[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6512434,"mediaKeyId","5113896-2a29bff9a0d94f9dba87b3cf91d80d50","parentId",5113896,"title","Planning staff updates Oak Grove–Hillside–Bellemeade community plan; commission initiates rezoning for city parcel at 1240 Ingram Avenue","audioSeconds",2954,"startMs",2039000,"endMs",4993000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5113896-2a29bff9a0d94f9dba87b3cf91d80d50&start=2039&end=4993","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5113896-2a29bff9a0d94f9dba87b3cf91d80d50/thumbnail_2039000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6512434/Richmond-City-Independent-City/Virginia/Planning-staff-updates-Oak-GroveHillsideBellemeade-community-plan-commission-initiates-rezoning-for-city-parcel-at-1240-Ingram-Avenue","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6512434-9e21aa97403bd9f98e4fc940407db89b/orig.mp4?Expires=1770514393&Signature=Gmte9Trmb4k8JFlzb5iAhwYv-7xuhxlDRW8dr6vah9AC9e9WYfRslX7dotwDwlNFRD3evX2ZV7MevzfB1J~gMqJ59HUQcio91pJStnGfy257GUFJjrTngG1tS1UAlK33bad1IInuQ3Xx0sNUWuEhg2JpTJhp1QNwYJShv9p9JNYd8Gmfse7zOHMel1e~wnPVVL5GqtIEbd4UPvyfMyZTKHwQcUyY0Xt3Z1cXfPK9v-mne8UIHmqRFXMe5p7I87ZodaWJCotXb7RXQ4jpk8ZYnKChu9z0MSgpYa1TdqVszAKjcsfURw1teXKs7aeL6ENc6bi7qHeHUIqedUHKxS0GGA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Richmond City","date","2025-07-01T00:00:00Z","article","Planning staff on June 24 presented an updated Oak Grove–Hillside–Bellemeade (OGHB) community plan, saying the draft is intended to guide growth, limit displacement, and direct investments in sidewalks, drainage and neighborhood amenities. Commissioners followed the briefing by voting to initiate a rezoning of a city‑owned 47+‑acre parcel at 1240 Ingram Avenue to a transit‑oriented district to align the city parcel with nearby privately initiated rezoning requests.

Mary Ann Pitts of the Department of Planning and Development Review opened the presentation by summarizing the study area—Oak Grove, Bellemeade and parts of Blackwell—and the plan’s goals: support residential neighborhoods, manage development pressure, improve walkability and increase access to healthy food and services. Pitts said the area is near downtown and has experienced a resurgence in property values: \"The median single family home assessment increased from 58,000 in 2019 to 133,000 in 2023,\" she said, and noted rising sale prices and a surge in assessed values that have accompanied new interest in the area.

Pitts described the plan’s themes tied to Richmond 300: high‑quality places (including property maintenance and anti‑litter measures), equitable transportation (new sidewalks, curb extensions and a braided trail along the Commerce Road fall line), a diverse economy (incentives and site readiness to attract grocers or smaller food retailers), inclusive housing (predesigned infill options, reducing displacement, home repair and long‑term owner‑occupancy supports) and environmental resilience (stormwater/drainage improvements). She said staff has developed an initial implementation matrix with potential leads, partners, estimated timeframes and cost ranges.

On housing and food access, Pitts said the plan examined why national grocery operators have not located in the area and noted that income levels and perceived crime are factors in grocers’ site selection. The plan includes strategies beyond recruiting a major grocer—community gardens, entrepreneurship and food access programs—alongside corridor rezoning to concentrate future commercial and higher‑density housing development on Richmond Highway and Commerce Road and protect the interior single‑family areas.

Commissioners asked for supplemental data before the plan returns for formal action. Commissioner Poole and others requested that staff work with the tax assessor to provide numbers on ownership changes since 2019 and to separate land‑value increases from improvements. Commissioner comments repeatedly urged an implementation track that ties plan adoption to specific funding and metrics; Pitts said she would refine the implementation matrix and return to the commission with a recommendation for an amendment to Richmond 300 in August or September.

Rezoning resolution: After the presentation, planning staff described a related, separate action: a proposed Planning Commission resolution of intent to amend the official zoning map to rezone the city parcel at 1240 Ingram Avenue from M‑1 (light industrial) to TOD‑1 (transit‑oriented nodal district). Planning staff explained the rezoning would align the city parcel with private owners’ rezoning requests along Commerce Road and make the larger set of parcels easier to plan and develop as a cohesive mixed‑use node. The commission voted to adopt the resolution of intent to initiate the rezoning process; the roll call recorded unanimous support from commissioners present. Staff noted the private owners’ ordinance (2025‑156) rezoning adjacent parcels to TOD‑1 and B‑5 will be before the commission in the coming weeks.

Why it matters: The OGHB plan and the Ingram rezoning reflect a multi‑pronged effort to channel growth to corridors, improve neighborhood infrastructure, and create sites suitable for retail and denser housing—measures staff says are intended to reduce pressure on single‑family interiors and improve access to services. Commissioners emphasized the need for measurable metrics and funding identification before formal adoption.

Next steps: Staff expects to return with a revised implementation matrix and a formal resolution recommending an amendment to Richmond 300 for Planning Commission consideration in August or September; the rezoning process for 1240 Ingram will continue through the public hearing and ordinance stages.

Provenance: Presentation and Q&A (Mary Ann Pitts) recorded in the June 24 transcript; initiation of rezoning for 1240 Ingram Avenue recorded in the same meeting’s agenda and roll call vote.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Richmond City - Planning Commission - Teams Option 2025-20250701_175922-Meeting Recording - Jul 01, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Planning staff presented an update to the Oak Grove–Hillside–Bellemeade community plan on June 24 and the Planning Commission voted to initiate a rezoning of the city‑owned parcel at 1240 Ingram Avenue to a transit‑oriented district to align with corridor redevelopment goals.","taxTitle","Richmond City (Independent City), Virginia","taxId",5755,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6512439,"Planning commission forwards special-use permit for three infill homes at 2201–2203 Fenton Street to City Council",829,1243000,2072000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5113896-2a29bff9a0d94f9dba87b3cf91d80d50&start=1243&end=2072","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5113896-2a29bff9a0d94f9dba87b3cf91d80d50/thumbnail_1243000.jpg","/articles/6512439/Richmond-City-Independent-City/Virginia/Planning-commission-forwards-special-use-permit-for-three-infill-homes-at-22012203-Fenton-Street-to-City-Council","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6512439-2d8f1ca2616020ddd9eaa616cfa73013/orig.mp4?Expires=1770514393&Signature=VBaFLoqdapqixcs3o-EsPOeUXVFY4gzphGEUyaQhlfz0bqz7DXlDhcFHSfU6wMeB3Df4whoSWIJjToty08PT3~cfETyFQcRkGj52ZEBz0vZ2s8MrZzmBm86eaoVsLuSpawGDvrNVFdRchR-wmwTVJyZF6KYZZJpb0ZPzRKR8tRgPjNPa25BPAu--8cXp2EOK2M6NE45JqlRSdCIt8sct-Y1Xv97E4BHaHR4rD8xJSZwwFH-xXL-iowk41QMgxRRWryWvxfwa0fgv8GAbdor0u2qiQkHIATpbYvcequP94mOxCehuUvh8jxLUjwhAL4OsfspDkEVK5LQ~WD2~E3Ib0Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Richmond Planning Commission on June 24 voted to forward a special‑use permit application for 2201 and 2203 Fenton Street to City Council with a recommendation, after hearing an applicant presentation and public comment.

The applicant’s representative, Alessandro Vergazzi, described the proposal as dividing a roughly 10,000‑square‑foot parcel into three lots of about 3,600 square feet each and building one single‑family detached house on each lot. Vergazzi said each house would be about 1,500 square feet, 1½ stories, with two parking spaces at the rear and “quality building materials, including cementitious siding” and full‑width front porches to match neighborhood character. He told commissioners the proposal aligns with Richmond 300 guidance to allow a range of housing types and that the special‑use review would secure additional public benefits, including sidewalk construction and street trees.

Neighbors praised and opposed the plan during public comment. Heather Spivey, who identified herself as a District 6 resident, said she and other neighbors submitted written objections and asked the commission to approve only two homes rather than three because of the narrow proposed lot widths. “My concern is that there’s requesting approval for up to 3 homes on that space, which would mean that the current requirement is 50 feet … that would leave the third potential dwelling at one‑fifth of what’s currently required,” Spivey told the commission. She asked commissioners to limit development to two dwellings.

Other speakers supported the application as an example of neighborhood infill. A resident who identified himself as “Sleeves” and another speaker, Alex Boddington, said they favored additional housing and greater density in the corridor. The planning staff and the applicant responded that all three proposed lots would be roughly 26 feet wide (not an 11‑foot lot), that two houses could already be built by right on existing subdivision lots, and that the special‑use permit would require pedestrian improvements and other quality assurances as tradeoffs for the extra unit.

After discussion the commission voted to approve the special‑use request and forward it to City Council for final action; the staff report indicated the item will go to City Council on July 28 with a recommendation. The roll call recorded unanimous support from the commissioners present.

What happened next: City Council will receive the Planning Commission’s recommendation at its July 28 meeting. The Planning Commission record includes public comments (written and oral) opposing a three‑unit configuration and the applicant’s assurances about lot layout, materials and off‑street parking.

Votes and next steps: The Planning Commission voted to forward the special‑use permit for 2201–2203 Fenton Street to City Council with recommendation. City Council will consider final action on July 28.

Why it matters: The case is an example of the Planning Commission applying the Richmond 300 plan’s direction for increased infill and walkable housing while weighing neighborhood concerns about lot sizes and potential displacement. The applicant and some speakers framed the proposal as compatible with existing neighborhood scale; opponents said the third unit would compress lot widths beyond what feels compatible to nearby residents.

Provenance: The discussion, public comment and final vote are recorded in the commission’s June 24 transcript (applicant presentation beginning at the public presentation for item 8 and the roll call vote forwarding the item to City Council).","The Richmond Planning Commission on June 24 voted to forward a special‑use permit application for 2201 and 2203 Fenton Street to City Council, after debate between neighbors concerned about lot width and supporters who said the proposal would add needed infill housing.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6512429,"Planning commission approves consent agenda and continues four special‑use items to July 15; docket items and UDC referrals set",701,739000,1440000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5113896-2a29bff9a0d94f9dba87b3cf91d80d50&start=739&end=1440","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5113896-2a29bff9a0d94f9dba87b3cf91d80d50/thumbnail_739000.jpg","/articles/6512429/Richmond-City-Independent-City/Virginia/Planning-commission-approves-consent-agenda-and-continues-four-specialuse-items-to-July-15-docket-items-and-UDC-referrals-set","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6512429-6b7a4f3a1844519aa2f832f00a2cae66/orig.mp4?Expires=1770514393&Signature=F4NV4YcN0rarbyWH5Tx~DATCJo9vceGIF4qdIh2W4yxcdcwDnU~VqHgEdoz0yDZJWMltR-dhlvjtifsJ6EsnpZ4FhkGwFacPExOa9v9v4wa5a-AvYCdxKN70qpDwu9oIarb3GJmOHJQnsAak-azOaRDukX9jXt3bPJ9HNuVHshzTOI1fDvYu0H0x-gF--epp1WYiZiuubr6iSCxL9SNR8aVmaa6oaYiO3YOUqsvF8z1AkeaEEGXGEtCYd8NAeFiY6nY179ksuPP78sfLLavMy-VNQxHvRYwAHzgKOw0KYi80m9779ks955lpffE6bRX5dh5IXJ6Vg3XtPF8hdMgtwg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Richmond Planning Commission approved its consent agenda on June 24 and voted to continue four items to the July 15 meeting.

Continuances: The commission agreed to continue the following special‑use ordinance items to the July 15 meeting:
- Ordinance 2025‑079 (3801 Hanover Avenue and 3803 Hanover Avenue) — special use request for up to two single‑family detached dwellings and eight single‑family attached dwellings.
- Ordinance 2025‑081 (2618 Rear West Main Street) — special use request for a multifamily dwelling of up to four units.
- Ordinance 2025‑113 (3200 Second Avenue) — special use request involving detached and attached single‑family dwellings (continued to July 15).
- Ordinance 2025‑144 (3103 Second Avenue) — special use request for a two‑family detached dwelling (continued to July 15).

Consent agenda: The commission adopted the consent agenda, which included multiple special‑use and UDC referrals. Notable items on the consent agenda included: Ordinance 2025‑145 (1807 North 20 Eighth Street), Ordinance 2025‑146 (1315 North 30 First Street), Ordinance 2025‑147 (1811 Blair Street), and Ordinance 2025‑148 (items listed as the Fenton Street properties — item later moved to regular agenda). Several UDC items were referred to the Urban Design Committee for review on July 10, including:
- UDC 2025‑19 (Holly Street playground renovation, 819 Holly Street)
- UDC 2025‑20 (Arthur Ashe Boulevard CSX bridge reconstruction)
- UDC 2025‑22 (Greening Richmond Public Library Whole Street branch, 1400 Whole Street)
- UDC 2025‑23 (Browns Island signage package, 500 Tredegar Street)

The roll call for the consent agenda recorded 'Aye' votes from the commissioners present; one item (2201–2203 Fenton Street) was pulled from consent and heard on the regular agenda after a written comment and an in‑person speaker requested reconsideration.

Why it matters: The continuances consolidate review for contested special‑use cases on July 15 and the UDC referrals move conceptual and final design reviews forward for urban design scrutiny. Several items approved on consent will proceed through the city’s standard UDC and Planning Commission processes before any final City Council action.

Provenance: Continuance motions and consent‑agenda roll calls are recorded in the June 24 transcript, and staff indicated the July 15 and July 10 scheduling for returned and UDC items respectively.","On June 24 the Richmond Planning Commission approved the consent agenda, referred several UDC items to the Urban Design Committee for July 10 review, and voted to continue four special‑use ordinances to the July 15 meeting.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Planning staff updates Oak Grove–Hillside–Bellemeade community plan; commission initiates rezoning for city parcel at 1240 Ingram Avenue

Planning commission forwards special-use permit for three infill homes at 2201–2203 Fenton Street to City Council

Planning commission approves consent agenda and continues four special‑use items to July 15; docket items and UDC referrals set