On Monday, the City of Richmond’s Planning Commission voted in favor of Venture Richmond’s theater proposal, despite strong opposition by the Oregon Hill Neighborhood Association, preservationists, and other interested parties.
Excerpt from what OHNA President Jennifer Hancock said at the meeting:
Venture Richmond is using the threat of losing the Folk Festival as a stick to beat the residents of Richmond into agreeing to a plan that many of us have serious reservations about. As the closest neighborhood to the amphitheater, Oregon Hill will be the neighborhood most impacted by the project. Neighbors have already expressed concerns about increases in traffic and noise, and the impact on already limited parking. We have asked for, but not received, an agreement describing yearly limits on the number of events and night-time curfews for evening events.
Residents, preservationists, and proponents of good government lost yesterday. If people think this was about restoring the Canal or just helping the Folk Festival, then they are being extremely naive and stupid. This was also a precursor for forcing the Shockoe Bottom baseball stadium. I am sad for my neighborhood but also for Richmond in general. Our historic landmarks and quality of life are being sacrificed.