Commission approves LaBurnum–Hermitage mural and curb‑extension project with condition to formalize flex posts

The Richmond City Planning Commission voted to approve a Richmond Connects “lighter, quicker, cheaper” curb‑extension mural at LaBurnum and Hermitage (in front of Linwood Holton Elementary) and included a condition authorizing the associated flexible posts/quick‑curb traffic‑calming treatment shown in the applicant’s example images.

Project description and community process The Office of Equitable Transit Mobility presented the pilot project as an interim safety improvement that pairs quick infrastructure with student‑generated public art. Annamar Harper, transportation planner with the Office of Equitable Transit Mobility, described the program as a first‑step implementation of the Richmond Connects multimodal plan designed to test near‑term traffic‑calming measures while the city seeks funding for permanent installations. Artist and project coordinator Sam Spritz said the painted murals are based on drawings created by students at Linwood Holton Elementary and that the pilot work is intended to both slow traffic and build local ownership of the space.

Engineering and materials The engineering drawing shows curb bump‑outs constructed with quick‑curb and flexible delineator posts to reclaim road space and create a painted plaza area for students’ artwork. When asked how long the paint lasts, the project team said the selected pavement paint should last about four years in these bump‑out areas; the team also plans to apply a clear coat to extend longevity. Kelly (project staff) clarified during the hearing that while the temporary flex posts have been installed in the field, formal planning approval for painting the right‑of‑way and for the complete treatment had not been recorded before this application; the commission’s approval includes the flex posts consistent with the applicant’s submitted example.

Why it matters: The intersection is adjacent to an institutional use (Linwood Holton Elementary) and appears on Richmond’s multimodal needs analysis as a high‑priority pedestrian safety location; the quick‑curb test aims to narrow large turning radii and reduce vehicle speeds prior to installing any permanent curb geometry.

Action and conditions Commissioner Pennock moved and the commission seconded a motion to approve the mural/curb‑extension conceptual application, explicitly adding approval for flex posts consistent with the example images presented by the applicant. The motion passed by roll call.

Operational notes and next steps Staff and the applicant will document the exact location and dimensions of the flex posts and quick‑curb treatment as part of final implementation, and the project team will prepare maintenance plans for the pavement art (paint and protective clear coat). The commission noted the technique is intended as a pilot and that the city’s transportation staff will monitor the location for safety and durability.