Here’s a recap of the top stories for the week of May 2, 2025:
Fluoride spike at Richmond water plant reignites calls for regional management
Reported by BizSense’s Jonathan Spiers
Last Wednesday, a pump installation at Richmond’s water plant introduced an unknown amount of fluoride into the region’s drinking water.
Henrico and Hanover counties claim they weren’t informed of the incident by the city until after they had been contacted by state health agencies Sunday.
A statement released by both localities said the counties were “discouraged” and “disappointed” they weren’t informed of the incident by city officials more promptly. The city said the amount of fluoride measured in the water was above the recommended level, but well below the maximum allowable amount.
This circumstance has renewed talks among local leaders to find a solution to the region's water system needs, as localities seek to prevent another crisis like January’s multi-day water outage from occurring.
Housing nonprofits teaming up on modular apartment project in East End
Reported by BizSense’s Jonathan Spiers
Local housing nonprofit Project:Homes is working with Module, a Pittsburgh-based builder of modular homes, and fellow nonprofit Urban Hope on a nine-unit apartment building on Mosby Street.
The apartments, believed to be the first modular units in Richmond, would have two bedrooms and one bathroom and total about 830 square feet with a balcony. The units will be targeted to households with incomes below 50% of the area median income.
The group is applying for a special use permit for the project, which received design approval this month from Richmond’s Commission of Architectural Review.
The request will now go to the Planning Commission and City Council for consideration at upcoming meetings.
Henrico EDA sues GreenCity developers amid property and debt dispute
Reported by BizSense’s Jonathan Spiers
Henrico County's Economic Development Authority sued Green City Partners this week, asking a judge to force the developers behind the halted GreenCity project to return the former Best Products site near Interstate 95 and Parham Road to the county.
The parties had reportedly agreed that the developers would return the property after the project stalled out. But recent court filings show that ASM Global, the would-be operator of the arena at the center of the GreenCity plan, is seeking $1.5 million it says it's owed by GreenCity Partners.
The county plans to solicit interest from potential new developers once it takes control of the property.
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