Please help us preserve The View That Named Richmond and develop a vibrant riverfront park by signing this petition, as follows:

We, the undersigned, strongly urge officials in the City of Richmond to preserve the historic panoramic view of the James River from Libby Hill Park through the acquisition of the land in front of the view for an enhanced riverfront park.

This beautiful, historic panoramic view of the James River from Libby Hill in Richmond, Virginia is the reason that Richmond is so-named. It's identical to the view of the Thames River from Richmond Hill in Richmond-upon-Thames, England. Today the panoramic view – considered the City’s most beautiful -- is enjoyed year-round by thousands of residents and visitors. But it is threatened once again by an inappropriate high-rise development on the riverfront.

During the Downtown Master Plan process (2007 - 2009) and subsequent Richmond Riverfront Plan (2011 - 2012), hundreds of enthusiastic Richmonders expressed their overwhelming support for preserving this iconic panorama. The resulting plans called for purchasing the riverfront parcel that sits in the viewshed as soon as possible. Yet, since that time, there has been no effort by the City to acquire the privately owned parcel. Instead, the City has focused its attention on moving forward an ill-conceived plan for inappropriately tall development that would obliterate this scenic and historic view.

We need your voice once again to remind our elected officials about the tremendous public support for preserving the panoramic views through acquisition of the land for a park. Private fundraising efforts are already underway. In signing this petition, you'll make it clear that you support this endeavor and that City leaders should give it their full consideration.

Thank you for considering our request. If you have questions, don't hesitate to contact us at email@scenicvirginia.org and (804) 643-VIEW (8439). You can also find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/scenicvirginia.org.