Controversial developments for Richmond’s West End advance despite backlash

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Despite backlash, a proposal for a four-story mixed-use building on the corner of Patterson and Libbie Avenues in Richmond's West End is moving forward.

The building would be built where the 73-year-old Westhampton Pastry Shop and gift shop Gild and Ash currently stand.

“One of the things that the developers used was the fact that they wanted this 'village feel,'" said Tammy Rose, a Westwood neighbor who opposes the development. “A village is small, it's quaint. It's not these huge buildings that are up.”

On Monday, Feb. 4, during a scheduled meeting, the Richmond City Council's Planning Commission recommended approval of the project.

Some neighbors spoke out in support of the project at the meeting, but Rose was one of five who spoke in opposition. She said the majority of the meeting time was given to the developers, with little time allotted for rebuttal.

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"We want to be able to have a space where we can talk and continue to look and see how we all can compromise," Rose said, after not hearing from developers since their last meeting in Sept. 2024.

The building would feature commercial space on the ground floor and offices above, including outdoor dining areas -- but, as the area is already heavy in foot and road traffic, Rose and other members of the Westhampton Citizens Association have been sounding alarms.

"There is already limited parking," she said. "With this, there will be a lot more foot traffic, a lot more of the auto traffic, and bicycles."

Developers pushed back, saying the development will promote walkability and minimize car dependence, as it aligns with Richmond's goals to create distinctive and high-quality neighborhoods.

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The proposal would bring along 24 parking spaces with it -- but, with the scale of the new building, neighbors worry that is not enough.

The planning commission said there are parking garages in the area surrounding the proposed site, so it will not be an issue. However, as the area is already dense, neighbors remain uneasy.

"We want development," Rose said. "But do we want it at the density it's being proposed? No."

As city officials weigh the project, the final decision on the development is up to City Council, who will meet to discuss it on Monday, Feb 10.