
PLANNED PARENTHOOD Accepts Land For New Clinic Estimated At $1.2 Million For ONLY $10
The city of Richmond, capital of Virginia, moved to cede ownership of a $1.2 million property for Planned Parenthood to use in the construction and operation an abortion clinic as well. This, critics have said, may run the city afoul of its own rules.
The Richmond City Council on Monday agreed to sell the acre of land to the Virginia League of Planned Parenthood for just $10.
Virginia Code assigns the responsibility for changing monuments to localities unless covered by an existing law, as it is in Richmond where the council seeks authority with no specific legal framework.
Hetzler noted that under state law the city is only allowed to gratuitously convey property in such a manner if it’s designated as blighted. — The property, however, is not blighted in any way.
Former city council member Marty Jewell also blasted the sale, saying it breached a policy that requires surplus property be sold in a way that benefits local schools.
“You’re giving away a building for $10? This makes no sense,” he told the council Monday night.
A council statement issued last week said the body had accepted an “unsolicited offer” from the Virginia League of Planned parenthood. However, Hetzler wrote that Planned Parenthood claimed “Mayor Stoney’s administration worked with us to identify property.”
When public comment was solicited at the council meeting, 10 citizens spoke in favor of selling to President Goodwin and Planned Parenthood, while 40 opposed. The council, nonetheless, agreed to sell the land.
At the meeting, Hetzler warned “You will likely be sued over this. Save the city the expense and time and embarrassment, and go through the process as you should by law.”
A critic noted Richmond already has five abortion clinics and the fact that a clinic would be so close to schools raised concerns.
“I find it jarring that a clinic such of this is being opened not only in close proximity to my home, but where so many children go to school,” said a third resident, who is 39 weeks pregnant.
On the other hand, one woman showed up in a COVID mask voicing support for the clinic but against the low price.
“Planned Parenthood could probably afford to pay a good deal more,” she said. “By all means, charge for the land.”