Richmond Mayor Dwight C. Jones said yesterday that he's committed to the downtown master plan's core goals, particularly those aimed at making the James River a focal point for the city.
"Any plan is amendable, but I think that there are certain central ideas of this plan that we have to honor," he said. "We need to honor the fact that the river is for the people," with protected views and more land acquired for public access.
The plan was drafted and approved by the City Council with broad community support under Mayor L. Douglas Wilder, but the council now is considering changes.
The City Council is expected to forward possible changes to the Planning Commission next month for review before they're sent back to the council for a final vote.
Yesterday, Jones avoided questions about the proposed Echo Harbour condominium project east of downtown, which has encountered opposition over its potential effect on river views from the Libby Hill Park area. He said he's committed to letting the master plan guide decisions on development and the city budget but offered no details.
"Yes, we are going to use it. We embrace it," Jones said, adding that the attention to downtown won't keep the city from tending to the needs of other areas.
The news conference was the fourth in a series of announcements designed to highlight the start of the Jones administration. Also present were Acting Chief Administrative Officer Christopher L. Beschler, Community Development Director Rachel O. Flynn, City Council Vice President Ellen F. Robertson and City Councilman Douglas G. Conner Jr., chairman of the council's land-use committee.
Contact Will Jones at (804) 649-6911 or wjones@timesdispatch.com.
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