This program approves the designated streets and sidewalks as private property of RRHA. Street privatization is a tool for RRHA and the Police Department to create safe communities for residents of public housing. Public safety is our primary goal.

The No Trespassing effort and street privatization deeded certain interior streets and sidewalks as private property in Gilpin Court, Creighton Court, Hillside Court, Whitcomb Court, Afton Avenue Apartments and Raven Street in Mosby Court.

Lawfully abiding residents or persons visiting with lawful social and business reasons are allowed on those streets.

Unauthorized persons (any person who has been barred by RRHA from the development) or persons who cannot demonstrate that they are on the development visiting a lawfully residing resident, or on the development conducting lawful business, will be considered unauthorized and be considered trespassers and will be prosecuted as such.

Also, No Trespassing applies to any and all RRHA buildings, properties, and our public housing communities where No Trespassing signs have been placed. (Please review the list of RRHA properties found in this document.)

The Richmond Police Department and the Housing Authority can take action against unauthorized persons for trespassing.


The goal of Street Privatization is:

• To make public housing communities safer by removing persons who commit unlawful acts which destroy the peaceful enjoyment of other residents.
• To ensure that children have places to play free of drug paraphernalia and the danger of gunshots and other criminal activity.
• To provide an opportunity for residents to develop safety initiatives in their community, such as resident patrols, neighborhood watch, etc.
• To hold households accountable who knowingly harbor persons who engage in criminal activity.

• Physical barriers will not block street access. The only markers will be signs on designated streets and RRHA buildings throughout the developments.
• Disruption to the flow of traffic or services will not be affected. School buses, delivery trucks, and city service vehicles will be able to drive into the development.
• Residents and their legitimate guests will not be subject to harassment or intimidation.
• Legitimate guests are not prohibited from visiting residents.
• There will not be disruption to the normal activity of most residents.
• Drug dealers and buyers cannot step off the street to prevent police arrest.
• There will not be any change in the enforcement of laws by the police. Reports of violations of the law will continue to be handled in the same manner.
• Lawful groups and organizations are welcome in our communities.

If you are an RRHA resident, support and explain the idea to your neighbors. Remind relatives, neighbors, and guests that we all must help in making our communities safer. Let them know that privatizing the streets is just one tool to promote safer communities.

Be willing to accept the minor inconvenience of you and/or your guest POSSIBLY being questioned by police enforcing the law. Since police are not always able to determine who is a resident, they may-from time to time-have to stop and ask questions. Resident cooperation with the police will help in making the community safer for all residents.

Work with your tenant council and RRHA's Public Safety Unit to develop other crime prevention and safety initiatives which support the street privatization effort.

Provide feedback to housing management and resident services staff on how the effort is going.

Who can issue trespassing/barment notices?
RRHA Housing Managers, RRHA Public Safety Officers and Richmond Police Officers have the authority to bar persons from RRHA properties for violations of the terms and conditions of the lease, local ordinance or state or federal law.

When is a trespassing/barment notice effective and how long does it stay in effect?
The Trespassing/Barment notice is effective at the time the person is served the notice and will remain in effect indefinitely unless lifted by RRHA through an appeal process.

How will I know if my guest or family member has been barred?
A letter will be mailed to the tenant if the barred individual is a family member or guest. This notice shall inform the tenant that should that individual enter RRHA property with the tenant's consent or knowledge, the lease may be terminated.

What can I do to have the trespass/barment removed?
A person must submit a completed appeal form to the RRHA Housing Manager within 15 calendar days of the date of the notice stating why the barment should be lifted. RRHA will notify the person of the outcome of the appeal.


Questions?
Contact the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority:

• Your Housing Management office
• RRHA Public Safety Officers
• RRHA Information Office: (804) 780-4344
• Email: info@rrha.state.va.us

Other:
Scattered Site Homes
Administrative and Maintenance Facilities

RRHA Public Safety Division:

Crime Hotline: (804) 780-4006
Email: safety@rrha.state.va.us

*Callers remain completely anonymous!
*Take the time to report the crime!