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Second Street Summit - Strategy Document

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The Second Street Summit was held on June 29th at the Speakeasy at the Hippodrome. Participants wrote strategies for bringing Second Street back to life. Comment on the following document to provide your input. Please contact LaJuan Neal with any additional questions. LaJuan.Neal@rva.gov, 804-646-0455. 
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Mark A. Olinger Oct 17 2024 at 9:38AM on page 6

This should also include 1st St. (there is a history in this area where parts of the commercial uses in JW were left out of participation in the FIP. Still don't understand how that occurred.
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Mark A. Olinger Oct 17 2024 at 9:36AM on page 5

Would suggest "preserve existing rights-of-way, and acquire through easement or acquisition..." so that access to rear of property and secondary access for parking, etc. can occur. Without alleys, everything is front-loaded. Not good.
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Mark A. Olinger Oct 17 2024 at 9:33AM on page 5

RO-2 should go away, too.
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Mark A. Olinger Oct 17 2024 at 9:31AM on page 4

Good idea. Over time, every sidewalk in JW should be brick.
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Mark A. Olinger Oct 17 2024 at 9:30AM on page 3

Suggestion
Put all of 2nd St. in the OHD. Theoretically, almost every building along that stretch could be removed; yikes!
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Mark A. Olinger Oct 17 2024 at 9:23AM on page 5

Question
How is it possible that stretches of 2nd St. are not in the OHD? A question that includes other places as well.
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Mark A. Olinger Oct 17 2024 at 9:21AM on page 8

Suggestion
There already is a pedestrian-scale light in Jackson Ward. This pic should be removed and a pic of the exist'g fixture added.
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Mark A. Olinger Oct 17 2024 at 9:19AM on page 8

Suggestion
This is landscape lighting. Should be replaced with pic of exist'g ped light.
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Mark A. Olinger Oct 17 2024 at 9:08AM on page 5

Suggestion
All of this is possible now, just make sure it translates in the rezoning.
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Mark A. Olinger Oct 17 2024 at 9:06AM on page 4

Suggestion
We installed Wayfinding in this area. Build off of that for design consistency to highlight, especially for pedestrians, how to get around in the area.
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Mark A. Olinger Oct 17 2024 at 9:03AM on page 2

Suggestion
Property maintenance in the area has taken a huge hit throughout the area (including all the other areas). Fully capitalize at least the Facade Improvement Program (FIP) to really help those who want to do something. Pair that with a carrot/stick approach that would utilize Property Maintenance Code Enforcement to help identify commercial properties in the area that need work, but have them feed into the FIP. There may be people who are willing to invest with a matching grant. The City did over 35 FIP grants in the Arts District, but only a couple on 2nd. Needs an "energy infusion" so that entrepreneurs can see a future there.
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Mark A. Olinger Oct 17 2024 at 8:57AM on page 2

Suggestion
Make sure we provide sufficient on-street parking for visitors.
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Mark A. Olinger Oct 17 2024 at 8:53AM on page 2

Suggestion
I know it's easy to move right to "streetscape improvements" but understanding the market for 2nd St. (and other parts of Jackson Ward, esp. 1st St. which is paired w/2nd St. in very many significant ways), Marshall, Adams, N. Broad, Clay and 3rd St. is essential to making the commercial streets and nodes in the area to develop to their fullest potential. The area has been decimated and we need to work on that first.
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Laurance Wieder Oct 16 2024 at 11:29AM on page 5

Suggestion
Planning needs to acknowledge and protect the mostly residential character of Historic Jackson Ward. 1st Street between Duval and Clay is entirely residential; ditto St James. From Adams to Belvidere, residences extend to Marshall St. 2nd Street is part of the neighborhood, not some commodity to be hyped with "branding" and sectioned off from the local community.
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Laurance Wieder Oct 16 2024 at 11:18AM on page 4

Suggestion
All of Jackson Ward should have unique street signs that distinguish it as an historic district, like street signs in the Fan and in the Museum District.
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Marilyn Oct 16 2024 at 11:12AM on page 6

Please form a small business hub. This would be for advice, loan referrals and tracking landlords that have no vested interest in cleaning up their properties. The building on the corner of Marshall and 2nd has been vacant for over 12 years and is just a disgrace. The owner needs to be fined regularly.
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in reply to Josh's comment

Laurance Wieder Oct 16 2024 at 11:11AM on page 3

There are parking garages and parking lots of Third Street; Marshall from Third to 8th is a desolation row of parking garages. Humans before cars.
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in reply to Kelsy's comment

Angela Oct 14 2024 at 4:19PM on page 7

As a current resident of Jackson Ward, I frequently notice significant congestion caused by bike lanes that are rarely used, which reduce car traffic to one lane. With the traffic from Mama J's, buses, and cars trying to park or make left turns, there's daily noticeable congestion. Bike lanes don't relieve traffic congestion; instead, they add to it. My perspective comes from living in the neighborhood, not from the viewpoint of someone who benefits from these rarely used bike lanes.
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Marilyn Campbell Oct 14 2024 at 4:06PM on page 2

Suggestion
There are so many untold stories of the businesses that existed in Jackson Ward over the century. The spirit of the history comes from its residents, descendants, those in the community. i believe the concept of a rotating paid residential task force may better assist the city in bringing to light the aspired glory. Just as Main St from Shockoe area, Jackson Ward should be a primary historical point of interest for Richmond. The health and wealth was not by one most are aware of ---Maggie Walker, but the unity of the common goal to uplift the people! How can we not better research and tell it! Tell it! Help others to recognize the significance. Improve City communications and info about its communities.
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Marilyn Campbell Oct 14 2024 at 3:47PM on page 7

Develop a grant funded program to assist homeowners in maintaining historic zoned property integrity. Examples: assistance with painting frontal areas, removing graffiti in alleys, window replacement, stairway or rail needs, Offer ironwork replacement if feasible. Could include as a match funding on some programs. Goal is to assist residents to stay in the home. As aging occurs, residents may be forced to move versus code enforced historic designation requirements. It is important to avoid tactics that increase gentrification. You may build a better 2nd Street, but don't forget the existing--long standing residential base.
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Angela Oct 11 2024 at 6:04PM on page 6

Question
How might the Facade Improvement Program affect long-standing minority-owned businesses in the area? The goal of these improvements should not be to encourage gentrification, which could displace businesses that have been established for years.
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Angela Oct 11 2024 at 6:00PM on page 5

Question
How would this affect street crossings, particularly on the block of 100 E. Clay Street? Could it direct additional traffic down this residential block, potentially causing significant issues?
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Angela Oct 11 2024 at 5:57PM on page 5

Suggestion
Since Jackson Ward is a residential neighborhood, I strongly recommend discouraging nightlife, such as nightclubs and late-night activities. These types of establishments often attract crime and violence, disrupting the otherwise quiet neighborhood. Jackson Ward should not adopt the atmosphere of other areas like The Fan and The Bottom.
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Angela Oct 11 2024 at 5:54PM on page 5

Suggestion
It's well known that Jackson Ward is one of the city's hot spots for the highest temperature readings. Repaving streets and adding more trees will help alleviate these high temperatures. For example, this year, we recorded consecutive days with temperatures as high as 109 degrees.
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Eric King Oct 10 2024 at 5:09PM on page 7

Yes
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Eric King Oct 10 2024 at 5:02PM on page 6

Yes
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Eric King Oct 10 2024 at 4:59PM on page 5

Suggestion
Especially crossing Leigh
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Eric King Oct 10 2024 at 4:34PM on page 5

Yes
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Eric King Oct 10 2024 at 4:33PM on page 5

Question
What constitutes a 'Priority Street' in this context?
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Eric King Oct 10 2024 at 3:35PM on page 4

Yes
replies
in reply to Angela's comment

Kelsy Oct 10 2024 at 3:31PM on page 7

I disagree. I ride my bike on the 1st street bike lane from Northside to my office in the Arts District everyday. Without the bike lane, I would be forced to ADD to the congestion by driving in a car that takes up much more space than my bike. The more appealing you can make biking or riding the bus for people, the less traffic congestion we will have.
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Eric King Oct 10 2024 at 3:29PM on page 4

Suggestion
Consider 'brick' pavers: cheaper and less likely to end up like the crumbling brick sidewalks in the Fan
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Kelsy Oct 10 2024 at 3:25PM on page 3

Question
How will this be accomplished? There should be equitable public engagement before any branding is implemented.
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Eric King Oct 10 2024 at 3:22PM on page 3

Suggestion
Show preference for female trees when possible to reduce pollen/allergies
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Eric King Oct 10 2024 at 3:17PM on page 3

Suggestion
Pro parklet
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in reply to John Bonano's comment

Josh Oct 10 2024 at 2:13PM on page 6

Suggestion
I agree! I go to Jackson Ward most first Fridays, but rarely have a reason to go to 2nd street. More gallery or art spaces would be cool.
replies
in reply to Charlene's comment

Josh Oct 10 2024 at 2:11PM on page 3

Suggestion
One solution could be to create a parking garage like the ones on Cary St. I think discouraging cars is good because this area is so central and easily accessible by a combination of bus/bike/walking.
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Angela Oct 10 2024 at 10:54AM on page 5

Suggestion
The suggestion to reduce car lanes and allocate one lane for buses is impractical for our neighborhood. As a resident of Clay Street between 1st and 2nd Street, I have witnessed the severe traffic congestion caused by the addition of bike lanes on 1st Street, which was a terrible decision. Reducing 2nd Street to one car lane and one bus lane would significantly slow down traffic and divert it onto Clay Street, exacerbating congestion. During the review of these proposed projects, it is crucial to consider the impact on current and future residents.
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Angela Oct 10 2024 at 10:39AM on page 3

Question
I wasn’t able to attend the Jackson Ward Summit meeting, so I’m not sure what was discussed about the current foot traffic in the neighborhood. We have several bus stops along the 2nd Street corridor, and I’m wondering if there was any discussion about relocating or limiting these stops, as they tend to attract trash and vagrancy.
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Jeremy Oct 9 2024 at 2:48PM on page 8

Question
How about shade structures/shade sails above seating areas as a way to provide immediate shade?
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Jeremy Oct 9 2024 at 2:46PM on page 3

Question
Can we provide shade that would be immediate (shade sails, shade structures with seating) instead of only long-term tree solutions?
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Sze Hui Oct 9 2024 at 2:46PM on page 3

Suggestion
Consider full pedestrianization for at least part of the year. Look to Montreal's Avenue Mont-Royal and Rue Wellington as inspiration on how to create a vibrant place in a car-free environment. link
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in reply to Charlene's comment

Jeremy Oct 9 2024 at 2:44PM on page 3

I disagree. I already visit this area via bike, bus, and walking. Making it easier and safer to do these activities while discouraging driving and storing private cars on public streets is a good idea.
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Nadejah Oct 9 2024 at 2:14PM on page 3

Suggestion
I love the idea of more greenery in the city. Please consider omitting options that are major pollinators. Those of us with severe allergies would like to enjoy without the endless presence of pollen blowing around and getting into our eyes and noses.
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Charlene Oct 9 2024 at 7:19AM on page 2

I don't understand the desire to limit street parking while also trying to increase the number of people coming to take advantage of the rich history and to support the businesses to allow them to flourish. Forcing people to use a parking deck blocks away will just discourage people who don't live in the neighborhood from coming and limit the parking available for residents.
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Daniel Oct 8 2024 at 10:02AM on page 4

Suggestion
Aside from trees, it may be helpful to incorporate shade structures, sails, or awnings to lower the urban heat island effect.
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Daniel Oct 8 2024 at 9:50AM on page 2

Suggestion
Widening sidewalks and deploying structured soils and/or silva cells will allow for healthy street trees without compromising the public ROW. With a hotter, wetter world, its important that we prioritize long-term solutions that achieve sustainability AND resilience so increasing tree canopy and installing stormwater BMPs like bioswales and permeable pavers/pavements make a big difference.
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Daniel Oct 8 2024 at 9:48AM on page 2

Suggestion
Vegetated bump outs, bioswales, and tree wells with curbcuts improve stormwater runoff management. It may be helpful to calculate the total runoff reductoin potential of a greenstreet design.
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Daniel Oct 8 2024 at 9:45AM on page 2

Suggestion
Richmond 300 lays out a goal of 30% minimum urban tree canopy (UTC) across the city. It may be helpful to determine the existing UTC and layout a strategy that accomplishes this 30% minimum along the 2nd corridor.
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Hampton Carver Oct 4 2024 at 2:37PM on page 8

Suggestion
Regarding trees and landscape - RVA has a decades old habit of installing plants and then not maintaining them. They get trampled, depraved of water and often left in poor condition. -Create large enough and deep enough tree wells to allow growth and health. -Install heavy duty grates around the trees and maintain them. Please do not allow the selection and planting of trees that do not provide shade. Do not allow the selection of trees with vertical growth, without canopy. This is a mistake. We need shade for aesthetics and for cooling. People prefer canopy. Look to the mistakes on Cary Street for lessons. Slow the auto traffic. Make it pleasantly walkable, without compromising the merchants' needs for pickup and delivery.
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