08/03/23 - Richmond cancels planned burn tower in Southside

The city is rolling back plans to build Richmond Fire Department's new training facility in a Southside greenspace, following months of resident opposition and a lawsuit. 

City Council voted to approve the original planned structure next to Hickory Hill Community Center in May — after the city’s Planning Commission and Urban Design Committee voted against it. 

The new new planned facility will be located in Sandston, according to a statement from Mayor Levar Stoney.