RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Potential redevelopment in Richmond’s West End has some residents concerned.
Westhampton Pastry Shop has been located near the corner of Libbie Avenue and Patterson Avenue for the last 70 years, with its sweet treats being a staple in many West End residents’ lives.
Recently, rumors began circulating about proposed rezoning that could bring a four-story mixed-use building to the lot the bakery is on. On Wednesday, residents of the neighborhood had a chance to express their concerns about this at a community meeting.
Attorney Jennifer Mullen, who represents the developers, explained that they are in the early stages of the process and showed residents pictures of what they’re hoping to build.
The general manager of Westhampton Pastry Shop, Carrie Lammon, attended the meeting and said she had only heard about this development in the news.
“I think that they are more aware of what our needs are going to be, and so I feel like they heard us and hopefully, you know, we can keep operating and figure out a way to keep going and keep our stuff,” Lammon said after the meeting.
Many residents said they walked away concerned that the building design doesn’t match the look of the area. They also shared concerns about the parking that would accompany the building, with Mullen stating there would be about 26 spaces.
“What bothers me is that you have a building that you’re proposing, four floors, 25 to 45 offices, and you say you’re only mandating or putting into place 26 spaces,” Westwood resident, Tammy Rose, said.
Rose also shared concerns about whether this project will make the price of living go up in the area.
Though the future of the historic building is uncertain, Westhampton Pastry Shop owner George Oley offered words of reassurance to the community and his employees.
“We don’t intend to leave. We don’t intend to close any of the businesses. And we’ve assured the employees that no one’s going to close, no one’s going to leave. And you know, we’re going to do whatever is necessary to keep it open,” Oley said.
