Richmond Mayor Dwight Jones delivered his second State of the City address last night to a packed audience at the newly renovated Hippodrome Theater in Jackson Ward.
Jones did not let the significance of the location go to waste, using it as an example of his administration’s efforts to revitalize Richmond. The city contributed $600,000 to the property’s $12 million rehabilitation by Walker Row Partnership.
“I said we would do it, and we got it done,” Jones said.
Jones said the city would continue to seek out similar public-private partnerships as part of his economic development agenda.
Jones said there was $981 million worth of active economic development projects in the city.
“That is almost a billion, with a B,” Jones said.
Jones highlighted proposals for continuing to advance the city’s economic development efforts including:
-Produce a concept for commercial development of train shed at Main Street
Station.
-Appoint a head of tourism for the City of Richmond.
-Replace the Coliseum at current location.
-Develop a new baseball stadium on the Boulevard.
-Introduce ordinance designating section of Broad Street as a cultural
district.
-Provide micro-financing for businesses in target areas.
“Our city is poised for growth,” Jones said.
Richmond Mayor Dwight Jones delivered his second State of the City address last night to a packed audience at the newly renovated Hippodrome Theater in Jackson Ward.
Jones did not let the significance of the location go to waste, using it as an example of his administration’s efforts to revitalize Richmond. The city contributed $600,000 to the property’s $12 million rehabilitation by Walker Row Partnership.
“I said we would do it, and we got it done,” Jones said.
Jones said the city would continue to seek out similar public-private partnerships as part of his economic development agenda.
Jones said there was $981 million worth of active economic development projects in the city.
“That is almost a billion, with a B,” Jones said.
Jones highlighted proposals for continuing to advance the city’s economic development efforts including:
-Produce a concept for commercial development of train shed at Main Street
Station.
-Appoint a head of tourism for the City of Richmond.
-Replace the Coliseum at current location.
-Develop a new baseball stadium on the Boulevard.
-Introduce ordinance designating section of Broad Street as a cultural
district.
-Provide micro-financing for businesses in target areas.
“Our city is poised for growth,” Jones said.
Anyone know what exactly a cultural district would be?
Our mayor has a vision for this city, something that was lacking in past adminstrations. He doing his best to include very citizen, asking for our input and suggestions at community meetings. He’s reaching out and availalble to discuss the plans he and his team have in mind. If you don’t agree with the plans, get involved and provide the constructive criticism and your suggestions. He’s willing to listen and hear you out. He wants every citizen to be proud to call the City of Richmond their home.
With regard to the “cultural district,” I believe they’re referring to the section of Broad Street that hosts the First Fridays Art Walk. The several block long area features a whole bunch of art galleries and restaurants. It really draws a sizable crowd each month. If you haven’t checked it out, you should. The crowd can be as entertaining as the galleries themselves. http://www.firstfridaysrichmond.com/