HOPE VI Project Manager L. Dexter Goode is looking forward to the launch of Phase II in Fulton Village which he expects to begin soon after January 1, 2010. RRHA has enlisted Health-E Community Enterprises LLC to undertake construction at the site. Phase II will add 26 homes to the existing Fulton development, as well as 45 houses that will be sold to market-rate buyers. This new initiative is designed to attract first-time homebuyers — individuals who have not owned a home within the past 18 months or longer.

Mayor WIlder writes:

Eliminating blighted buildings is a major component of my plan to clean up our community and fight crime.

The Fulton GasWorks property is owned by the City, Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority (RRHA) and CSX railroad. The City has submitted a request to acquire the CSX property ownership and then partner with RRHA and the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality to remove contaminated soil and prepare the site for redevelopment, making it more compatible with the surrounding neighborhoods.

31st Street serves as a linkage between Church Hill and Williamsburg Road and an assessment will be made regarding that street being reconfigured to serve as a route to the Rocketts Landing development. While the City does not plan to purchase the Continental Can property, it’s obvious that some future action will need to take place as the site cannot remain as it is now.

(Photo by 100wordminimum, 3/1/06.)