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Richmond council directs city attorney to require council approval before RRHA signs Gilpin Court master development agreement
Summary
After public comment from Gilpin Court residents and tenant advocates, Richmond City Council adopted a resolution directing the city attorney to notify the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority that council approval is required before entering a master development agreement for Gilpin Court.
Richmond City Council voted unanimously to direct the city attorney to notify the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority (RRHA) that council approval is required before RRHA may enter a master development agreement (MDA) for redevelopment of Gilpin Court.
The action follows extensive public comment from Gilpin Court residents and tenant advocates who raised concerns about conditions in RRHA-managed properties and about an MDA RRHA leadership reportedly signed after a prior RRHA board vote to reject transfer of the site. Councilmember Kenya Gibson sponsored the expedited resolution, saying legal review indicated the authority "shall not implement any redevelopment plan under this law until the governing body of the locality has approved the redevelopment plan." Gibson referenced the Code of Virginia section cited during the meeting (transcribed as "30 651, Redevelopment Plans").
The resolution’s backers emphasized the request was meant to secure clarity and protect resident participation. Gibson told council she had asked RRHA CEO Stephen Nesmith for documents, reviewed R D C bylaws and the reported master development agreement, and concluded the city needed a clear legal record before RRHA proceeded.
Tenants and advocates who testified described long-standing problems at Gilpin Court and other RRHA properties. Residents said management had not responded to maintenance requests, that conditions included mold and frequent outages, and—separately—advocates and lawyers pointed to HUD audits, litigation and alleged procedural problems at RRHA. "There is a lot of corruption going on at RHA," resident Sylvia Davis told council. Omar El Gaddafi of the Legal Aid Justice Center commended the council for stepping in to demand accountability.
Council discussion focused on the need for legal clarification and for resident protections during any redevelopment planning. Several council members said the vote did not block redevelopment but sought to ensure the city and residents had a clear role before project-level agreements are finalized. Council President Newbill said the item was intended to bring parties together "to get clarification" about board approvals and council involvement.
The vote: the resolution to direct the city attorney to notify RRHA was adopted by roll call with all members present voting in favor. Councilmembers and resident speakers said they would continue seeking meetings with RRHA leadership, the city attorney, and other stakeholders to define a path forward that protects residents and clarifies local legal requirements.
The council also heard references to potential follow-up measures, including a separate proposal to increase transparency for the Richmond Development Corporation (RDC) and additional resident protections in redevelopment agreements.
Votes at a glance: Resolution directing city attorney to notify RRHA re: Gilpin Court MDA — approved (unanimous roll call vote).
