5th District Councilperson Stephanie Lynch has an upcoming ‘town hall meeting’ on February 16th.
From announcement:
We would love to see you for the IN PERSON 5th District Town Hall next Thursday, February 16 at the Woodland Heights Baptist Church (611 W. 31st Street).
We will focused on the upcoming budget season, your priorities, and there will be a short update on the Charter Change Commission.
We will be recording the meeting for upload after the meeting.
From announcement:
Forward Party of Virginia, UpVote Virginia, and FairVote Virginia will co-host a Ranked Choice Voting Roundtable in Richmond.
When: February 16, 2023 at 6:00pm
Where: Richmond Main Library, Annex room
101 East Franklin Street, Richmond, VA 23219, United States
Contact: Erin Phelan erin.forwardparty@gmail.com
BTW, I don’t think any Richmond university student governments have claimed my money yet…
UPDATE/CORRECTION: Since posting this, the editor has learned that Pinnock resigned from the Richmond Board of Zoning Appeals.
Contrary to state code, there currently are two members of the Richmond Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) who are simultaneously serving on the Richmond City Planning Commission. Virginia code Section 15.2-2308 specifically limits the number of Board of Zoning Appeals members serving on the local planning commission to one member: “…Members of the board shall hold no other public office in the locality, except that one may be a member of the local planning commission…” [emphasis added].
Mr. Rodney Poole and Mr. Burchell “Burt” Pinnock are both members of the Richmond Board of Zoning Appeals and both are currently serving as members of the Planning Commission. Rodney Poole is the current Chair of the Richmond Planning Commission, and he is also a member of the Richmond Board of Zoning Appeals. Mr. Burchell “Burt” Pinnock is the current Chair of the Richmond Board of Zoning Appeals, and he is also a member of the Richmond Planning Commission.
Since Va. Code Section 15.2-2308 limits the number of BZA members who also may serve on the Planning Commission to one member, and since both Mr. Poole and Mr. Burchell are simultaneously serving on the BZA and Planning Commission, one or both must resign or be removed from the Planning Commission.
It is worth noting that, contrary to state code, Mr. Rodney Poole and Mr. Burchell “Burt” Pinnock also recently served in other public office in the locality as the Chair and Vice-Chair of the Richmond 300 Master Plan Advisory Council. The Virginia Code Section 15.2-2308 specifically prohibits members of the Board of Zoning Appeals from serving in other public offices in the locality.
If Mr. Poole and/or Mr. Pinnock are unwilling to resign their seats on the Planning Commission, it is within the authority of City Council to remove them in order to comply with Section 15.2-2308.
It’s worth noting that according to the minutes of the Feb. 6th Planning Commission meeting, Rodney Poole and Burt Pinnock both participated in the Planning Commission meeting as members of the Planning Commission. And both Poole and Pinnock are also still listed as members of the Board of Zoning Appeals.
UPDATE/CORRECTION: Since posting this, the editor has learned that Pinnock resigned from the Richmond Board of Zoning Appeals.
From email:
Dear OHNA (Oregon Hill Neighborhood Association) Members,
As was mentioned in Tuesday evening’s OPHNA meeting, there is legislation pending in the General Assembly that would eliminate a locality’s ability to regulate STRs if those STRs are managed by a Virginia REALTOR. A copy of the bill is below. This bill would override any local regulations related to primary residence, days the property may be occupied, requirements related to parking, annual inspection, etc.
https://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?ses=231&typ=bil&val=SB1391
I am writing to ask you to OPPOSE SB 1391, patroned by Lynwood Lewis, and HB 2271, patroned by Danny Marshall. Both increase affordable housing issues and eliminate common sense local regulation of short-term rental (“STR”) properties across the Commonwealth
This legislation claims to protect STR properties managed by Virginia REALTORS from restrictive local ordinances that have been enacted across the Commonwealth. In reality, the legislation removes the right of localities to impose reasonable restrictions on any STR property, so long as that property is managed by a Virginia REALTOR.
The two most significant issues with this legislation are (1) the impact on affordable housing and (2) the “one size fits all” approach to diverse communities across the Commonwealth.
AFFORDABLE HOUSING: First, this legislation would worsen an already very difficult situation in Virginia communities facing a lack of affordable housing. Investors would be able to buy up as many STRs as they want, anywhere, in any community, so long as those STRs are managed by a Virginia REALTOR. Every STR is one unit removed from the pool of properties available for home buyers or year-round renters.
REMOVES LOCAL CONTROL OF LAND USE DECISIONS: Second, this legislation strips localities of the right to make reasonable decisions for their own community. For example, localities would not even be able to require registration and annual safety inspections. This legislation is an inappropriate “one size fits all” solution across the Commonwealth, ignoring the significant differences between different kinds of communities – dense cities, resort towns, and rural areas.
This legislation clearly favors the commercial interests of STR owners, operators, and hosting platforms like Airbnb and VRBO over the interests of individuals, neighborhoods, and communities. I urge you to OPPOSE SB 1391 and HB 2271
HOUSE:
Dawn Adams – deldadams@house.virginia.gov 804-698-1068
Betsy Carr – delbcarr@house.virginia.gov 804-698-1069
Delores McQuinn – Deldmcquinn@house.virginia.gov 804-698-1070
Jeff Bourne – Deljbourne@house.virginia.gov 804-698-1071
Schyler Van Valkenburg – Delsvanvalkenburg@house.virginia.gov 804-698-1072
Rodney Willett – Delrwillett@house.virginia.gov 804-698-1073
Lamont Bagley – Dellbagley@house.virginia.gov 804-698-1074
Rozanne Robinson – drrobinson@house.virginia.gov 804-698-1027
SENATE:
Jennifer McClellan – district09@senate.virginia.gov (804) 698-7509
Hashmi Ghazala – district10@senate.virginia.gov 804-698-7510
Joe Morrissey – district16@senate.virginia.gov 804-698-7516
Siobhan Dunnavant -district12@senate.virginia.gov 804-698-7512
The Oregon Hill Neighborhood Association will be meeting online on Zoom tomorrow, Tuesday, January 24th, at 7pm.
Monthly Meeting Agenda
Tuesday 24 January 2023
7:00PM
This meeting will be by Zoom only.
(Editor’s note: Zoom connection information redacted, request it by sending email to ohnarva@gmail.com)
Welcome
• Treasurer’s Report
Community Updates:
1. Lt. Brian Robinson, City of Richmond Police Section Lt, 4th Precinct
2. Officer Luke Schrader, Police Liaison, VCU
3. Ms. Verenda Cobbs, VCU
4. Ms. Stephanie Lynch, 5th District Councilperson
5. Ms. Colette McEachin, Richmond Commonwealth’s Attorney
Updates:
1. Amphitheater planned for Tredegar Green.
· It is slated to seat 5,000 people and accommodate and additional 5,000 standing, as per our meeting with the developer’s representative. No additional parking is planned.
· When the previous amphitheater plan was proposed, the neighborhood raised questions about hours of operation, noise levels, and parking, none of which were ever answered.
o Applicant has not yet scheduled a meeting with OHNA
2. An SUP application has been filed with the City of Richmond for the demolition of 708 China Street, and its replacement with a building.
· The Zoning Committee met with the applicant, and asked them to reconsider demolition and incorporate the historic building into their new construction
· The applicant has not yet come back to the neighborhood with a revision
Continued Business
3. Traffic issues along Idlewood at Cherry and Pine Streets
· There have been a number of recent accidents at these two locations.
· These two intersections suffer from poor visibility and the high speed of cars exiting 195 east onto Idlewood.
New Business
4. Any items?
Bryan Clark Green, President
Harrison Moenich, Co-Vice-President
Jennifer Hancock, Co-Vice-President
Mike Matthews, Secretary
John Bolecek, Treasurer
OHNA: Meeting Schedule, 2023
Fourth Tuesday of each month
Zoom information to be sent before meeting, while meeting remotely
Tuesday, 24 January 2023, 7:00pm
Tuesday, 28 February 2023, 7:00pm
Tuesday, 28 March 2023,7:00pm
Tuesday, 25 April 2023,7:00pm
Tuesday, 23 May 2023, 7:00pm
Tuesday, 27 June 2023,7:00pm
Tuesday, 25 July 2023, 7:00pm
Tuesday, 22 August 2023, 7:00pm
Tuesday, 26 September 2023, 7:00pm
Tuesday, 24 October 2023 7:00pm
Tuesday, 28 November 2023, 7:00pm
Tuesday, 19 December 2023, 7:00pm [moved up one week to avoid Christmas]
The Department of Planning and Development Review is undertaking initiatives to rezone areas of the City to fit adopted plans and make changes to the Zoning Ordinance.
Tomorrow night the PDR Department will host a meeting at the Main Library (101 East Franklin Street)) and provide draft recommendations for the three proposed, City-wide zoning changes:
Revise Short-Term Rental Regulations (CPC Resolution of Intent – CPCR.2021.168)
Eliminate Parking Space Minimums (City Council Resolution – RES. 2021-R027)
Permit Accessory Dwelling Units (CPC Resolution of Intent – CPCR.2021.095)
This in-person meeting starts at 6 pm.
(Editor’s note: Given the way the neighbors’ concerns were ignored during the previous Richmond300 planning sessions, many of them are skeptical that their participation in these meetings will have any real impact.)
From email announcement:
Good evening OHNA members,
I look forward to seeing everyone Tuesday at 7pm for our monthly OHNA meeting. This meeting will be Zoom only.
The Zoom link is provided below. This will allow for full remote participation.
I have attached to this email
1. the agenda for the 27 September meeting (also pasted in below),
2. the minutes for the August 2022 meeting, and
3. the 2022 meeting schedule.
As you know, our amendment to the Richmond 300 plan was not approved by the Planning Commission last week. While we will talk about it at our next meeting, I just wanted to thank everyone who took the time to write a letter to the planning commission (we had 47 letters of support, and none in opposition), or took the time to speak in person or via Microsoft Teams at the planning commission meeting. While we were not successful last week, I want to thank each and every person who took the time to support this effort. The fact that we were not successful makes me no less grateful for your support.
We look forward to seeing everyone Tuesday evening.
Thanks,
Bryan
Monthly Meeting Agenda
Tuesday 27 September 2022
7:00PM
This meeting will be by Zoom only.
Topic: OHNA Monthly Meeting – September
Time: Sep 27, 2022 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
(Editor’s note: Zoom link and passcodes redacted. Please email OHNA at ohnarva@gmail.com in order to receive those items)
Welcome
• Treasurer’s Report
Community Updates:
1. Lt. Brian Robinson, City of Richmond Police Section Lt, 4th Precinct
2. Officer Luke Schrader, Police Liaison, VCU
3. Ms. Verenda Cobbs, VCU
4. Ms. Stephanie Lynch, 5th District Councilperson
5. Ms. Colette McEachin, Richmond Commonwealth’s Attorney
Updates:
1. Update on shooting, Monday 5 September 2022
2. Update on the fall festival, Saturday 22 October 2022
· If you would like to volunteer in any capacity, please email ohnarva@gmail.com
3. Meeting with VCU and Randolph on 6 September 2022
Continued Business
4. Proposed Amendments to the Richmond 300 Land Use Plan / Neighborhood Coalition Update
• This item passed unanimously by City Council on 27 June 2022
• The Planning Commission hearing on 18 July 2022 was informational only; no vote taken.
• Planning Commission voted on this issue at the 15 August 2022 meeting (1:30pm).
o Despite the fact that we had 47 letters in support, and none in opposition, and had several speakers in support, and none in opposition, the Planning Commission voted unanimously against our amendment.
o Next steps
5. Amphitheater planned for Tredegar Green.
· It is slated to seat 5,000 people and accommodate and additional 5,000 standing, as per our meeting with the developer’s representative. No additional parking is planned.
· When the previous amphitheater plan was proposed, the neighborhood raised questions about hours of operation, noise levels, and parking, none of which were ever answered.
o Applicant has not yet scheduled a meeting with OHNA
6. An SUP application has been filed with the City of Richmond for the demolition of 708 China Street, and its replacement with a building.
· The Zoning Committee met with the applicant, and asked them to reconsider demolition and incorporate the historic building into their new construction
· The applicant has not yet come back to the neighborhood with a revision
7. An SUP application has been filed with the City of Richmond for the construction of a two-family of 823 China Street, a vacant lot
· The Zoning Committee met not yet met with the applicant
8. An SUP application has been filed with the City of Richmond for the sponsorship signage to be placed around the field owned by St. Andrew’s School.
· The Zoning Committee met not yet met with the applicant
9. Proposal to replant the Idlewood traffic circle.
• The city has creatively applied a layer of red mulch to the traffic circle
10. Recurring issues with fireworks from rental property near Pine and Albemarle streets.
11. Traffic issues along Idlewood at Cherry and Pine Streets
· There have been a number of recent accidents at these two locations.
· These two intersections suffer from poor visibility and the high speed of cars exiting 195 east onto Idlewood
New Business
12. An SUP application has been filed with the City of Richmond for the construction of a two-family of 823 China Street, a vacant lot
· The Zoning Committee met not yet met with the applicant
13. An SUP application has been filed with the City of Richmond for the sponsorship signage to be placed around the field owned by St. Andrew’s School.
· The Zoning Committee met not yet met with the applicant
14. Any other new business?
Bryan Clark Green, President
David Cary, Co-Vice-President
Jennifer Hancock, Co-Vice-President
Chris Hughes, Co-Vice-President
Harrison Moenich, Secretary
John Bolecek, Treasurer
OHNA: Meeting Schedule, 2022 Fourth Tuesday of each month
Zoom information to be sent before meeting, while meeting remotely
Tuesday, 27 September 2022
7:00pm
Tuesday, 25 October 2022
7:00pm
Tuesday, 15 November 2022
7:00pm [moved up one week to avoid Thanksgiving]
Tuesday, 27 December 2022
7:00pm
On July 18th, neighbor Charles Pool, on behalf of the Oregon Hill Home Improvement Council, made a presentation the City’s Planning Commission.
Since that presentation…
The Planning Department is tasked with drawing a revised master plan land use map to correspond with the Res. 2022-R033 that was unanimously approved by City Council in advance of the next August 15th meeting of the Planning Commission.
Please provide a copy of this revised master plan land use map as soon as possible so that we can check to be sure that your map accurately represents the unanimously approved Resolution of City Council 2002-R033.
Thank you for your assistance.
Sincerely,
Charles Pool
At the Planning Commission meeting on Monday, the Planning Director stated that the Residential future land use designation in the Richmond 300 master plan was not appropriate for R-7 or higher zoning. But a quick look at the zoning map indicates that they have designated an R-7 zoned area on Southside with the Residential future land use designation. And a large area of Randolph is zoned R-48 with the Residential future land use designation. (Please see attached maps.)
Apparently, these arbitrary rules apply only to Oregon Hill!
(Oregon Hill residents continue to strongly urge the Richmond Planning Commission to adopt Councilperson Lynch’s amendment to the Richmond 300 master plan (Res. 2022-R033). This would wisely amend the master plan to indicate that the area of Oregon Hill already under the Residential R-7 zoning would be designated with the appropriate Residential future land use.
In no way does this amendment undermine the integrity of the Richmond 300 master plan, The Residential future land use amendment for Oregon Hill is the same future land use that was approved for our sister Randolph neighborhood.
Before approving the Richmond 300 master plan, the Richmond City Council was assured by the Stoney administration that their voice in amending the master plan would be respected. In the unanimous vote, the City Council has made it crystal clear that it is the desire of the city’s elected City Council that this amendment be approved by the Planning Commission.)
The art component of the new Cary Street Fire Station 12 may include art glass of a photo of Oregon Hill Fire Station 6.
This will be heard today at the City’s Planning Commission as well as a “discussion” of the proposed Richmond 300 amendment for Oregon Hill.
A “ladder chandelier “ is proposed for the open tower space, though some were hoping the plans would include an original, antique bell.