Controversy/History Returns to Tackle Past, Present and Future of Urban Planning

On Tuesday, October 1, the Valentine’s popular conversation series Controversy/History returns for a third season.  The event, entitled This Land is Whose Land? , will delve into the complicated history of the city’s very first master plan while also exploring contemporary plans for Richmond’s future growth.

 

This year, the Valentine is partnering with Richmond 300: A Guide for Growth, the new city-wide master plan, which is currently under development. Through the Controversy/History series, the Valentine and Richmond 300 hope to add more background and context to the five major topics of the master planning process.

 

“The Valentine remains dedicated to convening conversations that matter, even if those conversations are uncomfortable,” said Valentine Director Martin. “By partnering with Richmond 300, we can take a look at Richmond’s history when it comes to urban development and planning, examine how those decisions of the past still impact our day-to-day lives now and what we can do as a community going forward.” 

 

The Controversy/History series is co-hosted by Martin and Coffee with Strangers host Kelli Lemon and compares the debates of the past with contemporary data and modern issues, exploring Richmond’s history and using those lessons to shape the future of the community in the process.

 

Here is a complete list of dates and topics:

 

This Land is Whose Land?
Access & Equity in Land Use
October 1, 2019, 6-8 p.m.

 

Are We There Yet?
Transportation & Parking in Richmond
November 5, 2019, 6-8 p.m.

 

Is the Grass Greener?
Access to the City’s Green Spaces
December 3, 2019, 6-8 p.m.

 

Can We Get Down to (Black) Business?
Black-Owned Businesses in Richmond
January 7, 2020, 6-8 p.m.

 

Who’s Putting Our House in Order?
The City’s Eviction & Housing Challenge
February 4, 2020, 6-8 p.m.