Nov. 21 Newsletter: First thoughts on second draft
Weather: Rainy, high of 55.
On this date in 1976, bus service resumes after a 47-day strike by bus drivers. GRTC officials ask for the fare to be raised from 35 to 40 cents to pay for additional promised wages.
Second draft of zoning overhaul draws cautious hope from neighborhood groups but some concern from housing advocates
As Richmond’s Planning Commission began absorbing the details of the newest draft of the city’s zoning overhaul late Tuesday night, its members heard an unusual sentiment from a neighborhood association: praise.
Among the biggest of the changes is the replacement of the duplex proposal with the “preservation bonus,” an approach that lets a property owner add a second unit only if they keep the existing building standing.
Mayor Danny Avula told The Richmonder that he believes the newest proposal is an improvement over the first “because it is reflective of what so many of the residents who had initial concerns shared.”
Read more on what's in the second draft, including key changes to residential requirements, here.
Avula calls for ‘shared governance’ of Gilpin Court redevelopment
Mayor Danny Avula proposed Wednesday that the city of Richmond and its independent public housing authority adopt “shared governance” of the redevelopment of Gilpin Court.
The shift from public housing to vouchers will come with a different set of protections for tenants, making it critical that residents have access to services that will help them navigate the transition and not lose their right to housing, Avula said. Read more here.
Ex-homeless shelter director pleads guilty
The director of a homeless shelter for women and children pled guilty to defrauding the city and federal government of $199,163, and could face up to 20 years in prison.
- Prosecutors said that from August 2022 to April 2023, she submitted 35 falsified invoices to the City of Richmond for reimbursement.
- Many were for food services, but she instead hired an RPS cafeteria manager to provide meals from a school cafeteria.
She used the money for a tattoo, furniture, a ferry ride in Miami Beach and veterinary services, among other things. Read more here.
RRHA sells long-vacant bank building in Brookland Park to youth boxing group
The building was sold to Cherry Pick’d Boxing, a group that will redevelop the space into a gym and “safe space” for youth.
This is the second attempt at redeveloping the site. In 2015, it was sold to a group that planned to partner with Virginia Union University to create a business incubator in the space, but that deal fell apart. Read more here.
Also today in The Richmonder
VPAP names Capital Trail Foundation exec as its new leader: Cat Anthony, a VCU grad, will start on Dec. 9.
Varina-Dinwiddie highlights scintillating slate of high school football playoff games: Huguenot is riding a 10-game winning streak, but will test itself against Louisa star Savion Hiter, who is considered the nation's top running back.
Donor tickets now available for The (Real) State of the City
The Richmonder is opening up single-ticket sales to our donors for our breakfast event at The Jefferson hotel on Thursday, January 15.
In other news
- An art collection from Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys highlighting Black creatives debuts at the VMFA (Richmond Magazine)
- Henrico Planning Commission recommends new effort to regulate vape shops (Henrico Citizen)
- Residents voice opposition to Hanover data center proposal (VPM)
The editor's desk
As we report, we work to avoid becoming the story. Sometimes, though, it's inevitable, as was the case Tuesday when an email exchange between Graham Moomaw and a lawyer representing the city was the main topic in a court hearing.
While we prefer for that not to happen, it's good that another reporter, from the Times-Dispatch, was also at the hearing to relay the facts of the day.
As for the FOIA whistleblower lawsuit itself, we'll continue to stay on top of the latest developments.
Michael Phillips, founding editor
mphillips@richmonder.org
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