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Henrico's new arena plan could bring major concerts and nightlife

Here's a look inside the county's draft plan for what to do with the former Best Products site.

News

More than a year after the $2.3 billion GreenCity project collapsed, Henrico has unveiled <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a draft plan" data-vars-click-url="https://henrico.gov/pdfs/planning/DraftBestProductsandBrookRoadCorridorMasterPlan.pdf" data-vars-content-id="c8b92cb9-a5f4-4a45-979d-dd05ffe35d1e" data-vars-headline="Henrico&#x27;s new arena plan could bring major concerts and nightlife" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://henrico.gov/pdfs/planning/DraftBestProductsandBrookRoadCorridorMasterPlan.pdf" target="_blank">a draft plan</a> for redeveloping the former <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Best Products" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/03/30/henrico-best-products-demolition-eagle-statues" data-vars-content-id="c8b92cb9-a5f4-4a45-979d-dd05ffe35d1e" data-vars-headline="Henrico&#x27;s new arena plan could bring major concerts and nightlife" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/03/30/henrico-best-products-demolition-eagle-statues" target="_self">Best Products</a> headquarters site.Why it matters: The county-led concept includes turning the space into a walkable entertainment district with an arena, restaurants, nightlife, housing, parks and connections to the Fall Line Trail.

Richmond tourism is growing — and more events are coming

Major tournaments, conventions and events are boosting bookings this year.

The Richmond region saw just over 19 million <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="tourists" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/05/01/richmond-then-and-now-nyt-travel-coverage-tourism" data-vars-content-id="3984b145-4ea2-4757-ad37-4d5ce15ad260" data-vars-headline="Richmond tourism is growing — and more events are coming" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/05/01/richmond-then-and-now-nyt-travel-coverage-tourism" target="_self">tourists</a> last year.Why it matters: That&#x27;s 800,000 more people who visited — and spent money — in the region than the year before.

Hang opens in Scott's Addition with $3 beers and $5 tacos

The spinoff from the Lunch.Supper team is promising "never-ending happy hour" prices.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Hang" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/hang_rva/" data-vars-content-id="a7c90214-cf37-4dbc-a991-9036b1febd49" data-vars-headline="Hang opens in Scott&#x27;s Addition with $3 beers and $5 tacos" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/hang_rva/" target="_blank">Hang</a>, Lunch.Supper&#x27;s new Tex-Mex concept spinoff in Scott&#x27;s Addition, is opening Tuesday with $3 beers, $5 tacos and $8 cocktails.Why it matters: &quot;We want it to be a never-ending happy hour,&quot; longtime Lunch.Supper manager Amanda Fritts told Axios.

Richmond's newest pop-up bar skips the alcohol

Soft Times Lounge is launching Wednesday as a sober nightlife series bringing bar culture, but without booze.

Food and Drink

No booze. Still a bar.<ul><li>That&#x27;s the idea behind <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Soft Times Lounge" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/softtimeslounge/" data-vars-content-id="c87a51e2-e5a4-4eae-b1a6-ff51e92cd54f" data-vars-headline="Richmond&#x27;s newest pop-up bar skips the alcohol" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/softtimeslounge/" target="_blank">Soft Times Lounge</a>, a new Richmond pop-up series launching Wednesday for those who want the energy of a night out, but without the alcohol.</li></ul>Why it matters: Richmond doesn&#x27;t have many dedicated <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="sober nightlife spaces" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/events/2435886340264929/2435886360264927/" data-vars-content-id="c87a51e2-e5a4-4eae-b1a6-ff51e92cd54f" data-vars-headline="Richmond&#x27;s newest pop-up bar skips the alcohol" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/events/2435886340264929/2435886360264927/" target="_blank">sober nightlife spaces</a>, even as more and more people <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="dial back on drinking" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/13/alcohol-drinking-rate-low-health" data-vars-content-id="c87a51e2-e5a4-4eae-b1a6-ff51e92cd54f" data-vars-headline="Richmond&#x27;s newest pop-up bar skips the alcohol" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/13/alcohol-drinking-rate-low-health" target="_self">dial back on drinking</a> — or cut it out altogether.

Scoop: Some Richmond parking spots too narrow to avoid buffer fines

As ticketing resumes, some parking lanes measure below the city's preferred standards.

Richmond will resume ticketing drivers Monday for parking fully or partially in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="bike-lane buffer zones" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/05/18/richmond-bike-lane-buffer-tickets-paused" data-vars-content-id="209ce97f-fa45-469c-8ab1-9f1f28599845" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Some Richmond parking spots too narrow to avoid buffer fines" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/05/18/richmond-bike-lane-buffer-tickets-paused" target="_self">bike-lane buffer zones</a>.Why it matters: Some of the city&#x27;s parking lanes are too narrow for many popular car models to fit without encroaching on the buffer, per an Axios review of these lanes.

Richmond drivers squeezed by rising car ownership costs

Monthly payments, insurance and repairs are all climbing faster than wages in Virginia.

Even if you put aside <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="gas prices" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/05/06/virginia-gas-tax-holiday-richmond-pump-prices-aaa" data-vars-content-id="5a64973c-8d76-4fdc-9acd-73a671aac31c" data-vars-headline="Richmond drivers squeezed by rising car ownership costs" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/05/06/virginia-gas-tax-holiday-richmond-pump-prices-aaa" target="_self">gas prices</a> for the moment, car ownership has gotten a lot more expensive in recent years.Why it matters: Despite Richmond&#x27;s free bus service, ample bike lanes and ever-improving pedestrian infrastructure, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="most locals" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/07/31/richmond-biking-walking-transportation-stats" data-vars-content-id="5a64973c-8d76-4fdc-9acd-73a671aac31c" data-vars-headline="Richmond drivers squeezed by rising car ownership costs" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/07/31/richmond-biking-walking-transportation-stats" target="_self">most locals</a> still rely on cars, making rising ownership costs hard to avoid.

GRTC reveals redevelopment vision for future Pulse line

The concepts could see Chamberlayne, Hull Street and Midlothian Turnpike transformed over the next few decades.

New apartments, redesigned shopping centers and more walkable streets could transform parts of Richmond under plans tied to the proposed <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="North-South Pulse bus line" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ridegrtc.com/community/projects/brt-expansion/" data-vars-content-id="42562e7f-29ba-4f8a-a0e3-bcb6f2c85142" data-vars-headline="GRTC reveals redevelopment vision for future Pulse line" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ridegrtc.com/community/projects/brt-expansion/" target="_blank">North-South Pulse bus line</a>.Why it matters: The newly unveiled concepts show how the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="years-in-the-making" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2023/10/16/grtc-north-south-rapid-transit-route" data-vars-content-id="42562e7f-29ba-4f8a-a0e3-bcb6f2c85142" data-vars-headline="GRTC reveals redevelopment vision for future Pulse line" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2023/10/16/grtc-north-south-rapid-transit-route" target="_self">years-in-the-making</a> transit line could drive redevelopment across the city.

Richmond pauses bike-lane buffer tickets after backlash

Enforcement resumes June 1, despite complaints that some parking spaces are too narrow for cars to fit legally.

Richmond is backing off its bike-lane buffer ticketing until June 1 after residents complained they were blindsided by the policy change.<ul><li>But officials aren&#x27;t yet addressing another issue: Some parking spaces are so narrow that cars spill into the buffer zone even when parked correctly.</li></ul>Why it matters: When enforcement starts back up, the city&#x27;s message is essentially that if your car doesn&#x27;t fit, park somewhere else — or risk a citation.

70 mph in school zones: Richmond's worst speeding spots

Drivers going this fast are uncommon, but it's among the most dangerous driving behavior.

Richmond&#x27;s fastest school zone drivers reached at least 70 mph on some of the city&#x27;s busiest roads, per police data obtained by Axios.Why it matters: These rare cases of extreme speeding highlight a persistent challenge: curbing the small share of drivers responsible for the most dangerous behavior, Richmond transportation director Andy Boenau tells Axios.

Richmond debuts new "Baby Broom" bike lane sweeper

Cyclists welcome more cleaning help, though debris buildup in fall and winter remains a concern.

There&#x27;s a new city-owned bike lane sweeper on Richmond roads.Why it matters: Its name is &quot;Baby Broom&quot; — for now.

How Richmond's proposed budget targets pedestrian safety

The projects range from quick fixes to new pedestrian bridges.

Richmond&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="proposed budget" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/03/12/richmond-budget-2027-avula-utility-bills-rps" data-vars-content-id="26d1c830-0ad2-4b73-8129-1d75ad96b337" data-vars-headline="How Richmond&#x27;s proposed budget targets pedestrian safety" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/03/12/richmond-budget-2027-avula-utility-bills-rps" target="_self">proposed budget</a> could reshape how people walk across the city, from replacing a 75-year-old bridge to adding more sidewalks on Hull Street.Why it matters: The spending shows how city leaders, who are facing growing pressure to respond to pedestrian deaths, plan to make streets safer over the next five years.

Virginia seeks public input on future of train travel

A new state survey is looking for feedback on routes, stations and service as rail ridership climbs.

Business

The Virginia agency dedicated to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="rail service" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/03/05/richmond-dc-train-delays-long-bridge-project-vre-amtrak-staples-mill-bottleneck" data-vars-content-id="6367ab01-2aae-4a5a-b3f1-7b311a14a0f8" data-vars-headline="Virginia seeks public input on future of train travel" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/03/05/richmond-dc-train-delays-long-bridge-project-vre-amtrak-staples-mill-bottleneck" target="_self">rail service</a> and public transportation wants to hear from residents about how they want train travel improved inside — and outside — of the state. Why it matters: If you&#x27;ve got a gripe about train travel, now is the time to share it.

Richmond ranks 21st for road safety, but risks remain

Recent pedestrian deaths in the Richmond area have drawn community concern.

Richmond ranks among the safer U.S. metros for speed-based <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="pedestrian risk" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/02/18/richmond-transportation-chief-zero-traffic-deaths" data-vars-content-id="27c81e10-6d9b-4e9f-9450-850e79920da1" data-vars-headline="Richmond ranks 21st for road safety, but risks remain" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/02/18/richmond-transportation-chief-zero-traffic-deaths" target="_self">pedestrian risk</a>, according to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new StreetLight data." data-vars-click-url="https://learn.streetlightdata.com/us-safe-streets-index-ebook" data-vars-content-id="27c81e10-6d9b-4e9f-9450-850e79920da1" data-vars-headline="Richmond ranks 21st for road safety, but risks remain" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://learn.streetlightdata.com/us-safe-streets-index-ebook" target="_blank">new StreetLight data.</a>Why it matters: That doesn&#x27;t necessarily mean it&#x27;s safe to walk here, per the report. The metric captures only where people actually walk — not where they&#x27;re afraid to.What they&#x27;re saying: &quot;There may be places where unsafe conditions dissuade people from traveling via foot, bike, or transit, thus lowering fatality rates but not accurately reflecting safety conditions,&quot; the report states.State of play: This caveat is significant in the Richmond area, where recent pedestrian deaths have drawn sustained community concern and the causes for those fatalities, per police, have not always been speed-related.<ul><li>For example: Police charged the dump truck driver who hit and killed a man crossing West Leigh Street in January with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="failure to stop" data-vars-click-url="https://www.wric.com/news/local-news/richmond/man-charged-64-year-old-dead-dump-truck-crash/" data-vars-content-id="27c81e10-6d9b-4e9f-9450-850e79920da1" data-vars-headline="Richmond ranks 21st for road safety, but risks remain" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.wric.com/news/local-news/richmond/man-charged-64-year-old-dead-dump-truck-crash/" target="_blank">failure to stop</a> for a pedestrian.</li><li>The driver who hit and killed a woman in a crosswalk on East Cary Street in February was charged with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="felony hit-and-run." data-vars-click-url="https://www.wric.com/news/local-news/richmond/41-year-old-charged-after-woman-killed-in-hit-and-run-on-richmonds-east-cary-street/" data-vars-content-id="27c81e10-6d9b-4e9f-9450-850e79920da1" data-vars-headline="Richmond ranks 21st for road safety, but risks remain" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.wric.com/news/local-news/richmond/41-year-old-charged-after-woman-killed-in-hit-and-run-on-richmonds-east-cary-street/" target="_blank">felony hit-and-run.</a></li><li>The principal at Franklin Military Academy is recovering after a driver hit him near Lucille Brown Middle School in South Richmond this month, and police charged the driver with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="failure to yield." data-vars-click-url="https://www.wtvr.com/news/local-news/charges-filed-fma-principal-hit-march-17-2026" data-vars-content-id="27c81e10-6d9b-4e9f-9450-850e79920da1" data-vars-headline="Richmond ranks 21st for road safety, but risks remain" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.wtvr.com/news/local-news/charges-filed-fma-principal-hit-march-17-2026" target="_blank">failure to yield.</a> </li></ul>Meanwhile, Richmond ranks 21st out of 100 U.S. metros for road safety, according to StreetLight&#x27;s U.S. Safe Streets Index.<ul><li>That&#x27;s higher than other Southern cities like Atlanta (77th), Charlotte (69th) and Nashville (90th), but lower than Virginia Beach (19th) and the D.C. and NoVa area (12th).</li></ul>How it works: The index ranked metros based on five factors: how much people drive, how much drivers&#x27; speeds vary on the same roads, how fast traffic moves in pedestrian corridors, truck activity and residential speeding. <ul><li>StreetLight pulled in &quot;billions of data points from connected vehicles, mobile devices, sensors&quot; and more.</li></ul>By the numbers: Richmond came in at 22nd for how drivers&#x27; speeds vary and 23rd for speed-based pedestrian risk, which measures how often people are walking on busy roads where cars travel 30 mph or faster.<ul><li>The region ranks 32nd for residential speeding and 41st for how much people drive.</li><li>Its weak spot: truck activity, where it ranks 60th, likely due to the region&#x27;s position along I-95 — an active freight route.</li></ul>Between the lines: Heavier vehicles, more cars on the road and higher speeds can increase danger for residents who aren&#x27;t driving.The bottom line: The data says metro Richmond is doing relatively well, but what road safety looks and feels like for residents is a much more complicated story.

Gas in Richmond heads for $4 per gallon due to Iran war

It was less than $3 per gallon just a month ago.

Transit

Richmond&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="gas prices" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/03/09/richmond-gas-prices-trump-iran-conflict-oil-spike" data-vars-content-id="f464e68b-46db-4497-bf25-5029c76fb269" data-vars-headline="Gas in Richmond heads for $4 per gallon due to Iran war" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/03/09/richmond-gas-prices-trump-iran-conflict-oil-spike" target="_self">gas prices</a> won&#x27;t stop going up.Why it matters: A gas tank that might have taken about $45 to fill last month might now cost over $60. Pain.

Transit 🚗

Scoop: Some Richmond parking spots too narrow to avoid buffer fines

Richmond drivers squeezed by rising car ownership costs

GRTC reveals redevelopment vision for future Pulse line

Richmond pauses bike-lane buffer tickets after backlash

70 mph in school zones: Richmond's worst speeding spots