Conflicts arise over Shockoe proposals

Richmond Mayor Dwight C. Jones has declared himself intrigued by the idea of a Shockoe Bottom with high-speed rail, a bus-transfer center, black heritage sites and a ballpark surrounded by restaurants, residences and other development.

But first, he wants to see if it all can fit on several blocks east of Interstate 95.

At Jones' urging, representatives of the proposed Shockoe Center ballpark development and the proposed bus-transfer center at Main Street Station said they're working to resolve conflicts between their plans.

In addition, Del. Delores L. McQuinn, chairwoman of the Richmond Slave Trail Commission, said the developers of Shockoe Center have expressed a willingness to give up their project's third phase, which is planned for land west of Main Street Station, in response to concerns about the effects on the recently discovered Lumpkin's Slave Jail site and other nearby black heritage sites.

That phase of development would consist of a 185-room hotel, a 200,000-square-foot office building and a 600-space parking deck.

Pete Boisseau, a spokesman for Shockoe Center, would not say whether the offer was made but added that the developers are working closely with other groups to accommodate all projects, including a ballpark envisioned to be financed through an initial phase of private development, in Shockoe Bottom.

McQuinn said members of the Slave Trail Commission still object to the ballpark and the bus-transfer center but are willing to meet with officials with those projects "to see if it is at all possible for us to work together and coexist."

"We just thought it was going to create a lot of congestion," she said of the ballpark. "You're talking entertainment and recreation versus being reflective [at the heritage sites]. The agendas are somewhat different."

One of the hang-ups between Shockoe Center and the GRTC Transit System is the route that buses would take to reach the transfer center if roads east of Main Street Station are closed for the ballpark.

GRTC's preliminary plans show buses being able to use parts of North 17th Street and East Grace Street to access the transfer center. Those roads would be closed under Highwoods Properties' plans for Shockoe Center.

Another issue relates to the use of property from the train shed north to East Broad Street. GRTC wants that area for ramps that would give buses access to the shed's second level, which formerly accommodated train cars. The plans for Shockoe Center show that area for parking.

Shockoe Center and GRTC officials would not discuss potential remedies to the conflicts. But "none of them are deal-killers on either side," said John M. Lewis Jr., CEO of GRTC. "There will be no conflict between that project and ours as we move forward."

Boisseau predicted the issues would be resolved with give and take by all parties.

"We know that there are conflicts that have got to work out," he said. "We're confident that all of these things can happen in Shockoe Bottom."

McQuinn said she plans to invite GRTC to the Slave Trail Commission's next meeting to discuss the issues. Lewis has said he would welcome that opportunity.

"We're at the right stage" to make changes, he said. "So far, what they've said is, 'We just don't like it.' I can't respond to that."

Meanwhile, the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation is reviewing GRTC's plans to determine whether they would interfere with prospects for improved rail service at Main Street Station.

The state is looking initially at platform improvements to accommodate more rail passengers, but it also is cognizant of Amtrak's interest in extending high-speed rail from the northeast corridor into Richmond, said Charles M. Badger, director of the Department of Rail and Public Transportation.

If high-speed rail comes, he said, the second floor of the train shed may be needed to store engines between trips.

"That potentially puts a different spin on the role of Main Street Station that we need to look at," Badger said. Engine storage is "what the train shed was built for. That's how it originally operated."

Lewis said that's one option, but it shouldn't be the only one considered. He suggested the need for engine storage would be temporary and that it could be accommodated elsewhere.

"When you have the willpower and the right people in the room, solutions tend to appear," he said.

Contact Will Jones at (804) 649-6911 or .