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To declare a public necessity for and to authorize the acquisition of the parcel of real property owned by the Capital Region Land Conservancy, Inc., located at 510 South 14th Street for the purpose of expanding and preserving public green space for community use and enjoyment.
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WHEREAS, in the opinion of the Council of the City of Richmond, a public necessity exists for the acquisition of property located at 510 South 14th Street, identified as Tax Parcel No. E000-0096/013 in the 2026 records of the City Assessor, for the purpose of expanding and preserving public green space for community use and enjoyment;
NOW, THEREFORE,
THE CITY OF RICHMOND HEREBY ORDAINS:
§ 1. That a public necessity exists for the acquisition of the property located at 510 South 14th Street, identified as Tax Parcel No. E000-0096/013 in the 2026 records of the City Assessor, for the purpose of expanding and preserving public green space for community use and enjoyment.
§ 2. That the Chief Administrative Officer, for and on behalf of the City of Richmond, be and is hereby authorized to acquire such parcel of real property identified in section 1 of this ordinance from the Capital Region Land Conservancy, Inc., and to execute the deed or deeds and other documents necessary to complete the acquisition and acceptance of such parcel of real property, provided that all such deeds and other documents first must be approved as to form by the City Attorney or the designee thereof.
§ 3. This ordinance shall be in force and effect upon adoption.
City of Richmond
Intracity Correspondence
DATE: June 10, 2026
TO: The Honorable Members of City Council
THROUGH: The Honorable Danny Avula, Mayor
THROUGH: Odie Donald II, Chief Administrative Officer
THROUGH: Alfred Wiggins, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer - Operations
FROM: Christopher E. Frelke, Director of Parks, Recreation & Community Facilities
RE: Accepting parcel of real property from the Capital Region Land Conservancy for incorporation into the City’s park system.
ORD. OR RES. No.
PURPOSE: To declare a public necessity for and to authorize the acquisition of the parcel of real property owned by the Capital Region Land Conservancy, Inc., located at 510 South 14th Street for the purpose of expanding and preserving public green space for community use and enjoyment.
BACKGROUND: Capital Region Land Conservancy (CRLC) has been an invaluable partner to the City of Richmond in advancing land conservation, expanding public access to green space, and protecting environmentally and historically significant properties throughout the city. Through strategic acquisitions, conservation initiatives, and collaborative partnerships, CRLC has helped preserve important natural areas and riverfront properties that contribute to the long-term sustainability and livability of Richmond’s park and open space network.
As part of this ordinance, CRLC is facilitating the transfer of the final privately owned parcel on Mayo Island to the City. This acquisition will further expand opportunities for public access and environmental stewardship while advancing the City's long-term vision for Mayo Island and the James River corridor.
CRLC’s work within the City has directly supported the preservation and expansion of public recreational assets, including properties associated with the James River Park System and trail connectivity, and was instrumental in the acquisition of Mayo Island. By helping acquire, conserve, and transfer land for public benefit, CRLC has played a vital role in advancing the City’s goals related to parks, environmental stewardship, public access, and the long-term preservation of open space for future generations.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: After introduction, the proposed ordinance will be referred to Land Use, Housing and Transportation Standing Committee meeting for discussion, where the public is encouraged to attend to provide comments. After the committee’s recommendation to the City Council, Council will hold a public hearing regarding the proposed ordinance.
STRATEGIC INITIATIVES AND OTHER GOVERNMENTAL: Mayoral Action Plan: Thriving and Sustainable Built Environment, A City That that Tells its Stories, James River Park System Master Plan, Riverfront Plan
CONSIDERATION BY OTHER GOVERNMENTAL ENTITIES: N/A
FISCAL IMPACT / COST: The City Assessor’s 2025 tax assessment records value the parcel at approximately $78,000.00. The parcel is being transferred to the City as a gift.
DESIRED EFFECTIVE DATE: Upon adoption
REQUESTED INTRODUCTION DATE: September 14, 2026
CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC HEARING DATE: September 28, 2026
REQUESTED AGENDA: Consent
RECOMMENDED COUNCIL COMMITTEE: Land Use, Housing and Transportation Standing Committee
AFFECTED AGENCIES: Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities
RELATIONSHIP TO EXISTING ORD. OR RES.: None.
ATTACHMENTS: Property Description
STAFF: Christopher Frelke, Director, PRCF
Nissa Richardson, Deputy Director, PRCF
Daniel Hazlett, Senior Management Analyst, PRCF