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Planning commission recommends approval for 180-unit Snead Road project after city commits CIP funds for sidewalks
Summary
The Planning Commission recommended approval of a special-use permit for up to 180 multifamily units at Rear Snead Road after the applicant agreed to fund a sidewalk connection and the city pledged to pursue capital funding for a fuller pedestrian connection to Broad Rock.
The City of Richmond Planning Commission voted to recommend approval of a special-use permit authorizing up to 180 multifamily dwelling units at properties identified as 5009 Rear Snead Road, 5015 Snead Road and 5015 Rear Snead Road, after developers and the administration reached an infrastructure agreement addressing pedestrian connections.
Staff summarized that earlier concerns focused on two principal issues: infrastructure (sidewalk and pedestrian connections) and consistency with the Richmond 300 future land use map. Commissioners and staff said progress had been made on infrastructure questions but that the future land use designation remained a point of tension.
Applicant attorney Preston Lloyd, joined by Will Sechsauer of Lawson Companies, described two outcomes reached since the commission last considered the proposal. First, the applicant amended the special-use permit to obligate the developer to provide funding sufficient for the city to construct a sidewalk segment from the site heading west toward Veil Francis Elementary School, including a crosswalk. Second, the city administration provided a verbal commitment—confirmed in stakeholder conversations with the CAO/CIO and Councilwoman Jones—to pursue city capital improvement program (CIP) funding for the larger connection eastward to Broad Rock, including curb-and-gutter and right-of-way acquisition where necessary. Lloyd said the cost estimate for full connectivity could be in the millions and that partnership with the city was necessary.
Commissioner remarks emphasized the project’s role in delivering affordable housing and the importance of public-private partnerships to provide the supporting infrastructure. Commissioner Robinson and others praised collaboration among staff, council, the administration and the developer to address safety and pedestrian access.
No speakers registered opposition during the public hearing; no members of the public spoke in favor during the meeting. After discussion, the commission voted to recommend approval, with a roll call showing one abstention.
Votes: The motion to recommend approval passed with a majority; one member abstained. The file will be forwarded to City Council for final action.
