Richmond housing advocate exposes accountability concerns over Gilpin Court redevelopment plans

Richmond City Council convened on June 9, 2025, to address pressing concerns surrounding the proposed transfer of Gilpin Court's public housing units to the Richmond Development Corporation (RDC). The meeting featured passionate testimonies from residents and advocates, highlighting the urgent need for transparency and accountability in the redevelopment process.

Omari Al Gaddafi, a senior organizer at the Legal Aid Justice Center, opened the discussion by expressing strong support for the Richmond Housing Authority (RHA) and its Board of Commissioners. However, he raised alarms about the lack of oversight regarding the RDC, which he claimed operates with minimal public accountability. Al Gaddafi urged the council to halt all RDC real estate transactions until a quorum of RHA commissioners and resident representatives are appointed to its board.

Dream Boyd and Kiara Harris, representatives of the Gilpin Informed Residents Group, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing their commitment to ensuring that redevelopment plans include adequate housing replacements and opportunities for wealth creation for current residents. They expressed frustration over feeling excluded from discussions that directly impact their community.

Penny Page, vice president of the Partnership for Smarter Growth, reinforced the residents' call for transparency, citing a history of mistrust stemming from inconsistent messaging from RHA leadership. She urged the council to rebuild trust with the community by addressing their concerns and ensuring that the redevelopment process is genuinely resident-driven.

Cheryl Hampton, senior vice president of real estate development at RHA, defended the proposal, asserting that it is designed with residents' best interests in mind. She described the phased redevelopment approach as necessary to secure funding and tenant protections, while also acknowledging the need for improved resident engagement.

The meeting concluded with Council Member Lynch emphasizing the critical nature of the issues raised, labeling them as life-and-death matters that warrant further examination in future committee meetings. The council's commitment to addressing these concerns will be pivotal in shaping the future of public housing in Richmond and ensuring that residents' voices are heard in the redevelopment process.