[{"_1":2,"_110":-5,"_111":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,98],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6524157,"mediaKeyId","5019117-23f3c3795fc54ee1773b280d4e0a6c6a","parentId",5019117,"title","Committee forwards six papers: library greening grant, historic-preservation agreement and four VDOT sidewalk/bike applications","audioSeconds",1220,"startMs",699000,"endMs",1919000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5019117-23f3c3795fc54ee1773b280d4e0a6c6a&start=699&end=1919","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5019117-23f3c3795fc54ee1773b280d4e0a6c6a/thumbnail_699000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6524157/Richmond-City-Independent-City/Virginia/Committee-forwards-six-papers-library-greening-grant-historic-preservation-agreement-and-four-VDOT-sidewalkbike-applications","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6524157-70ff3424544d8e67fdccfe915cd705d5/orig.mp4?Expires=1770943913&Signature=KqMHLHfismNsjAfHRqpsUEc8o8rbLcsH5py5MT-loLjChF5aIHDawPVp5RpPYGO1SI3nhwAnp-1DRpeSmdYFJQOlTF3WXtbppVsADjqUw0ixte-SEeIDXWsNbS9QJ5lF9RzxMpAH1UJxu-jXLZPqtNMJq8qDTXrzprKle4Gk4Kxh4M1yT92Sx2H0k7E52pjn2ImiViJVgZfUkbEKFtq2wdj6l~sxCJoTcYdbG5GRllEAiV3c-FA~Ce9kWOUgTLD5qo6zXgW3IwiFzXyHzJu6zxtnvBTTAHGQ15twS10vuCXIWf2xTIjQPgHmzPMujVp9yKSWbBvDD8tINn4tsm6QvA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Richmond City","date","2025-06-18T00:00:00Z","article","The Land Use, Housing and Transportation Standing Committee voted to forward six papers to full council with recommendations to approve, including a library green-infrastructure grant, a state historic-preservation programmatic agreement and four VDOT Transportation Alternatives (TA) applications to seek federal funds for sidewalks, pedestrian crossings and protected bike lanes.

What the committee forwarded

- Ordinance 2025‑125 (Item 1): A city grant contract to the James River Association of $154,917 to implement green stormwater infrastructure at the Ginter Park branch library as part of the Greening Richmond Public Libraries initiative. Jen Clark of the Department of Public Utilities said the work includes permeable pavers and bioretention basins, and that the project advances the RVA Clean Water Plan goals. The committee voted to forward the ordinance to council with a recommendation to approve.

- Ordinance 2025‑126 (Item 2): A programmatic agreement with the Virginia Department of Historic Resources to allow city staff to conduct Section 106 reviews for HUD-funded projects under 36 C.F.R. part 800. Kevin J. Vaughn, director of planning and development review, said the agreement shortens review time by 30–60 days for many projects. The committee forwarded the ordinance with a recommendation to approve.

- Resolution 2025 R‑24 (Item 3): Support for a VDOT TA application to construct a 5-foot sidewalk on westbound German School Road (about 600 feet) and an infill on Glenway Drive; estimated total project cost about $1,400,000 with a requested federal share of $1,000,000 and a required 20% city match ($250,000) plus about $162,000 additional local contribution to improve competitiveness. The committee forwarded the resolution with a recommendation to approve.

- Resolution 2025 R‑25 (Item 4): Support for a VDOT TA application to install a 5-foot sidewalk along Carnation Street from Hyox Road (High Oaks Road in transcript) to Warwick Road (about 0.5 mile). Staff said this corridor has received TA funding and implementation work in previous cycles; the committee forwarded the resolution with a recommendation to approve.

- Resolution 2025 R‑26 (Item 5): Support for a VDOT TA application for pedestrian crossing improvements on Forest Hill Avenue between Westover Hills Boulevard and Taylor Avenue including rectangular rapid-flashing beacons (RRFBs), ADA ramps, curb extensions and channelized islands. Estimated total cost about $1,400,000 with a requested $1,000,000 federal share and $250,000 city match plus an additional $206,000 local contribution for competitiveness. The committee forwarded the resolution with a recommendation to approve.

- Resolution 2025 R‑29 (Item 6): Support for a VDOT TA application to install protected bike lanes on Franklin Street from Belvidere Street to Lombardy Street using a road diet and concrete barrier separation. Estimated total project cost about $2,000,000 with a requested $1,000,000 federal share and $250,000 city match; staff proposed an additional $750,000 local contribution to improve statewide competitiveness. The committee forwarded the resolution with a recommendation to approve. Brantley Bridal, director of Blackhawk RVA at SportsPackers, spoke in support of the Franklin Street protected bike lane.

Voting and procedure

For each paper the public hearing was opened and no public opposition was recorded. Committee motions to forward the ordinances and resolutions to council with recommendations to approve were adopted by recorded \"Aye\" votes from the presiding vice chair and chair (Vice Chair Robertson and Chair Jones). Where specific movers and seconders were not named in the transcript the motion and second were recorded but not attributed to a specific speaker.

Why it matters: The grants and TA applications seek federal funding for infrastructure that affects pedestrian safety, stormwater management and multimodal connectivity across neighborhoods; they require local matching funds if awarded.

Ending: The committee forwarded all six items to full council with recommendations to approve; project-specific funding and match requests will be addressed in future CIP or budget actions if the grants are awarded.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Richmond City - Land Use, Housing and Transportation Standing Committee Meeting - June 17, 2025, at 3:00 P.M. - Jun 18, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The committee forwarded six items to council with recommendations to approve, including a $154,917 James River Association grant for green infrastructure at the Ginter Park library, a programmatic Section 106 agreement and four VDOT Transportation Alternatives grant applications for sidewalks, crossings and protected bike lanes.","taxTitle","Richmond City (Independent City), Virginia","taxId",5755,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6524160,"RHA presents phased plan for Gilpin Court redevelopment; council seeks relocation, oversight details",1730,1943000,3673000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5019117-23f3c3795fc54ee1773b280d4e0a6c6a&start=1943&end=3673","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5019117-23f3c3795fc54ee1773b280d4e0a6c6a/thumbnail_1943000.jpg","/articles/6524160/Richmond-City-Independent-City/Virginia/RHA-presents-phased-plan-for-Gilpin-Court-redevelopment-council-seeks-relocation-oversight-details","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6524160-bd7007242c238c195979c308466875d6/orig.mp4?Expires=1770943913&Signature=c5cqJZ0oiWW-QtwXOcv~2MBgYIj6rF4oCBMw4ZF3QPxwzfm1Zf5vXf7hjNviwGCEdOq19n0CK6yfv1LQATltok6gbzD3w0VEneZ87qSteaLITmRxqVFipWFBvGQwlPCCWXm97pkzz8vTgBVYP~-l9URgwXhyCqbLY1FYPEwc14OY4rlhUBwZscvYz7At634Etjc5U6-sbLuu4kR1r3JdS0Zd~-D61ggOYN9PHnghnwIBIe4f2RWGlmU-33qi5X6s2t3rmi1ECKcUQibAoElMFAz~0TUyos6u3X9iAVAfyMzm0fbxKdAD3wsGv-cmGbA7o0S624j~~T5POmNI-Ma3rA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority (RHA) told the Land Use, Housing and Transportation Standing Committee on a June meeting date that it plans a phased redevelopment of Gilpin Court using its nonprofit redevelopment arm, the Richmond Development Corporation (RDC), to raise money and accelerate construction.

RHA Chief Executive Officer Steve Nesmith said the proposal uses a phase-transfer model rather than transferring all 781 units at once, and that RHA will retain land title via ground lease: “RHA will continue to own the land,” Nesmith said. He said the RDC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit wholly owned by RHA and that redevelopment agreements include a tenant bill of rights and other provisions to preserve resident options.

The presentation centered on financing and tenant protections. Nesmith and senior staff said federal funding shortfalls make outside financing necessary; they listed tools they may pursue, including Low-Income Housing Tax Credits, historic tax credits, state and city funding and rental-assistance demonstrations. Nesmith said RHA aims to request tenant protection vouchers from HUD to assist households during relocation and to preserve ability to return.

Why it matters: Gilpin Court is one of the city's oldest public housing complexes. The proposal affects hundreds of households and is intended to replace aging buildings while limiting displacement during redevelopment.

Key details and council questions

- Tenant protections and vouchers: Nesmith said RHA is seeking tenant protection vouchers and explained that HUD's voucher allocation is based on a two-year lookback of occupied units. Corey Franklin, RHA's senior vice president for affordable housing, said vouchers that tenants decline would roll into the agency's voucher inventory and could be used for project-based vouchers or to serve the waiting list.

- Tenant bill of rights: Nesmith said RHA has embedded a tenant bill of rights into redevelopment agreements similar to prior Creighton Court language. He said it guarantees a right of return for tenants who want to return. Council requested a copy; RHA agreed to provide it.

- RDC oversight and board composition: Nesmith acknowledged past communication shortcomings and said RHA would consider resident representation on the RDC board. He noted the board of commissioners has already passed a resolution requiring a commissioner to sit on the RDC board and that RDC board actions must return to the RHA board for final approval.

- Relocation strategy and timeline: Cheryl (Shole/Cheryl in transcript) Hampton, senior vice president for real estate development, described relocation practices RHA uses in prior redevelopments: needs assessments, payment for movers and moving supplies, and options for how residents receive assistance. She said HUD requires a PHA to have a relocation strategy. RHA said it will provide a detailed relocation plan, counts of proposed tenant protection vouchers, the phase-by-phase proposed unit mix and timeline to council ahead of a July follow-up presentation.

- Ownership and developer role: Nesmith said RHA will remain a public partner and will be a minority owner in the development (he said RHA would hold about 40% ownership under the master development agreement). He said the selected private developer was procured via a competitive process and that the agreement requires the developer to reinvest part of profits into community programs.

Public comment and context

Multiple public commenters — including tenant advocates and community organizers — spoke during public comment arguing for stronger resident inclusion, transparency, and public oversight of the RDC. Omar El Gaddafi of the Legal Aid Justice Center said residents want \"more public accountability\" and inclusion in redevelopment planning. Community members urged faster action and clearer commitments to resident return.

What council asked for next

Council members requested: (1) the tenant bill of rights; (2) the RDC board membership list; (3) the detailed relocation strategy and estimated voucher counts; (4) a phase-by-phase unit mix (public housing, affordable, market-rate) and timeline; and (5) dates for three planned community engagement meetings. RHA said it would supply those documents and firm meeting dates by the end of the week or early next week.

No formal vote was taken on redevelopment during this committee meeting. RHA officials said they will return with the requested details and expected to bring materials to the RHA board before further city actions.

Ending: RHA officials emphasized a \"build-first\" approach intended to reduce displacement and said they will increase community engagement and provide the requested documentation to council ahead of the July follow-up presentation.","The Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority (RHA) told the committee it plans to redevelop Gilpin Court in phases using its nonprofit redevelopment arm, the Richmond Development Corporation, and asked for authority to pursue tenant protection vouchers and outside financing to accelerate construction.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6524147,"GRTC outlines North–South BRT study, downtown transfer-station planning, stop upgrades and zero-fare fundraising",0,5927000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5019117-23f3c3795fc54ee1773b280d4e0a6c6a&start=5927&end=5927","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5019117-23f3c3795fc54ee1773b280d4e0a6c6a/thumbnail_5927000.jpg","/articles/6524147/Richmond-City-Independent-City/Virginia/GRTC-outlines-NorthSouth-BRT-study-downtown-transfer-station-planning-stop-upgrades-and-zero-fare-fundraising","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6524147-25f9155232f21cadfced1474e107a21a/orig.mp4?Expires=1770943913&Signature=L4gCopvRHHU-A2f~umVZgEGQwhnqLEQCjr~WVcMrngRal64~hib7vyAMpvdV3DzxaIOtsWlLDEYvc~dCt9FW6dn74COPB9FqFJA6Tm-L~T9cXEl0NL2l-z7W6uQpxQPbqQxo6aopDQx6o64rK2Kwfp06fTVQ8qgr-Kjy0GaspWy9vYSbbuodxC5Ux4HoEFxb7dgv75tIuLY8V0wncMPJFaY-w8Mn~pTJPsgCjBcrMI63m5~yfvVGLePSEe2X-TETR3KEFy8sHa~obFYZGVY87dnlq07kpUablWLvs1IwjCxCnFDZCd25AqK~AQD49HjVyhDUsakAB0-c78KO8CcDdQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","GRTC representatives briefed the committee on capital projects and the agency's strategy to sustain the zero-fare program.

Major initiatives and timelines

- North–South Bus Rapid Transit (BRT): GRTC said it is studying a BRT corridor from Azalea (Henrico County) through Jackson Ward and Ninth Street to Manchester and Midlothian; the agency aims for operation by 2031. Environmental analysis and engineering work are underway with a construction funding need beginning in 2028.

- Transit-oriented development (TOD) study: A federally funded $750,000 study will identify up to six development sites along the North–South corridor and is expected to conclude in June 2026 with recommendations to come before council.

- Western Pulse extension (to Parham Road): A shorter study is underway with an operational target of 2029.

- Downtown transfer station: GRTC and city staff are advancing concept design for a permanent downtown transfer station on the former public safety building site between Clay and Lee streets, moving toward environmental analysis and an RFQ for a public-private partnership.

- Dedicated-lane study and transit-stop improvements: A 2024 study identified congested corridors where dedicated lanes would improve service; GRTC has an initiative to install shelters or benches at 75% of roughly 1,700 bus stops within its network and currently has 38 Richmond shelters in review or pending installation.

Zero-fare sustainability and fundraising

GRTC said its board adopted a FY26 budget that includes zero-fare and that the agency is pursuing advertising revenue (bus wraps and shelters) and a new \"Transit Access Partnership\" fundraising campaign. GRTC reported more than $500,000 in advertising revenue to date from bus wraps and will publicly launch the Transit Access Partnership on July 8, which will also showcase new articulated 60-foot vehicles entering service.

Why it matters: The BRT, station and dedicated-lane planning seek to improve high-frequency transit reliability and encourage transit-oriented development; sustaining zero-fare affects ridership and equity by removing fare barriers for riders.

Ending: GRTC said planning will continue, funding is the chief barrier to construction, and the agency will return as projects mature and federal/state funds are sought.","GRTC presented planning updates for a North–South BRT to open by 2031, a western Pulse extension, a permanent downtown transfer station P3 study, stop and shelter upgrades and a fundraising strategy to sustain the city's zero-fare transit program.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6524151,"City housing office details rehabilitation, manufactured-home and eviction-diversion programs funded by ARPA and other sources",821,4939000,5760000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5019117-23f3c3795fc54ee1773b280d4e0a6c6a&start=4939&end=5760","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5019117-23f3c3795fc54ee1773b280d4e0a6c6a/thumbnail_4939000.jpg","/articles/6524151/Richmond-City-Independent-City/Virginia/City-housing-office-details-rehabilitation-manufactured-home-and-eviction-diversion-programs-funded-by-ARPA-and-other-sources","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6524151-28d4d8cb97ae2e6ba2f47d3101303373/orig.mp4?Expires=1770943913&Signature=W7HujQHzXbTLw9f6hCCrENgnbVlDcy4zFsIWUBLUAkwkjnsC3Lp63N5XzSC1BxCarbFbEtRoNIh1yJdDUpPEl-5E3xIkEN-mnEPUcmFeBaaUG6itjtnCEovIessQ7Q~0Uj4ODQRwyrAtEHDZbF7UwwuigFAaoqi8FhgwExvbs1KGn6MeVT8u~916yoTWrW1QrmXVKpiBPizL5PVOMXxGXPKry1U-VzcffQcd4JPMI7OkM~w27-OIyfnQzXCCteBHdQRVFlfE~uG~zVlNaPgtlC-3AoyUBu6SVRjtu4WLsOYr-Xr56C0whhipvRdMuS9joPDZkwn65P3TZfqmJRQySA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City housing staff told the committee that several locally administered rehabilitation and preservation programs are active and that they are pursuing additional partnerships and funding to reduce displacement.

Department overview and outcomes

Michelle Brown Peters, deputy director for the Department of Housing and Community Development, summarized owner-occupied rehabilitation and rental-preservation work the department manages with nonprofit partners:

- Owner-occupied rehab (federal funds): Up to $15,000 per home; 40 households assisted in fiscal year 2025 with total program investment cited as $1.5 million.

- Healthy Homes (ARPA-funded moderate rehab, managed internally): Up to $30,000 per home; 89 houses completed and approximately $2.78 million invested.

- Substantial rehab (Project HOME partner): Up to $60,000 per home; 12 completed and 21 in pipeline with about $2.2 million invested.

- Preservation of rental (NOAH) properties using ARPA funds: Program cited $3,050,000 invested to preserve 279 units (264 at 0–50% AMI and 15 at 51–60% AMI); department said ARPA funds leveraged more than $40 million in total development.

- Manufactured Home Park Initiative: Phase 1 and 2 used local non-departmental funding; repairs average about $13,200 per unit. Phase 3 was scheduled to begin July 1 with $800,000 for roughly 50 units.

Eviction diversion and right to counsel

Staff described the eviction diversion program administered by Southside Community Development Corporation with direct rental arrears assistance and the right-to-counsel program managed by South Central Virginia Legal Aid Society:

- Southside CDC: $1,000,000 allocated in the budget; 75% directed to direct rental arrears assistance; 750 inquiries and 82 households assisted as of March; $207,254 paid in direct assistance to date; staff said remaining allocated funds expected to be expended by June.

- Right to Counsel: $500,000 allocated for legal representation with a target of assisting 300 households; additional FY26 funding anticipated in the budget.

Staff also said they are exploring local rental-assistance subsidy models used elsewhere and outreach to philanthropic and corporate partners to scale preservation work.

Why it matters: These rehabilitation and eviction-prevention programs aim to keep low-income homeowners and renters in place, preserving affordability and limiting displacement in a tight rental market.

Ending: Housing staff said program documentation and maps showing district-level impacts are available and asked council to consider continued local funding and partnerships to sustain preservation efforts.","The Department of Housing and Community Development described owner-occupied rehabilitation programs, manufactured-home repairs, NOAH multifamily rehabs, an eviction diversion rental assistance program and a right-to-counsel initiative. Officials said programs have reached every council district and leveraged significant outside funds.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Committee forwards six papers: library greening grant, historic-preservation agreement and four VDOT sidewalk/bike applications

RHA presents phased plan for Gilpin Court redevelopment; council seeks relocation, oversight details

GRTC outlines North–South BRT study, downtown transfer-station planning, stop upgrades and zero-fare fundraising

City housing office details rehabilitation, manufactured-home and eviction-diversion programs funded by ARPA and other sources