Council approves concept plan for Fort Richmond pavilion, agrees to apply for earmarks for playground and security cameras

The Richmond Town Council gave concept approval to a pavilion and site layout at 4 Richmond Townhouse Road and directed town staff to pursue rezoning of the parcel to the town’s public (PUB) zone if doing so does not jeopardize grant funding.

Council planner Karen Pinch presented a concept rendering showing a prefabricated pavilion with an attached restroom, a parking area, and a septic system to be sited near Cherry Hill Furniture. Pinch said the initial grant award would not cover all elements of the original pre‑COVID project, so the town is seeking additional congressional directed spending (earmark) requests to fund a playground, pickleball courts and expanded parking in a later phase.

Council voted to approve the concept plan and then authorized the administration to submit two earmark requests: about $300,000 for a town‑wide camera/security upgrade (interconnected to dispatch) and about $300,000 to fund expansion of Fort Richmond Townhouse Road site improvements (playground, fencing, parking and pickleball). Pinch said the $5.78 million previously allocated will be used for engineering and the initial site work; additional federal funding would allow the town to complete playground and recreation elements.

Council also directed the town planner to examine rezoning the property to PUB to match the town’s public‑facilities zone; staff will report back on whether rezoning would affect existing grant obligations. Vice President Reynolds asked staff to check grant terms before any formal rezoning action, and planner Tye indicated that check would be part of the review.

The council approved the concept plan and the requests to apply for earmarks by roll call vote.