What kind of businesses does the Fairgrounds property need?

At its May 1 meeting, the Goochland Board of Supervisors authorized County Administrator John Budesky to execute a contract for the sale of a portion of the “Fairgrounds property”  at the corner of Fairground and Sandy Hook Roads to Chase Development, the owner of the Courthouse Commons Shopping Center.

What kind of business would you patronize on the Fairground property?

The County declared this parcel “surplus property” a while back. Chase made an unsolicited offer to purchase the land for  $850,000. The contract includes a due diligence period of 270 days with two 90 day extensions. Easements to accommodate the planned roundabout for the intersection and utilities are also part of the contract. No shooting ranges or fuel distribution will be allowed on the site. The contract  includes a provision to pay for the  most cost effective option for relocation of power lines that serve the Courthouse Company 5 Fire-Rescue station.

(The entire contract is in the May 1 Board packet beginning on page 258.)

Chase intends to develop the property for retail and business uses, consistent with its current zoning. No tenants have yet been secured.

Here’s your chance Goochland, what would you like to see built there, and would you support it?  What is missing in Courthouse Village? Keep in my that the parcel is small. Enterprises locate in places where they believe they can turn a profit. People risk their own money to start a business.

Successful small businesses pay taxes, improve the quality of life, and are a vital part of the community. They create jobs and keep your money close to home.

Sound off with your suggestions in the comment section. Please be constructive and civil. Go.