Urban Design Committee backs shared-use path linking Science Museum area to Arthur Ashe Boulevard

The Richmond Urban Design Committee on Aug. 13 recommended approval of a final location and character plan for a shared-use path that would run from Terminal Place near the Science Museum and Pulse Station, across Lee Street through the Movie Land parking area, and terminate at the Arthur Ashe Boulevard bridge.

Staff framed the project as completing a key master-plan connection intended to link the Pulse Station and the future Diamond District. Staff said the design preserves sections of existing rail as a landscape feature, adds seating and trash receptacles, provides a 10-foot sidewalk on Terminal Place and proposes a non-paved 3-foot gravel shoulder along the proto path. The staff recommendation included adding pedestrian-scale lighting along the central parking lot and the Lee Street crossing, to be approved by staff.

"I believe currently the construction funding from VDOT is about $2,800,000. We expect the lighting is probably gonna be an extra $1,000,000 that will be have to be found to, to put in the lights," said Alyssa Baird, project manager for the applicant, describing the funding split and the project's schedule. Baird also outlined a timeline that includes right-of-way work in the fall, final construction plans in spring 2028 and advertising for construction in summer 2028 with hoped-for completion in fall 2029.

Committee members pressed on materials, crossings and tree preservation. The applicant confirmed the existing gravel proto path would be paved with asphalt and retain a crushed-stone shoulder, and that the Lee Street crossing will include a rectangular rapid-flashing beacon and median refuge islands to slow traffic and improve sight lines. The design reduces some parking in the Movie Land lot to balance stormwater runoff by converting impervious area to pervious surfaces.

"The only real note I have is ... it's pedestrian scale lighting," said Ms. Gimmer, the committee member who moved the recommendation, echoing committee concerns that fixtures be scaled to a pedestrian setting rather than high-output roadway luminaires.

Ms. Gimmer moved to recommend approval with staff conditions; the motion was seconded by Mr. O'Donnell. The committee recorded a voice vote in favor: O'Donnell, Vinayati, Dorian, Goodman, Ben Amritche and Pearson voted yes; the Greenway member abstained. The committee will forward the motion, staff findings and conditions to the Planning Commission for the next step.