by Jon Baliles

The news of the Dave Matthews Band (DMB) returning to Richmond for the first time since 1997 was big news this week but quickly overshadowed by the left hook out of nowhere that the city will close off parking and vehicular access to the city’s waterfront (including easy access to Belle Isle, Brown’s Island, and the Potterfield Bridge) on days bands perform at the new amphitheater.

It was recently reported the city will close the 60-space parking lot known as the “Belle Isle lot” as well as closing 5th Street, Tredegar Street and the 2nd Street Connector for the entire day on numerous dates to use as a staging area and for staff and VIP parking for amphitheater shows on those dates. This week, access was closed off for four days to accommodate the two DMB shows and the conventional wisdom from the city is apparently, since the roads are closed, it justifies closing the parking lot too since it is inaccessible.

It’s beyond a shame that in recent years it seems more and more like the city is moving away from ensuring access to the river is a priority. Especially since it is the one thing that binds the region together and is more of a DNA marker of Richmond than anything else (it’s not even close).

The Stoney administration ignored the need to repair the Texas Beach pedestrian bridge inside James River Park for years. By the time it was closed in 2022 after being deemed unsafe because maintenance and upkeep were ignored (stop me when this sounds familiar, i.e., the water plant), the city dragged its feet in replacing it and it is scheduled to be open in late 2026. Even though construction is underway, it is inexcusable to take four years to replace a 220-foot pedestrian bridge. There is also the mystery of the Pipeline Walk, which came to light after a leak was spotted leaking into the river last year. The city shut down access to one of the coolest parts of James River Park (or any urban park) and no one seems to think it will ever be reopened.

The amphitheater was built and paid for by one of the biggest and most powerful music companies in the country. Surely during the discussion and approval of the amphitheater incentive package, someone asked about load in and load out and if streets would be impacted. But maybe not. The sights of 18-wheelers all over riverfront streets this week could be because the DMB has a really big stage show; or worse, it is a preview of more chaos to come for decades during concert season (April-October). Sorry, James River, lovers.

Beyond music lovers, there are nature lovers who want to stroll and experience Belle Isle and hover over the river on the Potterfield Bridge, and their are were art lovers who loved to stroll down past the murals on that were on the Canal Walk (before they were recently painted over). But I digress.

There are also outdoor companies and outfitters that do rafting trips and fishing trips, there are outdoor education programs and clubs and tours that access the river that will be negatively impacted by the street closures. The amphitheater should not suddenly have the divine right to close the streets and access for those who need it based on their show schedule and force everyone else to plan and work around it. Shutting down access to the James River around here is like shutting down the Vatican to Catholics.

This is a problem for which the city, community, amphitheater and New Market Corporation (which owns the land under and around the amphitheater), who must find a solution how to better stage for concerts. Stat. If that means adding better access to the amphitheater from somewhere else or expand the footprint to make it easier for trunks to load in and out, then please find it because this can’t continue.

The discussion over the amphitheater when proposed made clear there would be no parking deck and they encouraged ticket holders to use alternative transportation and ride sharing apps. I understand that given how many lots and street parking there is along Cary, Canal, and Main streets, for example. Some have found it inconvenient and it is no doubt maddening for neighborhoods like Oregon Hill where street parking is already limited and severely encroached by some music fans.

It’s understandable the need for extra security on the streets or to close a street for a couple of hours close to show time, but closing roads and public parking areas down by the river all day for days in a row is something else entirely. Some people have pointed out that the streets and parking lot are closed for the Folk Festival in October and Riverrock in May. However, both of those festivals are free and don’t charge $22 for beer.

If ticket-holders and music fans have to walk a little further to get to the amphitheater, then maybe so should the staff and VIPS’s. Alternatives need to be found. For example, on Tuesday night before the DMB show, the New Market parking lot above the amphitheater was closed off by security with hardly a car in the lot, which is a lot bigger than 60 spaces.

New Market donated Brown’s Island to the city eons ago and now they have added the amphitheater to their portfolio. For many years they have had a hand in making the riverfront as vibrant as everyone wants it to be, so maybe solutions are just a matter of sitting down and figuring them out once people see what is clearly at stake. The amphitheater is a nice addition to the city, but it’s not paramount to access to the James River. It is neither right nor fair that the interests of the amphitheater be allowed to trump the interests of river and outdoor lovers and people who want to access our region’s most prized jewel.

Jon Baliles is a former Richmond City Councilman. This is an excerpt from the original article posted on his blog, RVA 5×5. It is posted here with permission.