Richmond City Council has approved zoning changes for the Monroe Ward neighborhood, a first step in attracting new, transit-oriented development to the area.
About a quarter of the land in Monroe Ward is currently covered by surface parking lots. Because of that, Richmond officials say it hasn’t seen a revival like other parts of Downtown. The new zoning designations will allow for taller buildings and less parking requirements, while still protecting historic buildings along Franklin Avenue.
City Council Member Kim Gray, who represents parts of Monroe Ward, says she hopes the zoning changes will attract new homes and storefronts.
“I live in the area and I’d like to be able to walk to get groceries, dinner, and things for my family,” she said.
The zoning changes were first proposed as part of the Pulse Corridor Plan to increase development near public transit. Part of the new plans for the area includes expanding sidewalks and other pedestrian infrastructure.
Monroe Ward includes the area bordered by Belvidere, Broad and Ninth streets and the Expressway. You can read the full Monroe Ward rezoning plan here .
Also of note:
- The Council also approved zoning changes for the VUU/Chamberlayne area. The city is hoping to encourage new multi-family housing and mixed-use developments along parts of Chamberlayne Avenue and Lombardy Street east of the university.
- The Council released around $8 million in new funding to Richmond Public Schools. The money was part of the budget approved earlier this year. School superintendent Jason Kamras says the money will fund purchasing 10 new school buses, expanding literacy support and other parts of the school districts’ strategic plan.
- A resolution proposed by 9th District Councilman Michael Jones calling for new security measures in City Hall was approved. The resolution directs the city to look into the feasibility of putting metal detectors at all of the entrances. People will still be allowed to carry guns in the building under state law.