Planning Commission Endorses James River Conservation Easement

Richmond Planning Commission yesterday unanimously endorsed the proposed conservation easement for the James River Park system.
Calling the vote a “no-brainer”, the commission moved the proposed ordinance forward to the City Council Land Use, Housing and Transportation Committee meeting February 17.

The easement is the project of Council President Kathy Graziano, who has worked for almost four years to obtain protection for the park from development pressures. The ordinance guarantees that no portion of the park can be sold at any time in the future, and prohibits commercial, industrial or residential development in the park.

If approved by City Council, the easement would be the first on an undeveloped urban park in Virginia and possibly the United States. The document maintains city ownership of the park, and allows the Department of Parks, Recreation and Community facilities to continue to manage the park. City infrastructure is also protected, and the city retains the ability to meet any future state or federal mandate that would require infrastructure work in the park.