The Richmond City Planning Commission meeting on July 1, 2025, focused on the Oak Grove Hillside Bellemeade (OGHB) Community Plan, which aims to guide future development in the area. The plan, which has been in development since November 2022, seeks to address rising property values and support the growth of the community while maintaining its residential character.

The OGHB area, located just south of downtown Richmond, includes neighborhoods such as Oak Grove and Bellemeade, and is characterized by mid-twentieth-century single-family homes and commercial uses along major corridors like Richmond Highway and Commerce Road. The community has seen a resurgence in population, driven by affordable housing options and proximity to downtown, but this growth has led to increased property assessments and home sale prices.

Key goals of the community plan include enhancing the quality of life for residents, guiding development, and ensuring that long-term residents can benefit from neighborhood investments without facing displacement due to rising costs. The plan emphasizes the need for improved infrastructure, including walkability and access to essential services like grocery stores, which have been identified as lacking in the area.

Community engagement has been a significant part of the planning process, with over 700 residents participating in initial discussions. Feedback from these meetings highlighted the desire for a safe, connected, and diverse community. The plan proposes various strategies, including zoning changes to activate commercial corridors, improved public safety measures, and the development of a braided network of trails.

One major concern raised during the meeting was the lack of grocery stores in the area, which residents described as a food desert. The plan includes strategies to attract grocery retailers by addressing site readiness and exploring alternative food sources, such as community gardens. The discussion also touched on the importance of supporting local entrepreneurship to diversify retail options.

The commission plans to revisit the OGHB Community Plan for adoption into the master plan in the coming months, with ongoing community input expected to shape its final form. The overall aim is to create a roadmap for sustainable growth that respects the existing character of the neighborhoods while accommodating new development.