Planning Commission rejects fire training facility

By Jeremy M. Lazarus

A controversial proposal to install a training facility for Richmond firefighters on a major section of lawn at the Hickory Hill Community Center again has been rejected.

The Richmond City Planning Commission, with several members absent, voted 3-2 Monday to reject the city Fire Department’s plan to install the facility and replace 2 acres of green space at the center at 3000 E. Belt Blvd. in South Side

The thumbs down came three weeks after the Urban Design Commission, an arm of the Planning Commission, recommended disapproval for a project that would flout the Richmond Master Plan, the 2050 Climate Action Plan and a 2020 city policy to expand green space in South Richmond.

The proposal now heads to City Council. Under the City Charter, six members would need to vote to overrule the Planning Commission.

The Fire Department has sought permission to develop the nearly $1 million facility to replace one it has used in Eastern Henrico County that has essentially been condemned. The department has been using vacant buildings in Richmond, such as Fay Towers in Gilpin Court, to hold required training while working to build a new space.

Eighth District Councilwoman Reva M. Trammell is the champion for the proposal, which she has strongly supported over the opposition of four civic associations, including Deerbourne and Cullenwood, which neighbor Hickory Hill. But she did not have a vote on the Planning Commission, which held a three-hour hearing before the vote.

First District Councilman Andreas D. Addison led the effort to deny the

Fire Department’s application and is expected to argue the case to his colleagues for supporting the Planning Commission’s decision.

Mr. Addison, impressed by the information that was presented by opponents over two hours, said that there has to be a better site for the fire training facility and offered to help find a location.

He noted that the facility is to be built out of stacked shipping containers which Fire Chief Melvin Carter agreed could be easily set up at any location. The administration has claimed that Hickory Hill is the best site and rejected options that opponents have offered.

Supporters of Mr. Addison’s motion to reject the facility included Elizabeth “Meg” Greenfield, vice president of the Home Builders Association of Virginia, and architect Burchell “Burt” Pinnock. Both also appeared to be moved by those who opposed.

Opponents noted that Hickory Hill, a one-time school, provides the only significant public green space in an area of the city that ranks near the top of the state’s lists for asthma, chronic disease and pollutants. They decried the Fire Department’s plan to put a building and an oversized concrete pad over land that is used for soccer and outdoor community events. The commission also was told the new training facility would interfere with efforts to improve a walking trail and add a 100-bed community garden outside the center, as well as negatively impact a 4-acre bird sanctuary located across railroad tracks from the center.

Commission Chair Rodney M. Poole supported the project to ensure that the Fire Department can meet training requirements in order to maintain its strong rating with the Insurance Service Office, an industry group that sets standards that can impact the cost of fire insurance. A representative of the city administration also voted to support the Fire Department.

Champions