Richmond neighbors offer their take on second draft of ‘Code Refresh’

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Richmond residents got their first look at the city’s second draft of ‘Code Refresh’ for affordable housing and neighborhood revitalization.

The initiative, known as Code Refresh, is the long-awaited overhaul of Richmond’s 50-year-old zoning rules. City leaders outlined the proposed reforms into four main goals they say reflect extensive community feedback.

Residents who attended the open house said they support the direction of the plan -- so long as the city follows through.

“We have this goal, but the details matter in how you get to that goal,” said Patty Merrill of District 1.

City officials outlined the updated goals: ensuring new homes complement existing ones, creating more walkable neighborhoods, preserving current housing while expanding options and aligning zoning with existing building and safety codes.

The changes are intended to modernize development rules while protecting the character of longstanding neighborhoods.

“Having affordable housing, but also not losing the character and history of Richmond -- I think all those goals align with that,” said Bianca Harleston of District 2.

Harleston also worried about how revitalization could affect longtime communities.

“I think Broad Street could really have revitalization, but not in a way that pushes the community out and is not gentrifying,” Harleston said.

Many residents expressed optimism about the city’s attempt to grow in a more inclusive and thoughtful way.

“My goal is to see how the city can grow smarter and more inclusive,” said District 7 resident Sam Runner.

Still, concerns remain about whether the final plan will be strong enough to make a meaningful impact.

“My main concern is people being too skittish, too scared, and we're going to keep watering it down to the point of ineffectiveness,” Runner said.

Residents emphasized that the process should slow down enough for the community to fully understand and shape the plan.

“The key is not to just say, ‘Here are the four goals, now here’s our big document,’” Merrill said. “It is to give people time to digest it, look at it, and be sure the things we all want are in there.”

The city will continue gathering feedback before releasing the next version of the proposal.