Richmond's largest public housing project faces mayor's opposition
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Mayor Avula is saying he won't back plans to redevelop Gilpin Court unless the housing authority makes major changes, including nixing a controversial proposal to privatize the property.
Why it matters: His opposition could stall and completely reshape plans for the city's largest and oldest public housing complex.
The big picture: The housing authority (RRHA) can't move forward with its plans without a letter of support from Avula, per federal regulations, giving the mayor leverage to demand more transparency and tenant protections.
- Eight conditions need to be met for Avula to give his support, he said in a Thursday statement, including a tenants' bill of rights and guarantees that all 781 Gilpin units will be replaced with the same number of housing vouchers.
- That aligns him with some City Council critics and residents who fear redevelopment will mean being pushed out.
Zoom in: He also called for more City Council oversight on the plan, clearly laying out the redevelopment timeline, housing options and support services for residents, and:
- Confirming all current units will be replaced either on-site or in the city.
- Helping residents qualify for housing vouchers.
- Creating a committee to oversee the project that includes Gilpin residents.
The other side: RRHA CEO Steve Nesmith responded to Avula's statement on Friday, saying it was "a sad day for collaboration and unity of purpose to advance what are horrible conditions that Gilpin residents find themselves living in."
- "Some of the things in there are against HUD regulations. I won't say which ones, but it's a fact," Nesmith told Axios, adding that he plans to speak to the mayor this week.
- Nesmith also noted that RRHA had previously offered an ordinance that addressed these concerns.
What's we're watching: RRHA's board was set to vote on the privatization proposal on Wednesday, but Nesmith said "we may, or we may not" postpone it.
- And on Tuesday, City Council will consider a resolution that says Gilpin's redevelopment can't start without Council's approval.
Go deeper: Why tensions are rising over Richmond's Gilpin Court