× Thanks for reading! Log in to continue. Enjoy more articles by logging in or creating a free account. No credit card required. Log in Sign up {{featured_button_text}}

The Richmond City Council-appointed panel that will review the $1.5 billion plan to redevelop the area around the Richmond Coliseum will include an avowed public supporter of the project.

Hakim J. Lucas, president of Virginia Union University, will join eight other appointees on the Navy Hill Development Advisory Commission. His participation divided the council because of an opinion column praising the project that he helped author in December.

“This is really messy,” said Councilwoman Kimberly Gray, who opposed Lucas’ nomination because of concerns about his impartiality. “This is really working against the public’s interest. I hope they’re paying attention tonight to how you all are disregarding the people.”

Others defended the choice, saying Lucas’ nomination was necessary to improve minority representation on the commission; four of the nine members appointed are African American.

Councilman Chris Hilbert, who represents the 3rd District, in which VUU is located, said he felt the historically black college needs a say in what could be the biggest economic development deal in the city’s history.