Phrases like "a concept of one river and one city in a single system" and "this is the Central Park of your city" were tossed around as architects from Hargreaves Associates presented an update on the Richmond Riverfront Plan to the City of Richmond Planning Commission Tuesday.
Yes, another plan for Richmond. Many at the meeting said they had heard it all before, but this time seemed different. Richmond needs this riverfront development to move forward. A shot in the arm, but one that could pay for itself immediately on an international stage and remain for decades to come. This development would serve the city, the region, the state and could bring people worldwide, according to the presentation.
The commission members all agreed that "what we need is leadership to carry this through" and that "governance means leadership." After the presentation, many in the crowd agreed this plan looks like it can work and with the 2015 World Cycling Championships looming and the time is right to get things done for our global showcase.
Mary Margaret Jones of Hargreaves again stressed that the suggested the Riverfront plan was a continuation of the 2007 Downtown Master Plan and that the proposals were meant to use the river to connect both banks.
The overall presentation was mostly a repeat from the public forum on Dec. 13. Priorities remain on the city purchasing Mayo Island and making it a significant addition to the riverfront landscape. Brown's Island could get millions in upgrades to "get people involved in that dramatic environment" and to become a recreation hub, even suggesting that kayaks and boating equipment could be rented on the island for both the canal and the river. Belle Isle could get a few upgrades and the Manchester area could someday become a rivergoers residential dream.
Mayo Island is privately-owned and rests in the center of downtown at the end of the Falls of the James. It has been coveted by many Richmonders for years to be added as a crown jewel for the James River Park or as a recreational destination.
It is assessed at more than $1.1 million, though it would likely go for more than that. The 14th Street bridge that connects downtown with Manchester by way of the island needs to be renovated, much of the current concrete parking hardtop needs to be removed for parkland and the homeless problem on the island needs to be addressed.
It was suggested that Mayo Island could be the event hub for the 2015 bike race, which is forecast to have a $135 million economic impact statewide and $86 million in Richmond. One commission member suggested the citizens of Richmond should pool their money and buy it as soon as possible to get ready for 2015.
Hargreaves planners suggested that Richmond should create a separate implementation entity to carry out and brand the riverfront effort. Planning commission members agreed, with one saying that "this plan needs to become the responsibility of an institution" and that politicians that seem to only think in the short-term were not the right stewards for project with such promise and significance.
It wasn't clear if a non-profit entity like Venture Richmond would be suitable or if another new office need to be created. Establishing a conservancy for the riverfront (which could conceivably include the James River Park) was one of the suggestions. Goals of protecting the current wild and natural areas of downtown were again stressed.
The Planning Commission was not asked to take action at this meeting. City staff are currently reviewing a draft of the Richmond Riverfront Plan document. The Mayor will be afforded an opportunity to review the draft, after which, staff will schedule review of the document by the Planning Commission, along with a public hearing before the Commission following a period of public comment.
See previous coverage from the second and third riverfront forums. The presentations from the three forums are available on the Department of Planning and Development Review's webpage.
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