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Richmond BZA approves Rock Solid Ministries' Belcher House after heated public comment
Summary
The Board of Zoning Appeals approved a variance allowing Rock Solid Ministries to operate a men’s shelter (Belcher House) at 1024 E. Main Street. Planning staff recommended approval; downtown business owners and residents voiced strong opposition citing crime and economic concerns. Vote was 3-2.
The Richmond Board of Zoning Appeals approved Feb. 11 a variance allowing Rock Solid Ministries to operate a rescue-station/homeless shelter for men on the second floor at 1024 East Main Street, to be called Belcher House.
David Eels, representing Rock Solid Ministries, described a transitional program built on an existing Next Step model and said the second-floor space would accommodate up to 14 men using bunk beds and cots. "We can hold 14 men," Eels said when asked about capacity, and added that residents would be asked to obtain identification while in the program. He said active drug or alcohol users would not be admitted to Belcher House and that the organization coordinates with police to address incidents.
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