Each day this week we’re presenting Q&A’s with the five mayoral candidates, addressing their priorities for Richmond, how they’ll support business growth and economic development, and other topics that will shape the city’s future.
Government
4-cent real estate tax rebate proposed for Richmond amid rate reduction debate
The proposals add to what’s become a more-heated debate than usual over whether to reduce Richmond’s real estate tax rate in response to rising property assessments.
City betting on Southside growth with plan to buy rejected casino site for $5M
City Council is introducing legislation today to authorize the purchase and position the 96-acre site for uses including a city park and economic development site.
Hanover supervisors reject proposal for 1,500-acre solar facility
“Beaverdam is just a different place. It’s rural. It’s got a character to it that people are very proud of,” Hanover Supervisor Jeff Stoneman said in voting down the project.
VCU Health, City of Richmond butt heads over tax payments on failed downtown project
In the report that was due to legislators Tuesday, interim CEO Marlon Levy says the health system’s mission is “not to subsidize government revenue because of (the developer’s) failure to create a revenue-generating project.”
City to pay $2M for Cary Street building for new pet adoption center
The city plans to purchase the vacant building for a new pet adoption center that would supplement Richmond Animal Care & Control’s current facility on Chamberlayne Avenue.
Airport commission to vote on $30M bond issuance for passenger bridge replacements, restroom rehabs
The bonds would provide a form of bridge financing for the projects, the costs of which are expected to exceed the roughly $10 million in forecasted revenues from so-called passenger facility charges.
GRTC to demolish East Belt building for new bus storage lot
The transit authority will redevelop a former church property for additional parking as eyes the rollout of new 60-foot articulated buses to operate on the rapid-transit Pulse line next year.
More fields to open at Sportsplex this fall, as Chesterfield tourism dept. enters year two
The county expects to have four more athletic fields operational at River City Sportsplex this fall. The expansion will bring the 115-acre youth tournament complex to a total of 16 fields.
Henrico looks to lure foreign-based businesses to help fill vacant office space
The county EDA announced the launch of the Henrico Global Business Gateway, an initiative to attract foreign-based companies that will operate out of the planned Gather West End in Innsbrook.