In this Times Dispatch article by Tyler Whitney, it becomes clear that VCU is no longer being held accountable by government. Citizens have no recourse. Our elected leadership has sold us out.
“The new independence gives VCU the authority to acquire land without state approval, Bennett said.”
So much for the Downtown Master Plan…
honestly i feel like i have been hearing about this master plan for so long. it seems to keep getting slowed down, put on hold or just generally taking its damn time.
however, i have seen a drastic change in the area around VCU since I started going to school there in 1999. I still live near there and continue to see growth. granted while it is the college taking over the city, areas are much cleaner/nicer and much more pleasant to be in.
while down town especially broad street has seen a minimum growth.
VCU will still have to follow the master plan just as much as any large landowner downtown. “Acquire” does not mean “condemn.” The University of Richmond can also acquire land without state approval.
That’s because U of R is a private school.
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