Richmond Councilmember Cesar Zepeda announced this week that a recently‑installed pump station has stopped chronic flooding at the key Collins Avenue/Giant Highway entry/exit point for Parchester Village.
In a video posted from the location amid the recent rainy weather, Zepeda showed cars driving safely through an area where in past years drivers would often encounter deep standing water.
“I’m standing out here at the Parchester Village, Collins Avenue, Giant Highway location where, in prior years, it would be completely flooded,” Zepeda says.
The pump station is a short‑term fix and Zepeda, who has been pushing for permanent fixes to the flooding issue, says more work is still ahead.
“We’re going to make sure that the drainage is properly installed, versus being above ground,” he said, adding that the temporary solution will remain in place “until we come up with the final solution.”
The neighborhood, historically challenged by shallow grades and undersized drainage, has waited years for infrastructural investment. City staff estimate full remediation of storm drainage may cost between $10 million and $50 million. The pump station marks an interim step while the more comprehensive infrastructure plan is developed. More on this story here.
For now, Zepeda said, “people can safely come in through this area,” and pledged continued focus on “uplifting” the community.
