The Downtown Plan: A River Runs Through It

Access. Acquisition. Interconnection.

Improve physical and visual access to the James River for the public. Acquire land along the river to expand the James River Park system and protect the river. Create more links between the park system and the adjoining neighborhoods and communities.

Those are the most obvious themes running through the James River District portion of Richmond's proposed Downtown Plan, as presented to a crowd of some 50 people at Richmond's Main Library earlier this evening.

"The river, we heard time and again, is the centerpiece of downtown. It is the reason we are here," said Brooke Hardin of the Department of Community Development, as he kicked off the meeting with a general overview.

The fifth of six neighborhood-specific public meetings scheduled by the Richmond Planning Commission to discuss the Downtown Plan as it works its way from draft format to City Council approval focused on the preservation and development of the James River District.

The James River District, which runs from the Lee Bridge to the west to Richmond's eastern border with Henrico County, includes the river, its islands and the north and south riverbanks, Hardin said.

The draft plan (available online as a series of PDF documents) outlines a series of key recommendations for the River District:

• Improve visual and physical access to the River
• Acquire unique properties for open space along the River
• Create an interconnected system of trails along the River
• Maintain Brown’s Island as an outdoor festival venue and improve connectivity
• Open Chapel Island to pedestrians and kayakers
• Make Great Shiplock Park accessible
• Extend and enhance the Canal Walk
• Bring back historic boat docks
• Extend and connect walking trails
• Preserve Belle Isle and improve safety perceptions
• Construct a pedestrian bridge over abandoned rail foundations
• Improve walkability on Manchester Bridge
• Rehabilitate Mayo Bridge to its historic character
• Establish Mayo Island as a premiere public park
• Create a linear park along Miller’s Creek
• Improve wayfinding and accessibility at Ancarrow’s Landing

And while the comments portion of the evening was generally relaxed, the moderately sized crowd chimed in on a variety of topics related to the plan.

The issue of development and property rights was top-of-mind for some.

"Not everybody wants to hike a secluded trail or go mountain biking," said Paul Hammond. "As wonderful as it is, most Richmonders have not been to the [James River] Park ... we need to maximize the economic benefit of the river without damaging it ... This plan works in some ways against this."

"I'm distressed that private ownership always seems to trump the public good," said Harry Byrd. "I believe there is a middle way."

One woman made an impassioned plea for a river that creates a variety of spaces for people to gather.

"Having a park in the middle of Richmond is beautiful," she said. "I moved back to Richmond 13 years ago after living around the world ... cities around the world use their rivers as a place that people unify around. I really think there is a litany of things that need to be done; the river is a natural starting point to reinvigorate and energize our city."

But, as one speaker pointed out, "the devil is in the details."

"I really like the idea of developing the Great Shiplock Park," he said. "But you have locks that need to be completely repaired; you'll have to dredge the shiplock; you'll have to do something about the railway bridge ... it's a great idea, but I just don't think it's practical."

Ralph White, Richmond's naturalist who is widely credited with the success of the James River Park system, spoke in his capacity as a citizen during the meeting.

"The highest single priority is the completion of the VEPCO levee," White said. "The second thing is low cost, and that is signage. We already have great access to the river ... but no one can find them."

Referencing the boat trips available to the public along the Kanawha Canal, White suggested that people need more of a reason to use the boats.

"If you ride the boat once, you don't need to ride it again," he said. "Make those boats stop at two or three places, so they serve a purpose ... let food and drinks be available for purchase on the boats."

Jon Murden at River District News has more details on the evening's meeting.

The next, and final, neighborhood-specific discussion takes place from 6:00 until 8:00 Wednesday evening (February 20) and will focus on the VCU Medical Center, Capitol Area, Biotech Park and Central Office District. The meeting will be held at City Hall's 5th floor conference room.