Richmond City Council approves sale for new Planned Parenthood

RICHMOND, Va. (WWBT) - $10 is how much the city of Richmond will receive for the former Brook Hill school on Chamberlayne Avenue.

Mayor Stoney says the city will partner with the Virginia League of Planned Parenthood to turn that site into a new healthcare facility.

“This will go beyond reproductive healthcare but general healthcare and behavioral health as well,” Stoney said.

He continues by saying since Roe V. Wade was overturned in 2022, there has been an 85% increase in people coming in from out of state to seek abortion and reproductive care in the Commonwealth.

The crowd during Monday night’s meeting voiced strong opinions on the matter

“I came here this evening that members of the city of council reconsider the decision to turn the piece of property located on Chamberlayne Avenue to Planned Parenthood facility.” said one resident,

“I think it’s a benefit to the residents on Northside, and as a father of two young daughters, I hope this care is there for them,” said another.

A spokesperson from the Founding Freedoms Law Center sent a letter to Mayor Stoney and members of the city council telling them voting on the measure at this time is unlawful.

“The law requires a separate resolution to declare a property surplus before you pass an ordinance for sale; that has not been done,” Josh Hetzler from Founding Freedoms Law Center said.

However, according to the City’s Deputy Chief Administrative Officer for the Economic and Community Development Portfolio, Sharon Ebert, “the building was declared surplus by the Richmond Public School System in 2022 through an ordinance that you all adopted.” she said to the Council.

After hearing all sides, City council members declined to discuss the matter, instead they moved to immediately take a vote, unanimously approving the sale.

“We warned them I warned them in my comments that they can spare themselves of an expense, the time and the embarrassment of a lawsuit and they chose to ignore that so I think that is the thing we look to do next.” said Hetzler.