RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Richmond City Council unanimously voted to continue the conversation over the effort to replace two properties on Hull Street in the city’s Manchester neighborhood with a large residential and commercial building — a decision which comes as residents continue voicing their concerns about the plan.
The owners of 1401 and 1407 Hull Street, which are directly across from the Richmond Public Library branch at the intersection of Hull Street and East 14th Street, intend to demolish the properties and rebuild a large building in its place. Since the area is not listed as a historic district, this could happen if the city council approves it.
“Hull Street has always been a pivotal place for the community that is Richmond and Manchester, and I believe that there are certain things that should not be taken away from that community for the sake of people who just simply wish to fill their pockets,” said Manchester resident Petra Tuzune at the Tuesday meeting at which the vote took place.
After the Richmond Planning Commission recommended the project for approval in early February – residents claimed they didn’t get a heads up.
“When the application for the special use permit was submitted last October, we observed that none of the active civic associations in our area were listed as recipients for notification,” said Knight. “The language of the ACP application clearly states that applications the applicants should engage with area civic associations, property owners, residents.”
If the ordinance is passed by council, the current buildings would be replaced by a 5-story apartment complex with businesses on the ground floor, 60 apartment units from the second floor to the fifth floor and a 27-space parking garage at the end.
The goal is to bring more housing to the area, but given the rich history of Manchester, but some residents are worried about what the area could turn into.
“We’ve spoken to a lot of the members of the community who grew up there and lived there for decades and I don’t want to see it,” said Kenneth Reid, who lives in Old Manchester. “And they also don’t want to see what is happening closer to Shockoe Bottom creep all the way up to where they’ve had their homes for years and years and years and watch their history vanish as well.”
Ellen Robertson, who represents the 6th District in City Council, held a public meeting at the library branch across the street so residents could weigh in on the project. But after Monday night’s city council meeting’s lengthy public comment section filled with opposition – council decided to continue discussion.
“I don’t feel comfortable voting for something that, really. The community hasn’t had a really good conversation about to make sure this is the right thing to do,” said Ann-Francis Lambert, who represents the 3rd District in City Council.
No one in public comment spoke in favor of the plan, which will be further discussed in a City Council meeting on March 25th.
