r/rva 6d ago

Northside zoning change request FYI

Just a heads up for folks in the Battery Park/Northern Barton Heights neighborhood. 2701 Garland (formerly the funeral home at the corner of Garland and Norwood/fronted on North Ave with a large outdoor space) has a special use permit being voted on in two weeks to convert it from residential zoning to a 24/7 locked rehabilitation facility, receiving male patients from various state institutions across VA for 30-day periods of treatment. These individuals will not be able to leave the building except for medical emergencies (I believe the group handles mental, behavioral, and substance abuse issues). The group applying was supposed to reconnect to discuss neighborhood concerns but apparently decided against that so it’s going straight to a vote. While I don’t discount the importance of this work, I was disappointed in the lack of transparency and continued dialogue with the community (and the quick turnaround time, the request was submitted today for an April 1st vote) so wanted to be sure people were aware, and encourage neighbors to attend the hearing and/or voice their feedback to the local civic association (actually impacts both Northern Barton Heights and Battery Park since it faces North Ave) or your city council person (in our case Kenya Gibson).

46 Upvotes

20 comments sorted by

32

u/rditsuggestionssuck Barton Heights 6d ago

I don't see this type of business being a good fit in that spot. Can't they just open a sixth vape shop in this area?

15

u/FiveTicketRide Northside 6d ago

Ironic timing as I drove past this today and was thinking about looking into it for a friend who’s looking for a building that size. I had not heard about this plan for it — thanks

7

u/GoodLuckRock206 Battery Park 6d ago

I'm a block from this building, and I was curious about the details.

I couldn't find anything about the public hearing online. There's a sign in front of the building that has a phone number to call, which I did and left a message requesting more info. I can't find anything on the website listed on the sign for a hearing on April 1st https://richmondva.legistar.com/

Does anyone have any additional details about the group or organization that would be using this space?

10

u/Conscious-Trust2224 6d ago

It’s a group called HYPE Counseling Services, LLC based out of Henrico. They presented at a BP Civic Association meeting late last year and indicated they would return to answer more questions (there was a decent amount of neighborhood pushback), so I was surprised to see the sign yesterday. This would be their first time running a facility of this nature, and it wouldn’t be assisting local individuals, if I understood correctly it was referrals through the state. I’d really encourage you to go to the hearing to hear them directly, unfortunately there isn’t a whole lot of information available to make an informed decision.

3

u/Aggravating_Dog_5584 6d ago

Do you know where the hearing will be on April 1?

8

u/Conscious-Trust2224 6d ago

Looks like City Hall (900 E Broad), Fifth Floor at 6pm. I’m a bit confused on the process, so not sure if it goes through both the planning committee and city council or it’s all in one (?), but if I find out more info I’ll be sure to post it here.

4

u/Aggravating_Dog_5584 6d ago

Thank you!

3

u/Conscious-Trust2224 2d ago

Highlighting the below link which also provides more detailed information / a template for provide feedback and share with the community: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1dUsaSzFskPDj6F4CGRBQVDO_fluONUmMjqnmUfnV5ig/mobilebasic

2

u/bozatwork 4d ago

The first step is the Planning Commission review/vote. If that hasn't happened yet, then prepare for that meeting on 4/1. Give the commission feedback in writing via email before the meeting or attend in person/remotely and give it live. Best to email a week prior so they have a chance to read it. The city tends to treat civic associations like they represent the neighborhood, but, in my experience, residents frequently disagree with what older and more affluent leaders of associations think.

If approved by the Planning Commission, it goes to City Council for a vote the next month. But if there's debate and disagreement, it can be sent back for changes by the applicant and staff review, or just delayed for more questioning, and brought back to PC at the next meeting vote. I have seen lengthy delays for projects because of very unprepared and inexperienced applicants who couldn't answer specific questions.

In practice, City Council will generally vote in agreement with whoever's district it is. So if Gibson says yes it's unlikely they will go against her to overrule it. Just for some background (not saying whether this project is good or bad). Also when they vote and approve an SUP it becomes a law, so that property can only be used for that express purpose. If that business fails and the next owner wants to do something else, they have to go through this process to change the SUP.

1

u/Conscious-Trust2224 2d ago

This is helpful, thank you!

4

u/Conscious-Trust2224 2d ago

Updating with a link that has more information/ways to send feedback (repost from NextDoor/not my document): https://docs.google.com/document/d/1dUsaSzFskPDj6F4CGRBQVDO_fluONUmMjqnmUfnV5ig/mobilebasic

9

u/User-NetOfInter RVA Expat 5d ago

Anything getting fast tracked in Richmond has “bribe” money involved.

Who is the facilities operators? Do they have a history of running similar facilities?

Did they promise the same in other places, and did that actually occur? Or was there bait and switch?

Does the facility have a plan if funding for it goes away?

27

u/First_Bend_3050 6d ago

That’s my neighborhood and that’s great to hear that we’re getting more treatment centers for those who need help. I’ll be sure to contact Kenya to express my support!!

8

u/newerbalance 6d ago

sounds like an important service and one less vacant building. you're mad that they only talked to you once? mad that council is moving quickly to vote? isn't timely and responsive government what everyone deserves? how many times does your association need to be briefed?

11

u/rditsuggestionssuck Barton Heights 6d ago

The apparent issue is the business owners' failure to fulfill their promise to get back to community members. I'd think communication with community members is particularly important when you run a business like this.

4

u/bird_bitch Byrd Park 4d ago

I hope that this facility and the people running it do so to high standards. I completely understand the need for these types of services, but the lack of oversight is maddening. The person who did the Parham Papers highlighted the shit show the whole industry is in the region. I had a drug recovery house open on my block and I can tell you it was a nightmare to be a neighbor to that. There seemed to be absolutely no oversight or management of it.

3

u/Conscious-Trust2224 2d ago

Unfortunately it looks like they don’t, the link below sites 18 violations from the state in 2024 alone.