Developers of a proposed retail development at 10 N. Nansemond St. near Carytown got a major boost Friday when the Museum District Association decided not to oppose the Carytown Place project.
"We're very happy with their decision," said Robert Shinn, a spokesman for the developer, Maryland Financial Realty Inc.
The Museum District Association's board voted 7-3 to not oppose a revised ordinance that would allow the developer to turn the Verizon building into about 42,000 square feet of retail space.
The association's stance has no legal standing, but having the official neighborhood organization not oppose the proposal is a big help for the developer as it prepares to go before the Richmond Planning Commission on Monday night.
The developer and the opposition group Don't Big Box Carytown had worked hard to win the endorsement of the Museum District Association. Both presented their arguments Wednesday at a meeting of the association's board.
"The board engaged in a lengthy and detailed discussion" before taking the vote, according to a statement posted on the association's website Friday.
Don't Big Box Carytown did not respond to requests for comment.
In November, the Museum District Association voted to oppose the proposed development but told developers that it would reconsider the matter if several of its concerns were addressed.
A month later, the developers filed a revised plan that, among other things, eliminates access to underground parking from North Nansemond Street and limits the size of a retail tenant to 25,000 square feet, in essence guaranteeing that the development will have multiple tenants, as opposed to one big-box retailer.
If the Planning Commission approves the plan Monday, the ordinance would go to the City Council for approval.
The commission also will consider amending the city's master plan to allow the development.
LLLovio@timesdispatch.com
(804) 649-6348
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