Richmond wants community input on solar farm, pollinator meadow plans

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Richmond officials are asking for community input on plans to turn a former landfill into a solar farm and pollinator meadow.

On Wednesday, Nov. 12, the city announced plans to transform the former East Richmond Road Landfill -- located at 3800 East Richmond Road -- into a solar meadow.

This development, which is in partnership with Ameresco, Inc., will include funding for a Community Benefits Agreement. According to a press release from the city, through this agreement, up to $500,000 will be directed towards local sustainability and resilience projects.

These projects are to be identified by the community through multiple upcoming public meetings, "ensuring the development benefits East End residents directly," per the release. City officials want to hear from locals about what sustainability projects matter to them, including things like pollinator gardens, EV charging stations, youth programming or public art.

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The city will collect feedback through a total of four community engagement sessions. The first was set for Wednesday, running from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Powhatan Community Center.

Details on the other three sessions are as follows:

• Monday, Nov. 17 -- 6:30 to 8 p.m. -- Ashley Oaks
• Wednesday, Nov. 19 -- 6:30 to 8 p.m. -- Franklin Military Academy
• Wednesday, Dec. 3 -- 6:30 to 8 p.m. -- Powhatan Community Center

You can register for any of these sessions here. Those who cannot attend a meeting in person can still provide feedback by filling out a 5-to-10-minute survey online.