The Governor announced Wednesday the first of a new type of grant, state dollars going towards housing and community development projects. The first two recipients of the Vibrant Community Initiative are in Richmond, and Blacksburg.
In Richmond’s East End, Governor Terry McAuliffe stands in front of old Armstrong High School -- a building that’s been empty for 12 years.
He hands over a check for $2.5-million, made out to the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority and Community Builders. The money will be used to help support a mixed-income housing community here.
Marilyn Olds is a community organizer. She’s helped keep residents of this neighborhood informed about the development plans. Over the years, they've been on the wrong end of broken promises and unfulfilled plans.
Olds says this time, things will be different.
“Because everybody can talk until you get some money, and when the money starts to flow in, then the transformation will take place,” says Olds.
The grant is one of two being announced Wednesday. The second, also for $2.5 million, will be going to support the development project at Old Prices Fork School in Montgomery County.
