Byrd Park / Carillon / Maymont / Randolph

[ancientcarpenter]

Discussion for all things Byrd Park neighborhood.

https://richmondbizsense.com/2021/11/18/rehab-to-add-second-floor-to-old-west-end-market-building-in-byrd-park/

 

Rehab to add second floor to old West End Market building in Byrd Park

 

This is pretty big development for Byrd Park neighborhood, as it is technically a relatively small neighborhood since the highway cut it off to the Fan, Meadow acts as a wall to Randolph, and of course the many lakes that surround it create almost an island for this neighborhood. 

Someone making this retail investment there is a good sign to come for the neighborhood as houses are starting to creep into the $550k range now, now rivaling or even some outbidding the fan homes per sqft. A ground floor retail market for that small of a neighborhood population is showing of the changes of that neighborhood. 

Edited November 18, 2021 by ancientcarpenter

[I miss RVA]

3 hours ago, ancientcarpenter said:

Discussion for all things Byrd Park neighborhood.

https://richmondbizsense.com/2021/11/18/rehab-to-add-second-floor-to-old-west-end-market-building-in-byrd-park/

 

Rehab to add second floor to old West End Market building in Byrd Park

 

This is pretty big development for Byrd Park neighborhood, as it is technically a relatively small neighborhood since the highway cut it off to the Fan, Meadow acts as a wall to Randolph, and of course the many lakes that surround it create almost an island for this neighborhood. 

Someone making this retail investment there is a good sign to come for the neighborhood as houses are starting to creep into the $550k range now, now rivaling or even some outbidding the fan homes per sqft. A ground floor retail market for that small of a neighborhood population is showing of the changes of that neighborhood. 

This is fantastic! I hope this becomes the catalyst for new residential growth in that neighborhood. In reading the comments of the one reader who posted on RBS, apparently this huge city block's worth of undeveloped/vacant land is owned by Sixth Baptist Church, just a block west on Idelwood. I'd be curious to know how much it would cost to pry this fantastic developable block from the church, and if they'd even sell? How amazing would it be to see a developer or developers come in and built out tightly packed rowhouses along that entire block of Idelwood from the market west to Addison, and perhaps a 3 or 4 story apartment building north of the alley in the northeast portion of the property at the corner of Grayland and Shields?  See picture below marked up with conceptual developments - orange/yellow = rowhouses. red box = apartment building.

If somehow the church would sell off the land, think of how new residential development might transform that neighborhood.

 

[ancientcarpenter]

2 hours ago, I miss RVA said:

This is fantastic! I hope this becomes the catalyst for new residential growth in that neighborhood. In reading the comments of the one reader who posted on RBS, apparently this huge city block's worth of undeveloped/vacant land is owned by Sixth Baptist Church, just a block west on Idelwood. I'd be curious to know how much it would cost to pry this fantastic developable block from the church, and if they'd even sell? How amazing would it be to see a developer or developers come in and built out tightly packed rowhouses along that entire block of Idelwood from the market west to Addison, and perhaps a 3 or 4 story apartment building north of the alley in the northeast portion of the property at the corner of Grayland and Shields?  See picture below marked up with conceptual developments - orange/yellow = rowhouses. red box = apartment building.

If somehow the church would sell off the land, think of how new residential development might transform that neighborhood.

 

The church used the parking lot (west portion of the orange rectangle) in sundays and that is it. I think membership is dwindling but it's still an active church. Maybe one time in 5 years I've seen them use the overflow (red square) parking. The lot next to this development site is also property of the church and I think they use it as some type of small office space. It would be great if they sold it all and built new homes honestly. 

[whw53]

Historic Richmond is giving a virtual lecture Sept 22nd - Maps Matter: Exploring the Past and Future of the Randolph Neighborhood

Register here - https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/5916624881851/WN_Zjo_hiD3R_qiJ45ANruphA

 

Randolph was one of the last thriving and intact Black neighborhoods in Richmond to be disrupted by urban renewal. Join LaToya Gray-Sparks as she discusses the Reconstructing Randolph Project, which explores the rich history and people who made up the Randolph neighborhood, how preservation and planning efforts have impacted it, as well as policies as strategies that can be implemented to preserve the neighborhood and protect the long term Black residents who wish to remain.

LaToya Gray-Sparks is a cartographer, historian, urban planner, and preservationist focused on reclaiming Black spaces through maps.

[whw53]

Another story appropriate for this thread - new Maymont vistor center

https://richmond.com/news/local/maymont-converts-stone-barn-to-welcome-center-with-1-million-grant-opens-on-friday/article_7c57a5c5-55b5-5fd8-9961-cc658e8185a5.html

[I miss RVA]

1 hour ago, whw53 said:

Historic Richmond is giving a virtual lecture Sept 22nd - Maps Matter: Exploring the Past and Future of the Randolph Neighborhood

Register here - https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/5916624881851/WN_Zjo_hiD3R_qiJ45ANruphA

 

Randolph was one of the last thriving and intact Black neighborhoods in Richmond to be disrupted by urban renewal. Join LaToya Gray-Sparks as she discusses the Reconstructing Randolph Project, which explores the rich history and people who made up the Randolph neighborhood, how preservation and planning efforts have impacted it, as well as policies as strategies that can be implemented to preserve the neighborhood and protect the long term Black residents who wish to remain.

LaToya Gray-Sparks is a cartographer, historian, urban planner, and preservationist focused on reclaiming Black spaces through maps.

This should be a really good talk!

[Child2021]

Going to check out the Maymont mini- expansion soon, I imagine it's one of many things to come for the park as they received a huge grant from the government.

[ancientcarpenter]

Slightly off-topic but I can't find a thread for Byrd Park which is right next to fan:

I'm reaching out for your help with a development - just need maybe 5 seconds of your time guys!

 

Developer in the Byrd Park neighborhood is looking to place a sandwich shop at 401 S. Stafford. This building has been sitting empty and dungy for over a decade. There are some residents in the Byrd Park neighborhood who are opposed to it but they are outnumbered like 10-to-1 as most of the neighborhood wants the sandwich shop. They complain about parking and crime which I'm not going to get into their logic as I shake my head. 

 

Problem is the opposition has been pulling their weight and sending emails to the city. There are a total of 27 emails that the city has on file for opposition. But, get this, 18 of those letters are from people who don't even live in the city - they identify as living in the "Great Richmond area." 

 

We are in danger of losing a business / small development because of NIMBYs. 

If you have literally 5seconds, can you please open your email and email the following people below to say you support the sandwich shop on 401 S. Stafford in Byrd Park. 

I hate to do this but this shop may actually get nixed in the Byrd Park area because technically it looks like there are more people against the shop than for it if you count the emails - opposition emails are literally copy and pasted... very obvious it's being pushed by a small minority of people asking friends outside of city to email.

 

Details:

"Title: 

401 S.Stafford SUP

 

Email text: 

“Hello, I live in richmond city and I’d love for a sandwich shop at 401 s. Stafford. It would be a great addition to our neighborhood!”

 

Send to:

[email protected],

[email protected],

[email protected] , [email protected]

"

 

As someone who lives and raises a family in Byrd Park, I can say without a doubt that most of the residents (especially those with families) are really excited for this development. It will be a great place for the community to gather and see neighbors. Currently, we have to walk across the highway to get a cup of coffee and sit somewhere. This development will take an empty building (that was a bar in the 90s) and revitalize it to be a sandwich shop that also sells alcohol. The developer has appeased the neighborhood demands and gone above and beyond but opposition is opposing it no matter what.

 

Please help by simply sending an email.

 

 

Edited October 3, 2022 by ancientcarpenter

[I miss RVA]

1 hour ago, ancientcarpenter said:

Slightly off-topic but I can't find a thread for Byrd Park which is right next to fan:

I'm reaching out for your help with a development - just need maybe 5 seconds of your time guys!

 

Developer in the Byrd Park neighborhood is looking to place a sandwich shop at 401 S. Stafford. This building has been sitting empty and dungy for over a decade. There are some residents in the Byrd Park neighborhood who are opposed to it but they are outnumbered like 10-to-1 as most of the neighborhood wants the sandwich shop. They complain about parking and crime which I'm not going to get into their logic as I shake my head. 

 

Problem is the opposition has been pulling their weight and sending emails to the city. There are a total of 27 emails that the city has on file for opposition. But, get this, 18 of those letters are from people who don't even live in the city - they identify as living in the "Great Richmond area." 

 

We are in danger of losing a business / small development because of NIMBYs. 

If you have literally 5seconds, can you please open your email and email the following people below to say you support the sandwich shop on 401 S. Stafford in Byrd Park. 

I hate to do this but this shop may actually get nixed in the Byrd Park area because technically it looks like there are more people against the shop than for it if you count the emails - opposition emails are literally copy and pasted... very obvious it's being pushed by a small minority of people asking friends outside of city to email.

 

Details:

"Title: 

401 S.Stafford SUP

 

Email text: 

“Hello, I live in richmond city and I’d love for a sandwich shop at 401 s. Stafford. It would be a great addition to our neighborhood!”

 

Send to:

[email protected],

[email protected],

[email protected] , [email protected]

"

 

As someone who lives and raises a family in Byrd Park, I can say without a doubt that most of the residents (especially those with families) are really excited for this development. It will be a great place for the community to gather and see neighbors. Currently, we have to walk across the highway to get a cup of coffee and sit somewhere. This development will take an empty building (that was a bar in the 90s) and revitalize it to be a sandwich shop that also sells alcohol. The developer has appeased the neighborhood demands and gone above and beyond but opposition is opposing it no matter what.

 

Please help by simply sending an email.

 

 

Done! 

I wrote my own copy -- leaving out the "I live in Richmond city" part and beefing up how a sandwich shop at this location would be good for the neighborhood, how it would be a real asset, and how, despite a coordinated email effort by a few squeaky wheels, there appears to be significant neighborhood SUPPORT for this establishment and how the Fan needs MORE of these grass-roots, homegrown, small business establishments to add vitality to the district.

Like the gentleman said - it took less than five minutes.

Let's put some RVA UP community muscle behind this and help this entrepreneur out by fighting these damn NIMBYs who are simply BANANAs. (They're probably the same crowd who don't want the apartment building at Thompson and Grove and who kvetched ad nauseam about 20-story buildings on the north side of Broad Street).

LET'S GO!!!

[georgeglass]

Also done!

[ancientcarpenter]

You guys rock! Urban Planet strong!

 

PLEASE! If you're reading this, take 2min and send out a quick email for this development! Big impact on the Byrd Park community that is majority/strongly wanted by the community!

[I miss RVA]

On 10/4/2022 at 9:32 AM, ancientcarpenter said:

You guys rock! Urban Planet strong!

 

PLEASE! If you're reading this, take 2min and send out a quick email for this development! Big impact on the Byrd Park community that is majority/strongly wanted by the community!

 

Mike has a great update on this project in today's RBS! Looks like the city planning staff is backing this project -- and those who have written the city so far in support of the SUP for this sandwich shop have outnumbered the NIMBYs 36-32 (as of the time the RBS article was published). I'm wondering if that includes those of us who emailed the city in support? (I'm thinking it does!) The Byrd Park Civic League has also come out in support of the restauranteurs! 

According to Mike's reporting, the Planning Commission on November 7th (after 90 minutes of public comment followed by deliberation) tabled the matter to their December 5th meeting.

Let's keep up the push to help get these guys over the finish line so they can make the renovations needed and open for business! If anyone who hasn't yet spoken up in support of this project would like to do so, please send an email to the following:

[email protected],

[email protected],

[email protected] , [email protected]

Quoting those old commercials from a couple of generations ago: you'll be glad you did! 

From today's Richmond BizSense:

https://richmondbizsense.com/2022/11/16/new-york-deli-owners-working-on-new-restaurant-in-byrd-park/

 

Edited November 16, 2022 by I miss RVA

[ancientcarpenter]

15 hours ago, I miss RVA said:

 

Mike has a great update on this project in today's RBS! Looks like the city planning staff is backing this project -- and those who have written the city so far in support of the SUP for this sandwich shop have outnumbered the NIMBYs 36-32 (as of the time the RBS article was published). I'm wondering if that includes those of us who emailed the city in support? (I'm thinking it does!) The Byrd Park Civic League has also come out in support of the restauranteurs! 

According to Mike's reporting, the Planning Commission on November 7th (after 90 minutes of public comment followed by deliberation) tabled the matter to their December 5th meeting.

Let's keep up the push to help get these guys over the finish line so they can make the renovations needed and open for business! If anyone who hasn't yet spoken up in support of this project would like to do so, please send an email to the following:

[email protected],

[email protected],

[email protected] , [email protected]

Quoting those old commercials from a couple of generations ago: you'll be glad you did! 

From today's Richmond BizSense:

https://richmondbizsense.com/2022/11/16/new-york-deli-owners-working-on-new-restaurant-in-byrd-park/

 

 

Thanks for posting this. 

 

PLEASE! If you have literally 3seconds, send a quick email to those 3 just saying "I support the sandwich shop in Byrd Park!"

A building that has been essentially abandoned for over 20 years deserves some life... especially when most of the neighborhood wants it.

Take a look at those opposition emails, they are all copy/paste and even acknowledge that they not only don't live in Byrd Park but they don't even live in Richmond CITY. This is bonkers to me! "....Richmond metro area..."

 

And to quote a local jingle, this sandwich shop will BRING OUT THE BEST IN YOU!

[I miss RVA]

https://www.urbanplanet.org/forums/topic/117800-parks-and-rec/?do=findComment&comment=1854700

Reposting @ancientcarpenter's post from Parks and Rec to this thread, per his request.

MAZAL TOV!!! MAZAL TOV!!! To the deli owners, to all who are supporting this project - and to US - for FIGHTING against NIMBISM in RVA and getting something WORTHWHILE built DESPITE the shrieks and whining of the overly squeaky wheels. WELL DONE, GENTLEMEN!! 

This is a BIG win for the deli and for the neighborhood!

[georgeglass]

1 hour ago, I miss RVA said:

https://www.urbanplanet.org/forums/topic/117800-parks-and-rec/?do=findComment&comment=1854700

Reposting @ancientcarpenter's post from Parks and Rec to this thread, per his request.

MAZAL TOV!!! MAZAL TOV!!! To the deli owners, to all who are supporting this project - and to US - for FIGHTING against NIMBISM in RVA and getting something WORTHWHILE built DESPITE the shrieks and whining of the overly squeaky wheels. WELL DONE, GENTLEMEN!! 

This is a BIG win for the deli and for the neighborhood!

I was happy to see this today, but I am still surprised there was so much opposition. On one hand, I would expect it in certain places but not in this spot. If you live in a dense urban city neighborhood, you should expect this type of business and understand that a lot of the people who have chosen to live in the area have done so because of the convenience of having a mixed use neighborhood. If you don't like that aspect, then move to the burbs! 

[ancientcarpenter]

1 hour ago, georgeglass said:

I was happy to see this today, but I am still surprised there was so much opposition. On one hand, I would expect it in certain places but not in this spot. If you live in a dense urban city neighborhood, you should expect this type of business and understand that a lot of the people who have chosen to live in the area have done so because of the convenience of having a mixed use neighborhood. If you don't like that aspect, then move to the burbs! 

I have tried to listen to the other side and they're just not "there" for me:

Argument 1: It will be too loud

Answer: Owner has agreed no music. Owner has agreed to bring outdoor seating from 30 to 24. Owner has agreed to shutdown at 9pm. Regardless, this block is RIGHT NEXT to a eyelevel 6 lane highway. It is loud by itself...this restaurant will help drown out the noise!

 

Argument 2: People will be drunk in our neighborhood

Answer: It's not a bar. Closes at 9pm. Owner has negotiated no sale of liquor. Only limited alcohol percentage beer and wine

 

Argument 3: It will ruin the "tranquility" of the neighborhood

Answer: Yes, it may ruin the eye level highway eyesore and the highway noise and Grayland cars going 40-50mph regularly. Don't forget the trash dump the neighbor across the street has aka their porch *rolls eyes*

 

Argument 4: We are a neighborhood!

Answer: We are a mixed use neighborhood in THE CITY. This is a bare minimum for city life...especially mixed use. We are not the suburbs...even the burbs are changing their zoning for stuff like this.

 

Argument 5: I didn't buy here to live next to a restaurant!

Answer: This building was specifically built to be commercial. The layout, design, zoning, etc. all are very clear...since it was built in the 1920s it has always been commercial. 

 

Argument 6: If they build this I will move

Answer: I will personally help you pack to speed this process

 

The opposition has been very ugly to be honest. Just yesterday, not even a few hours after the vote, one of the neighbors was accosted and verbally assaulted (in front of his child and wife AND DOG!) by one of the opposing neighbors. He was told to go F himself and that he is a POS for ruining "my block." Not acceptable and way out of line especially b/c the battle is over...there is nothing cursing and yelling and verbally assaulting neighbors will do now. Just like the pandemic, things like this show peoples' true colors. 

 

I want to thank everyone who sent letters/emails in. Opposition had people who didn't even live in the city nor RVA emailing in to make it look like opposition was stronger than it was. Thank you again... what a nuisance. 

Edited February 22, 2023 by ancientcarpenter

[I miss RVA]

1 hour ago, ancientcarpenter said:

I have tried to listen to the other side and they're just not "there" for me:

Argument 1: It will be too loud

Answer: Owner has agreed no music. Owner has agreed to bring outdoor seating from 30 to 24. Owner has agreed to shutdown at 9pm. Regardless, this block is RIGHT NEXT to a eyelevel 6 lane highway. It is loud by itself...this restaurant will help drown out the noise!

 

Argument 2: People will be drunk in our neighborhood

Answer: It's not a bar. Closes at 9pm. Owner has negotiated no sale of liquor. Only limited alcohol percentage beer and wine

 

Argument 3: It will ruin the "tranquility" of the neighborhood

Answer: Yes, it may ruin the eye level highway eyesore and the highway noise and Grayland cars going 40-50mph regularly. Don't forget the trash dump the neighbor across the street has aka their porch *rolls eyes*

 

Argument 4: We are a neighborhood!

Answer: We are a mixed use neighborhood in THE CITY. This is a bare minimum for city life...especially mixed use. We are not the suburbs...even the burbs are changing their zoning for stuff like this.

 

Argument 5: I didn't buy here to live next to a restaurant!

Answer: This building was specifically built to be commercial. The layout, design, zoning, etc. all are very clear...since it was built in the 1920s it has always been commercial. 

 

Argument 6: If they build this I will move

Answer: I will personally help you pack to speed this process

 

The opposition has been very ugly to be honest. Just yesterday, not even a few hours after the vote, one of the neighbors was accosted and verbally assaulted (in front of his child and wife AND DOG!) by one of the opposing neighbors. He was told to go F himself and that he is a POS for ruining "my block." Not acceptable and way out of line especially b/c the battle is over...there is nothing cursing and yelling and verbally assaulting neighbors will do now. Just like the pandemic, things like this show peoples' true colors. 

 

I want to thank everyone who sent letters/emails in. Opposition had people who didn't even live in the city nor RVA emailing in to make it look like opposition was stronger than it was. Thank you again... what a nuisance. 

 to EVERY ONE OF YOUR RESPONSES, @ancientcarpenter!!! Spot on. (And to the sixth kvetch - I'd add - "Don't let the doorknob hit ya where the Good Lord split ya!")

Wow - these gripes are beyond absurd. And for one of the residents to accost and verbally assault a neighbor in front of said neighbor's wife, child and pet - holy moly. WTF is this clown's major malfunction? "My block"... oh really? This idiot owns the ENTIRE block? Would he care to produce the deeds and land records proving ownership? If not, he can STFU and sit down.

What a complete and total mamzer. 

Now - before we take TOO large a victory lap - it occurred to me in reading the story that the measure still needs to come up before City Council. I hadn't read the story when I offered my heartfelt MAZAL TOVs! Mind you - it's a HUGE win to get a 6-1 approval by the Planning Commission - but any of us who's seen Richmond politics for any length of time knows damn well that Council has rather infamously shot down projects that received vigorous Planning Commission approval because they (sorry @Brent114) CAVED to the NIMBYs. I would suggest everyone who lives in the city, (particularly in this district) reach out to your councilperson - make sure you express you 100% support for this restaurant. For any and all who can make it, I would ALSO advise - SHOW UP AT THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING AND BE PREPARED TO SPEAK IN FAVOR OF IT!!!  WHY? Because - if you think these NIMBYs won't pull out ALL THE STOPS and won't show up en masse to the City Council meeting where this is on the docket, you're kidding yourselves. If you legit support this restaurant - COME TO THE MEETING AND LET YOUR VOICES BE HEARD! DROWN OUT THE NIMBYS!!! TAKE THE TIME AND GO DOWNTOWN ON THAT NIGHT - SHOW UP AND PUT IN THE EFFORT!!! This battle isn't completely won - YET. Now is NOT the time to take the foot off the gas pedal - if anything, it's the time to stand with BOTH FEET on the gas pedal.

If I lived in Richmond - you can damn well bet your bottom dollar I would be there - and I would speak in favor of it. (God Himself knows back in the day - in the 80s and 90s - I went to COUNTLESS City Council meetings and spoke in favor of projects - particularly those where there was a lot of NIMBY pushback).

AGAIN - I encourage EVERYONE WHO LIVES IN RICHMOND! SHOW UP! BE THERE IN PERSON - AND SPEAK! Even if all you do is state your name, address (which, if I recall, is required when you speak before the Council) -  and simply say - "I 100% support this project. It will be an asset to the neighborhood and to the city at large. We should be thankful to God Almighty that there are fine Richmond businesses who are EAGER to contribute to the VITALITY of our city's neighborhoods." ... AND URGE THEM TO VOTE YES AND APPROVE THE PROJECT!!!

SHOW UP!!! BE THERE!! LET'S FINISH THE JOB (to coin a phrase! ) ... Let's GET THE SUP APPROVAL FOR THIS RESTAURANT ACROSS THE FINISH LINE!

Let's show these NIMBY's we are  RVA STRONG!!!!

Edited February 22, 2023 by I miss RVA

[Brent114]

I can’t imagine anyone opposing this.  I lived in Byrd Park for 4 very long years.  The lack of services was numbing.  I would have loved a cafe just a few blocks over (I lived on Lakeview).  The folks that I still know in the neighborhood are very excited about this development.  I just assumed everyone would prefer to have snacking/dining options a short stroll from their house versus an abandoned, very commercial, space.  Who doesn’t want  that? What kind of monster doesn’t want that?!?! 

Edited February 24, 2023 by Brent114

[Hike]

6 minutes ago, Brent114 said:

I can’t imagine anyone opposing this.  I lived in Byrd Park for 4 very long years.  The lack of services was numbing.  I would have loved a cafe just a few blocks over (I lived on Lakeview).  The folks that I still know in the neighborhood are very excited about this development.  I just assumed everyone would prefer to have snacking/dining options a short stroll from their house versus an abandoned, very commercial, space.  Who doesn’t want  that? What kind of monster doesn’t want that?!?! 

The audacity of breathing life into this sad looking corner, do they dislike sandwiches, I think they don’t like sandwiches. Think about that, a sandwich next door, just walk outside and get one, eat it there, walk it home and eat it, eat it on on the way home, so many options, man, I want a sandwich right now, wish there was one next door.

[wrldcoupe4]

Have to keep in mind that those opposed are probably a small minority and louder than the “silent majority.”

[I miss RVA]

42 minutes ago, Brent114 said:

I can’t imagine anyone opposing this.  I lived in Byrd Park for 4 very long years.  The lack of services was numbing.  I would have loved a cafe just a few blocks over (I lived on Lakeview).  The folks that I still know in the neighborhood are very excited about this development.  I just assumed everyone would prefer to have snacking/dining options a short stroll from their house versus an abandoned, very commercial, space.  Who doesn’t want  that? What kind of monster doesn’t want that?!?! 

You lived on Lakeview? Sweet!! My first wife was living in the 2400 block of Lakeview WAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY back in the '80s when we first met.

[Brent114]

I was at 2408

[I miss RVA]

6 hours ago, Brent114 said:

I was at 2408

NO... WAY!!!

Wait - that's a little cottage house that's a converted former garage, no? Directly behind 2406?  If it's the same place I'm thinking it is. that's EXACTLY where my first wife lived in the late '80s when we were dating. OMG!!

[eandslee]

25 minutes ago, I miss RVA said:

NO... WAY!!!

Wait - that's a little cottage house that's a converted former garage, no? Directly behind 2406?  If it's the same place I'm thinking it is. that's EXACTLY where my first wife lived in the late '80s when we were dating. OMG!!

Small world!

[I miss RVA]

Just now, eandslee said:

Small world!

VERY!