The developer of the long-controversial Echo Harbor project (210 luxury condos, restaurant, health club, stores and offices) has called the recently released Downtown Master Plan “inherently flawed”, upset that the document blocks out his land as most appropriate as a park. The city government sends mixed messages, with 4th District Councilwoman Kathy C. Graziano said that “I think it’s a nice plan, but we need to make sure when we approve it that we’re being realistic.” While acknowledging that the plan can not force a rezoning, Rachel Flynn, director of community development states that “These are our last opportunities to have parks right on the water for citizens”. [via]

The first public hearing on the recently released updated Downtown Master Plan will be Monday, Dec.3rd at 6:30PM at the City Planning Commission meeting in the 5th floor conference room in City Hall. Backers of this vision of Richmond’s future are urging citizens to turn out to show their support for the plan.

Read more >

Today at noon, the city will unveil the first draft of the new downtown master plan. Expected to focus heavily on River District neighborhoods, the plan will be available for review on the City Website, all Richmond Public Libraries locations, Community Centers, and City Hall rooms 110 and 510.