Richmond council directs staff to explore buying Pullman lot for neighborhood park after decades of local advocacy

The Richmond City Council on Tuesday unanimously directed staff to work with the Pullman Neighborhood Council to explore acquiring a vacant lot at South 27th Street and Florida Avenue (APN 513-025-001-1) and to return recommendations and a proposed timeline for feasibility, funding and development within 90 days.

Vice Mayor Doria Robinson, who sponsored the item, framed the proposal as the first step in a long-standing neighborhood effort: "This has been something that our beautification committee has been dealing with for over 20 years," she said, noting Pullman's dense population and lack of nearby park access.

Why it matters: Speakers from the Pullman neighborhood described children playing in streets with hazardous traffic and an absence of safe, walkable green space. Neighborhood leader Naomi Williams told council she had advocated for a park for more than two decades: "The park is very important to us. I have been begging for a park for over 20 years."

What staff will do: The council directed city staff to evaluate feasibility, funding opportunities and development pathways and to report back with recommendations and a proposed timeline within 90 days. Council and community members also discussed the need to coordinate with the parks master plan and identify related opportunities across the central corridor of the city.

Vote and next steps: The motion passed unanimously. Staff said the review will include analysis of funding sources, property acquisition steps and any necessary environmental or infrastructure work; subsequent council action would be required to appropriate funds or approve purchase.

The council's action does not commit city funds for acquisition or construction but starts a formal staff evaluation that community leaders hope will produce a clear path toward an accessible neighborhood park.