Planning Commission backs conveyance of city land to Eden Village to pursue tiny-home community for people exiting homelessness

The Planning Commission voted unanimously to forward to City Council an ordinance directing conveyance of city-owned land at 1501 Findlay Avenue (about 3.0491 acres) and all or part of 1601 Findlay Avenue (about 2.6226 acres) to Eden Village of Richmond Inc. for nominal consideration to facilitate construction of a tiny-home community aimed at people exiting homelessness and low- to moderate‑income residents.

The recommendation came after staff described the conveyance as the first step in a multi-stage process. Staff said Eden Village needs a specific site to meet a grant deadline and that the organization would be responsible for development costs, mitigation and fundraising; the city would convey the surplus parcel ‘‘as is’’ and would not be obligated to pay development or site remediation costs. Catherine Ritter, founder of Eden Village of Richmond, told the commission the model provides 400‑square‑foot permanent tiny homes…