Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Land Use Development topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Planning Commission continues decision on Jank Road mixed‑use plan after neighborhood opposition to proposed store
Summary
The Planning Commission voted to continue consideration of a special‑use permit for 7100 Jank Road to April 1 after hours of public comment focusing on a proposed ground‑floor retail space that neighbors say would operate like a convenience store and draw vaping, gambling and traffic problems.
The Richmond City Planning Commission on Wednesday voted to continue its decision on ordinance 2024‑312, a special‑use permit for 7100 Jank Road, to its April 1 meeting to allow more time for the applicant and neighborhood to negotiate conditions.
The applicant, represented by Beau Gillette of Baker Development Resources, asked to develop a three‑story mixed‑use building with up to 14 dwelling units, a corner commercial space and 29 off‑street parking spaces. Gillette said the plan would include conditions limiting retail display of tobacco and vaping products to 32 square feet, banning string lighting in building windows and prohibiting smoking or vaping inside the commercial space. He also confirmed the commercial space would be limited to 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. and that up to seven residential units could be used as short‑term rentals with an on‑site manager.
Commissioners and staff described the application as consistent with the Richmond 300 master plan's neighborhood mixed‑use designation and noted proposed sidewalk and street‑tree improvements along Jank Road. Planning staff recommended approval with those conditions.
Neighbors, however, largely opposed allowing a convenience‑store‑type use at the site. Multiple speakers said the Jank Road corridor already has many convenience stores and vape shops and that another such use would worsen crime, loitering and pedestrian safety near a bus stop and routes used by schoolchildren. Tony Dean, a business owner on Jank Road, said, “We don't need any more vape shop game machines, lottery machines.” Several residents described past incidents of violence and drug‑related activity near existing stores on the corridor.
Other opponents raised traffic and emergency‑vehicle access concerns because the site fronts a major intersection near Chippenham Hospital. Several speakers also asked the commission to prohibit so‑called “skill games” and sale of paraphernalia; some provided photos and receipts from a store the applicant operates elsewhere, saying that evidence undermined the applicant's assurances.
Supporters of the project said the site is a vacant parcel and that more housing is needed in the city. Andrew Bryant, who spoke in favor, said the city “is currently in a housing bridal” and argued the development would add needed units.
After roughly four hours of public comment and applicant responses, the commission accepted a staff‑and‑applicant request for a 45‑day continuance to allow additional neighborhood outreach and to pursue further conditions. The motion to continue passed on a roll call 8‑1 (Miss Roe opposed).
