Just before the weekend, Mayor Stoney’s office released this late Friday afternoon press announcement that the next Monument Avenue Commission would be postponed until October due to public safety concerns.

After consultation with the chairpersons of the Monument Avenue Commission, Richmond Police Department, local and state officials and members of the Richmond community, I have decided to postpone the previously scheduled Sept. 13 public meeting of the commission, with a plan to reschedule in October.

This decision is made in the interests of public safety, and to allow for a restructuring of the commission’s engagement with the public, promoting accessibility and constructive dialogue so more voices can be heard.

We will provide additional information on the next steps of the Monument Avenue Commission in the coming weeks. Please continue to offer your input and suggestions through the website, monumentavenuecommission.org.

I remain deeply grateful to the members of the commission for their commitment and courage to take on this challenging and important work.