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Neighbors cite gravesite and congestion concerns as commission recommends approval for 1235 North 36th Street
Summary
The commission recommended approval of a special-use permit to split 1235 N. 36th Street into two lots and extend the street; neighbors raised concerns about possible historic burials, ecosystem disturbance and increased traffic and congestion; staff said state and city rules require immediate stoppage and investigation if remains are found during construction.
The Richmond City Planning Commission voted to recommend approval to city council of a special-use permit (Ordinance 2026-154) to subdivide the unimproved property at 1235 North 36th Street into two lots for single-family detached homes and to extend the street and sidewalks.
Staff presented the 10,890-square-foot unimproved parcel and said the proposal includes pavement and sidewalk extension of about 102 feet and dedication of the new pavement as public right-of-way. Staff found the project meets the minimum criteria for a special use and recommended approval, noting a drafting error in the staff report that was corrected during the meeting.
Several neighbors spoke in opposition. Mary Fitzgerald, who lives at 1233 N. 36th, asked what a special-use permit permits and whether the action would change her property; the commission clarified that a special-use permit applies only to the subject parcel if council approves the ordinance. Her son raised concerns about ecosystem disturbance and a loss of green space. Another resident recalled seeing tombstones on the parcel and said he feared graves could be disturbed.
The commission chair advised that state code and city ordinances require immediate stoppage and compliance measures if human remains or burial indicators are discovered during construction, but until remains are documented the standard pre-construction processes apply. After testimony and discussion the commission voted to forward the permit to city council with a recommendation of approval.
The item now proceeds to Richmond City Council for final action; if construction reveals burials, the owner and contractor must follow state and local procedures for human remains and archaeological resources.
