I was on a business trip and caught in the middle of DC rush hour traffic when a call came in from CBS 6 reporter Melissa Hipolit. She had been following the various stories we had done on the explosive growth Manchester is experiencing despite its infrastructure woes. She wanted to do a story for the evening news.

While I was unavailable for an on camera interview, I chatted with her for a good long while and tried to point her to areas to consider covering. I am glad to see she was able to go forward with the story after speaking with various folks throughout the neighborhood: Residents say blossoming Manchester area needs improved infrastructure.

The aspect of the story I found most interesting is the following statement from Richmond City officials: “city council’s budget process will determine the extent of future infrastructure improvements in Manchester.”

That is a poignant reminder that we need to remain vigilant in expressing concerns to City Council and the administration related to the needs of the neighborhood. Every dollar of funding we do or don’t receive is in part determined by direct competition with other Richmond neighborhoods that are trying to secure similar improvements. And while we want to see all neighborhoods in RVA blossom, we all know how the old saying goes-the squeaky wheel gets the grease!