The city administration today formally introduced ordinances memorializing the proposed negotiated agreement with the Navy Hill Development Corporation to revitalize downtown Richmond, create economic opportunity, and provide necessary funding for the city’s priorities, including education, housing, and neighborhoods. Also introduced was a resolution outlining the Mayor’s funding priorities for the estimated $1 billion in surplus revenue to be generated by the proposed project.

The legislation, which will be officially posted to the Richmond City Clerk’s Legistar page, can also be found at the following link on the city website:

https://www.rva.gov/mayors-office/navy-hill-development-project-0

The documents being released today include the following:
·      The ordinance binder package, which includes the legal documents, the OR Request, and the Fiscal Impact Statement
·      The Original Proposal from NHDC
·      The NHDC Response to Request for Clarifications

The previously posted City of Richmond Request for Proposal (RFP) and other related previously published documents may also be found on the city’s website.

Mayor Levar M. Stoney today announced that the city administration has completed negotiations with The NH District Corporation (NHDC) on a transformational, economic development plan to revitalize downtown Richmond and dramatically increase the city’s capacity to fund education, housing, transit, streets and neighborhoods for generations to come.

The plan, subject to the approval of Richmond City Council, will be submitted in the form of ordinances and supporting legal documents introduced at a special meeting of the council to be held on Monday, August 5.

“The ordinances we will deliver to the city council on Monday propose a responsible and inclusive opportunity to grow our economy by creating a thriving city center and community,” said Mayor Stoney.

“The agreement we have negotiated ensures that the Navy Hill development project will create thousands of jobs, hundreds of affordable housing units, job-training opportunities, new revenue, and world-class amenities for ALL Richmonders,” the mayor added.

The proposed project will redevelop significant portions of Richmond’s under-utilized property downtown, turning valuable land that costs the city money today into properties that generate revenue tomorrow. 

The $1.5 billion project is expected to generate $500 million in annual wages in the region, in addition to an estimated $1 billion in surplus revenue to the city over 30 years for priorities such as education, housing, streets and the arts.

Highlights of the negotiated proposal include:
·      12,500 jobs in construction and 9,300 permanent jobs
·      480 affordable housing units, with a pathway to hundreds more
·      $300 million in minority business participation, largest in city history
·      New GRTC bus transit center
·      Renovated historic Blues Armory
·      New arena to replace the Richmond Coliseum
·      New 525+-room Hyatt Regency hotel

“This project is not only the largest economic development project in the city’s history, but also the largest economic empowerment project in our city’s history,” the mayor said. 

“The overarching goal for this proposal is to significantly improve the quality of life for all Richmond residents.”

Under the proposed agreement, the Department of Social Services will stay in its current location until a future home can be found downtown. If another home cannot be found for DSS, the city will be under no obligation to move from its existing facility at Marshall Plaza.

Thursday’s announcement follows 17 months of intensive negotiations between the city and Richmond-based community leaders of the nonprofit NH Foundation on behalf of NHDC, working with the developer, Capital City Partners (CCP).

As negotiated, the agreement accomplishes the city’s goals without utilizing debt capacity, and without taking any existing tax money away from our schools or services. It does so without raising taxes, and without any subsidies or handouts for the developers of this project.

“During this time, we worked hard to memorialize in legal documents unprecedented protections for the city to ensure this project will be a safe and responsible investment for Richmond without leaving the City or taxpayers on the hook,” said Chief Administrative Officer Selena Cuffee-Glenn, the lead negotiator of the city’s team. “As the mayor has said, we’ve dotted the “i’s” and crossed the “t’s,” and the language in the ordinances will make sure that what we have agreed will happen, does happen.”

The public process now begins in earnest.  Leaders of NHDC and CCP have committed to a series of public outreach and engagement opportunities with city residents in the coming weeks in addition to participating in the legislative process with city council and the Navy Hill Development Advisory Commission it formed to evaluate the proposal over the next 90 days.

“NH District Corporation’s goal is to help create a diverse downtown neighborhood that welcomes everyone,” said Dr. Monroe Harris, NH Foundation Board member. “Lots of people have worked hard to shape this plan, and we are excited to share the full detail of the project next week.

“We look forward to hearing the community’s feedback and to working with neighborhoods, Richmond residents, and the city council to shape the downtown we all deserve for the city we love.”

NHDC has also set up a website to share information and answer questions about the project, which can be accessed here.

Upon formal introduction of the ordinances on Monday, the original proposal submitted by NHDC, the request for clarifications document and the ordinances themselves will all be posted on the city’s website and accessible to everyone. The city’s original Request for Proposal and previously released public documents on the project can also be found here.   

“Now is the time for the public to see for themselves how this will benefit all Richmonders, and for the members of City Council to begin their review,” said Mayor Stoney.

“I fully support City Council taking the time it needs to review this project, and I also encourage the public to engage and ask questions of the developer, which is ready and excited to share the details of this project. Everyone will have the chance to kick the tires, as we have.”

News of the project moving forward was welcomed by local elected and area leaders.

“Richmond Region Tourism is thrilled with today’s announcement,” said Jack Berry, president and CEO of Richmond Region Tourism. “This is a game changer for our destination. This will put our convention and tourism industry on a larger national platform.” 

Sheryl Adams, Interim CEO of GRTC, said the development and the new GRTC Transit Center it will build will enhance the customer service experience for the city’s mass transit riders.

“We look forward to a permanent transit facility Downtown for our customers and employees to provide safe, sheltered and convenient connections between buses,” she said.

“This project is an opportunity for our city to take another very big step in the right direction of inclusivity, equity and opportunity -- one I believe can have a positive and transformative impact on Richmonders today, tomorrow and for years to come,” said Mayor Stoney.

For additional background and answers to frequently asked questions, see the attached document by clicking here. 

For more information, please click here. 

For information on Navy Hill, contact: Jeff Kelley, (804) 397-9700 or visit www.navyhillrva.com 

Mayor Levar M. Stoney today announced the appointment of Jason Carangelo as Commissioner of Buildings for the City of Richmond.

A registered architect and LEED accredited professional, Carangelo brings 20 years of professional experience to Richmond. In his previous position, Carangelo served as the building inspections administrator for the City of Savannah’s Development Services Department, managing a building construction investment portfolio of over $4 billion.

In his new role, Carangelo will oversee administration of the city’s Permitting and Inspections Division as well as the Division of Code Enforcement. Over the last two years, the city’s Permitting and Inspections Division has experienced a 100% increase in permit applications, illustrating the substantial development interest and investment in the city.  The new commissioner will now report directly to Sharon Ebert, DCAO for Economic and Community Development, reflecting the commitment to focus on the growing demands of the division.

“As Richmond continues its explosive growth, it’s important this department meets the challenge to ensure permitting, plan review, building and code enforcement inspections are performed in a timely and efficient manner,” said Mayor Stoney. “Jason’s experience in private and public permitting and code enforcement makes him the right person to take on this challenge.”

Carangelo obtained both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in architecture from the State University of New York at Buffalo. In 2014, he served as the president of the Savannah Chapter of the American Institute of Architects.

“I look forward to the opportunity to serve the citizens and business community of Richmond by fostering effective and efficient building and code enforcement programs,” says Carangelo.

The Metro Rankings Report published by Business Facilities Magazine ranks the City of Richmond and its metro area fourth in economic growth potential for mid-sized cities, second in corporate leadership, and seventh in attracting millennials.

The report, conducted annually by the staff of Business Facilities, ranks metro areas on a series of relevant economic development indicators ranging from gross domestic product and cost of living to startup viability and “Millennial magnet” status.

The Richmond region’s top 10 rankings in three categories come on the heels of an announcement that Amazon will locate a new fulfillment center in South Richmond creating 150 jobs and news that Richmond-based CoStar would add 100 additional jobs to the city.

“This acknowledgment from Business Facilities Magazine recognizes Richmond’s strong potential for economic growth, an energized corporate climate, and the desirability of our reliable and diverse job market,” said Mayor Stoney.

“Every day, we work to make sure Richmond is not just a top 10 place to visit, but a top-ten place to live, work, and play,” said Mayor Stoney. “These high rankings underscore our commitment to achieving that goal through responsible economic growth.”

Leonard Sledge, the City of Richmond’s Director of Economic Development, said Richmond is moving in the right direction. “Our city and our metro area’s high rankings in these core categories bode well for Richmond’s growth trajectory. These rankings present an opportunity to learn from the innovative practices of higher-ranked cities and continually improve.”

A copy of the report can be found here: https://businessfacilities.com/2019/07/business-facilities-2019-metro-r…

Mayor Levar M. Stoney today announced the appointment of Richmond Police Department Interim Chief William C. Smith to become the next chief of the department.

Chief Smith, 51, began his law enforcement career with RPD in 1995 and has risen through the ranks of the department over a 24-year career. Since January 1, he has served as Interim Chief of Department following the retirement of former RPD Chief Alfred Durham.  Chief Smith is the 18^th chief to lead the Richmond Police Department and is the first chief to be promoted internally since 1967.

“Chief Smith is thoughtful, detail-oriented, accountable, compassionate, and fair,” said Mayor Stoney, who announced the appointment at a press conference this afternoon at RPD headquarters.

“Over the last six months as interim chief, I believe he has demonstrated the dedication to duty, willingness to confront challenges head on, and commitment to serve the community that our city needs and our residents deserve. I believe he has what it takes to lead the men and women of RPD in a positive direction to protect and serve our community in the spirit of inclusivity and equity that are the foundation of One Richmond.”

After being introduced, Chief Smith said he was humbled and grateful for the support he has received from the city and the community.

“I would like to thank Mayor Levar Stoney and CAO Selena Cuffee-Glenn for their leadership of the city, their support of the Police Department and their faith in me,” said Chief Smith.

“I am humbled by the opportunity to serve this city in the capacity of Police Chief.  I, likewise, am overwhelmed by the support I’ve received from the community and I am dedicated to providing the best service to all of Richmond.

“We are a transparent, community policing organization committed to developing relationships within the city we serve,” Chief Smith continued. “As Mayor Stoney frequently states, we are One Richmond.

The Mayor’s appointment follows an extensive national search and recruitment process that included, for the first time in recent memory, weeks of community engagement to provide public input into the selection process.

“The chief of police is one of the most important jobs in any city government, requiring skills that go well beyond policing itself,” said Mayor Stoney. “Community engagement is one of the core functions of policing in our city, so that is why it was important that we listened to our residents and prioritized the public input we received in our process. Our search for the best candidate led us back to our own backyard.”

Chief Smith was promoted to the rank of sergeant in 1998, lieutenant in 2003, captain in 2007 and major in 2016. He was promoted to deputy chief in 2018.

Chief Smith has served the department in virtually every capacity during the course of his career, from Emergency Communications (2007-2009), to commander of the Third Precinct (2009-2011), to running the Special Operations Division (2011-2016), to the Business Services Division (2016-2017) and serving as chief of staff (2018).

“Chief Smith knows this department inside and out – and he knows and respects the Richmond community he has served for nearly a quarter of a century,” the mayor said.

Says CAO Selena Cuffee-Glenn: “Accountability is critical to this community, and this is an essential quality that Chief Smith brings to the job.”
 

Officials, former chiefs and community leaders react

Chief Smith’s appointment garnered praise from city officials, community leaders and former chiefs of the Richmond Police Department.

City Council President Dr. Cynthia Newbille: " I have appreciated the opportunity to work with Interim Chief Smith over the past 6 months. He has proven to be committed, collaborative and community-oriented, and I look forward to continue to work with him going forward."

Community leader Melvin Jones: “Chief Will is a fair, upstanding man who knows this city. He has risen through the ranks of the police department, and the officers and community members I’ve talked to believe in his ability to lead.”

Paul Taylor, of RVA League for Safer Streets: “The fact that Mayor Stoney promoted from the inside of the Richmond Police Department shows his understanding of what the city needs. Chief Smith knows our community from his years of experience. This is inclusiveness at its best, and it is testimony to the Mayor’s commitment to building One Richmond.”

Carver Civic Association President Jerome Legions: “With Chief Smith, Richmond will have at the helm someone who doesn’t have to learn about the city, but someone who can build on enhancing communities and RPD’s efforts in building stronger community relationships. That William Smith has been appointed as the next chief of police of RPD is exciting news.”

Richmond Region Tourism President Jack Berry: "I have gotten to know Chief Smith well over the past five years because of our work on the UCI bike race. Throughout that time, I've come to appreciate his organizational capacity and professionalism. He'll make a great chief for this city."

Former Richmond Police Chief Rodney Monroe said Smith knows his department and will serve the community with compassion and honor.

“Richmond has chosen a great man as its next chief of police. He’s a professional who cares deeply about all citizens of Richmond and the men and women of the department.”

Former Richmond Police Chief Alfred Durham also praised Chief Smith, saying:

“Chief Smith embodies the core values and leadership attributes that are needed by both the department and community. He is a career employee who is a respected leader and has in-depth of knowledge about the operations of department. He understands the importance of relationships with his employees and local and state partners. More importantly, he understands that being connected to the community is what cultivates trust and legitimizes a police department.”

Chief Smith holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Virginia Commonwealth University. He is also a graduate of the Police Executive Leadership School at the University of Richmond, as well as the Senior Management Institute for Police in Boston.

A date for a formal swearing-in ceremony will be scheduled in the near future.