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Planning commission approves curb‑extension mural at LaVarnum and Hermitage with flex‑post condition
Summary
The commission approved a Richmond Connects “lighter, quicker, cheaper” curb‑extension mural at LaVarnum and Hermitage (PAC‑20‑25‑001), adding an explicit condition that temporary flex posts be installed consistent with the applicant’s example.
The Richmond Planning Commission voted to approve the Richmond Connects curb‑extension mural and traffic‑calming pilot at the LaVarnum and Hermitage intersection (PAC‑20‑25‑001), contingent on installation of temporary flex posts consistent with the applicant’s example.
Annabelle Harper, transportation planner with the Office of Equitable Transit Mobility, explained the project is part of Richmond Connects’ “lighter, quicker, cheaper” program: interim, low‑cost multimodal measures to address pedestrian and school‑area safety while longer‑term projects are planned and funded. Harper said the program ‘‘install[s] projects that we saw were large needs, or immediate needs in the Richmond process and, attempt to do those and address those concerns as quickly as possible.’’
The project pairs painted curb‑extension bump‑outs with public art developed from student designs at the adjacent elementary school. Project coordinator Sam Spritz described the process of collecting student artwork and transposing it into the mural panels. Staff said the painted areas will sit on curb bump‑outs created with flexible posts and quick‑curve material to narrow corner radii and slow turning vehicles; the paint will be applied within the reclaimed area and will not be placed on through lanes.
Commission discussion centered on whether the flex posts were part of the application and whether the commission could reasonably condition approval on their installation. Kelly (last name not specified), who is managing the project for the city, confirmed the applicant’s intent to install white flex posts consistent with the example shown during the presentation. Commissioner Penock moved to approve the mural with the condition that the flex posts be installed consistent with the applicant’s example; the motion was seconded and carried by roll call.
Staff told the commission the project is intended as a temporary test: the paint specified for the project is expected to have a useful life of roughly four years in the bump‑out location, and a clear coat will be applied to extend longevity. Commissioners noted the project aligns with Richmond Connects and Richmond 300 multimodal goals and specifically addresses a tier‑1 pedestrian safety need at the intersection near the elementary school. The motion passed by unanimous roll call.
