Henrico OKs landscape, lighting plan for Wallace gym

Ben Wallace, the NBA star traded by Cleveland to Phoenix in exchange for Shaquille O'Neal, got at least one thing he wanted last week.

The private gym he is building on Westwood Avenue near the Richmond city line was granted final approval for landscaping and outdoor lighting from the Henrico County Planning Commission.

When the landscape and lighting plan came before the commission in May, county staff raised security concerns because lights mounted on the building wouldn't illuminate the edges of the parking area. They recommended lights on poles.

More trees also were needed at the side of the property bordering Westwood Trail, which leads from Westwood Avenue under Interstate 195 to the Acca railroad yard.

A revised plan added trees where requested and put in seven light poles, said Lee Pambid, a county planning staffer.

Wallace was not available for comment. His spokesman, Jim DeVoy, said the former Virginia Union standout was pleased with the outcome.

"The security will be exactly as the police wanted, and we're glad to provide it," DeVoy said.

"Budget is not an issue when it comes to safety," DeVoy had said earlier. "The property will be in full conformity with what the county requests."

Wallace, an Alabama native and Goochland County resident, has lived in the Richmond area since his All-American career at VUU.

In previous years, Wallace has operated a summer camp for area youths at the Arthur Ashe Center. Once his gym is complete, he would be able to run the camp there. He has not announced whether he plans to do so.

Henrico Planning Commission Chairman Ernest B. Vanarsdall told the panel that he thanked Wallace and his representatives for their cooperation.

"I know it will be a tribute to the neighborhood," Vanarsdall said. "It will be more than a gym. There will be a lot of youth activity."

Contact Katherine Calos at (804) 649-6433 or .