Billboards slam Richmond zoning plan as "neighborhood nightmare"

Driving the news: The Richmond Civic League placed 14 billboards citywide arguing that the proposed zoning overhaul would bring duplexes "to every backyard," rooming houses to "your neighborhood" and sewage pollution to the James River.

• In a Sunday email shared with Axios, group leader Marty Jewell — who served on City Council from 2005–2012 — told council members the billboards would list their office phone numbers and encourage residents to call.
• He also suggested council members reject Code Refresh and start over with a resident-led, nine-member rezoning commission.
• "The current process is so flawed, it will not be possible to repair it," wrote Jewell, whose group was established in 2019 to oppose the failed $1.5 billion Navy Hill project.

Reality check: Under the latest draft released in November, duplexes wouldn't be automatically allowed everywhere and most forms of group living would still require City Council approval in residential areas, per The Richmonder.

• City officials have also said sewage overflow into the James is due to rainfall, not housing density.

What they're saying: City Councilwoman Katherine Jordan told Axios her office hasn't received billboard-related calls, but she appreciates efforts to "help spread the word" about Code Refresh.

The Richmond Civic League did not respond to Axios' requests for comment regarding the billboards' cost, whether any of the donors are developers or landlords, and what zoning changes it supports to address housing affordability.

What's next: Richmond is hosting four public working groups between Thursday and Wednesday, Feb. 4, for residents to chat with city planners about Code Refresh.

• Check the times and how to register here.