Committee forwards temporary utility easement with Henrico County for Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens

The committee voted Oct. 21 to forward ordinance 2025-238 to counsel recommending approval of a deed of temporary utility easement between the City of Richmond and Henrico County allowing nonexclusive easements through portions of the Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens at 1800 Lakeside Avenue.

Chris Froelke, director of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities, said the easement is part of standard coordination with Dominion Energy under the franchise agreement when Dominion undertakes work that affects city-owned park land. The easement would allow Dominion to perform necessary improvements consistent with franchise requirements.

The committee held a public hearing with no speakers and then moved and seconded a motion to forward the ordinance to counsel with a recommendation to approve. The motion passed with recorded ayes from Mr. Bridal, Vice Chair Robertson, and Chair Jones.

Staff characterized the action as routine and consistent with franchise agreement obligations; the ordinance will proceed to full council for final action.