Rev.Jones and all of that development on Hull Street

Style Weekly drops a hot one, giving us a close look at the impact (or lack there of…) of Rev. Dwight C. Jones and the First Baptist Church on Hull Street: “In fact,” he told the crowd, “I am the only candidate that is running that has contributed to the economic development in the city by […]

October 7, 2008; 10:05 PM • by Shockoe News

Style Weekly drops a hot one, giving us a close look at the impact (or lack there of…) of Rev. Dwight C. Jones and the First Baptist Church on Hull Street:

“In fact,” he told the crowd, “I am the only candidate that is running that has contributed to the economic development in the city by developing apartments and commercial space in the Hull Street corridor.”

As the race has unfolded, Jones has often trumpeted his commitment to bringing back Hull Street. But a quick tour south of the Manchester Bridge — in the corridor that Jones claims to have helped revitalize — could make it difficult to reach a simple verdict on the state of renewal.

His most recent project — a five-year, $5 million development — has produced and rented out 68 low-income apartments, even as high-rent renovation projects crop up blocks away. The ground floor, intended for commercial use, remains empty.

The first-floor vacancy there and at a handful of other properties owned by First Baptist Church of South Richmond, where Jones is pastor, has long frustrated developers and city officials who say the boarded-up buildings make it more difficult to lure investment into the neighborhood.

PHOTO: Two vacant buildings at 13th and Hull streets owned by Dwight Jones/First Baptist Church