[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-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",[32,75,87,99],{"_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",6590552,"mediaKeyId","5496988-14840677b9459ad0efd0fbf93cc47804","parentId",5496988,"title","Neighbors oppose proposed Fenton Street rezoning; council continues item after developer meeting pledge","audioSeconds",990,"startMs",2151000,"endMs",3141000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5496988-14840677b9459ad0efd0fbf93cc47804&start=2151&end=3141","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5496988-14840677b9459ad0efd0fbf93cc47804/thumbnail_2151000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6590552/Richmond-City-Independent-City/Virginia/Neighbors-oppose-proposed-Fenton-Street-rezoning-council-continues-item-after-developer-meeting-pledge","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6590552-df38470452f154906d78803bdd234603/orig.mp4?Expires=1770482402&Signature=UEvyKN-Fh2wrFIr4AEIZEK0no4hzU5rFriDURMde1rohwOWdI726fWSaWHb8Od2oewsur4yrdjZqu2w9hXLQC7rayFMbO2RNaBe3P3GCaBlX8l0UKDQbT8r~BnsnPt88jvOk1vNnJtmvpHnY4KOXw0gf8-kgmne0xZyQZd0sDXt8f-z9IxQjwdZDETLJxNl9HMbc-~cGg3NOPMT2gbDMIg6W5tiVNqtROYH2XmjslXbwRHYFbJSdYaN-1mH-AVP5268Ptps1BkgDKHH9i51U4Ixe2JbSHZy-UAF-wg-lwumQ~Eq3DQP0gTzaFpR0CBzhZlT5YQRkebXIcpiH~qPOsQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Richmond City","date","2025-07-29T00:00:00Z","article","Neighbors near 2200 Fenton Avenue told Richmond City Council they had little notice and raised concerns about density, tree loss and neighborhood character during a public hearing on a developer’s request for a special-use permit to allow three homes on a single lot.

Speakers described surprise at seeing development signs and criticized outreach; multiple residents urged the council to delay action and allow more time for neighborhood meetings. \"We weren't given enough information,\" said Derek Anderson, who asked for a moratorium to allow residents time to organize. Several neighbors said the proposed lot splits would reduce lot sizes to as little as 11 feet and would change the block’s character.

Baker Development Resources, representing the owner, said staff review and the Planning Commission recommended approval and argued the request is consistent with the Richmond 300 future land-use designation. The developer's representative, Alessandro Regazzi, said the special-use permit provides \"quality assurances not guaranteed with a by-right development,\" including sidewalks, street trees and off-street parking and that two houses could be built under current rules and the request is to add one more.

Given the developer's willingness to meet residents and the community concerns expressed in the chamber, the council voted to continue ordinance 2025-148 to the Sept. 8 council meeting to allow additional neighborhood engagement and further discussion.

Votes at a glance: Motion to continue Item 16, Ordinance 2025-148 (Fenton Street SUP) — approved (continuance to Sept. 8).","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Richmond City - Richmond City Council Formal Meeting - July 28, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Neighbors urged Richmond City Council to delay action on a special-use permit and rezoning request for 2200 Fenton Avenue, saying they did not receive adequate notice and are concerned about density, tree loss and neighborhood character.","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},6590556,"Richmond council directs city attorney to require council approval before RRHA signs Gilpin Court master development agreement",1362,6033000,7395000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5496988-14840677b9459ad0efd0fbf93cc47804&start=6033&end=7395","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5496988-14840677b9459ad0efd0fbf93cc47804/thumbnail_6033000.jpg","/articles/6590556/Richmond-City-Independent-City/Virginia/Richmond-council-directs-city-attorney-to-require-council-approval-before-RRHA-signs-Gilpin-Court-master-development-agreement","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6590556-67944354508d9203c6b90db2b07f31d5/orig.mp4?Expires=1770482402&Signature=K~cCWo9rhTPFMucLx5NPYTQKGEFKrpn3IeNLTGo4bFIVHFfML2dWgskX1rKS-rtWtc39FIn6mP9TUEHYWlIt6S6LdW5DV02C0sONKd2TspBgAl6jl43T0RYXKtIr13mTonsI8IBaY-mGyYIAI08bmjOlzcXEjnaD0Izka~Sca4UT09712M7LstUVbm97npzRAYF5M7zcbjDB9L1tCVwpXRrZ4E61XvaAHy8lkUVqU9mpqKkF1F-GX3PQ6mG-bnYwDyYwZxC-TZJ-PifmgoUrJ5azCpDDrCl6~OI7eTiACM905LgQhFQez7WA33SkBNUbFiIn40puPa9fpQBrs-fnmQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Richmond City Council voted unanimously to direct the city attorney to notify the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority (RRHA) that council approval is required before RRHA may enter a master development agreement (MDA) for redevelopment of Gilpin Court.

The action follows extensive public comment from Gilpin Court residents and tenant advocates who raised concerns about conditions in RRHA-managed properties and about an MDA RRHA leadership reportedly signed after a prior RRHA board vote to reject transfer of the site. Councilmember Kenya Gibson sponsored the expedited resolution, saying legal review indicated the authority \"shall not implement any redevelopment plan under this law until the governing body of the locality has approved the redevelopment plan.\" Gibson referenced the Code of Virginia section cited during the meeting (transcribed as \"30 651, Redevelopment Plans\").

The resolution’s backers emphasized the request was meant to secure clarity and protect resident participation. Gibson told council she had asked RRHA CEO Stephen Nesmith for documents, reviewed R D C bylaws and the reported master development agreement, and concluded the city needed a clear legal record before RRHA proceeded.

Tenants and advocates who testified described long-standing problems at Gilpin Court and other RRHA properties. Residents said management had not responded to maintenance requests, that conditions included mold and frequent outages, and—separately—advocates and lawyers pointed to HUD audits, litigation and alleged procedural problems at RRHA. \"There is a lot of corruption going on at RHA,\" resident Sylvia Davis told council. Omar El Gaddafi of the Legal Aid Justice Center commended the council for stepping in to demand accountability.

Council discussion focused on the need for legal clarification and for resident protections during any redevelopment planning. Several council members said the vote did not block redevelopment but sought to ensure the city and residents had a clear role before project-level agreements are finalized. Council President Newbill said the item was intended to bring parties together \"to get clarification\" about board approvals and council involvement.

The vote: the resolution to direct the city attorney to notify RRHA was adopted by roll call with all members present voting in favor. Councilmembers and resident speakers said they would continue seeking meetings with RRHA leadership, the city attorney, and other stakeholders to define a path forward that protects residents and clarifies local legal requirements.

The council also heard references to potential follow-up measures, including a separate proposal to increase transparency for the Richmond Development Corporation (RDC) and additional resident protections in redevelopment agreements.

Votes at a glance: Resolution directing city attorney to notify RRHA re: Gilpin Court MDA — approved (unanimous roll call vote).","After public comment from Gilpin Court residents and tenant advocates, Richmond City Council adopted a resolution directing the city attorney to notify the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority that council approval is required before entering a master development agreement for Gilpin Court.",{"_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},6590542,"Council adopts zoning changes to regulate retail tobacco and hemp; sets 1,000-foot buffers near schools and parks",571,3777000,4348000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5496988-14840677b9459ad0efd0fbf93cc47804&start=3777&end=4348","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5496988-14840677b9459ad0efd0fbf93cc47804/thumbnail_3777000.jpg","/articles/6590542/Richmond-City-Independent-City/Virginia/Council-adopts-zoning-changes-to-regulate-retail-tobacco-and-hemp-sets-1000-foot-buffers-near-schools-and-parks","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6590542-ddeb343383a3aa847e39dfbb55459a8b/orig.mp4?Expires=1770482402&Signature=C-MEBj3SpC43QM2AIWUJsuoNegkopj8CmndhWgC8FLcjApeuDXqT69C2gxEI8YIIgdQ5AtTMwHcChhKTLPNX0QP5XFaEH~22PKcYX9LPWHqSVwhpFDLaXGvw8wOdSWuuqe0-flA1ATMrPeEQmS0SdDetsZFgTCiL-CIVUgIEkebsAixPeZEMrFeU4T52FJwL06fZWeaIf1R4qASMWpQ6EUKlycyqh0LhpvYDyfZoQBn61ZcEt6bPrVBC9XpWsJKLnixzMysNVSYR~U7I7axv8NcokP34spqywKvmZW9~rqONCWLYeAeyFgJockPoasKPBl7BblS0kX63BrusSfMnTg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Richmond City Council adopted an ordinance that establishes retail sales of tobacco and hemp as a defined use in the city’s zoning code and allows such businesses only as conditional uses in certain zoning districts with restrictions. Planning staff said the ordinance adds a new classification and includes conditions such as a 1,000-foot buffer from residential areas, schools, parks and places of worship.

Kim J. Bong, director of Planning and Development Review, said the ordinance references Code of Virginia definitions for tobacco and hemp and that staff recommended approval. Councilmembers said they planned to add future local definitions in code updates so the zoning text would not automatically track future state statutory changes.

Speakers at the public hearing supported the measure as a tool to limit vape shops near schools. Katrina Kamali said from the Fourth District that Lucille Brown Middle School is visible from several vape shops and that “normalizing” the retail presence is a public-health concern for children.

Councilmembers praised city staff and requested follow-up work to address existing stores; the ordinance applies only to new locations and does not close existing businesses. The ordinance passed on a recorded roll-call vote with members present voting in favor.

Votes at a glance: Ordinance 2025-157 (retail sale of tobacco and hemp added to zoning as conditional use with buffer restrictions) — adopted (unanimous roll call vote).","Richmond City Council approved an ordinance adding retail sales of tobacco and hemp to the zoning code as a conditional use in select districts and imposing a 1,000-foot buffer from schools, parks and places of worship, a first step to limit new vape and tobacco retail locations.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6590547,"Council raises BPOL exemption threshold to $500,000 to ease burden on small businesses",379,3216000,3595000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5496988-14840677b9459ad0efd0fbf93cc47804&start=3216&end=3595","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5496988-14840677b9459ad0efd0fbf93cc47804/thumbnail_3216000.jpg","/articles/6590547/Richmond-City-Independent-City/Virginia/Council-raises-BPOL-exemption-threshold-to-500000-to-ease-burden-on-small-businesses","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6590547-feb74f9247b915f546bb11a647b549ab/orig.mp4?Expires=1770482402&Signature=EKxoDj6d6R~3aLXFeZbEGidH2Qrvk3TDBx1Fm6zHYq0QoZVSnsomsvQ0iEjY7cwkdZTo~s1nSUS-arIyOrY-izM7nJis5fTsQu34ugDXGpYtWAEGK-s4q3XAjkgGBuJDnCOQDTOqiMaeznPco50aFZFMwytcEcSQRwnNAn6LhYrur4Urs~S3JkfWYzZic8kCp5M1uYKMBnAlOpoRzpjukM7AWDf2FYxicg2VOeV4JWaOCZFmJj5ISjwsMZ36Wg~C-mgi-eb9eo49UiGKXASgOgCFJpUpCt~whM4wcJmfF4W90xyTP4QxHi9-UCHLV1akZ6vScPNKA3FhjXZ99DjbkA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Richmond City Council voted to increase the annual revenue threshold for the professional and occupational license (BPOL) tax exemption from $250,000 to $500,000.

Councilmember Lynch, the bill patron, said the change responds to longtime requests from small-business stakeholders and aligns Richmond’s exemption with neighboring localities that have higher thresholds; she characterized the move as part of efforts to retain and attract small businesses. Lynch noted the item had been under discussion for several years and credited her predecessor and staff for earlier work on the topic.

Council discussion was supportive and several members asked to be added as co-patrons. No members of the public registered to speak against the ordinance during the public hearing. The ordinance passed on a recorded roll-call vote with all members present voting in favor.

Votes at a glance: Ordinance 2024-187 (BPOL exemption threshold increase to $500,000) — adopted (unanimous roll call vote).","Richmond City Council adopted an ordinance to raise the professional and occupational license (BPOL) tax exemption threshold from $250,000 to $500,000 in annual revenue, a change sponsors said will help retain and attract small businesses.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Neighbors oppose proposed Fenton Street rezoning; council continues item after developer meeting pledge

Richmond council directs city attorney to require council approval before RRHA signs Gilpin Court master development agreement

Council adopts zoning changes to regulate retail tobacco and hemp; sets 1,000-foot buffers near schools and parks

Council raises BPOL exemption threshold to $500,000 to ease burden on small businesses