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Council advances rezoning of two RP&L parcels to High Impact for remediation work
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Summary
The council approved moving to second reading a zoning map amendment to rezone two Richmond Power & Light parcels to High Impact to allow remediation activity tied to an RP&L coal ash project; Planning staff recommended approval and the plan commission voted 9–0.
On April 6 the common council advanced Ordinance 1‑20‑26, a zoning map amendment to rezone two parcels owned by Richmond Power & Light — 1807 Liberty Avenue (~4.7 acres) and a small parcel on South U.S. Highway 27 (~0.212 acres) — from medium‑density single‑family and parks/recreation, respectively, to High Impact zoning.
Shannon Hayes, the city’s new planning director, said both parcels are adjacent to the RP&L power plant and that planning staff recommended approval; the advisory plan commission voted 9–0 to recommend the rezoning. Councilors asked whether the rezoning is intended to enable remediation activity tied to a coal ash project and whether the parcels would be rezoned back to residential after remediation. Councilor Purcell noted concerns about access and returning the land to the tax rolls once remediation is complete; RP&L representatives indicated that remediation could result in subsequent resale or redevelopment and that any demolition or remediation decisions would consider future land‑use standards.
Council suspended rules, advanced the ordinance to second reading and the public‑hearing step, which gives the public an opportunity to comment before final action.
