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Business leader urges city partnership to make Shacklebottom nightlife safer and more inviting
Summary
Warren Braxton, criminal justice chair of the Richmond NAACP and longtime business owner, praised police crime reductions in Shacklebottom but said the area still looks like a crime scene and cited survey results showing safety and parking problems; he urged city leadership to help brand the entertainment district and address parking.
Warren Braxton, a longtime business owner and the criminal justice chair for the Richmond NAACP, told the Public Safety Standing Committee on Nov. 1 that while the Richmond Police Department has reduced crime in the Shacklebottom entertainment district, the area still lacks the city leadership and placemaking needed to attract visitors.
Braxton said he has acted informally as a liaison between the nightlife community and police and that his recent survey of patrons and workers found more than 45% of respondents felt unsafe at night in Shacklebottom and that over 75% were highly dissatisfied with parking. He said many businesses are closing early on weekends because patrons perceive the area as a crime scene with barricades and flashing lights rather than a welcoming entertainment district.
"The police are doing their job, but they can't create the environment or brand that says welcome to Richmond's incredible culture district," Braxton said during the public‑comment period. He told the committee city leadership must work with businesses to create a safer, more inviting environment and suggested more visible foot patrols and reduced blockades.
Committee members responded by thanking Braxton, praising the police for their work, and acknowledging officer attrition since 2020. Members encouraged continued dialogue with Council President Cynthia Newbill and the police chief on parking and other operational issues.
No formal action was taken by the committee on Braxton's comments; members invited him to continue discussions with staff and city leaders.
