Richmond Land Use Committee approves appointments for three key boards

The Richmond City Land Use, Housing and Transportation Standing Committee convened on April 22, 2025, to address various agenda items, including the approval of previous meeting minutes and the review of current vacancies on city boards and commissions.

The meeting commenced with the approval of the minutes from the March 18, 2025, meeting, which were accepted without amendments. Following this, the committee moved on to discuss the vacancy report, which outlines current and projected vacancies through August 2025.

The first item of discussion was the Board of Building Code Appeals, which currently has three divisions, each with one vacancy. Four applicants were presented: Richard Newman Jr., Samuel Starks, Michael Poole, and Victor Torres. The committee noted that while Mr. Poole does not reside or work in Richmond, the board's requirements have been adjusted to broaden the search for members. Ultimately, Victor Torres was selected for the Board of Appeals, along with Samuel Starks and Richard Newman Jr. for the general contractor position.

Next, the committee reviewed a vacancy on the City Planning Commission, which requires a qualified voter of the city who holds no office or profit under city government. The committee opted to reappoint Rebecca Rowe, while Joseph Chidauri submitted an initial application. It was also noted that Elizabeth Greenfield is now the mayoral appointment to the planning commission.

The Community Transportation Advisory Committee had one application from Matthew Clements Jr., which the committee approved. Lastly, the committee addressed the Maggie L. Walker Community Land Trust Citizens Advisory Panel, noting that this body is currently dormant. The new Chief Administrative Officer expressed a desire to reactivate the panel, although no specific timeline for meetings was provided.

In summary, the meeting effectively addressed board vacancies and reappointments, with a focus on enhancing participation in city governance. The committee's next steps will involve monitoring the reactivation of the Citizens Advisory Panel and continuing to fill vacancies as needed.