Excerpts From the Times Dispatch article:
The Richmond Planning Commission voted Tuesday to postpone a vote on Venture Richmond’s amphitheater proposal for Tredegar Green after hearing concerns about the possible impact on future plans to re-water the James River and Kanawha Canal.
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But commissioners continued a vote on a final plan review until early March to allow the City Council to take up an amendment to Venture Richmond’s lease that would require the organization to raise the height of the canal towpath to about 85 feet if, at some point in the future, the planned 83 feet proves insufficient to allow boats to navigate the canal west to Maymont.
The vote was unanimous with the exception of Commissioner Melvin Law, who abstained. The lease amendment was raised as a solution after the Planning Commission was advised that it did not have the legal authority to attach a future obligation to the property that’s not directly tied to Venture Richmond’s plans.
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“I don’t want to put it at 85 feet just because somebody from Oregon Hill wants it that way,” Berry said.
From Charles Pool:
Many thanks to our great City Councilman Parker Agelasto who asked for the item to be continued. Neighbors Caroline and John also gave great speeches.
The Planning Commission is particularly interested in getting a new lease with Venture Richmond for the city property that will specify that Venture Richmond will have to repair any damage to the canal if the damage prevents the canal from holding water at its proper level when the canal is rewatered. This will also have the advantage of giving City Council a chance to deliberate on the issue.
Jack Berry’s comments in the TD article are indicative of his arrogance and contempt for the public. If Venture Richmond continues under his leadership, then it should be defunded of public money.
Are there any current figures on how much it would cost to connect/re-water the canal today? Or any updated plans/proposals – or hell, even an ETA? It would be awesome if both plans could be combined – the amphitheater and restoring the canal. Having a restored canal could be huge for Richmond.
Is the lease amendment / future obligation an acceptable comprise here?
Justin, can we trust Venture Richmond with the lease? A wall was already illegally demolished.
Also, realize that Oregon Hill has other legitimate concerns about crowds, noise, litter, etc. As with the Shockoe stadium proposal, there has not even been a proper traffic study.
Couldn’t they just build a canal lock if they change any of the heights of the canal?
Sorry – I should have clarified – I was wondering if it would be an acceptable compromise only with respect to the canal. If they agreed to the “future obligation” – would that at least solve that particular issue? And then can the focus finally shift towards addressing the other issues?
When it comes to littering – I think having 1-2 dedicated police during events for fines, plus staff resources for cleanup the day following the event would help that issue.
My idea for crowds/noise would be to limit the number of events based on crowd size and max decibels. Maybe no more than 3 of the “Folk” festival type events and then maybe a separate limit for medium and another for small events.
Anyways, just my .02 cents.