The city of Richmond is moving closer to remodeling a mostly empty island in the heart of the James River into a public park.

Last month, the city's planning commission approved the general look and feel — called the location, character and extent — of plans to transform Mayo Island . The designs do not require approval by City Council.

City officials plan to spend $16 million, which they say will revitalize an underutilized section of downtown Richmond. When the 16-acre park is done, city staffers expect it to attract more visitors than Belle Isle, which welcomes 170,000 people each year. Mayo Island, after all, is closer to homes and businesses on both sides of the river and requires a shorter walk from the mainland.

At various points through the years, Mayo Island has been used fo

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