“We really want to make it clear that we’ll be as vigilant as we can to make sure this site and its resources are protected,” Edwards said.

Councilwoman Kimberly Gray was the only elected official to offer comment at the hearing. She cited Shockoe Bottom’s history as contributing to her support of a single station built on the Boulevard.

Those advocating for a single Boulevard station included former Virginia Commonwealth University President Eugene Trani and the president of the Scott’s Addition Boulevard Association, Mike Cline, who said the neighborhood association’s board had endorsed the option.

Trani said a Boulevard station could accelerate development in what is already one of Richmond’s fastest-growing areas and reap benefits for the city as a whole.

“I believe (the area) would be developed a lot more quickly and result in dramatic tax revenues, which will help the city schools and city services,” Trani said.

Clay McDonald, a 30-year-old resident of South Richmond, said any alignment that circumvents the Shockoe Bottom station would render the city’s investment in the facility a waste.

“We’ve already put all this money into this beautiful place. It’s functioning right now,” McDonald said.