Union Hill Civic Association (UHCA) created the petition, by request for assistance, for citizens to voice their support of "no MX-6 along Jefferson Avenue" and for the City of Richmond to reconsider those proposed parcels for MX-3 instead.

At this time, UHCA is turning the petition over to the citizens to maintain.  UHCA will be engaging in neighborhood meetings and procedures for future determination on the issue.  Stay tuned!

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Jefferson Avenue in Richmond, Virginia, runs through the heart of two of the city’s most treasured historic districts: Union Hill and Church Hill. These neighborhoods are filled with beautifully preserved homes, architectural charm, and deep community roots.

Now, the City of Richmond is proposing new zoning regulations that would allow 6-story buildings along Jefferson Avenue. We believe this threatens the very character that makes our neighborhoods so special.

We, the undersigned residents, property owners, business owners, and supporters of Union Hill, Church Hill, and other surrounding historic neighborhoods, respectfully oppose this proposed re-zoning—specifically, the proposed MX-6 zoning along Jefferson Avenue.

MX-6 zoning is not appropriate for neighborhoods defined by human-scale architecture, historic preservation, and a cohesive streetscape.

We believe zoning decisions must be made with intention—and with respect for the unique character of each neighborhood. That means maintaining alignment with established tools like Special Use Permits and oversight by the Commission of Architectural Review, which have helped protect our area’s integrity for years.

Many of the parcels currently being considered for MX-6 zoning—like those near Alamo BBQ, Central Montessori, and Manning Funeral Home—are already developed or have physical constraints that make even moderate development (MX-3) challenging. So, we ask:
 What benefit does MX-6 zoning bring if these lots can’t support that level of development?

Richmond is a city with plenty of room to grow—we don't need to sacrifice our historic neighborhoods to make that happen. Cities thrive when growth is planned in the right places.

Across Richmond, neighborhoods like Jefferson Avenue, East Broad Street, East Brookland Park Boulevard, Carytown, the Fan, and Libbie & Grove are celebrated for their walkability, scale, and unique charm. These places were not built for high-rise development, and rezoning could have serious long-term consequences, including:

• Disruption of architectural cohesion
• Incompatible building height and density
• Loss of neighborhood character
• Risk to National Historic Landmark designations

We are not opposed to growth.
We support affordable housing and equitable development.
But we also believe that progress should not come at the cost of our identity.

That’s why we are asking the City of Richmond to reconsider the MX-6 proposal and instead support a more appropriate zoning designation—such as MX-3—for Jefferson Avenue and similarly situated historic corridors.

Let’s work together to shape a future that honors our past while planning wisely for what’s ahead.

If you agree, please sign this petition and help us protect what makes Richmond’s historic neighborhoods truly irreplaceable by also commenting here.

With respect and appreciation,
The neighbors who love where they live