The VPM Daily Newscast contains all your Central Virginia news in just 5 to 10 minutes. Episodes are recorded the night before.
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Here’s a recap of the top stories on the morning of Sept. 20, 2023:
Richmond could ease regulations on accessory dwelling units
Reported by VPM News’Connor Scribner
Richmond’s Planning Commission advanced legislation Monday to allow homeowners to build secondary housing units — or accessory dwelling units — on their properties.
ADUs are small, independent homes on existing lots and take a number of forms: converted carriage houses or garages, attic or basement apartments, purpose-built units and more. But the city’s ordinance would place some limits on them.
City planning director Kevin Vonck pitched ADUs as one way to lower housing prices in Richmond by increasing supply. He told the commission secondary units would have to be smaller than one-third the size of primary residence or 500 square feet, whichever is larger. And they could only be built on lots with single-family homes.
Virginia opens new trade office in Taiwan
Reported by VPM News’Ben Paviour
Gov. Glenn Youngkin signedan executive order creating a trade office in Taipei — Taiwan's capital city — when he visited in April.
The office will help companies in both Virginia and Taiwan find new business opportunities, joining similar Virginia trade offices in Germany, Japan and South Korea. The Taipei office will be staffed with one employee, according to Suzanne Clark, spokesperson for the Virginia Economic Development Partnership.
Youngkin’s embrace of Taiwan comes as he’s taken a hardline stance against neighboring China — afar larger trading partner with Virginia, according to state data.
In other news:
- Dominion wants to test new types of batteries — one based on rust (Richmond Times-Dispatch)*
- The deaths of two VCU students in one semester have left many Richmonders wondering what is being done about pedestrian safety in the city (Richmond magazine)
- Southeast Community and downtown Newport News are cut off by I-664, railroad tracks. Can city bridge the divide? (Daily Press)*
In case you missed it:
- Richmond Ballet's longtime artistic director Stoner Winslett stepping down (Richmond Times-Dispatch)*
- Roanoke leaders react to news of highest ever homicide count (The Roanoke Times)*
*This outlet utilizes a paywall.
