City officials tonight showed off their plans to transform one of Richmond's toughest neighborhoods into a vibrant mixed-used community.
Residents of Gilpin Court, off Interstates 64/95 in North Richmond, watched as Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority staff and people from two architectural firms spelled out their vision for the future of the area, which includes less poverty and stronger ties to the downtown community across the highway.
In the coming decade, the blocks of apartment buildings could give way to a community of homes, businesses, schools and government agencies known as North Jackson Ward.
It will represent the area's first attempt at decentralizing poverty, a key goal of the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development and a driving force for RRHA executive director Anthony Scott.
It would have 1,600 to 2,000 housing units, including 480 to 600 subsidized units. While that's a decrease from the area's current 700 units, no RRHA resident will lose housing because of the project.
The housing authority unveiled the plan at Overby-Sheppard Elementary School.
The work is scheduled to take eight to 10 years. Construction would most likely begin on vacant and commercial space along First Street, working its way back into the neighborhood.
Contact Zachary Reid at (804) 775-8179 or zreid@timesdispatch.com.
Email
Facebook
Google
Twitter
Favorites
More
Advertisement