In a bold move that has shocked the city of Richmond, attorney and activist Rebecca Simmons has filed a lawsuit against the city and is petitioning for a funding referendum for the Diamond District development project. Simmons, known for her outspoken advocacy for affordable housing and community development, is no stranger to taking on powerful entities in pursuit of justice. And this latest legal action is shaping up to be her most contentious battle yet.
At the heart of the lawsuit is the proposed development of the Diamond District, a massive $1.5 billion project that would transform a blighted area of the city into a bustling hub of commercial and residential properties. Proponents of the project, including Mayor Levar Stoney, argue that it will bring much-needed economic growth and revitalization to the area. However, Simmons and other critics fear that the development will lead to gentrification and displacement of low-income residents.
In her lawsuit, Simmons argues that the city violated state law by approving funding for the Diamond District without first seeking approval from Richmond residents. She is calling for a referendum that would allow voters to decide whether or not the project should move forward. And she is not backing down in the face of opposition from city officials and developers.
“This is going to go down bigger than the casino,” Simmons declared in a recent press conference, referring to the controversial casino project that was ultimately defeated in a city-wide vote last year. “We have a right to decide the future of our city, and we will not let powerful interests steamroll over our communities.”
Simmons has garnered widespread support from grassroots organizations and community activists who share her concerns about the impacts of the Diamond District development. Together, they are mobilizing to gather the necessary signatures for the petition and to rally support for the referendum.
Mayor Stoney and other proponents of the project have been quick to dismiss Simmons’ lawsuit as frivolous and obstructionist. They argue that the Diamond District is crucial for the city’s economic growth and that it will create jobs and opportunities for Richmond residents.
But Simmons remains undeterred, vowing to fight until the voices of the people are heard. As the legal battle heats up and tensions rise in Richmond, all eyes are on the Diamond District and the fight for the soul of the city. Only time will tell if Simmons’ bold move will be enough to stop the development in its tracks.
