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To express support for the City’s acquisition, designation, and establishment of a portion of the property located at 405 West 6th Street and commonly known as Manchester Green as an official City park. (6th District)
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WHEREAS, the City has recognized a portion of the property known as 405 West 6th Street and identified as Tax Parcel No. S000-0023/001 in the 2024 records of the City Assessor as a potential location for a public space referred to as “Manchester Green” in the Richmond Riverfront Plan, as contained in Ordinance No. 2017-148, adopted September 25, 2017; and
WHEREAS, upon the information and belief of Council, the recent surge in the construction of residential buildings has led to an increase in population within the Manchester neighborhood, resulting in a lack of public spaces within that community; and
WHEREAS, upon the information and belief of Council, Manchester Green stands as the last substantial tract of land available for the establishment of a public park in the Manchester neighborhood; and
WHEREAS, upon the information and belief of Council, the aforementioned location of Manchester Green makes the property an accessible and desirable area for citizens of the City and the South Richmond community; and
WHEREAS, upon the information and belief of Council, public spaces, especially parks, mitigate urban congestion and foster community engagement within densely populated city neighborhoods; and
WHEREAS, upon the information and belief of Council, public spaces such as Libby Hill Park, Monroe Park, and Byrd Park underscore the popularity and essential role of parks in enhancing the overall ambiance of the city of Richmond’s neighborhoods; and
WHEREAS, the Council believes that it is in the best interest of the citizens of the City of Richmond that the Council support the City’s acquisition, designation, and establishment of all or a portion of the property located at 405 West 6th Street and commonly known as Manchester Green as an official City park;
NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND:
That the Council hereby expresses support for the City’s acquisition, designation, and establishment of a portion of the property located at 405 West 6th Street and commonly known as Manchester Green as an official City park.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:
1. That the Council hereby affirms that Manchester Green is an optimal site for a public park, especially in consideration of the extent to which other spaces in the Manchester neighborhood are used for development projects.
2. That, to the extent permitted by law, the Council intends to take such actions as may be necessary to acquire and develop Manchester Green, or a portion thereof, for public park use, provided that the owner of the property is willing to sell all or a portion of such property to the City.
3. That the Council supports the consolidation of Manchester Green, or a portion thereof, with James River Park, subject to any easements.
4. That the Council hereby requests that the Chief Administrative Officer, to the extent permitted by law, cause the appropriate City departments to take such action as may be necessary for the City to acquire, designate, and establish Manchester Green as a City park and work with the owner of the property to resolve any issues preventing Manchester Green’s prospective use as such.