July 15 Newsletter: Hispanic business boom
Weather: The heat is on. High of 97 today with 100 potentially looming in the coming days.
On this date in 1902, a special session of the General Assembly is convened in Richmond to pass a new state constitution, introducing poll taxes and literacy tests in an attempt to disenfranchise Black voters.
Today's newsletter sponsored by Starr Hill Beer Hall and Rooftop in Scott's Addition, with award-winning craft beer, cocktails, great food, rooftop views, and weekly community events.
Hispanic Chamber touts small-business success amid population boom in Richmond
Between 2017 and 2022, the number of Hispanic-owned businesses with at least one employee in the metro area grew by 104%, according to the Greater Richmond Partnership. (That's in comparison to 44% nationally.)
“For the community to succeed, you have to have successful Hispanic businesses,” Hispanic Chamber CEO Michel Zahur said. “I think that’s really important because we don’t want to just be workers, we want to be business owners. We want to raise it so everyone has a chance to start a business, to grow a business.”
The group celebrated its 25th anniversary this past December. Read more here.
Major Richmond apartment operator hit with multistate fair housing complaint
The nation’s largest apartment operator, which manages more than a dozen properties in the metro Richmond area, is facing allegations that it has repeatedly refused to accept housing choice vouchers — often called Section 8 vouchers — in violation of Virginia and other state laws.
“We have never encountered a landlord that operates with such brazen contempt and hostility toward the rule of law as Greystar,” a watchdog group said.
Asked about the allegations, a spokesperson for Greystar said that the company “remains committed to fair housing practices in everything we do. Greystar provides training and expects our team members to comply with all applicable laws.”
Even with Virginia law prohibiting discrimination, getting landlords to accept vouchers has been a challenge. RRHA CEO Steven Nesmith has said many continue to refuse voucher holders. Read more here.
Pro-code refresh groups urge city to take more steps to reduce displacement
At a press conference Monday, the Homes for All Our Neighbors coalition continued to call for the construction of new housing as a way to alleviate affordability problems.
Supporters acknowledge the concern that development will push out longtime residents. But they also contend that displacement is already well underway and that the current zoning code is making the problem worse by strictly limiting new growth and prioritizing single-family construction.
Starting next July, a new state law will allow local governments to set up programs that incentivize or require developers to include a certain amount of affordable housing in their projects. Read more here.
Southside land gifted for future public park
The Capital Region Land Conservancy announced its latest acquisition on Tuesday, adding 13 acres of forested land in the Hioaks neighborhood on Richmond's Southside.
The move is the latest in a busy summer for the CRLC, which also has protected farmland in Varina and obtained the final piece for the upcoming Mayo Island park. Read more here.
Today's sponsor:
Enjoy local at Starr Hill Beer Hall & Rooftop in Scott's Addition with award-winning craft beer, cocktails, wine, cider, and a full food menu packed with shareables and handhelds.
With a rooftop bar, indoor and patio seating, plenty of TVs for the big game or your next watch party, and a calendar full of events like trivia and drag brunch, Starr Hill is the perfect spot to eat, drink, and gather with friends and family. See more.
In other news
- Local author Rachel Beanland’s newest book revisits a childhood home in Italy
- She returned with her family to a naval base where her father was stationed.
- Historic Tuckahoe, Thomas Jefferson’s childhood home in Goochland, listed for sale for $17M (Richmond BizSense)
- While used as a private residence, Tuckahoe has been opened up to the public for tours and events over the years.
- Performers announced for Richmond’s 2nd Street Festival (12 On Your Side)
- DJ Jazzy Jeff will headline Saturday and Plunky & Oneness will close out Sunday.
- 106-year-old Henrico woman proves age is just a number (CBS 6)
- She has traveled to 10 countries and climbed part of the Great Wall of China at 89.
The editor's desk
Come say hi this Saturday morning when we bring The Richmonder to the St. Stephen's Farmers Market in the West End. We'll chat local news with you, and we've got Richmonder mugs and tote bags for our donors!
Michael Phillips, founder
mphillips@richmonder.org
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