Southside ReLeaf Applauds the City on Finding New Location for Fire Training Facility

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 1, 2023

Contact: Amy Wentz, hello@southsidereleaf.org 

RICHMOND, Va. - Today, Richmond’s Acting Chief Administrative Officer Lincoln Saunders issued a memo to City Council President Michael Jones and 8th District representative Reva Trammell announcing the withdrawal of a new burn tower at Hickory Hill Community Center for the Richmond Fire Department training facility. The memo proposes a “compromise” for the burn tower to be built in Sandston, Va. to replace the current structure. RFD would still occupy classrooms at the community center for training classes.

Southside ReLeaf issued the following response:

“The city made the right decision by listening to community members and finding an alternative location for the burn tower. Given the environmental racism Southside residents experience daily due to discriminatory policies and decisions, it’s important for city leaders to stand by their commitment to protect and expand green spaces. The mayor’s administration and Richmond City Council have a responsibility to create a healthy, safe and climate-resilient city and removing valuable green space in a predominantly Black and Latino community is unjust. 

“Parks and green spaces mitigate the effects of the urban heat island effect, improve air quality and mental health, reduce flooding, and act as gathering places for community. Community members have rallied for years to preserve the community center and improve the space with newly planted trees and a community garden. We hope the city will make greater investments at Hickory Hill to build an accessible park that benefits neighbors. 

“Southside ReLeaf encourages city leaders to keep an open dialogue with community members to determine the best path forward on how the community center should be used.”

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About Southside ReLeaf

Southside ReLeaf is a community and volunteer-driven organization committed to environmental justice in South Richmond. Our goal is to improve the life expectancy and quality of life for Southside residents by increasing green spaces, reducing pollution, and improving infrastructure. We believe in uplifting voices that are often unheard and people-powered advocacy as we build climate-resilient neighborhoods. Get involved at southsidereleaf.org.