Development
Wendell Pierce and his real estate partnership are planning to invest in Downtown Richmond. They are working with local developers to provide housing units and 70,000 square feet of retail space.
Valero recently backed out of a bid to buy two Contra Costa oil terminals after California Attorney General Xavier Becerra raised concerns about decreased competition and higher gas prices.
The six-story Hacienda development, which once held 150 units of of public housing, fell into disrepair, and residents were relocated in 2015. Richmond City Council has now authorized Mercy Housing, a nonprofit, to redevelop the property, but their plans are contingent on funding for the project, which would cost an estimated $25 to 30 million.
Richmond residents and small businesses are dismayed by the planned closure of the Main Post Office. Mayor Tom Butt hopes the city can keep it open by purchasing the property.
As Bay Area traffic increases, many Richmond residents are excited by the new ferry terminal project while others wonder how the anticipated economic development will impact the future of the city.
Richmond city council delays decision about North Richmond annexation following a discussion that raised more questions than answers.
Richmond Main Street Initiative (RMSI) announced on Monday that the city is one of the 25 national finalists vying for funding to preserve or improve historic landmarks.
Some attendees said Spirit & Soul spoke to Richmond’s uncertain future. Folks certainly enjoyed the craft beer, barbecue, and kettle corn, and the inclusion of Richmond’s many nonprofits which helped make social justice a focal point of the afternoon.
The unincorporated area of North Richmond, long a controversial issue for the city, is up for a vote on being officially made part of the city on Tuesday. Residents of the area are divided, some seeing it as a needed way to get access to local services and others seeing it as gentrification and a “land grab.”