Construction on Richmond’s section of the Capital Trail began this week. While the project has awesome potential, part of the Richmond development will run into some obstacles at Great Shiplock Park. An article in today’s RTD describes the problems the projects will face: the proposed Echo Harbor development and the Ripp Family purchase option on the Richmond Intermediate Terminal. Read the article here.

Representatives of the Wilder administration presented the outline of a marina project to the city council yesterday. Wilder’s proposal includes land also spoken for by the proposed Echo Harbor project and would include a marina with more than 150 boat slips. The project is estimated to cost around $17.7 million, with much of the cost expected to be made-up by selling nearby land and from developer fees. [via]

The 5th of 6 scheduled neighborhood-specific meetings on the Downtown Plan took place tonight at the Main Library on Franklin Street. The 2-hour meeting included an overview of the process so far, the plan as it pertains to James River (River, Islands & Riverfront Area), and a lively Q&A session.

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Richmond City Council President and 2nd District Representative William J. Pantele has reportedly received a $1,000 campaign donation from developer of the proposed Echo Harbour project, U.S. Property Development Co. The RTD reports that Pantele “is a longtime family friend of George T. Ross, who is contract developer for the Echo Harbour project”. The proposed development is located in the 7th District. [via]

As good as any of the made up stuff: The developers of the proposed Echo Harbor condos, USP Rocketts LLC, is “a subsidiary of a holding company spun off by the Unification Church” (ie “Moonies”). No word on any plans for massive weddings. [via]

Richmond Chief Administrative Officer Sheila Hill-Christian has asked the RRHA to reconsider the sale of two vacant lots that were earlier promised to the developer of the proposed Echo Harbor condominiums. The 2 properties, on a section of Main Street that leads to Richmond Intermediate Terminal, would be necessary for the developer to build a bridge from them over Dock Street to the project for emergency access. Hill-Christian says that the earlier agreement to sell the properties was made without knowing that Wilder and city planners opposed it. [via]

In an email to City Council urging them to support the Mayor’s plan for a public marina on the land slated for the Echo Harbor development, James Ukrop wrote:

“As you consider your decisions about to be made on the riverfront . . . please balance the long-term benefit to our city vs. the short-term gains. [...] By investing in the marina and park site, you will not only create more public access to the river, you will also not lose the magnificent view of the river from Libby Hill (one of our city’s most valuable assets).”

[via]

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]