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To direct the City Attorney to notify the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority of the requirement of Council approval prior to entering into a Master Development Agreement for the redevelopment of Gilpin Court in the city of Richmond.
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WHEREAS, upon information and belief of the Council, the Chief Executive Officer of the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority signed a Master Development Agreement with HRI Communities, LLC for the redevelopment of Gilpin Court in the city of Richmond without authorization from the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority Board of Commissioners as required by Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority governance procedures; and
WHEREAS, the Master Development Agreement sets forth activities to create a redevelopment plan, referred to as a "Transformation Plan," and undertake activities to accomplish such redevelopment, without designating a redevelopment area or requiring Council approval; and
WHEREAS, under sections 36-19.2, 36-48, 36-49, and 36-51 of the Code of Virginia (1950), as amended, the Master Development Agreement effectively designates a redevelopment area, serves as a redevelopment plan, and, therefore, requires Council approval following a public hearing, which has not occurred; and
WHEREAS, the absence of both authorization from the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority Board of Commissioners and approval from the Council violates the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia and undermines public trust in the redevelopment process; and
WHEREAS, it is in the best interests of the citizens of the City of Richmond that the Council direct the City Attorney to notify the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority of the requirement of Council approval prior to entering into a Master Development Agreement for the redevelopment of Gilpin Court in the city of Richmond;
NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND:
That the ...
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