Drewry named new Richmond city attorney
The Richmond City Council appointed Laura Drewry as city attorney, the first woman to serve in the role.
She replaces Haskell Brown, who resigned last month after being charged with driving under the influence.
Drewry has worked in the city attorney’s office since 2006, having served as deputy city attorney of the civil litigation division. She also has served as the primary contact for Fire and Emergency Services, GRTC Transit System and other departments.
A native Virginian, Drewry has a law degree from George Mason University.
Parking minimums repeal, 140-home project on city planning agenda
The Richmond Planning Commission meets Monday at 1:30 p.m. Full agenda here.
On the agenda is a proposal to amend the zoning ordinance to eliminate parking space minimums currently required in the city. The change is recommended in the Richmond 300 plan and intended to encourage market-based parking strategies, including shared parking so that each property does not have to dedicate land to parking spaces.
Other business includes a plan from Harper Associates for a 140-unit townhome development on 16 acres at 6140 Hull St. Deferred from a previous meeting is Flournoy Development Group’s plan to build a six-story, 260-unit apartment building at 3600 Grove Ave.
Chesterfield names Poma to new tourism director job
J.C. Poma
Chesterfield County has tapped J.C. Poma to serve as its first executive director of sports, visitation and entertainment.
Poma is currently vice president of community relations for Richmond Region Tourism, a gig he’s held since 2021. He has worked at the regional tourism market group for seven years, according to a county news release.
“I could not be more thankful to the Board of Supervisors and county administration for choosing me to execute their strategic vision and maximize the benefit of sports, visitation and entertainment to Chesterfield residents,” Poma said in a prepared statement. “While the county has experienced steady growth in its sports tourism portfolio over the past decade, it has the potential to reach far greater heights. I’m excited to be part of that endeavor and can’t wait to get started.”
Chesterfield held 63 sports-related events in fiscal year 2022, which was a 24 percent increase compared to the previous 12-month period. Those events generated $34.4 million in direct economic impact and $1.3 million direct local tax revenue, according to the release.
Poma has degrees from Georgetown University and UVA. He started with Richmond Region Tourism in 2016 as a sports development manager and later became sports relations director in 2019.
Poma’s first day in the role will be May 1.
Chesterfield Planning Commission to discuss zoning ordinance update project
The Chesterfield Planning Commission is scheduled to meet Tuesday. On the docket for the afternoon portion of the meeting is a review of non-residential zoning districts as part of the county’s zoning ordinance update project. Also on tap is an economic development presentation.
The full agenda can be found here.
Petersburg bond rating upgraded
The City of Petersburg’s A+ bond rating has been upgraded to an A1 from an A2 by Moody’s Investors Service, the city announced in a release. The upgrade reflects Moody’s view of Petersburg’s financial position that includes increased reserves and liquidity, such that short-term cash flow borrowing is no longer needed, the city said.
The enhanced credit rating brings lower interest rates, increased borrowing power, economic development interest and investment opportunities. All city financial statements are examined and certified each year by external auditors.
Henrico supervisors approve solar apartments, new I-95 bridge plan
At their meeting last week, Henrico supervisors approved Spy Rock Real Estate Group and Crescent Development’s plan for a 186-unit apartment complex and accessory solar use on 8 acres at 5701 Chamberlayne Road and 5700 Crenshaw Road, adjacent to the existing Ashley Terrace Apartments.
The board approved a resolution directing the county engineer to examine proposed improvements for an extension of Magellan Parkway across Interstate 95 and provide a letter of necessity to proceed with the project. The extension would bisect and provide access to the arena-anchored GreenCity development and involves a new four-lane divided roadway and bridge across I-95.
Henrico completes $1.8M Horsepen Road improvement project
Henrico County’s public works department marked the completion of a $1.8 million project to improve Horsepen Road between Patterson Avenue and Three Chopt Road. The project extended the right turn lane on Horsepen at its intersection with Three Chopt, improved access for the Tuckahoe Volunteer Rescue Squad and made other enhancements.
The project followed recent development along that stretch of Horsepen including Sunset Hills Square and Ukrop’s Market Hall.
