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FAQs

Why is the church opposed to the proposed development? 

  • The proposed development would make it impossible for the church to hold the Greek Festival as we know it, ending a 48-year tradition. 

  • In addition, the development would have a detrimental impact on our community by introducing traffic, parking and safety concerns. 

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How would the Greek Festival be impacted by the proposed development?

  • The current makeup of this neighborhood is established homes and moderately-sized churches. This has provided the space and community support necessary for an event of this size. A high-density development immediately next door would limit our ability to prepare and serve food and significantly impact accessibility to the festival. Simply put, this proposed development would put an end to the Greek Festival as we know it.  

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Why is the Greek Festival worth saving?

  • The cultural festival is celebrating its 48th anniversary this year and has become a Richmond institution. The thousands of attendees who attend each year validate the accolades that the festival has won, including being named “Best Food Event” by Style Weekly, “Best non-musical festival event in the city” by Richmond Magazine, and "Best Festival" by Virginia Living.

  • The church has donated nearly $500,000 to local nonprofits from the festival proceeds.

  • Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Cathedral has a growing congregation (600+) and is the sole Greek Orthodox place of worship in the Richmond area. The church has used the festival to introduce thousands of visitors to Greek culture, faith, and heritage each year. 

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Can the festival move to another location?

  • No. The cathedral is an integral part of the festival. Each year we host an indoor marketplace and offer tours of the church, allowing us to introduce Richmond to our cultural and spiritual home. In addition to teaching visitors about our heritage, the church has large commercial kitchens which are necessary to prepare the amount of food sold each day. The physical building is such a part of this event that we would not hold the festival as a solely outdoor event.

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What exactly is the developer proposing? 

  • If approved, 35 new three-story townhouses would be built on the property of the Seventh Street Christian Church, significantly increasing the number of residents and cars packed into the neighborhood. 

    • These structures would overshadow the homes in the neighborhood.

    • The proposed townhouses would have a two-car garage under each townhouse for the residents, but zero parking spaces for visitors or service vehicles. These vehicles would have to find parking along side streets in the adjoining neighborhood.

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Why are so many people in the neighborhood opposed to this? 

  • Richmond already struggles with urban flight to the surrounding counties. Packing high-density townhouses that will loom over long-established residential neighborhoods drives young families and long-time residents away. 

  • Residents, including young children, frequently walk and bike through the neighborhood because it has been established as a residential area for decades. The proposed development would bring an influx of traffic to small side streets, making it less safe for pedestrians. 

  • Parking is already difficult in the neighborhood, and this development would bring in hundreds of new vehicle trips per day. 

  • These changes would entirely disrupt the character of this established family neighborhood.

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What will happen if the development is approved?

  • The Greek Festival that has thrived in Richmond for 48 years would not continue as we know it if this complex is built. The neighborhood’s character would also be fundamentally changed, with an influx of parking and safety concerns. 

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Why aren’t they building enough parking to accommodate the new development? 

  • The proposed townhouses would have a two-car garage under each townhouse for the resident, but zero parking spaces for visitors and service vehicles. These vehicles would have to find parking along side streets in the adjoining neighborhood.  

  • Street parking is already limited for those who currently live in the neighborhood, and this project will only make finding a spot more difficult. 

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Who will decide if the developer can build the project?

  • The Richmond Planning Commission will review the developer’s request for a Special Use Permit and make a non-binding recommendation to Richmond City Council. This hearing has not yet been scheduled. 

  • City Council will be the ultimate decider on the Special Use Permit. This meeting will take place after the Planning Commission has issued its recommendation. 

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How can I show my support for Save the Greek Festival?

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Who has offered to buy the church?

  • Macfarlane Partners has the property under contract.

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Is the sale final?

  • No. The sale is likely contingent on receiving the Special Use Permit.

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