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Planning Commission backs 352‑unit Brady Street project over staff recommendation to preserve industrial land
Summary
Despite staff recommending denial because the parcel is designated industrial in Richmond 300, the commission voted to forward a recommendation of approval to City Council for a 352‑unit affordable multifamily project at 2811 Brady Street after proponents emphasized the city's housing needs and negotiated site improvements.
The Planning Commission on Wednesday recommended approval to City Council for ordinance 2025‑024, seeking a special‑use permit to authorize up to 352 multifamily dwelling units at 2811 Brady Street in the Magnolia Industrial Center area.
Planning staff had recommended denial, saying the site is designated “industrial” in the Richmond 300 master plan and that converting this acreage to residential would remove land intended for manufacturing, warehousing and distribution — land staff and economic development consider important for the city's economic base. Staff also noted that the property is largely zoned M‑2 (heavy industrial), and that creating residential uses on industrially zoned land departs from the plan's recommended land uses.
The applicant, represented by Preston Lloyd, told commissioners the project is a negotiated, large‑scale affordable housing proposal that includes public‑realm improvements: a reestablished street grid, pedestrian connections to the Highland Park neighborhood and 6 Points micro‑node, on‑street parking, tree lawns, sidewalks of at least five feet, a proposed crosswalk on Rady Street at Rady Court, an amenity package with swimming pool and clubhouse, and both short‑ and long‑term bicycle parking. The applicant said many of those features had been added after multiple rounds of staff review.
The developer also seeks an affordable‑housing performance grant from the city that would be considered by City Council and the Economic Development Authority; project proponents said the grant is a necessary subsidy to achieve the target rents (units to be affordable at about 60% of area median income) and to address site constraints, including significant topography, creek and required infrastructure improvements.
Several commissioners and Councilwoman [first reference:] Councilwoman [last name Robertson in transcript] spoke in favor, stressing the need for affordable units in a neighborhood experiencing rapid price gains and displacement. Opponents or cautious speakers raised the planning‑document conflict and long‑term importance of industrial land.
After debate, the commission voted to forward a recommendation of approval to City Council. The commission’s recommendation is advisory; City Council will make the final decision, and the developer will need Council approval of any related affordability grant before proceeding.
