Council approves Richmond Plaza commercial condominium site plan with sidewalk trigger

The Richmond City Council on Sept. 2 approved the condominium site plan review for Richmond Plaza, an 18‑lot commercial condominium on 21.656 acres adjacent to the east side of Main Street between Muttonville Lane and Lake Angela Drive, subject to a condition that sidewalks and pedestrian access be provided from the northern property boundary to the commercial center when any outlot is developed. City staff said the planning commission reviewed the proposal twice, in July and August, and recommended approval after receiving updated documents from the applicant. John Eady, attorney for the applicant, told the council the proposal is largely a conversion of existing development into condominium ownership and that “there’s really no development. It’s essentially a paper transaction.” The planning commission and staff discussed pedestrian walkability and concluded sidewalks would be required when an outlot is built out; four outlots are shown on the plan but none have pending development. The council made and supported the motion and approved the site plan by voice vote. The transcript records the condition in the motion tying sidewalk installation to development of an outlot during the future site plan review process at the planning commission.