Government

GRTC is looking at five sites across the city for the home of its future bus station hub, which would incorporate a larger mixed-use development and be the permanent successor to the temporary facility it opened last year.

The state Senate has passed legislation that could ease a regulation that’s long been a point of contention for many of Virginia’s bars and restaurants.

Described as the county’s birthplace, the former plantation straddles Interstate 295 on the north end of the Varina-Enon Bridge and once served as Henrico’s seat of government.

“With the media attention and the number of people who have reached out to us, it’s become more apparent that there are specific, common issues between a lot of these business owners that we could address legislatively,” City Council President Kristen Nye said.

“We will not open another business in the city of Richmond,” one restaurant owner said after dealing with snowballing penalties and interest on meals tax payments that have plagued other operators for years.

Richmond officials confirmed Friday that the city had closed on its nearly $15 million purchase of the long-desired island, which is planned to become part of the James River Park System.

The funds were authorized as part of a contract that gives the ownership group of the Richmond Flying Squirrels more say in the new stadium’s design.

The amended grant agreement requires an investment of at least $75 million. The agreement previously required a $30 million minimum investment at Stonebridge.

The locations open today as the first part of a larger plan to establish additional shelters across the city. Business owners opposed to the Chamberlayne Avenue site have maintained that the plan was rushed without adequate engagement.

The effort to extend Fairground Road in Goochland continues to move forward after the completion of a roundabout at its intersection with Sandy Hook Road.