[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-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",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_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",6492097,"mediaKeyId","5496987-66d1443802692f005fc6286aa8dad9bb","parentId",5496987,"title","Votes at a glance: Richmond City Council actions, July 28, 2025","audioSeconds",1454,"startMs",1574000,"endMs",3028000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5496987-66d1443802692f005fc6286aa8dad9bb&start=1574&end=3028","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5496987-66d1443802692f005fc6286aa8dad9bb/thumbnail_1574000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6492097/Richmond-City-Independent-City/Virginia/Votes-at-a-glance-Richmond-City-Council-actions-July-28-2025","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6492097-b3f13db0c191e65ebc19c0576fe796e4/orig.mp4?Expires=1770915516&Signature=oby9R~JJRUaC938Pu7vDnjL9ARCF~OoFoUsMOuPD7Tt1SRrVmLwVqgTbFQCryCaO17oJ8HeclQkMi~DaFkQunyrFfQawn-mzJPnVPaRkMhKNcPCJTFrVD3nlZOUAGbpx~tAE3Nli0XAsuKrEhD4367X0AtJVTPZxIZEobsov6fBUtsD2XodLnFfvfD-7YNqgpDlCQfYpbMIJHT~~IFrSOHxozpJaWsIOUpRvledQ5DkSf7JYxheecqT4Eckqooi7YqbWNq4s-A5IzbwvYrhyj2r2Z~yOyfxwcY87fYGth-C4Exx1InCo6oicb5K4065PRF8nYz7wa06VAhrk6ci4cA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Richmond City","date","2025-07-28T00:00:00Z","article","The Richmond City Council took the following formal actions on July 28. This roundup lists motions, continuances and adopted papers recorded during the meeting.

- Agenda amendments: The council voted to amend the evening’s agenda to continue or amend several ordinance items to later dates. The motion to adopt the amended agenda passed by recorded vote with all members present voting yes.

- Consent agenda: The council adopted the consent agenda (numerous items listed by the clerk) after a public hearing with no in-person opposition recorded; one virtual speaker spoke in support. The consent agenda passed by recorded vote with council members present voting yes.

- Continuances/motions to amend: Council approved motions to amend and continue several specified ordinances to the Monday, September 8 council meeting. Those included, among others, amendments and continuances for: ordinance 2024-312 (special use permit at 7100 Cenk Road), ordinance 2025-136 (council staffing and appointment authority), ordinance 2025-155 (conditional use for 505 West Lee Street), and ordinance 2025-157 (zoning definitions, which council ultimately considered as presented). Each of the motions to amend and continue passed on recorded voice votes with members present voting yes.

- Minutes: Minutes from June 23 informal and formal meetings and a July 7 special meeting were approved as presented.

How to read this: Items continued to future meetings were typically continued to the Monday, September 8 council meeting unless otherwise noted. Where council recorded votes, the clerk read the roll and members present were recorded as voting; the meeting transcript shows unanimous ‘aye’ tallies for the recorded roll-call votes.

Ending: For full details, including ordinance and resolution numbers and staff reports, the city clerk’s office posts meeting materials and adopted papers on the city website.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Richmond City - Richmond City Council Formal Meeting on 2025-07-28 6:00 PM","oneSentenceSummary","Summary of key council votes and motions from the July 28 Richmond City Council meeting, including agenda amendments, continuances and the adoption of ordinances.","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},6492102,"Council delays Fenton Street special-use permit after neighborhood opposition and requests for more outreach",985,1999000,2984000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5496987-66d1443802692f005fc6286aa8dad9bb&start=1999&end=2984","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5496987-66d1443802692f005fc6286aa8dad9bb/thumbnail_1999000.jpg","/articles/6492102/Richmond-City-Independent-City/Virginia/Council-delays-Fenton-Street-special-use-permit-after-neighborhood-opposition-and-requests-for-more-outreach","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6492102-5db066b551db69b6c8691bd751ae686b/orig.mp4?Expires=1770915516&Signature=IfW8dYDYZudHcGHZ01JOtple3hY7Olz81g-SEws99q9yUdf0~gV60tHHpEHsbfjhnpxqa6b42tMvD~CoTNj~0ZKukf29PYkvvbiAvYLu~BQOGIrXD-aVw2Fy20RjVtsAK3O5uW~Uo2ywGdyEUPTEqmYwDHdUuqh7z3y3NwGFKzWU5-iswiZ8HC~aoMHFBOG25p1IaE5BNdSYORayt-uhwH6T2-TQFPqRQLlNNR7BC0K9P9a-cJ~RFrdWX~w~xovkaZsBZqORliGdiY4RLUnMTAgJ~fD07auSmX-KIyy69NtwfJGwu-hk0DfP6hR6zRsOyiG4-oMK3msYjeRBFvLgbA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Richmond City Council on July 28 voted to continue a proposed special-use permit (SUP) for development at 2201–2203 Fenton Avenue after residents raised notice, density and tree-loss concerns.

Residents said they received little or no direct notice about the application, expressed worry that the developer seeks to place three houses on a narrow lot (speakers cited existing lot rules and said typical lots are about 50 feet), and asked for more time for community meetings and information. Several speakers said the proposed subdivision would reduce tree canopy and exacerbate drainage and parking problems.

Developer presentation and staff review: A representative for Baker Development Resources said the SUP had been submitted in December, that the project had unanimous Planning Commission recommendation for approval, and that two homes could be built by right while the SUP seeks permission for an additional third home. He said the SUP includes design and public-improvement commitments such as new sidewalks, three street trees and two off-street parking spaces per home.

Council action: After a public hearing that included multiple speakers in opposition and 1 speaker for the developer, Councilmember Abubakar moved to continue the item to the Sept. 8 council meeting to allow a developer-led community meeting and additional discussion; the motion passed by recorded voice vote with all members present voting in favor.

Clarifying details: Speakers cited a typical lot width of 50 feet and said the developer was proposing lot splits to 26 feet and one as small as 11 feet. The developer said two units were allowed by right and the SUP request was for the third unit; the SUP review included recommended public improvements and materials standards.

Ending: Council continued the application to Sept. 8 and asked the developer to hold a community meeting and return with additional outreach and responses to resident concerns.","After extensive public comment from nearby homeowners and renters, Richmond City Council voted to continue consideration of a special-use permit for a proposed three-house infill at 2201–2203 Fenton Avenue to the Sept. 8 meeting to allow more community engagement.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6492107,"Council adopts ordinance limiting locations for tobacco and hemp retail, including 'vape' shops",439,3726000,4165000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5496987-66d1443802692f005fc6286aa8dad9bb&start=3726&end=4165","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5496987-66d1443802692f005fc6286aa8dad9bb/thumbnail_3726000.jpg","/articles/6492107/Richmond-City-Independent-City/Virginia/Council-adopts-ordinance-limiting-locations-for-tobacco-and-hemp-retail-including-vape-shops","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6492107-89009c01b3c54876bf8a3644d577fd22/orig.mp4?Expires=1770915516&Signature=AzFL-KPpAJfeb1ixHeu2CzTd9l0SKSc4InHbpUDAr0~9xvvQ1Iaw3PGzxUeYWheRwu~dTsG~jAM0ZBOwhGVa0CrW0q1r9PaTXVc7WovZlstw87EDRgXY~IT4lOMGl-re3ND-EePwg8Eau25n0pCUi-3T1sg~pXjSOs6LavEJg~bC0CS60Y82xbkZyTeAWQln42y24EiYMVRwYUAkX9IjAen4IX-GWRGeXMpOemFcfR32BkUL7RSL7S9mafvetpw19vjGJQhaji~aIUKR8FSf89mETxa735aopQfOHLstM8hKI1CHcVsjcd0aD1OSFPVKKnsDdMtftOTK8EQUlyO63Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Richmond City Council on July 28 voted to add a new zoning use for retail sale of tobacco and hemp and to regulate where those businesses may operate across the city. The ordinance treats such establishments as conditional uses in specified zoning districts and places additional restrictions on their siting.

Key provisions: The ordinance establishes a zoning definition for retail sales of tobacco and hemp, references the Code of Virginia definitions, and allows locations only in certain commercial zoning districts subject to a conditional use permit. The ordinance imposes a 1,000-foot buffer requirement from residences, schools, parks and places of worship as part of the conditional-use conditions identified by planning staff.

Why it matters: Council members and community speakers said the measure is intended to reduce the normalization and visibility of vape shops and reduce youth exposure, particularly near schools. Planning Director Kevin Jay Bonk said staff recommended approval and noted the ordinance references the Code of Virginia definitions; a later amendment could codify the definitions directly into the zoning code.

Public input and debate: Two residents and tenant organizer Madeline McElgin spoke in favor during the public hearing, saying the ordinance would help address the concentration of vape shops near middle schools. Councilmembers expressed broad support; several asked to be added as co-patrons and the administration signaled willingness to work on future amendments that would affect existing stores.

Council action: The ordinance was adopted in a roll-call vote with all members present recorded as voting yes. Vice President Jordan noted the ordinance does not affect existing shops (it applies prospectively) and that additional state-level action may be required to address existing businesses.

Ending: Councilmembers said they would continue to pursue future amendments to strengthen enforcement and address existing locations where the ordinance will not apply retroactively.","Richmond City Council adopted an ordinance creating a defined use for retail sales of tobacco and hemp in the zoning code and restricting where such businesses may operate, including 1,000-foot buffers from residential areas, schools, parks and places of worship.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6492111,"Council raises small-business BPOL exemption from $250,000 to $500,000",349,3065000,3414000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5496987-66d1443802692f005fc6286aa8dad9bb&start=3065&end=3414","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5496987-66d1443802692f005fc6286aa8dad9bb/thumbnail_3065000.jpg","/articles/6492111/Richmond-City-Independent-City/Virginia/Council-raises-small-business-BPOL-exemption-from-250000-to-500000","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6492111-f4d6bf7d5efaaf867fcc58a4df588a21/orig.mp4?Expires=1770915516&Signature=Xvg3DGeeU60Nw8mP40x-9~22ANvVvrpdJY2xU-7z~uHW6T02gpqA8sJFbnojxCQVvYAAzvGhx7y5eG-sHCrSNY79bhJZjLMuEcKmhjlNH-klDyc8TE0ojY69n2wpG2U71q7F1FGLSpDIM0Lkfs44vTCp8MR6XmE5DWO6O-Az2XHE6cOGVJGwrVn2YqpxAWAwODMzDBypT0t-tptfKWnwpp7sp9wu3Zr9Qe-Lo7DoQtu7Klk9fFwPwrXNUjSnIGhctYGEVV03lEwvyJotXUW~axR6fYOqRx5u4L8AHwPG3t7XowiG-Mjki4r6RVdym8GXJj7ljKCj~xCMQJQSH8l-nQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Richmond City Council on July 28 adopted an ordinance increasing the city’s BPOL exemption threshold from $250,000 to $500,000 in annual gross receipts, a change proponents said will help retain and attract small businesses.

Councilmember Stephanie Lynch, floor sponsor of the ordinance, framed the change as the result of several years of discussion. Lynch said Richmond’s exemption level lagged neighboring counties — which have higher thresholds — and that the low exemption contributed to small businesses relocating outside the city.

Why it matters: The change raises the income level at which a business may qualify for an exemption from the city’s BPOL tax. Council members said the measure is intended to make Richmond more competitive for small businesses and reduce tax burdens on local entrepreneurs.

Council debate and vote: Lynch noted the item had been under discussion for years and credited predecessors and stakeholders, including the Chamber of Commerce, for participation in the policy conversations. There were no public speakers in opposition or support during the public hearing. The ordinance passed in a roll-call vote; all council members present were recorded as voting in favor.

Implementation notes: Councilmembers said the administration has indicated willingness to work with council on measures to offset lost tax revenue and to coordinate implementation; no specific budget offsets were described during the hearing.

Ending: Council members added their names as co-patrons in support. The ordinance is now adopted; the clerk confirmed the paper has been adopted and will be implemented according to the city code amendment.","Richmond City Council voted to amend city code to increase the business, professional and occupational license (BPOL) tax exemption threshold for small businesses from $250,000 to $500,000 in annual revenue.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":115,"_47":116,"_49":117,"_51":118,"_53":119,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":120,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":121,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6492115,"Richmond council directs city attorney to require council approval before RRHA signs master development agreement for Gilpin Court",0,5881000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5496987-66d1443802692f005fc6286aa8dad9bb&start=5881&end=5881","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5496987-66d1443802692f005fc6286aa8dad9bb/thumbnail_5881000.jpg","/articles/6492115/Richmond-City-Independent-City/Virginia/Richmond-council-directs-city-attorney-to-require-council-approval-before-RRHA-signs-master-development-agreement-for-Gilpin-Court","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6492115-68f478ecf604eac8c8fd42f9fb475048/orig.mp4?Expires=1770915516&Signature=KjkWP9oPxo3KJo7WCQNniJc8vYG3vGlxJRxceOKPhn54mCUGR3MK4Kvp~YdF8TO5~lWPg0FCosHqorxjOu7WNzvFFjp51TbohatfVDjpMxXR7WYhpxiSOufPXnOSPxIbdc1PDRtP-CqrrhTTFFSls5~uuzVw8-UOao1RcxjcnY-PiO46QZtEPxlSsaR6at~3H8S3uIrXchDyAT9JAqeMhIGshtuEQAQcqX78Tah4~jmVPq2asnPdEzBnwQ5JEXerTZo7fgFDDyZfojJXikaEMUnrMiy66MW7N04NhpBiDfEjVIit1qW~ZZmvd8tWNCjHZHSoOFTlvUuMIJrx5cUFog__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Richmond City Council on July 28 adopted a resolution directing the city attorney to notify the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority that the RRHA must get City Council approval before entering a master development agreement (MDA) for the redevelopment of Gilpin Court.

The action followed extended public comment from Gilpin Court residents and advocates who said they were not informed about the MDA and raised concerns about housing displacement, lack of transparency at RRHA and alleged misconduct by RRHA leadership. Councilmember Kenya Gibson, who sponsored the resolution, said she reviewed documents and cited Code of Virginia language on redevelopment plans to argue the authority needed governing-body approval before implementing an MDA.

Why it matters: Council members and tenant advocates said the decision is intended to protect nearly all residents of Gilpin Court and to ensure local oversight before a public-housing site moves into a privately administered redevelopment process. Supporters called the vote a necessary step to get clarity and to preserve residents’ rights while the city and RRHA resolve conflicting legal interpretations.

What the council debated: Councilmembers pressed for timely clarification because, they said, RRHA leadership appeared to have signed an MDA after the RRHA board voted against transferring Gilpin to the Richmond Development Corporation (RDC). Councilmember Stephanie Lynch warned that private redevelopment without one-for-one replacement of deeply affordable units or a reliable relocation plan could displace large numbers of very-low-income households. Lynch said many Gilpin residents make less than $16,000 a year and that private redevelopment relying on Housing Choice Vouchers could leave residents without feasible housing options.

Tenants and tenant advocates addressed the council during a public hearing. Multiple Gilpin residents testified they lacked clear communication from RRHA, alleged that RRHA offered residents incentives to attend prior city meetings in support of the transfer without explaining the consequences, and described poor living conditions and management failures. Legal Aid Justice Center organizer Omar El-Gaddafi and tenant-organizing representatives said RRHA had a history of audits and litigation and that council intervention was long overdue.

Council action: The council first approved an expedited consideration request and then voted on the resolution. The expedited motion passed and the final motion to direct the city attorney was adopted by voice vote with the members present recorded as voting in favor. President Newbill said the vote would be followed by efforts to get the parties together, including attorneys for the city and RRHA, to clarify precisely what approvals are required and how to proceed for Gilpin and other public housing sites.

Quotes: \"According to the Code of Virginia ... an authority shall not implement any redevelopment plan under this law until the governing body of the locality has approved the redevelopment plan,\" Councilmember Kenya Gibson said. \"I reached out to our legal counsel and she agreed\" that RRHA's actions raised compliance questions.

Next steps: The resolution directs the city attorney to notify RRHA of the requirement for council approval prior to entering an MDA for Gilpin Court. Councilmembers said they will seek a meeting with RRHA leadership, residents and legal counsel to clarify the legal record and to discuss a path forward intended to preserve affordable units and ensure resident participation.

Ending: Councilmembers and tenant advocates described the vote as a pause to ensure legal compliance and resident protections rather than a block on redevelopment. Several councilmembers emphasized that the city still needs a redevelopment path for aging public housing, but they said the process must include clear approvals, resident engagement and enforceable commitments about replacement housing and relocation plans.","After months of resident complaints and a disputed master development agreement, Richmond City Council voted to direct the city attorney to notify the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority (RRHA) that council approval is required before RRHA may enter a master development agreement to redevelop Gilpin Court.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: Richmond City Council actions, July 28, 2025

Council delays Fenton Street special-use permit after neighborhood opposition and requests for more outreach

Council adopts ordinance limiting locations for tobacco and hemp retail, including 'vape' shops

Council raises small-business BPOL exemption from $250,000 to $500,000

Richmond council directs city attorney to require council approval before RRHA signs master development agreement for Gilpin Court