Richmond residents got another chance to look over the master plan this week. It was the 15th time the public got to see and comment on the process.
Richmond City consultant Maritza Pechin says the biggest challenge is getting residents to understand what the plan is.
“A lot of people think cities just happen. And they don’t just happen, they are planned.”
She says this is the first time since 2001 that a plan will be developed for the entire 62,000 square miles of the city.
Pechin says this go-round of planning is different than it was 18 years ago because historically, city planners have been white men.
“So we want to change that and have it be more diverse and more inclusive. So that we build a city that everyone feels like they’re a part of creating.”
The General Assembly requires a plan update every five years. Pechin says the city has updated smaller-scaled plans more recently,, such as the Riverfront, downtown or Hull Street corridor.
Working groups made up of 20 or more citizens have been shaping a vision for the city’s future. Pechin says residents will get another chance to comment on the plan this fall. People can look at the entire project online at Richmond300.com
