this one out.

Oh- I almost forgot the restaurant name. . . it is Los Primos Mexican Restaurant.  Located less than two miles away from the hear tof Short Pump.  12347 Gayton Road.