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Richmond City Project Overview
In 2009, the nonprofit Green Infrastructure Center (GIC), the Richmond Regional Planning District Commission (RRPDC) and the Capital Region Land Conservancy developed a map of the Richmond Region’s Green Infrastructure. The purpose of the map is to assist localities, land trusts and others to recognize and actively conserve the green infrastructure that connects the region. Green infrastructure includes the connected natural systems and ecological processes that provide critical functions, such as habitat for wildlife, water storage and filtration, air quality, and healthful lifestyles. A copy of the report can be found here.
The city of Richmond lies at the heart of the region, and conducting a green infrastructure assessment for the city as an addition to the previous mapping for the region will provide a more complete baseline for evaluating resources. The community benefits of a green infrastructure network include active living, expanded neighborhood pride, improved air and water quality, and increased property values.
Richmond’s green infrastructure includes its tree canopy, streams, parks and trails and habitats that are home to countless birds, butterflies, and plants. The city’s green infrastructure helps to keep the city cooler in the summer, absorbs air pollutants, cleans the air, and also mitigates flooding by absorbing stormwater. The city’s green infrastructure also makes the city more livable for residents and convenient access to green space provides recreation, well being, and natural beauty.
Green infrastructure also creates a business-friendly environment and helps sustain the city’s economy. For example, studies have shown that people shop longer and spend more per item in tree-lined shopping areas. Companies with well-paid jobs are more likely to relocate to areas with parks and recreation access.
As a post-industrial city, Richmond has large expanses of paved land, some of which are abandoned or not actively used. These large paved areas can contribute to what is known as “urban heat islands” or areas of the city where heat is reflected and makes for hotter summer temperatures. In addition, these areas do not absorb stormwater and can channel polluted runoff into streams at higher velocities that can lead to flooding. Wildlife and people cannot enjoy passage across the city when trails and walkways do not connect or when areas feel unsafe. By mapping areas that can be “regreened” we can eventually create a city that redevelops in ways that are cooler, cleaner, and more healthful for residents and businesses.
This project will identify those areas that are most strategic for creating a more healthful city. This map of brown to green opportunities will create a “greenprint” for the city’s future development. City staff can work with property owners to show them options for how to develop their parcels in ways that maximize green opportunities. The City’s Department of Parks and Recreation can use the map to determine where to acquire future parkland or to make new trail connections. Neighborhood groups can target areas of their communities for tree planting, community gardens and other activities that can absorb and filter water. Businesses can use the maps to locate closer to green areas or to find parcels that they can develop as greener sites by adding more trees, vegetation and other features that cool the city while reducing runoff.
Project steps in summary:
This project will map green assets and evaluate options for expanding the green infrastructure network. It will evaluate the suitability of vacant or underutilized parcels for becoming greener.
It is important to note that this study will not impose or require new regulations or budgetary demands. The assessment will provide better information for the City of Richmond to redevelop in ways that create healthful and thriving neighborhoods. The assessment will also be valuable for the next update of the Master Plan and for creating maps that can be used by the city for everyday planning efforts.
Anyone who has questions or comments is encouraged to contact the project team. The final study report will be provided to the city to inform future planning and development efforts by the end of 2010.
Updates and Materials:
Contacts
The project is being implemented through a team-based approach. The RRPDC is mapping the parks, trails and other green assets while the GIC and E2 Inc. are mapping the vacant and underutilized properties that can be re-greened as they are redeveloped. The Virginia Department of Forestry is mapping the city’s tree canopy. City staff are providing project review and direction on what to map and helping to engage communities.
For the City of Richmond please contact: John Taylor, Richmond Department of Planning and Development Review at John.W.Taylor@richmondgov.com or 804-646-6314
For the Richmond Regional Planning District please contact
Sarah Stewart, sstewart@richmondregional.org or 804-323-2033
The participation of the RRPDC is funded by:
For the Green Infrastructure Center and E² Inc. Team please contact:
Casey Williams, cwilliams@e2inc.com or 434-975-6700, #264
 
To learn more about green infrastructure planning please visit www.gicinc.org
To learn more about the city please visit
http://www.richmondgov.com/planninganddevelopmentreview/index.aspx
Project funding for the GIC is provided by the Altria Family of Companies.
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