Meeting - March 30, 2026

No update from the 3rd Police Precinct was provided at this meeting.

Virginia Department of Historic Resources Presentation on the Neighborhood's Potential Historic Designation:

• Joanna McKnight from the Virginia Department of Historic Resources provided background information on the neighborhood's status as a potential future historic district.
• An honorary district designation does not have any restrictions.
• The next step is a survey of the 400+ houses in the neighborhood and a completed nomination form. This process typically costs around $50,000 for the effort if a private consulting company is used, but the hope is for neighbors to complete it.

Maymont Update from Daniel Vetter, Maymont Foundation Employee:

• Visitation is up 20,000 this year compared to last year's record attendance. 19,000 students have been served this year.
• Dominion Family Easter and Herbs Galore will be taking place in April. Maymont's 100th Anniversary event (Cheers to 100 Years) is scheduled for June 6th.
• Music at Maymont will take place in late May and early June. The Jazz Festival is scheduled for August 8-9.
• There are many adult and kid programs available.
• The Virginia Wildlife Trail is re-opening May 2nd. The Maymont mansion just reopened as well.

Nature Discovery Area Update from Ryan Rinn and Nissa Richardson with the City's Department of Parks, Recreation, and Community Facilities:

• Discussed using the area next to the Maymont Community Garden in a sustainable way while still providing a way for children to be active.
• The discovery area is ¼ the size of the originally proposed playground. True Timber is the contractor for this project with reclaimed wood.
• All natural materials with permeable surfaces will be used including tree plantings for shade and secured logs for climbing and playing. A similar area is being installed on Belle Isle.
• Construction will last 2-3 weeks.
• A neighbor asked about the maintenance plan. Ryan said that the budget includes extra money for maintenance, and the average life span is 10-20 years for the sealed materials that will be used. The Parks Department would make any needed maintenance repairs.
• A swing is an option in the future, and continued improvements are planned.

5th District Update from Stephanie Lynch, 5th District Councilmember:

• A budget transparency bill was recently passed and implemented, which shows what each City department has requested by line item. Several public meetings are planned to discuss the budget.
• Green initiative legislation is going through.
• Reminder about the upcoming election on April 21st. Early voting has started, and more details can be found in the 5th District Newsletter.
• The third draft of Code Refresh is expected to come out in April or May. There will likely be a future district meeting about the Code Refresh status.
• A 4-way stop was installed recently at Amelia Street and South Meadow Street to address collisions.
• Stephanie mentioned the driving culture currently, and Amy reminded folks to drive without distractions.
• Thursday April 16th at the Unitarian Church is the next 5th District Town Hall meeting and will feature Andy Boenau, the new Director of the Richmond Department of Transportation.
• A neighbor asked about Texas Beach reopening and future parking issues. Amy said that at least 15 impacted home lots are needed for parking restriction districts, so based on current legislation, a parking district near the Texas Beach parking lot is not permissible. Texas Beach bridge maintenance is expected to be completed by the end of December 2026.
• Amy mentioned a potential pedestrian hybrid beacon at Shirley Lane and Park Drive.
• A neighbor asked about the composting program with Henrico. Amy said to check the newsletter for a future update. The 5th District Newsletter is sent out twice a month.
• Stephanie plans to ask the mayor for a budget based on property taxes at $1.16 and $1.20 per $100 of assessed value.

State Legislature Update from Delegate Betsy Carr:

• The 2026 session finished a few weeks ago.
• The legislature will reconvene on April 22nd to discuss the budget.
• Stephanie mentioned that Delegate Carr secured funding for Richmond's Combined Sewer Overflows (CSO) that she had to fight hard for.

Homes for All Our Neighbors Presentation by Barry O'Keefe:

• Homes for All Our Neighbors is a group of 25 groups advocating for an equitable Code Refresh process.
• Partners include Housing Opportunities Made Equal of Virginia, Habitat for Humanity, Southwide ReLeaf, Legal Aid Justice Center, and project:HOMES.
• The goal is to use zoning as a tool for affordable housing.
• The organization mapped emails received on the first draft of the Code Refresh, and the vast majority were from Richmond's 1st and 4th districts in the wealthy western neighborhoods.
• For more information, visit homesforallourneighbors.org and @homesforallourneighbors on Instagram.