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Residents press Richmond council on Nevin Plaza repairs and Motel 6 Homekey negotiations
Summary
During open forum, several Richmond residents raised health and safety complaints about Nevin Plaza property management and contractors, and some speakers opposed the city’s Homekey negotiations for a Motel 6 at 42520 Fourth Street. City attorney reported closed-session direction given to negotiators on that property.
During the Jan. 28 open forum several residents raised housing and public‑health concerns about Nevin Plaza and criticized the performance of the development manager and contractors. The council also heard public remarks about the Homekey acquisition of a Motel 6 located at 42520 Fourth Street that was discussed in closed session.
Several commenters described construction‑related damage, mold, alleged asbestos, vermin and instances of displaced residents. Liz Woods, a Nevin Plaza resident, described cracked foundations and poor construction work, said residents were reporting respiratory illness and said she had been temporarily displaced. Felina Cosby said contractor and management actions had led to missing resident documentation and alleged unsafe conditions, and she urged the council to take action. Commenters identified EAH (EAH Housing) as the managing organization and referenced HUD and contract issues; speakers said they intended to seek outside agency review.
Cordell Hendler and other speakers urged the council to support negotiators working on the Motel 6 Homekey property at 42520 Fourth Street. The city attorney later reported that during closed session the council received a status report on the real property negotiations for that address and direction was given to the city’s negotiators; labor and litigation closed-session items were not discussed.
The mayor and council thanked commentators and moved from open forum to the regular meeting; staff noted there were two public commenters in open forum who addressed closed-session items in the allowed time.
The public comments included some strongly worded remarks and accusations; councilmembers and staff did not take immediate action beyond requesting staff follow-up and noting the closed‑session report on the Motel 6 negotiations.
