Richmond Planning Commission Meeting - June 3, 2026

The Richmond Planning Commission convened on June 3, 2026, at 2:15 PM to consider approval of minutes, continuances, the consent agenda, and a major special use permit for a 31-unit townhouse development on the 900 block of South Meadow Street. The meeting featured extensive public testimony and commissioner deliberation.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes Approval: Minutes from November 3, 2025, and November 18, 2025, were approved unanimously. Minutes from May 19, 2026, were approved with one abstention (Commissioner Pennick abstained).
• Consent Agenda Items: The following items were approved unanimously:
  • Item 6: Special use permit for 607 Arnold Avenue (two single-family detached dwellings).
  • Item 7: Special use permit for 2720 Clearfield Street (one single-family detached dwelling).
  • Item 8: Special use permit for 1710 McTavish Avenue (motor vehicle sales, rental, and service facility).
  • Item 10: Declaration of surplus and sale of 8.2 acres at 1461 Commerce Road to City Central LLC for $4.7 million (mixed-use development).
  • Item 11: Declaration of surplus and sale of 4.7 acres at 1451 Commerce Road to City Central LLC for $2.6 million (mixed-use development).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Supporters:
  • Doug Bond, President of the Virginia Home, spoke in favor, noting the sale proceeds will fund a new facility in Hanover County to serve more residents.
  • Will Wilson (RVA YIMBY) argued the project aligns with the city's master plan for increased housing density and cited polling support for denser housing.
  • Charlie Truckle, a Randolph homeowner, supported the development, stating it will improve affordability through filtering and is in character with the neighborhood.
• Opponents:
  • Tony Mounts (1909 Blair Street) opposed the density (originally reported as 57 units/acre, later corrected to 41), citing traffic congestion, narrow streets, fire access issues, stormwater runoff, and lack of adequate notice.
  • John Smith (1916 Blair Street) emphasized parking shortages and emergency vehicle access difficulties.
  • Tiffany Brown (1807 Blair Street) expressed concerns about safety and questioned whether city departments had fully addressed infrastructure needs.
  • Chris Rogers (811 South Meadow Street) noted he never received notice and opposed the density, suggesting 15-18 units would be more appropriate.
  • Chris Walsh (821 South Meadow Street) supported development but urged reduced density to address traffic and parking.
  • An online speaker (Virginia Campbell) raised concerns about trash storage, HVAC units, and construction impacts, and noted she did not receive community outreach despite living within 150 feet.
  • A resident of the First District (Mr. Botion) argued the density is excessive compared to the master plan and suggested waiting for the code refresh.

Discussion Items

• Item 12 – Special Use Permit for 901-923 South Meadow Street:
  • Staff presented the proposal for 31 single-family attached dwellings on a 0.75-acre block (originally reported as 57 units/acre, corrected to 41). Staff recommended approval, citing alignment with the Richmond 300 master plan and conditions including off-street parking, landscaping, and public improvements.
  • The applicant (Ms. Markham of Aldo Partners) detailed the design, including rear-loaded garages, native plantings, and improvements to the adjacent alley and sidewalks. They noted extensive community outreach since August 2025.
  • Commissioners questioned the basis for traffic findings, the density calculation, and the process for ensuring conditions are met. The applicant clarified that all city departments (including fire and public works) had reviewed and approved the plans.
  • The applicant stated the target sale price is $400,000-$600,000, positioning the units as "missing middle" housing.
• Continuances: Three items were continued:
  • Item 4 (Public Art Commission case) continued to July 7, 2026.
  • Item 5 (Public Art Commission work plan) continued to June 16, 2026.
  • Item 13 (3317 Rear Monument Avenue) continued to July 7, 2026.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda Approved: Unanimous approval of all consent agenda items.
• Continuances Granted: Items 4, 5, and 13 were continued as requested.
• Item 12 Deliberation: A motion was made and seconded to approve the special use permit, but the meeting transcript ended before a final vote was recorded. One commissioner indicated opposition, stating "I'm gonna be a no on this." The item remained unresolved at the conclusion of the available recording.