Richmond is filled with so many outdoor enthusiasts – whether it is on bike, foot, canoe, or kayak, we have a vigorous outdoor population that enjoys all the incredible natural settings around Richmond, especially near the James River.

That’s why I encourage you to talk to your compatriots and friends to urge City Council by phone and email to vote in favor of the “Lehigh Paper” on Monday, May 12.  

Ordinance 2007-321 (click here for Ordinance and site plans) will declare a public necessity to acquire the Lehigh property, along the riverfront near the old Annabel Lee dock. This declaration simply states the public purpose for the property and is part of the legal process that the City must undertake in order to acquire any property. The approval of this paper is needed so the City may continue its ongoing negotiations to purchase the property.

The Lehigh Cement Company has already agreed to sell to the City so we will be able to provide unfettered public access to the river as well as begin the next phase of the Capital Trail project.

Sections of The Virginia Capital Trail are being developed between Williamsburg and Richmond that will provide a 54-mile bike route between the two cities. The first phase in Richmond along the floodwall is complete and the second phase under the rail trestle on Dock St. is due to begin anytime.

But the next phase of the Capital Trail will be stymied unless Council votes to acquire this land.  The resolution, which was introduced in November, has been continued in Council five times! There has been little, if any, debate and thus the continued stalling is meant to buy time. But for what?

Several on Council believe the last stretch of riverfront should be turned over to private developers (see this recent NBC12 story). Some Council members have openly suggested this in Council meetings. Just last week one Council member even suggested bringing in private developers for more talks, which would only further delay the process.

The City Administration has negotiated with Lehigh for the land, yet, the City risks having to renegotiate and pay a higher price on a future date if the delays continue. This proposal is the important first step toward providing public access to the river and joining this land with a marina and Rockett's Landing.

Council’s role is to vote this proposal up or down, but they seem content with continually delaying action.

One pertinent local blogger predicts the following:

“A slim majority of Council will push passionately to keep Richmond out of the business of promoting an engaging vision for the James River, and argue that private developers should be trusted to act as responsible stewards of the river and the downtown environment.”

"Word is that a wildly ambitious private proposal is heading to the table -- one that would give private developers free reign to shape, build and profit from a massive riverfront project that would include the proposed public marina.”

That is not what I envision for Richmond’s waterfront. In a city with so many who enjoy the river and its environs, it is imperative we seize this opportunity to maximize our public recreational space along the riverfront.

If you want to see our City be a part of the Virginia Capital Trail and protect the riverfront for public access, then please contact your Council representative and urge them to take action on the Lehigh paper at the meeting Monday, May 12.

Marina Presentation to Council - Feb. 26, 2008