Richmond council adopts resolution to study and protect historic Westwood neighborhood

The Richmond City Council voted unanimously to adopt Resolution 20-26-R024, which directs the Department of Planning and Development Review to work with Westwood residents to recommend land-use and policy tools, develop design guidelines, and produce a written report aimed at preserving Westwood’s historic character and preventing displacement. Councilor Breton, the lead patron, said the paper grew from community concerns and a unanimous land-use committee recommendation.

Residents and preservation advocates filled the chamber during the public hearing to press for protections. Jeanette Littleton Bridal, president of the Westwood Civic League, told the council, "We go back a ways. Since the 1940s, we have been in a fight with the city for our existence," and asked members to "save historic Westwood, not just for now, but forever." Historic Richmond’s executive director said tax assessment increases and market pressures were already driving displacement: "The neighborhood is suffering death by 1,000 cuts," she said, citing a 50% increase in assessed land values between 2024 and 2025.

Council members repeatedly framed the resolution as a neighborhood-driven, tailored approach rather than a one-size-fits-all fix. Councilwoman Gibson and others urged that lessons from Westwood inform a broader cultural-heritage stewardship plan and master-plan updates before major citywide zoning changes. The resolution will begin a roughly six-month neighborhood planning process and requires Planning and Development Review to report back with recommendations for zoning and design tools.