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To express support for the master plan for the project known as the “Shockoe Project” and to request that the Chief Administrative Officer (i) endeavor to coordinate the execution of a certain document for any material changes to such master plan and (ii) provide the Council with quarterly reports concerning the implementation and construction of such project.
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WHEREAS, the master plan for the project set forth in the document entitled “The Shockoe Project,” a copy of which is attached to this resolution (the “Master Plan”), contemplates the development of an approximately ten-acre campus in the area of the city of Richmond known as Shockoe Valley (the “Shockoe Project”), as more particularly described in the Master Plan; and
WHEREAS, the Master Plan for the Shockoe Project envisions that the aforementioned property will be utilized as a national destination of remembrance, reverence and reconciliation that tells the complex history of Shockoe and the city of Richmond, Virginia, focusing on illuminating Afrocentric histories and heritage, recognizing the history of enslaved and free Africans and people of African descent, commemorating pivotal sites such as the Trail of the Enslaved, the Shockoe Hill African Burying Ground, the site of Lumpkin’s Slave Jail, also known as the Devil’s Half Acre, the Winfree Cottage, as well as incorporating greenspace, immersive exhibitions, and a gateway that welcomes pedestrians at street level; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to Ordinance No. 2024-100, adopted May 13, 2024, which accepted a program of proposed Capital Improvement Projects for the fiscal year commencing July 1, 2024, and ending June 30, 2025, and for the four fiscal years thereafter, adopted a Capital Budget for the fiscal year commencing July 1, 2024, and ending June 30, 2025, and determined a means of financing the same, the Council appropriated $13,000,000.00 to the Shockoe Project and further anticipates that the planned amount of $10,100,000.00 will be appropriated for the fiscal year commencing July 1, 2025, and ending June 30, 2026, for a total appropriation of $23,100,000.00 towards the Shockoe Project; and
WHEREAS, the Council recognizes the importance of fulfilling the mission articulated in the Master Plan and desires that the Shockoe Project be implemented and constructed substantially in accordance with the Master Plan and that there be only minimal deviations from the Master Plan, to the extent reasonably practicable; and
WHEREAS, the Council understands that all or certain parts of the property included in the Shockoe Project are subject to the regulation and control of the Federal Transit Administration and that the City Administration has or will enter into and administer contracts for goods and services relating to the design, construction, and operation of the Shockoe Project in accordance with the City’s procurement laws, rules, and regulations; and
WHEREAS, the Council understands that certain critical decisions relating to the Shockoe Project, such as, but not limited to, any long-term ground lease for the construction and operation of the prospective National Slavery Museum, will be submitted to the Council for approval in accordance with and as required by applicable law; and
WHEREAS, in accordance with the goal of carrying out the vital objectives of the Shockoe Project, as outlined in the Master Plan, the Council believes that it is in the best interest of the citizens of the City of Richmond that the Council (i) affirm its support for the Master Plan for the Shockoe Project; (ii) request that the Chief Administrative Officer endeavor to coordinate the execution of a new project charter by the same parties who signed the project charter set forth on page 6 of the Master Plan, the successors thereof, or other parties as deemed appropriate by the President of the Council and the Chief Administrative Officer, should there be any material changes to the primary elements, as outlined beginning on page 79 of the Master Plan, until construction of the Shockoe Project is complete; (iii) request that the Chief Administrative Officer provide the Council with quarterly reports; and, if requested by any Council member in writing, (iv) request that the Chief Administrative Officer coordinate quarterly meetings between the appropriate members of the City Administration and the requesting Council member, in accordance with applicable law, in each case as to discuss each such report;
NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND:
That the Council hereby supports the Master Plan for the Shockoe Project.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:
That the Council hereby requests that the Chief Administrative Officer, (i) coordinate the execution of a new project charter by the same parties who signed the project charter set forth on page 6 of the Master Plan, the successors thereof, or other parties as deemed appropriate by the President of the Council and the Chief Administrative Officer, should there be any material changes to the primary elements, as outlined beginning on page 79 of the Master Plan, until construction of the Shockoe Project is complete; (ii) provide the Council with written reports, accompanied by reasonable supporting documentation, on a quarterly basis, beginning December 1, 2024, and continuing thereafter until construction of the Shockoe Project is complete, concerning the implementation and construction of the Shockoe Project; and, upon the written request of any Council member, (iii) coordinate corresponding, quarterly meetings between the appropriate members of the City Administration and the requesting Council member, in accordance with applicable law, in each case to discuss each such report.