The Downtown Plan: Speak Up, Richmond (They Can't Hear You!)

Since July, hundreds of Richmonders of all walks of life -- young urban families, senior citizens, architects, designers, business owners and students -- have spoken with their time, voices and imagination to provide the City of Richmond their vision for a new Downtown Plan. More than 1,000 people contributed to the process through a series of workshops and public meetings, and in walk-in design discussions. It has arguably been the most democratic design process in the history of Richmond.

No wonder the autocrats are antsy.

As members of the Richmond Planning Commission struggle to decide whether they want to emasculate the plan or simply remove its vital organs, it's time for those who invested in their time in designing a new vision for Richmond to speak up once again. Take a few moments and let members of the Richmond Planning Commission know your views on the proposed Downtown Plan. Unless noted, the contact numbers below are phone numbers.

A few tips:

• Be polite.
• Make your point concisely. Save the soapbox speeches for your next dinner party.
• Give them your name and contact information.
• Thank them for their time.

Mr. Robert Mills (Chairman) 648-5040 ext.1111
Ms. Beverley C. Lacy (Vice Chairperson) 359-2256 (fax)
Shelia Hill-Christian (Richmond's Chief Administrative Officer) 646-7978
Kathy Graziano (City Council Representative) 646-5349
Mr. William M. Hutchins 272-9044
Mr. Charles Wray Jr. 788-4774 ext 506
Mr. Rodney M Poole 358-6669
Ms. Barbara Abernathy 359-0787 (fax)
Mr. Melvin Law (no phone listed in city documents. Write him a letter at 3505 Montrose Avenue, Richmond, Virginia 23222)

You can also email the Richmond Planning Commission (care of the city's Land Use Administration Division) at DCDLanduseadmin@ci.richmond.va.us.