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To declare a public necessity for and to authorize the acquisition by gift of the parcels of real property known as 313 South Harrison Street and 1112 Idlewood Avenue from the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority for the purpose of creating a permanent public park.
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WHEREAS, in the opinion of the Council of the City of Richmond, a public necessity exists for the acquisition of the properties known as 313 South Harrison Street and 1112 Idlewood Avenue and identified as Tax Parcel Nos. W000-0331/036 and W000-0331/026, respectively, in the 2025 records of the City Assessor, consisting of approximately 0.994 acres, for the purpose of creating a permanent public park; and
WHEREAS, the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority, the owner of the aforementioned properties, has agreed to give such parcels to the City;
NOW, THEREFORE,
THE CITY OF RICHMOND HEREBY ORDAINS:
§ 1. That a public necessity exists for the acquisition and acceptance of the dedication by gift of the parcels of real property known as 313 South Harrison Street and 1112 Idlewood Avenue, and identified as Tax Parcel Nos. W000-0331/036 and W000-0331/026 in the 2025 records of the City Assessor, respectively, with all appurtenances thereto and encumbrances thereof, for the purpose of creating a permanent public park.
§ 2. That the Chief Administrative Officer is hereby authorized to accept the dedication by gift of the properties described in section 1 of this ordinance from the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority and to execute the deeds and other documents necessary to complete the acquisition of the aforementioned properties, 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: September 24, 2025
TO: The Honorable Members of City Council
THROUGH: The Honorable Danny Avula, Mayor
THROUGH: Odie Donald II, Chief Administrative Officer
THROUGH: Amy Popovich, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer - Human Services
FROM: Christopher E. Frelke, Director of Parks, Recreation & Community Facilities
RE: Transfer of Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority parcels to the City of Richmond for the purpose of creating a permanent recreation space.
ORD. OR RES. No.
PURPOSE: To declare a public necessity for and to authorize the acquisition by gift of parcels of real property known as 313 South Harrison Street and 1112 Idlewood Avenue from the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority, for the purpose of creating a permanent recreation space.
BACKGROUND: In coordination with the City of Richmond, the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority (RRHA) reviewed its property portfolio and determined that 313 South Harrison Street and 1112 Idlewood Avenue are unsuitable for affordable housing. The adjacent parcel, owned by the Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities (PRCF), will be included in the proposed new recreation space.
PRCF is prepared for the ongoing maintenance after the acquisition of these parcels.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: Not applicable.
STRATEGIC INITIATIVES AND OTHER GOVERNMENTAL: Richmond 300
CONSIDERATION BY OTHER GOVERNMENTAL ENTITIES: RRHA, Department of Public Works (DPW)
FISCAL IMPACT / COST: The City will accept the properties as a simple transfer of gift with no funds being applied to the acquisition. PRCF will manage the ongoing maintenance and improvements.
DESIRED EFFECTIVE DATE: Upon adoption
REQUESTED INTRODUCTION DATE: November 10, 2025
CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC HEARING DATE: December 8, 2025
REQUESTED AGENDA: Consent
RECOMMENDED COUNCIL COMMITTEE: Planning Commission
AFFECTED AGENCIES: PRCF, DPW
RELATIONSHIP TO EXISTING ORD. OR RES.: None.
ATTACHMENTS: Exhibit A - RRHA Resolution, Exhibit B - RRHA Quitclaim Deed of Gift
STAFF: Christopher Frelke, Director, PRCF
Nissa Richardson, Deputy Director, PRCF
Daniel Hazlett, Senior Management Analyst, PRCF