New development on W.Cary Street in the Fan.

This is very similar to what was warned about previously in a mock up from 5-years ago.

But, here we are. Oregon Hill residents have spoken up from the very beginning of the discussion, from the first ‘charrettes’ of the ‘Richmond300’ to the latest on ‘Code Refresh’ from the Planning Department. Every single step of the way, Oregon Hill residents and neighborhood association have reiterated support for protecting our historic streetscapes and keeping the R-7 zoning with its height limit. There have been heartfelt editorials and letters to the editor. There have been pleas to elected officials. There’s also pre-history on this, from street protests against demolition to smaller meetings with City officials about supposed overlays that turned out to be nothing but hot air.

But, again, here we are. Take a look at the proposed zoning changes. Even the RA-A designation would raise the height limit to 40′, incentivizing developers to demolish more houses and ruin the streetscapes of this nationally-recognized, historic neighborhood. It would undue decades of hard, preservation work by citizens who have stuck with this City for decades, through good and bad times.

In short, this is betrayal. It also speaks volumes on why citizens look askance at ‘focus meetings’ and ‘providing input’ – what do these things matter if the City government is going to always put developers over citizens?

Yet, one more chance to try to change minds-

From the City of Richmond Planning Department, Re: 300 Plan.

Proposed New Zoning Districts Survey
If you were unable to make it to the open houses, you can view the boards on the City’s webpage, and take our survey (https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MYVYQCF) by March 31st to tell us your thoughts on the proposed new zoning districts.