TCSD

 

Sections of failing fiber reinforced pipe removed near River Road

Perhaps nothing has contributed to growth in eastern Goochland more than the Tuckahoe Creek Service District (TCSD), which was created in 2002 to provide public water and sewer to an area bounded on the east by the Henrico County line, on the north by the Hanover County line, Rt 6 to the south and roughly Manakin Road to the west.

In the mid-90’s, Motorola purchased a large parcel of land in West Creek, some of which is now home to a soccer facility, to build a computer chip plant. Goochland entered into an agreement with Henrico to supply water to the plant. After building some parking lots, Motorola decided not to build the plant and sold the site. Capital One, which began to build its West Creek campus in the early days of the 21^st century, consumed much of the remaining water allocation from Henrico.

The county realized that it needed public utilities to attract economic development moving westward from Richmond. An early initiative to build a wastewater treatment plant on the James River, in the general vicinity of Ben Dover, was abandoned after what became known as the toilet wars, when opponents of the plant lined Rt 6 with old toilets in protest. A community meeting intended to discuss the benefits of the proposed facility ended when a citizen asked the presenter which of the homes in a photo of a wastewater treatment plant surrounded by houses was his and got no reply.

Undaunted, the supervisors continued to explore bringing public utilities to the eastern part of the county. In 2002, the TCSD was created to build trunk lines that would bring water from Henrico and send wastewater to the City of Richmond. Individual landowners would pay to connect to the trunk lines. The county borrowed about $65 million from the Virginia Resource Authority (VRA) to fund the project, which levied an ad valorem tax on all parcels in the TCSD to service its debt. Some doubts were allegedly raised at the VRA bond hearing about Goochland’s ability to handle the project but were overridden.

When the county was encouraging landowners inside the “footprint” of the TCSD to join—it was voluntary— the ad valorem tax stated as 15 cents per $100 of valuation. When first levied, it was 50 cents. At one point, the tax was reduced to 23 cents, which was inadequate to service the debt. The tax has been 32 cents per $100 of assessed valuation since 2012.

At the outset, the TCSD was intended for mostly commercial development except for Kinloch.

Building the TCSD was complicated and involved securing right of way easements and agreements with other jurisdictions and entities including the Country Club of Virginia. The company retained by Goochland County—the lowest “responsive” bidder—to build the trunk lines had issues. For some reason, the county specified that the pressurized force main would use fiber reinforced—sometimes snarkily referred to as paper mâché—pipe would be used. The contractor had no experience with this material, which led to another set of problems and cost overruns. In later years, it was discovered that there were few, if any, “as built” diagrams, indicating the exact location of these trunk lines, complicating maintenance and repair.

To further complicate matters, the then owners of West Creek and the county were engaged in a bitter battle over the real estate assessments of the business park that resulted in two week-long trials in Goochland Circuit Court. Even though business in the region was booming, there was little development in West Creek in the early days of the 21^st century. Instead of being the county’s economic engine, it looked more like a nature preserve. Indeed, it was rumored that the owners of West Creek were investigating a conservation easement for the property, which would have prevented further development on the project.

TCSD sputtered along, bringing the county perilously close to bankruptcy until the Board of Supervisors elected in 2011 restructured its debt, got a firm handle on its operation, and worked to attract development in the TCSD.

In the summer of 2021, the force main ruptured, and leaked raw sewage into Tuckahoe Creek contaminating the James River. A study and Preliminary Engineering Report conducted by Dewberry Engineers concluded that approximately 11,000 linear feet of the pipeline needed complete replacement to mitigate construction flaws and material defects incurred during initial installation of the pipeline.

In 2022, the county contracted with Spinello and Company to complete the repairs for just under $8 million, to be mostly funded by an additional $6.2 million VRA revenue bonds with an additional $1million from the Department of Public Utilities repair and replacement fund.

Construction on this project has been underway for the past year or so and is visible along River Road near Tuckahoe Creek. Unforseen complications, including underestimation of the cost of issuing the VAR bonds; change orders requiring additional engineering to cross Henrico utility lines and avoid Randolph Square roads; more robust erosion and sediment controls; and property restoration, which was removed from the initial bid, increased the final cost. At their October 1 meeting, the supervisor approved amending the FY25 budget by transferring $740,000 to the DPU Rehabilitation and Repair fund. Of this, $260,000 represents funds that were previously allocated to other DPU projects that came in under budget. The remainder will be treated as a loan to be repaid to the Capital Improvement Plan fund within the next ten years or less.

Technically, no board of supervisors can compel future boards to do anything. They can, however, leave messes for their successors to clean up. The TCSD should act as a cautionary tale for elected officials to think long and hard about the unintended consequences of their actions.

 

 

Follow the smoke

 On Saturday, October 5, the fire-rescue family and community gathered to dedicate the newly renovated Goochland Courthouse Company 5 fire-rescue station in honor of Chief Fred. T. “Tommy” Carter, Jr.

Current Company 5 Volunteer District Chief Jenna Nelson welcomed all to the event with fire-rescue folk resplendent in dress uniforms dripping with the gold braid that signifies years of service.

District Chief Jenna Nelson (Company 5 image)

Jo Anne, Chief, and Shelly Carter (Company 5 image)

 Former Volunteer Company 5 District Chief David Dowdy explained the process that transformed the forty-year-old station built to accommodate a volunteer fire-rescue organization, including the fund raising vital to its survival—into a modern state of the art facility. It began five years ago, said Dowdy, when Company 5 officers sat down with architect Steve Childrey to discuss their vision for an updated station to serve the community well into the future. Childrey, recalled Dowdy, put tracing paper over a plan of the existing building and drew a crude sketch that became the foundation for the renovations.

Goochland Fire-Rescue is a combination agency, where career staff and volunteers work side by side. Because the career staff is at the station 24/7, it is their work home. Dowdy said that as with a home where the kitchen is its heart, the kitchen of the new Company 5 was moved to the center of the building.

The kitchen is the heart of the new Company 5

During the Covid shutdown that delayed renovations to Company 5, the Board of Directors of the Goochland Volunteer Fire-Rescue Association, which owns five of the county’s six stations, realized that stations in Manakin and Centerville also needed to be updated to accommodate the new realities of career staff. The Association hired an executive Director, Martin Dean, who is also a Manakin volunteer, to oversee the renovations. 

Bunk Room

The most important element in emergency response is the people who save lives and protect property. Public safety is dangerous work, but carcinogens from unfiltered diesel exhaust pose a greater threat than emergency operations.

Modern fire-rescue stations need sleeping quarters and shower facilities for round-the-clock providers. In stations of old, bunker gear was hung on hooks on the walls of equipment bays until needed absorbing deadly diesel exhaust.

The new Company 5 has a hot zone where bunker gear can be stored and cleaned; negative air pressure in living quarters that keeps exhaust in the equipment bays. There are bunk rooms, bathrooms with showers, a day room, gym, and offices for both career and volunteer officers.

Clear glass bay doors showcase the apparatus, including fire engines, tankers—in much of Goochland all water needed to fight a fire must be transported to the scene—ambulances, a ladder truck, and a boat for water rescue. Columns at the new entrance pay homage to our historic courthouse.

Company 5 evolved from humble beginnings in 1958. Carter, who became a fire-rescue volunteer in 1964, recalled that it began with a single fire truck parked in the open, because there was no station. In 1966, a new fire truck, which cost about $18k was purchased and paid for by the volunteers. “Back then, if you wanted something, you had to pay for it,” recalled Carter. When rescue squads were established in 1966, Luck Stone bought the county’s first ambulance for Company 1 and the Chamber of Commerce helped Company 5 buy theirs.

The first Company 5 was located on River Road West next to the Post Office where the gun shop is now. A basement was used for bingo, an important source of revenue for Company 5. As the Company added equipment, the need for a larger station became clear.

The current station was built about 40 years ago, literally by the volunteers with a lot of help from the community and local businesses. Carter cosigned the note on the building, putting his personal finances at stake to ensure that this community resource came into being. Company 5 negotiated with the county for the current site, which had been used for the county fair, horse races, and as a go kart track.

That building was planned to have enough space to house apparatus in an easy to deploy configuration, a community meeting space because there was none in Courthouse Village, and a place for fund raising activities to pay for the building.

The technology of emergency response has come a long way since Carter first joined Company 5 as a teenager. Back then, there were no radios to guide firefighters to emergency scenes. Called on their home telephones, firefighters drove to their stations and climbed on the trucks. Carter recalled being told in his early days as a firefighter after asking where the fire was, to “follow the smoke.”

“We did not have the nice toys we have today,” Carter said referencing the complexity and cost—ladder trucks cost north of $1.5 million—of emergency apparatus. “There is no way that the companies could operate today the way they did years ago. Without the support of the county, we could not function.”

Carter thanked former Chiefs of the Department Earl and Howard Henley who laid the foundation for the organization. “They told us you’ve got to know who you are and where you’re going. We all grew up in fire-rescue and grew a lot of folks who are chiefs outside the county.”

Tones sounded during the festivities, a reminder of the important function of the building. The duty crew gathered their gear, climbed into an ambulance, engaged its siren, and drove off to render aid.

Carter was taken by surprise when he learned that the station was dedicated to him in honor of his 60 years of tireless and dedicated service, holding every office from firefighter to chief of the department.

“Sixty years is a long time,” he said, thanking his family, especially wife Jo Anne; daughter Shelly, who volunteered at Company 5 for ten years; the extended Carter clan, many of whom were in the audience; and his fellow fire-rescue members, a special kind of family. “I could have spent hours talking about all the things we did, some not right, most right, like this,” he gestured as the renovated building. “It’s not a one-person operation, everyone has to help, chip in and pull their weight. I’m a lifetime member but I help when I can.” He referred those who came after him like Dowdy and current Chief of the Department D. E. “Eddie” Ferguson, Jr., who continue the work into the future.

JoAnne Carter, who was presented with a bouquet, said that she and Tommy have been married for 55 years, so she has been through a lot with him. The importance of family support that made it possible for volunteers to give so freely of their time and talents to respond to calls, train, and raise money to fund the organization cannot be overstated.

Captain Greg Jones, who joined Company 5 as a teenager and progressed to a career in Med Flight, the Virginia State Police air ambulance service, marveled at the amount of time volunteers spent working on and overseeing construction of the new building in addition to training, responding to emergencies, and  raising money. “They all had jobs and families yet found the time to be here a lot because they knew how important Company 5 was to the community..”

Jones said that Carter was to him, and many other young volunteers, a mentor, father figure, and supportive of their success. Carter’s skill in management practices, communication, and fund raising savvy inspired others to help Company 5 evolve into the excellent public safety agency it is today. Fund raising, including gun raffles and regular bingo nights, were also required of all volunteers.

Tommy Carter (shoulder patch) telling stories

Before the ceremonial “ribbon” cutting, fire line tape was substituted, Ferguson explained that over the past few years, his department has been learning about building and renovating fire stations.  He thanked the Board of Supervisors and County Administrator for their support, the especially monetary in the form of about $3 million in loans, to make the station renovations possible. “We all pulled together and got it done,” said Ferguson. “Over the last 15 years our organization has moved from an all-volunteer agency to a well-respected combination department. We will be forever grateful to Chief Carter for his leadership and accomplishments.”

Ribbon Cutting (Company 5 image)

The work of Carter and his fellow pioneering volunteers goes on. Nelson, like Carter, joined fire-rescue as a teenager and continues to donate her time and talents to provide a vital community service.

Goochland has been blessed with people like Tommy Carter, those who came before him, and those who came after to “follow the smoke” to save lives and protect property in our county.

The companies still need financial support from the community. On December 21, from 8-10 a.m. Company 5 will hold a free Santa Pancake breakfast, on a dine in or drive thru basis. Kids can deliver their wish lists directly to Santa and have their picture taken with the Jolly Elf, at 2710 Fairground Road, Goochland, VA 23063.

To learn more about becoming a Fire- Rescue volunteer, go to https://goochlandfire-rescue.org/recruitment/join/ and be sure to attend the 2024 Fire-Rescue Show tonight, October 12 at Goochland High School https://goochlandfire-rescue.org/event/2024-fire-rescue-show/.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lafayette returns to Goochland

Major General Lafayette

 

Gilbert Motier La Fayette, remembered by Americans as the Marquis de Lafayette, first came to America as a 19-year-old aristocrat to help a nation fight for its liberty. An injury at Bunker Hill left him with a limp for life. General George Washington made him a major general in the Continental Army. He was active at the war’s end at Yorktown.

As the 250^th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence approaches, events are being planned to commemorate the founding of our country. The Goochland Board of supervisors appointed a GVA250 commission, headed by the Hon. Manuel Alvarez, The Commission’s goal is to engage, educate, inspire through series of local events. He reported that the 5K Run for Revolution, held on September 14 at Elk Hill Farm was a success and that the Commission has formed a partnership to support Elk Hill, which provides “a safe and peaceful haven where children can overcome obstacles in the way of a bright and successful future”.

Elk  Island Winery (https://elkislandwinery.com/) has created a wine named “Revolution Red” whose label echoes the image used for the 5K and Midnight Brewery (https://www.midnightbrewery.com/home) has brewed a 1727 porter using a recipe attributed to Geroge Washington using modern methods and ingredients. Courthouse Creek Cider (https://courthousecreek.com/) is working on a special Virginia cider.

In 1824, Lafayette, the last surviving officer of the revolutionary war, returned to America, visiting many of the places where he fought, Goochland County among them. In 1823, President Monroe persuaded Congress to invite Lafayette to visit our country, when he realized that at least half of the population of America had been born after the war. The tour lasted more than a year.

According to Robin Lind, president of the Goochland Historical Society, Lafayette came to Richmond and was escorted by the local militia to Powell’s Tavern, now a private residence, in eastern Goochland for a celebration, and then to Goochland Courthouse, where he spent the night at Anderson’s Tavern, before proceeding to Cumberland and on to Monticello. Lafayette visited all 13 “colonies” and newer states. Everywhere he went people lined the road and cheered as he passed by.

Lind referenced a letter from Jefferson’s grandson describing the meeting between of old friends on November 4, 1824. Jefferson was 81, Lafayette 68. Jefferson was feeble and tottering with age and Lafayette permanently lame and in broken health. AS they approached each other, their uncertain gait quickened into a shuffling run. Ther burst into tears as they fell into each other’s arms. There was not a dry eye, no sound except an occasional suppressed sob, among the 400 men witnessing the scene.

“This is somebody that needs to be celebrated,” Lind said. He outlined Goochland’s plans for Lafayette’s celebration this year.

On November 2, 250 years to the day when he last visited Goochland, Lafayette, portrayed by a reenactor, will return. The day will begin with a ticketed event at Tuckahoe Plantation (https://www.eventbrite.com/e/general-lafayettes-return-tickets-1041017660847?aff=eivtefrnd&utm-campaign=social%2Cemail&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-source=strongmail&utm-term=listing) featuring toasts and interpretations of 1824 period food prepared by Goochland High School culinary arts students.

Next will come a public dedication of a marker commemorating the 1824 visit of Lafayette in Courthouse Village on River Road West opposite the Goochland History Center (https://www.goochlandhistory.org/) on the approximate location of Anderson’s Tavern.

The celebration will conclude with an informal gathering at Courthouse Creek Cider.

Goochland witnessed the founding of America. Washington, Jefferson, Lafayette, and even Cornwallis were here. It is important to remember and celebrate this.

October board highlights

 

 The October 1 meeting of the Goochland Board of Supervisor had a light agenda. More and more items are being relegated to detailed reports included in the board packets. These are available in their entirety at https://goochlandcountyva.iqm2.com/Citizens/Default.aspx Board packets contain much interesting information. Of special interest to those waiting for Firefly is the detailed monthly broadband report.

October has been designated as Domestic Violence Awareness month. The supervisors adopted a proclamation recognizing this scourge on society. Representatives of Goochland Cares, whose services include a confidential sexual and domestic violence abuse hotline (804) 980-6267 – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Sexual and Domestic Violence Services are available to ALL victims or survivors of domestic and/or sexual violence, regardless of income, gender, or sexual orientation. You do NOT have to be a registered client of GoochlandCares to utilize to utilize its sexual assault and domestic violence services. Go to https://goochlandcares.org/services/sexual-and-domestic-violence-services/ for more information.

A representative of GoochlandCares thanked the board for its support of the service, for which, unfortunately, there is a need in our community.

Renae Townsend, Executive Director of Goochland/Powhatan CASA (court appointed special advocates) also thanked the board for its monetary and in-kind support. Townsend said that 2025 will mark the 20^th anniversary of the organization’s founding.

Townsend explained that the organization recently expanded into Powhatan and introduced Powhatan CASA Supervisor Deirdre Vaughan. A non-profit organization, Goochland/Powhatan CASA is planning a special fund-raising event, the CASA Community Challenge, next spring. Go to https://goochlandpowhatan.casa/ for more information.

Goochland County Administrator Vic Carpenter reminded everyone of the October Town Hall meetings. These will be live streamed at https://va-goochlandcounty.civicplus.com/1154 and archived on the county website.

County staff will hold trick or treat in the administration building on October 31 from 3:30 to 4:30 for ghosts and goblin fun.

Carpenter announced that, after “pausing” activity earlier this year, the county is still trying to figure out the best site for West Creek Fire-Rescue Company 7. In the meantime, the county will start construction Station 8 in District 2 on Whitehall Road near its intersection with Dogtown Road. “We will continue to look for the best alternative location for Station 7 or if that location (the east side of Hockett Road near its intersection with Tuckahoe Creek Parkway) remains the best location,” Carpenter said. It is believed that Station 8 will be funded with proceeds of general obligation bonds approved by a 2021 referendum.

Some homeowners who live close to the now defunct Royal Virginia golf course in Hadensville have, during the past few board meetings, raised grave concerns about hunters discharging firearms on the old golf course grounds near their homes. Carpenter reported that staff has spoken with the hunters involved, the Virginia Department of Wildlife, the Goochland Department of Community Development, and homeowners in search of a mutually acceptable solution to the matter.

Monacan Soil and Water Conservation District Manager Keith Burgess introduced our new extension agent, Skye Brickhouse. Burgess said that this year’s drought and flooding resulted in at least a million dollars of crop and property damage, including soil erosion.

A well water testing program will be held later this month. Sample kits will be distributed on October 15^th and collected on the 16^th. Call the extension office at 804-556-5841 for information. (Links to program sites were not working when this post was created.)

Authorization of the donation of two 22-year-old fire tankers, which have been replaced in the Goochland Fire-Rescue fleet with newer models, to Charles City and Cumberland Counties. The value of the donated tankers was estimated to be in the $5 to $10k range was approved.

 

The supervisors approved a resolution to amend the FY25 budget to transfer and appropriate funds in the amount of $560k from reserves to the Economic Development Authority (EDA). A request of this amount was made during the August 24 economic development workshop. The funds will be allocated as follows: Complete due diligence to increase a prime economic development site from tier 2 to tier 4 and produce marketing materials - $155,000. Perform water and sewer feasibility study for Oilville - $250,000. Infrastructure and studies for other prime economic development areas (i.e. Courthouse sewer, water and sewer for Bennington Road and Plaza Drive) - $95,000. Small Business Expansion Incentive - $50,000.  LOGO/Tourist Oriented Directional Sign Grant Program - $10,000.

District 5 Supervisor Jonathan Lyle, who regularly attends  EDA meetings, said that he believes that the county’s future rests on commercial and economic development, contended that it could be more helpful to small businesses to reduce permit fees and streamline processes to relive the economic burden on small business at the front end, rather than the proposed rebates to be distributed on a first come first serve basis.

Neil Spoonhower, District 2 said that he agrees with Lyle in principle, but because changing governmental processes can take a long time, the proposals that provide some immediate relief for small businesses—those with fewer than 250 employees—is a good start.

Economic Development Director Sara Worley said that the incentive programs, which could help about three businesses per year, mandate feedback to help gauge the return on investment. Worley pointed out that the county cannot change state and federal regulations, which can account for five to ten percent of construction costs.

The directional sign grant program which helps defray the cost of deploying signs along major roads to attract business, also sparked discussion. During citizen comment, Kathy Murray, of Byrd Cellars, a vineyard and winery in the western part of the county (https://byrdcellars.com/) reported that her business installed the signs at their own expense, which generated a dramatic increase in customers at the 20 year-old winery. She contended that before the signage was deployed, people were unaware of their existence and passed them by on I64 on the way to Charlottesville. Murray contended that the signs are good for her business and commended the supervisors for supporting tourism.

Lyle agreed that the signage is a good idea, but balked at the county funding signs for some businesses on a first come, first serve basis, which he contended puts the county in the position of picking winners and losers.

These items were approved by 4-1 votes, with Lyle in dissent.

Public hearings

The supervisors approved an amendment to a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for Bandit’s Ridge in western Goochland, to add unhosted short term rental; restaurant; winery on less than 50 acres with a tasting room; and accessory public assembly uses. The property consists of 23.07 acres at 5061 Broad Street Road. The CUP will expire June 30, 2032.

A CUP application filed by Pleasant Grove Farm, LLC, consisting of 103.92 acres at 4615 Old Fredericksburg Road for short term rental unhosted was approved. The applicants, Mark and Chirelle McConnel, who operate Pleasant Grove Farm, live in a small home on the property, and have a lease purchase agreement on the farm, which is owned by Massey Investments, LLC.  A large, restored home would be used for the unhosted rental. The McConnels hope to create educational agritourism activities on the farm in the future. They also requested a 10 rather than the customary five-year initial CUP renewal period conceding that they plan to stay and invest in the property and do not want to do it for just five years. The planning commission recommend the 10-year renewal.

Some supervisors contended that if a CUP is violated the county has the power to revoke it.

County Attorney Tara McGee explained that while revoking a CUP is within the power of the supervisors, it is not easy. The supervisors would need good legal grounds, then initiate the process through the planning commission and through the board. “It is a legal right, but I would be incorrect to say it is easy,” she said.

The CUP was unanimously approved for five years.

A rezoning application to reduce buffers on 5.973 acres on Parkers Hill Drive was unanimously approved.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

October is Fire Prevention Month

 

Welcome to October. The days are shorter, and hopefully crisper as the seasons change. Halloween and other holidays are on the way. A perhaps more important annual observance tends to get lost in the shuffle.

October is fire prevention month. Fire prevention week—this year from the 6^th to the 12^th— always includes October 8, the day on which the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 that killed more than 250 people, left 100,000 people homeless, destroyed more than 17,400 structures and burned more than 2,000 acres, began.

Firefighters contend that the best fire is one that never starts. Fire is a source of warmth, light, and energy, but can destroy everything in its path, as Chicago learned those many years ago.

Goochland Fire-Rescue Chief D. E. “Eddie” Ferguson, Jr. said that this year’s Fire Prevention theme is “Smoke alarms, make them work for you!” He made the following recommendations:

Centerville Company 3 firefighter checks smoke alarm

Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area (like a hallway), and on each level (including the basement) of the home.

Test smoke alarms at least once a month by pushing the test button.

Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old or stop responding when tested. Make sure smoke alarms meet the needs of all family members, including those with sensory or physical disabilities.  (see https://www.nfpa.org/en/Downloadable-resources/Safety-tip-sheets/Smoke-and-CO-Alarms-for-People-Who-are-Deaf-or-Hard-of-Hearing for details.)

During October, Goochland Fire-Rescue will provide fire safety education programs for all county elementary schools.

If your home does not have a working smoke alarm, call the Fire-Rescue Office at 804-556-5304 and request one. There is no charge for this service.

As we send prayers for those devasted by Hurricane Helene, Goochland Fire-Rescue sent five fire-rescue members to the town of Damascus in Washington County in southwest Virginia to lend a hand. These fine people are Lt. PM Jordan Fisher, FF/EMT Ed Brown, FF/EMT Scott Nuessle, FF/EMT Jake Branch, and FF/PM Rob Henkel. They have been responding to 911 calls to relieve members of the Damascus Volunteer Fire Department who had been answering calls nonstop since Helene devasted their community. They also worked to restore the Damascus fire station and its apparatus to operational readiness. Our responders will be relieved by those from Botetourt County Fire&EMS and are expected back in Goochland today.

From a Facebook post:

“This week has been an absolutely unthinkable time for our community due to the Hurricane, with first responders, contractors, and volunteers working tirelessly.

Our members here at Damascus, Virginia Fire Department Station 1400 wanted to give a huge appreciation and thank you to Goochland County Fire-Rescue and their members for coming down to give us some relief from the Hurricane. Our Chief, Assistant Chief, Captain, Chaplin, Lieutenants and a few other members had worked continuously before the hurricane, during the devastation, and after with structure fires and other calls of service. For nearly three days, our members and other agencies worked rescue operations without stopping.

Our brothers from Goochland took time away from their family and community to come down the last couple of days to run calls for our members, so that we may finally eat a hot meal, sleep, and shower. We can not express enough how thankful we are for your Department and its members for this. You all have been extraordinary.

Thank you.

As time continues on, we are still out rebuilding our community and working hard to get the Town of Damascus back to normal. Thank you to every department, agency, volunteer, and contractors that have been by our side the whole way. There have been so many of you to come offer support it would be impossible to thank you all, we do plan on acknowledging you all as things turn back to normal.”

 

On Wednesday, Robin Hillman, Goochland Emergency Management Coordinator, was deployed to the Town of Dublin in Pulaski County as part of the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VADEM) statewide mutual aid request to assist with recovery duties and volunteer donation management.

Also on Wednesday, Emergency Management Volunteer RN Linda Taylor was Federally activated with the National Disaster Medical System Disaster Mortuary Operational Response Team- Victim Information Center Team. She is heading to North Carolina for at least 2 weeks.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to all in the devastated areas.  We humbled and privileged to be able to help in these ways and are very proud of all the skilled and talented Goochland County Fire-Rescue personnel who are on deployment helping,” said Ferguson.

Happier notes:

Courthouse Company 5 is hosting an open house event on Saturday, October 5 from 11 to 2 with a ribbon cutting to dedicate the extensive station renovations at noon.

2024 Fire-Rescue Show on October 12 from 5-9 p.m. in the back parking lot of Goochland High school, 3250 River Road West.  This free family friendly event includes captivating demonstrations of the skills and apparatus that our first responders use to save lives and protect property in Goochland. There will be food trucks, door prizes, and a fireworks display. Come meet our local fire and EMS providers and learn about volunteer opportunities.

 

 

(Goochland Fire-Rescue image)

 

 

More on September 3

 

Goochland supervisors had a full plate of public hearings at their September 3 meeting. Some have already been explored by GOMM, others need to be mentioned.

On another note. Early voting began on September 20. Go to https://www.goochlandva.us/359/Elections-and-Voter-Registration for details.

FEMA floodplain

The supervisors unanimously approved an ordinance amendment that repealed existing FEMA floodplain maps and replaced them with updated provisions and adopted and incorporated new flood insurance rate maps issued by FEMA.

Deputy County Administrator Josh Gillespie explained that adoption of the ordinance amendment will allow the county’s continued participation in the FEMA national flood insurance program. This allows Goochlanders access to federally backed floor insurance and provides better data to use when making development decisions. The new maps, said Gillespie, are increasingly precise and accurate, especially in the flood insurance rate map updates. Goochland has participated in the program since 1979.

Go to https://www.goochlandva.us/1244/Preliminary-FEMA-Floodplain for details.

These updates, said Gillespie, are the first since 2008. Community outreach was held earlier this year as well as coordination with the state department of conservation and recreation to gather input on proposed changes. The final map updates added and removed some areas.  Gillespie pointed out that a rezoning application approved earlier this year, for land near the intersection of Broad Street Road and the southbound Rt. 288 ramp, referenced the flood plain changes. The new ordinance will take effect on October 10^th to align with the county’s participation in the flood plain insurance program renewal.

District 5 Supervisor Jonathan Lyle questioned the methodology used to contact those impacted by the new map. He said that Mosaic residents were not aware of the pending changes, speculating that the notification went to the developer, not individual homeowners. This failure to notify those who will be affected by pending land use changes, pointed out Lyle, has been an ongoing issue, especially for homes under construction, whose owner of record is the builder or developer, not the ultimate homeowner, who may remain unaware of proposed changes before they become permanent .

Minimum tax assessment adjustment

The supervisors voted unanimously to amend Chapter 13 of the Goochland County code, 1A, Section 13-10.10 to increase the minimum tax assessment and Appendix C of the county code to raise to $50k the floor for payment of gross receipts tax and eliminate the business license fee for businesses with gross receipts of up to $50k. It also created a flat rate fee for contractors with gross receipts of up to $25k. This will provide some relief for small business.

District 2 supervisor Neil Spoonhower, who has been on the board since 2020, said that during his tenure as a supervisor some sort of tax relief for seniors, veterans, farm equipment, or the “big lift” last year to lower the personal property tax rate of vehicles was approved every year. “I’m proud that we are being fiscally conservative and trying to keep money in our citizens’ pocket because they’re a much better spender of it than we are.”

Board Chair Charlie Vaughters District 4, echoed Spoonhower’s sentiment. “For those who have not had the opportunity to go to the farmers markets or our stores with numerous vendors who are a major part of our small businesses. WE should do everything we can to foster than in our community. It’s great to see a full spectrum of businesses in a place where they can thrive. We are not just looking out for the big guys; we’re looking out for everyone across the spectrum.”

 

Floor area ratio

Zoning ordinance amendments tend to be viewed by many citizens as eye rolling “inside baseball” not worthy of their attention until unintended consequences become apparent.

Floor area ratio (FAR)—determined by dividing the gross floor area of a structure by the area of a lot—got attention earlier this year in connection to a commercial development on Pouncey Tract Road. That resulted in a fairly narrow ordinance amendment for projects that are part of a master plan.

After a good bit of discussion on the matter, the supervisors referred a proposal to eliminate FAR requirements to the planning commission, which recommended approval. The board voted 4-1 to follow suit and remove FAR from county code.

Gillespie referenced robust citizen objection to the removal of FAR from zoning regulations, including that larger buildings will increase intensity of development and the service burden on fire-rescue, allow structures that degrade the county’s rural character, and is an effective tool to manage growth.

They also deflected the notion that FAR is a deterrent to economic development and raised concerns about the unintended consequences of removing FAR for all commercial districts that could attract substandard high-density development. FAR not apply to residential. Apartments are considered commercial use.

Supporters of FAR’s removal cited its negative impact on the county’s ability to attract new business and that there are many other “tools in the zoning toolbox” to achieve the same goals, that FAR is redundant. These regulations include setbacks, adherence to the statewide fire prevention code, stormwater management and parking requirements.

The FAR matter discussion seemed designed to make the county able to attract data centers and related development.

Ben Slone, Chair of the Goochland Economic Development Authority said that discussions with economic development prospects are highly confidential, governed by non-disclosure agreement and will never happen with FAR restrictions in place.

Lyle said that he, like his fellow supervisors, is equally enthused about economic development and growth in an intelligent, managed way. However, he was not ready to discard FAR and cast the sole dissenting vote against elimination. He would prefer the creation of data center overlay districts in places deemed appropriate for them. He also contended that he was unaware of any development prospect that the county lost due to having FAR on the books.

Other supervisors contended that lightening the hand of regulation is a good thing and that the county needs robust economic development to fund the services that citizens demand while keeping the residential real estate tax level.

Vaughters said that the supervisors were elected to make hard decisions and have fiduciary duties to citizens and economic development prospects. “Generating economic development is not a simple, binary process,” said Vaughters. “What should we turn somebody away because we are overregulating on the front end... The worst situation we could be in looking ten years down the road and wondering why we don’t have enough business. We need to be ahead of the game, be forward thinking and be friendly to businesses who want to come to Goochland.”

We’re all concerned about growth oozing westward on Broad Street. The mess opposite Aldi, whose only open and green space between townhomes and commercial development seems to be narrow strips of sod and a few trees among parking spaces, could be what no FAR looks like in a mixed-use development.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Coming soon

 

It’s that time of year again, with lots of good things happening close to home in the next few weeks. Here are a few:

September 24—Community health input session sponsored by the Chickahominy Health District of the Virginia Department of Health from 5-7 p.m. in the board room of the county administration building, 1800 Sandy Hook Road, Goochland, 23063. This will review and gather input on the county’s health assessment. Door prizes and snacks!

October 1—Goochland Board of Supervisors regular monthly meeting at 4 and 6 p.m. in the county administration building, 1800 Sandy Hook Road, Goochland 23063.

October 3—District 5 Town Hall meeting, 6 p.m. Dover Baptist Church, 635 Manakin Road, Manakin Sabot 23103

October 5—open house and ribbon cutting for the newly renovated Courthouse Company 5 fire-rescue station located at 2710 Fairground Road, Goochland 23063. Open house begins at 11 a.m., ribbon cutting at noon followed by BBQ lunch and cake!

October 7—Districts 2 & 3 Town Hall meeting, 6 p.m. at the county administration building 1800 Sandy Hook Road, Goochland, 23063

October 11 through October 13—Goochland Community Theatre presents The Addams Family: A new Musical Comedy in the Eagle theater at the Central High School Educational and Cultural Center at 2748 Dogtown Road, in Sandy Hook. Go to https://gvatheatre.org/tickets/ for show times and to order tickets. These productions are wonderful!

October 12—Fire-Rescue Show 5-9 p.m. at Goochland High School back parking lot. There will be fire and EMS demonstrations, food trucks; and door prizes, capped off with a fireworks display. Come meet the intrepid folks who keep us safe. Be prepared to be amazed by their skills. Free admission and family friendly.

October 22—District 1 Town Hall meeting, 6 p.m. Byrd Elementary School, 2704 Hadensville-Fife Road, Goochland 23063.

October 26—Goochland Fall Festival 11-2 at the Goochland Sports Complex behind the county administration building at 1800 Sandy Hook Road, Goochland 23063. Free fun for the whole family see https://www.goochlandva.us/1335/Fall-Festival for details.

October 28—District 4 Town Hall meeting, 6 p.m. Salem Baptist Church, 465 Broad Street Road, Manakin-Sabot 23102.

(You may be able to view Town Halls live at:  https://va-goochlandcounty.civicplus.com/1154Citizens are able to submit questions in advance of the Town Hall by emailing them to: townhall@goochlandva.us Please check www.goochlandva.us for any updates regarding these meetings.)