Housing in Goochland

 

Goochland is a land of contrasts, especially in terms of housing options. They range from high rise apartments and multi-million-dollar mansions in the east end to farms and modest dwellings toward the west.  It’s no secret that housing prices—in large part due to land costs—are high.

The notion that “if you can afford to live in Goochland, you can’t afford to work here” is all too true for many people.  A perceived dearth of “affordable” housing is often cited as a detriment to hiring and retaining good teachers, deputies, and first responders. More data is needed to determine if this is indeed the case, and if so, what price point is “affordable”?

Some contend that in a county with one of the highest per capita incomes in the country— Wikipedia ranked Goochland number 50 at $79,547; the U.S. Census bureau puts our 2019 median household income at $89,741—everyone should have adequate housing. The income numbers are misleading—they are determined by dividing the number of residents, about 23,000 including children, by the total income of all of those who file income tax returns. This income data does not reflect real world conditions here.

New “dwelling units” under construction in the county including single family homes; town houses; and apartments carry hefty price tags, which put them out of reach for many Goochlanders.

The GVA Housing Committee, a group formed to study the issue, working with GoochlandCares, which has secured grant funding to retain an outside consultant to gather input. A survey https://gvahousingneeds.questionpro.com/ has been created to gauge community views on the subject. Please participate.

May the members of the GVA Housing Committee use their creativity and common sense to deal with this issue in a way that enhances existing communities and shuns the heartbreak of dehumanizing subsidized housing.

 

 

Goochland celebrates America Recycles day

  From Goochland County:

Goochland, VA – Join Goochland County and the Goochland Anti-Litter and Recycling Council in celebrating America Recycles Day on Saturday, November 14th with a special tire amnesty tire recycling and document shredding event. 

The event will occur from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on November 14th at the Fairground Property located at 2744 Fairground Road at the intersection of Sandy Hook Road (Route 522) and Fairground Road (Route 632).

There is a 10-tire limit per person and participants must show proof of Goochland County residency.  Tires of any size up to 42 inches off the rim will be accepted. 

Secure document shredding is available for up to five bankers, no larger than 12” x 24”, per person.  Paper clips and staples are acceptable, but plastic bindings must be removed.

The America Recycles Day Celebration on November 14th is being held in conjunction with a Countywide Litter Clean Up Day that will focus on picking up garbage, litter & debris from Goochland area roads.  The Countywide Litter Clean Up will occur from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and will focus on roads near Byrd Elementary School (2704 Hadensville Fife Road), Central High Cultural and Educational Complex (2748 Dogtown Road), and Goochland County Fire Rescue Station #3 – Centerville (52 Broad Street Road).  Citizens can register for the Countywide Litter Clean Up by contacting the Department of General Services main office at (804) 556-5340 or by email at litterfreegoochland@goochlandva.us.

For more information or questions about the America Recycles Day Special Event please call (804) 657-2025 or email djones@goochlandva.us.

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Highlights of Goochland Town Hall meeting

 

The fall, 2020 Goochland County town hall meetings concluded on October 22 with the session for Districts 4 and 5. Spring town halls were cancelled by Covid. (“slides” of the presentation are available at https://www.goochlandva.us/DocumentCenter/View/7215/Goochland-County-and-Goochland-County-Public-Schools---Fall-Town-Hall-October-2020---District-4-and-5) For the first time, these meetings were both live-streamed and available on Facebook.

Ken Peterson, District 5 supervisor thanked Salem Baptist Church for generously offering their building as a site for the meeting.  Peterson was joined by: District 4 supervisor Don Sharpe; J.D. Wright District 5, Chair of the School board; Mike Newman District 4 school board member: Karen Horn District 3 school board member; Superintendent of Schools Dr. Jeremy Raley; and our new county administrator Kenneth “Kenny” Young.

Following the March resignation of the former county administrator John Budesky, the supervisors, explained Peterson, launched a nationwide search for his successor. Young’s qualifications, temperament, and recent experience in government in Loudon County, a jurisdiction in northern Virginia grappling with rapid growth, preservation of rural areas, and broadband expansion challenges set him apart from a field of highly qualified applicants.

Goochland’s strategic plan, said Peterson, is based on core values, one of which is courage. Since the start of the pandemic county staff has provided all county services reimagined to deal with Covid. Deputies and Fire-rescue providers answered calls. The schools rose to the challenge delivering both education and meals under very trying circumstances.

Goochland ended fiscal 2020 with a surplus, which was used in part to fund capital items including a new “ladder truck” to enhance fire-rescue resources in the east end of Goochland.

Peterson explained that the latest refinancing of the Tuckahoe Creek Service District debt saved the county $12 million dollars. Taming this debt, incurred by the county in 2002 to build public water and sewer trunk lines in the east end of Goochland, is critically important to sound fiscal management.

Improvements to the Rt. 288/250 interchange are done, earlier than the 2022 initial completion date due to constant pressure placed on VDOT by county official and members of our delegation to the Virginia General Assembly.

Young said Goochland has a great staff that works hard very day “...to make sure that your local government is the best in Virginia.” He thanked the community for warmly welcoming he and his family. “It’s an exciting time to be in Goochland because of our hard-working staff.”

Derek Stamey, Deputy  County Administrator for Operations listed new and improved county projects including the business center; the history center; the animal shelter “probably the nicest in the Commonwealth”; courthouse security building; new registrar’s office; and river’s edge pedestrian crossing at Tucker Park. Stamey’s department also made many Covid-related modifications to county buildings including drop boxes for documents and plexiglass shields.  It also is responsible for sanitizing everything and kept the convenience centers operating as home bound residents “decluttered” during lockdown. The gateway sign project will soon deploy a welcome sign on the Route 6 eastern boundary with one on Broad Street Road to follow.

The east end trail system, planned to ultimately connect Broad Street Road and Patterson Avenue, is” picking up steam,” Stamey reported. The first phase, a trailhead near the West Creek Emergency Center leading to a 1.5-mile trail to the Hardywood Park Craft Brewery hugging Tuckahoe Creek, is in the design process. The trail is partially funded by VDOT transportation alternative grants.

Todd Kilduff Deputy County Administrator for Community and Economic Development added that the east end trail is ahead of schedule. He listed new economic development projects including Sheltering Arms Rehabilitation Institute. The Kiddie Academy day care in West Creek was full when it opened. The Shed (https://richmond.ished.com/) provides a unique take on the sharing economy.

The Tuckahoe Pines Retirement Community on Patterson Avenue west of the Henrico County line is well on its way to completion. Avery Point, a continuous care retirement community of 1,400 units, is in early stages of construction in the Notch south of Broad Street Road. A sophisticated automated greenhouse, which will grow leafy greens—the legal kind--hydroponically is being built by Greenswell Gowers on the east side of Hockett Road.

Kilduff said that Goochland is using some CARES Act funds for a “back to business” grant program to help local businesses impacted by Covid. (See All  http://www.GoochlandForBusiness.com/241/COVID-19-Business-Information, or call Goochland County Economic Development at (804) 556-5862 or email them at GochlandForBusiness@goochlandva.us to learn more about how the Goochland Back to Business grant can assist their business.)

Paul Drumwright Administrative Services Manager, who runs point on the county’s broadband expansion, gave an update on the issue. In the short term, 19 external hot spots throughout the county were deployed in February to provide immediate access to the internet while long term efforts continue.

Since April, the county has applied for three different broadband expansion grants. Two focus on the west end with Firefly Broadband and Central Virginia Electric Cooperative. These could have 2,691 locations connected to broadband.  A third grant through the Virginia telecommunications initiative (VATI) to run fiber south of Rt. 6 in Crozier and in Oilville north of I64 to provide internet access to 774 locations.

Drumwright explained that accurate data about access and speed of broadband connections in all parts of Goochland is vital to secure these grants. He urged all residents of the county to participate in by going to https://arcg.is/1X9nz40. This can be completed on a phone from another location.

Wendy Hobbs asked if the county had any economic development plans to bring a grocery store to western Goochland, which is considered a “food dessert” due to lack of places to obtain healthy food. Kilduff said that the county engages with all businesses who want to move to Goochland and encourages them to locate here. There has not been much interest in the west end, he said.

Peterson said that the county has staff to attract businesses to Goochland and educate them about needs here. Enterprises, however, typically look for a minimum of nearby rooftops to give them a better chance of profitability.

Local government has the most impact on our daily lives, but few residents pay it any mind until, as a wise man once opined “their ox is being gored.” Goochland government values transparency and citizen engagement. Please visit website for the county, goochlandva.us, and our school division http://goochlandschools.org/ often. Both sites contain a wealth of useful and interesting information about our community.

Wright said that, in spite of the tremendous challenges posed to schools by the pandemic, he is excited about the level of community engagement in education. “I couldn’t be prouder of what everyone has accomplished in the most difficult circumstances—with a smile on their face. They are incredible heroes. I believe that we have the best school division in the region, and we could not do that without the buy in on everyone involved at all levels.”

Raley said, we are a strong division, the result of “the 468 employees who put on their badges every day and do amazing work in the face of significant adversity. WE have answered the bell since March.”

He outlined some of the many recognitions Goochland Schools have received. See https://www.goochlandva.us/DocumentCenter/View/7215/Goochland-County-and-Goochland-County-Public-Schools---Fall-Town-Hall-October-2020---District-4-and-5 for details.

“You should see what’s happening in elementary school both for those attending in person and using distance learning. I am most proud of our preschool employees who have been seeing students since October 5. They are truly the tip of the spear,” Raley declared.

He praised everyone for working together to keep education going. Enrollment has remained steady, said Raley.

Transition to in person learning is moving along. Maximizing learning standards with an emphasis on safety are principles used to make decisions in the best interest of the students. Raley said that families have a choice about attending school to do what is best for the students. He contended that whatever families choose, students will receive a high-quality education.

He praised the innovation and creativity of teachers and staff to educate our kids. “I am proud to serve this amazing community and look forward to what’s next,” said Raley.

Only a few people attended the meeting in person, hopefully more watched online.

 

 

 

 

Goochland expands Back to Business grant program

  from a Goochland County press release:

Goochland Expands Grant Program to Help Businesses Get ‘Back to Business’

 

Goochland, VA – Goochland County and Goochland Economic Development are excited to announce the expansion of the Goochland Back to Business grant program. Goochland began accepting applications to help support local businesses on August 20, 2020.  In an effort to help businesses, the maximum grant award amounts are increased. Grants now range from $10,000 to $20,000 and are based on the number of employees and documented reimbursable expenses.

• 1 - 25:     up to $10,000
• 26 - 49:   up to $16,000
• 50 - 150: up to $20,000

 

The Goochland Back to Business Grant is funded by a portion of the CARES Act funding that Goochland received from the state. It is focused on reimbursing businesses the cost of complying with the Governor’s guidelines related to reopening businesses. Allowable reimbursements can include:

• Redesign of structure or operations to meet social distancing requirements.
• Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) and/or sanitation supplies for the business and its employees.
• Signage.
• Thermometers to check temperatures.
• Protective equipment for customers such as sneeze guards, social distance floor stickers, etc.
• Technological improvements (such as e-commerce platforms and point of sale software) and technological equipment (such as tablets for processing touch-free orders).
• Supplies related to change in operations, i.e. takeout/carryout containers for restaurants.

 

All for-profit businesses with 1-150 employees with documented expenses may apply. Businesses must be in business over 1-year, with principal place of business physically in Goochland County, and have a valid business license (or be exempt from requirement). Independent contractor and sole proprietors are eligible as well. They must live in Goochland County, operate their business as sole proprietor, pay self-employment tax, not currently receiving unemployment benefits, and must be issued a valid 2020 Business license (or be exempt from requirement).

 

Grants are awarded on a first-come-first-served basis based on a fully completed application with documented reimbursement requests. Businesses may apply more than once if they make additional purchases. The amount of grant money available for businesses with 50-150 employees is capped at $50,000. Once $50,000 has been disbursed, no further grants will be given for businesses with 50-150 employees.

 

The following documents are required for application:

• Impact Statement of negative effect from Executive Order 53 and COVID-19 on applicant business
• Copy/Verification of 2020 business license with Goochland County’s Commissioner of the Revenue (if required)
• Completed W-9 form
• Financial documentation of expenses incurred and paid for by the applicant as a result of the State of Emergency declared by the Governor of Virginia and the Goochland County Board  of Supervisors, such as receipts/invoices/bank statements for expenses and proof of payment.

 

The application portal opened on August 20, 2020 and will remain open until December 15, 2020 or until funds are depleted.

 

All Goochland businesses are encouraged to visit http://www.GoochlandForBusiness.com/241/COVID-19-Business-Information,call Goochland County Economic Development at (804) 556-5862 or email them at GochlandForBusiness@goochlandva.us to learn more about how the Goochland Back to Business grant can assist their business.

 

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Paul E. Drumwright | Administrative Services Manager

Goochland County | Administrator's Office

P.O. Box 10

1800 Sandy Hook Road

Goochland, VA 23063

Office:  804-556-5833

Fax:  804-556-4617

pdrumwright@goochlandva.us

Building community

 

Lockdown in the time of Covid clearly illustrates the value of county parks. As Covid cabin fever set in, Goochlanders looked for safe close to home ways to get out of the house. Our parks were the perfect place to find a safe change of scenery close to home.

On Friday, October 9 two facilities related to the new animal shelter in Hidden Rock Park off of Fairground were dedicated. Two dog parks—fenced areas where dogs can gambol off leash, and a trail from the lower level of the park to the shelter—are the result of public private partnerships that leverage donations, labor, and in-kind contributions to enhance community recreation facilities.

Map of HRP trail system.

Sara Grattan Chairman of Goochland Pet lovers said that the parks are a place for residents to put aside the angst of current events, get outside, and enjoy their pets. The McCann family made the upper level dog park possible and the Reynolds family built the lower dog park.

Deputy County Administrator for Operations Derek Stamey said the newest dog parks and trails are an example of collaboration among Pet Lovers, the county, and private individuals. He thanked the general services, parks and rec, and the high school CTE program, which built the dog biscuit-shaped benches and will be working on an obstacle course when school gets back to in person leaning.

Dog biscuit shaped bench  made by GHS CTE students.

The Hidden Rock Complex is truly an example of private citizens coming together with the county to build things like the new animal shelter, which Stamey contended, “may be the nicest animal shelter in the Commonwealth of Virginia.”

In addition to trails, playground equipment, a picnic shelter, restrooms and a concession stand, HRP also boasts exceptional ball fields and state-of the art covered batting cages. In normal times these facilities are popular sites for regional sports competitions. The county is laying fiber to the park to boost Wi-Fi and support installation of security cameras there. Friends of Goochland Parks and GYAA raised private funds and contributed sweat equity to make the park facilities possible. “It takes everybody working together to make this happen,” said Stamey.

The trail, which includes a 300-foot board walk, is the result of a discussion over coffee with Rotary that took place about three years ago seeking a way to connect the park and the animal shelter.

Jay Shively, president of Rotary Club of Goochland—whose members tend to have a least a pinky in good things happening in the county—said it was very rewarding to see the concept become reality. Much of the funding, $5,000, came from a Rotary District grant. He praised all involved for their hard work and collaboration. He introduced the Otis, Rotary mascot, who made the initial canine inspection of the lower dog. “This does not end today. Rotary will continue to work with the county and citizens,” he said.

Otis, the mascot of the Goochland Rotary Club inspects the dog park.

In addition to the Hidden Rock complex, the county park system includes those at Leakes Mill on Rt. 6; Tucker Park on Maidens Road on both sides of the James River bridge; Matthews Road near Hadensville-Fife Road; the Central High School Cultural and Educational center; and Courthouse trails.

 See https://www.goochlandva.us/Facilities?clear=False for a complete listing.  An east end trail system using rights-of-way for the Tuckahoe Creek Service District is also in the work. You can get outside and enjoy our parks without leaving Goochland!

 

 

Highlights of the October board meeting

The October 7 meeting of the Goochland County Board of Supervisors was as normal as things can be during the time of Covid. Held in person with social distancing of seating for the public, the meeting’s agenda included an update on county finances.

Board Chair Susan Lascolette, District 1, announced fall town hall meetings. The first, for districts 2 and 3 was held on October 8 at the Central High School Educational and Cultural Center. The District 1 meeting will take place tonight, October 8, at Byrd Elementary School on Hadensville-Fife Road. The District 4 and 5 meeting will be held on October 22 at Salem Baptist Church on Broad Street Road west of Centerville. All meetings begin at 7 p.m. Locations were chosen because they have large spaces able to accommodate social distancing. Face coverings are required. For those unable or uncomfortable attending in person, the meetings will be livestreamed on the county website https://www.goochlandva.us/926/Live-Stream or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/GoochlandCountyVA/. Please try to attend or watch one of these sessions.

County Administrator Kenneth Young announced that, due to Covid, the county’s fall festival and Goochland Day will be replaced with a drive through fall festival on Friday, October 30 from 3-6 p.m. at Tucker Park. Participants will enter and exit through the overflow parking loop off of Rt. 522 (Maidens Road). A goodie bag will be provided for all children under the age of 12. Online costume and apple pie contests will be also be held. Visit the parks and creation page at https://www.goochlandva.us/236/Parks-Recreation for complete information.

County offices will be closed on Tuesday, November 3 for election day. The November supervisors’ meeting will be held on Wednesday, November 4.

The Board unanimously approved a resolution recognizing October as domestic violence awareness month. A representative from Goochland Cares, which offers sexual and domestic violence help to all victims even if they are not clients of Goochland Cares. To learn more about this visit http://www.goochlandcares.org/get-help/domestic-sexual-violence-services/. Domestic violence destroys the fabric of family and community and must be eradicated.

VDOT

Improvements to the Rt. 288/Broad Street Road interchange are complete, well before the estimated date. Gone are the opportunities to “play chicken” with oncoming traffic in the area. Good riddance!

Work continues on northbound turn lane from River Road to Rt. 6. According the Marshall Winn, Administrator for the Ashland VDOT Residency, completion is expected by the end of October.

The roundabout at Rts. 522 and 250 is on track for June 2021 advertisement. Although this project is in Louisa County, because so many Goochland residents use these roads, the board requested periodic updates.

Fire-Rescue

Goochland Fire-Rescue Chief D. E. “Eddie” Ferguson, Jr. said that the theme of this year’s fire prevention week, October 4-10 (traditionally during the week including the anniversary of the “great Chicago Fire, October 10, 1871) is “Serve up fire safety in the kitchen.” Courthouse Company 5 shared this information on its Facebook page.

Three new firefighters, hired in August, completed orientation and are on duty as of October 1.

Repair of dry hydrants—used to draw water from ponds, lakes, and streams for fire suppression—is underway. The work is being done by outside vendors and with grants from the Virginia Department of Forestry. As many of these water sources are on private property, Ferguson thanked land owners for providing access for dry hydrants.

New apparatus—a ladder truck, tanker, and ambulance—are on order. Delivery is expected in coming months.

The Department of Fire-Rescue and Emergency Services continues to respond to the Covid crisis coordinating with county agencies and outside groups like Goochland Cares for the welfare of all residents.

Roads

In past years, the board was required to hold a public hearing for its secondary six-year road plan. This year, the supervisors approved this plan—which prioritizes allocation of money provided by VDOT for road improvements in Goochland—as part of its consent agenda. (See board packet pages 53-62 for details.)

The board voted to set a public hearing for November 4 to donate approximately two acres of county-owned land to VDOT for right-of-way for the roundabout planned at the intersection of Fairground and Sandy Hook Roads in Courthouse Village.

Economic development

The board authorized the county administrator to execute an amendment to the governor’s agriculture and forestry industry industries development fund (AFID) performance agreement between Hardywood Park Craft Brewery, LLC., the Goochland Economic Development Authority, and Goochland County to extend the performance date by 15 months. This is another consequence of the Covid lockdown.

Reynolds Community College

Dr. Paula Pando, president of Reynolds Community College, updated the supervisors on what the college has been up to. (See the October 7 recording for details.)

County finances

Director of Finance Barbara Horlacher presented unaudited final results for FY2020, which ended on June 30. Final numbers indicate that the county took in about $5 million more than it spent. The board approved changes in the assigned uses of the general fund; budget amendments to appropriate CARES Act funds and available FY 2020 fund balance to the FY 2021 budget. It also approved additional allocations from the county’s corona virus relief funds to help schools offset extraordinary expenses related to pandemic response. It also restored CIP funds to the schools for projects including cyclical replacements, roof repairs, and purchase of a school bus. (See Oct. 7 board packet pages 82 through 89 for details.)

Closed session

The supervisors met in closed session to discuss the performance and duties of the county attorney.

Public hearings

The board took the following actions following public hearings:

·       Approved a rezoning application to create one additional lot 8.441 acres in size on Broad Street Road approximately .75 southwest of DuVal Road.

·       Approved renewal of a conditional use permit for an automobile graveyard at 4060 Shannon Hill Road. Conditions included reducing the number of vehicles on the property by five per year.

·       Approved renewal of a CUP for Robin and Sylvester Bryce to operate a professional office at 2744 Hadensville-Fife Road.

·       Approved a conditional use permit filed by Joseph Liesfeld, Jr. for a place of public assembly; unhosted short term rental; campground; retail use; private airstrip; and commercial recreation on approximately 1,025 acres on River Road West and Old Columbia Road. This expands the uses for the area generally known as Rassawek hosts a spring jubilee, has a winery, and serves as an event venue for weddings, private gatherings, and wreath workshops. The CUP, said representatives of Rassawek, will enable expansion of its operations. The airstrip was relocated toward the interior of the property after neighbors objected to its proximity to their property during the public hearing before the planning commission. At the supervisors’ public hearing, neighboring land owners contended that the expanded uses would bring noise, traffic, and higher property taxes. Supporters contended that it showcases the best of Goochland and preserves the rural character of the county.

·       Approved an ordinance amendment dealing with the service district established to pay for roads in the Bridgewater subdivision. The amendment establishes each parcel’s share of the tax liability of bringing roads in the neighborhood to state standards and allows property owners to prepay their share with no penalty. It also clarifies wording of the existing ordinance.

 

 

 

 

 

Laws and sausage

 

In a perfect world, there would be no need for laws or regulations. Alas, we do not live in a perfect world, so we make laws to safeguard the health, safety, and welfare of the population.

Goochland supervisors addressed this subject at their Tuesday, October 7 meeting when they unanimously approved an amendment to Chapter 8 of Goochland County Code Article V Special Events, Sections 8-326 through 8-399. The amendment clarified the definition of a special event; added an exception for spontaneous events, clarified compliance with other regulations; added exceptions; clarified permit application review including application information; revised noise standard; broadened the definition of eligible security providers; removed fee waiver; specify and clarified standards used to grant approval; authorized permit conditions; decreased time required for permit filing, and  revised penalties for non-compliance.

And that’s the simplified version.

The  ordinance defines a special event as a preplanned gathering at which some or all attendees will be outdoors or in a temporary structure like a tent with anticipated attendance being more than 500; or more than 250 for the purpose of listening to music or entertainment; or 250 or more people when alcohol will be served and consumed. Examples of familiar events covered by the ordinance are Bethlehem Walk; Goochland Day; the Lion’s Club picnic; and the county fall festival.

A spontaneous event is defined as “An unplanned or unannounced coming together of people, and/or vehicles in a public gathering which is caused by or in response to unforeseen circumstances or events occasioned by events recently in the news or which attempts to influence an event in the near future (such as a legislative action or election) for which the effectiveness of expression is time sensitive.” Spontaneous events do not require a permit.

Earlier in the meeting, the Board deferred action on a new parade ordinance until its February 2 meeting to allow more opportunity for citizen input and refine the wording.

County Attorney Tara McGee presented the proposed amendment to the supervisors. (Go to past county recorded meetings on the county website goochlandva.us at about the 5:34 mark for the October 7 meeting to hear the presentation and discussion.)

Revisions to the special events ordinance, said McGee, were triggered by a 2018 proposal to bring a concert venue to West Creek, which could have been deemed a place of public assembly by right with no conditions. Security needs of the proposed events were in question because the special events ordinance on the books specified that security could be provided only by off duty Goochland deputies. There were not enough deputies to provide adequate security for three to five large events per week. The revised ordinance expands approved security sources to include Goochland deputies; Virginia State Police; and privately licensed and bonded security providers.

As amended, the ordinance establishes a permitting process for large outdoor gatherings of more than 500 people or more than 250 people if alcohol is involved. Examples are Bethlehem Walk and Goochland Day. The purpose of the process is to ensure safe, healthy events for attendees and addresses the number of porta potties, parking, traffic control, adequate EMS on site, food vendor licensing etc.  It also requires the name of the promoter of the event, and the owner of the site.

Event venues, operating under conditional use permits limiting attendance may now apply for a special event permit to accommodate more people for a specific event. This codifies existing practice, explained McGee.

Another improvement, said McGee, is a shorter time frame to secure a permit. The old rules required 60 days, the new 30. Permit fees were also reduced.  The fee for a single event decreases from $200 to $25 dollars up to a maximum fee of $175 for seven or more events annually.

References to “discretionary” actions were deleted because “…governments don’t grant favors to groups whose message it supports or penalize those with whom it may disagree,” McGee contended. The discretionary fee waiver provides an opportunity to do that.

The special events process was created for planned large outdoor events. It does not cover people coming together for social justice issues known as expressive activity. There has been discussion about whether expressive activity should require a permit, which McGee contended is more about law enforcement perspective than sanitation facilities or trash removal.

The ordinance also addresses noise as best it can without use of decibel meters. It states: “A plan showing how noise generated by the special event will be controlled and a statement that no music (or amplified noise of any kind) shall will be played, either by mechanical device or live performance,  so that the sound is unreasonably loud or annoying beyond the property lines of the property(ies) on which the special event is located.” There is no gauge for determining what constitutes unreasonably loud sound.

Penalty for failure to obtain a permit, to adhere to the provisions of the special event ordinance or interfere in any way with the event is punishable by a class 3 misdemeanor, whose maximum penalty is a $500 fine.

McGee said that the revisions were crafted with input from the sheriff, community development department, and local entities such as Salem Church for Bethlehem Walk and the Lions Club for its annual barbecue. She did not receive any negative feedback from those contacted.

Don Sharpe, District 4, asked if McGee discussed ordinance penalties with Goochland Commonwealth’s Attorney D. Michael Caudill, who prosecutes misdemeanors. McGee said she conferred only with the Sheriff and that it was her understanding that charges for violating the special events permit ordinance have never been brought. Penalties, McGee said, were directed toward promoters and private individuals holding special events without a permit.

Citizen Jonathan Lyle objected to the provision exempting the county from meeting the standards in the ordinance. Before the ordinance amendment, county departments were required to obtain a permit to ensure that all requirements were met. Lyle contended that the “optics” of local government exempting itself from its own laws are bad. He also characterized the entire special events permitting process as onerous and contended it could be considered over reach of basic freedoms.

 

 

 

 

 

Residence Inn by Marriott opens in West Creek

 

Goochland County’s first hotel—Residence Inn Short Pump at the Notch—welcomed its first guests on Tuesday, October 6. It is located on the south side of Broad Street Road, just east of Rt. 288.

Though its website https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/ricrn-residence-inn-short-pump-at-the-notch/ makes no mention of the county, hotel officials are very aware that they are in Goochland and that it is a special place. They welcomed members of the county’s Board of Supervisors; Economic Development Authority; Chamber of Commerce; and county staff to a mid- morning ribbon cutting.

Brian Sciberras general manager of the hotel praised Goochland County, especially building official Gary Fisher and his team, for assistance and support during the several year building and permitting process required to complete the project. He also thanked Leipertz Construction, Inc. general contractor for its fine work and attention to detail.

 

“We’ve got a heck of a job ahead of us,” Sciberras said, referring to operating a hotel during a pandemic.

 

The hotel’s practical elegance offers a wide range of amenities for guests.  These include an indoor pool, fitness center, outdoor space with a fire pit and barbecue area, and a complimentary hot breakfast.

Rooms—there are 130 studio and one-bedroom suites—include space to relax, work, and even cook. They are suited to be a home away from home for extended stays.

Operating a hotel in the time of Covid is challenging; Residence Inn at the Notch uses frequent rigorous state-of-the-art cleaning protocols to ensure that all spaces are clean and safe for guests.

Given its proximity to the Sheltering Arms Rehabilitation Institute, the Residence Inn offers families of patients at the Institute comfortable lodging nearby.

Located close to Avery Point, the continuous care senior living community under construction, and smaller homes sprouting in the Hockett Road corridor, the Residence Inn is well suited to accommodate out of town visitors.

Attendees for annual events in Goochland including the Deep Run Horse Show; soccer tournaments at Striker Park in West Creek, and invitational golf tournaments can now stay in the county.

The Residence Inn also has several meeting rooms suitable for meetings and other gatherings, whenever we’re allowed to gather again.

According to Kayla Roberts, Sales Manager, room rates are competitive with the local market and change daily. She offered a “Neighborhood discount” for Goochlanders. Call 804-463-5600 for more information.

The new hotel brings jobs to Goochland and hopefully will attract restaurants on vacant out parcels.

Welcome to Goochland Marriott Residence Inn at Short Pump. We’re glad you’re here even though you have a Richmond address. You can’t argue with the Postal Service!

 

 

True Riches

 

Our county is considered wealthy in the monetary sense. Its true riches are the phenomenal people who give freely of their time, talents, and treasure to make Goochland an exceptional place to call home. Many of these folks do their good deeds quietly, operating below the radar screen, rejecting any recognition for their contribution to the community.

Susan Lascolette presents Ann with resolution of appreciation.

One such person is Ann Casey, who retired as the executive director of Goochland Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) earlier this year. An Irish lass whose distinctive speech patterns identify her as hailing from a more northerly clime, Ann is one of those people who tirelessly pitches in to make things better. She as not born in Goochland but got here as fast as she could.

CASAs advocate for the best interests of abused and neglected children in courtrooms. Empowered directly by the court, CASAs provide judges with critical information needed to ensure that each child’s rights and needs in foster care are met. CASA volunteers stay with children until they are placed in loving permanent homes, for many abused children, a CASA volunteer is the only constant adult presence in their lives. CASA volunteers perform difficult and often heartbreaking tasks—the Lord’s work—with uncommon grace and dedication.

In 2005 Ann was among the first volunteers to complete training and be sworn in to the newly created Goochland CASA program

In 2010, Ann became executive director of Goochland CASA, a position for which she was highly qualified. Her extraordinary devotion to the job grew the program. The number of trained CASAs in Goochland—ten when Ann assumed the post—more than doubled after completing her first training session in 2011. Currently, there are 24 active Goochland CASAs and four people committed to the next class.

At the August 4 meeting of the Goochland Board of Supervisors, Kate Sarfaty, a member of the CASA board of directors commended Ann for her service.

“During Judge Edward D. Berry’s tenure in the Goochland Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court (1993-2017) CASA averaged 50-55 cases per year. Under current Judge Deborah S. Tinsley, CASAs average 30-35 cases per year. She did an amazing job growing the organization and raising its visibility in the community. Ann has truly been a voice for the children. She has dedicated herself to promoting advocacy for the children of Goochland County who find themselves subjects of juvenile court proceedings through no fault of their own. We have been very fortunate to have had her commitment to the children of Goochland for these past 15 years.”

Sheila Hyer (l) and Connie Reid (r) present Ann with a  gift from CASA.

In remarks to the board as she introduced her successor, Melinda Tiffany, Ann said she has lived slept breathed and focused on Goochland CASA for the last 15 years. She thanked the board for its support, which helped CASA become recognized as an important part of the community. “I love this county and I have enjoyed and loved every minute of working with social services; the court system; police; and the sheriff’s office.”

The supervisors presented Ann with a proclamation commending her for tireless advocacy for the children of Goochland.

Ann has made other contribution to the community.

Auxiliaries of each of the county’s six fire-rescue companies raise funds to support emergency operations. Described as a “go-getter” and “life of the party” by John Boatwright, volunteer District Chief of Crozier Company 2, Ann served as president of that auxiliary for more than a decade. She was recognized as Auxiliary Volunteer of the Year in October 2012 for her work in 2011.

While head of the Crozier auxiliary, Ann helped the group increase the profitability of its annual Brunswick stew sale, which was cancelled this year due to Covid. She wrote an annual community newsletter that included requests for donations of bottled water for the Crozier fire-rescue providers. The response was so successful that Crozier was able to share its bounty with other stations. Ann also organized highly profitable bake sales.

She turned local opposition to changes to the Crozier village proposed in a periodic update of the county’s comprehensive land use plan into yet another fund-raising opportunity. Ann had yellow tee shirts—to match Crozier’s then yellow emergency apparatus—emblazoned with sketches she drew of business along Rt.6 under the warning “Don’t Mess with Crozier.”  They were sold to support the auxiliary.

Sketches of iconic Crozier businesses.

Closing her remarks to the supervisors on August 4, Ann said: “I lost my husband a year ago, but I’m going to stay in Goochland because this is my home. You have an unbelievable county here.”

The good news is that Ann is not going anywhere. She will continue to support and encourage those around her. Goochland is blessed to have people like Ann Casey woven into the fabric of our community.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

To protect and serve

Law enforcement officers—LEOs—have been in the news a lot lately.

County Sheriffs are Constitutional Officers elected by the people they serve and protect. In Goochland, our Sheriff’s Office (GCSO) is the primary law enforcement agency tasked with service of civil process documents; providing court security; and enforcing the laws of Virginia.

To earn and maintain public trust and confidence in its operation, the GCSO has demonstrated that it meets commonly accepted standards for a law enforcement agency by becoming accredited through the Virginia Law Enforcement Professional Standards Commission (VLEPSC).

On September 30, the GCSO announced that it had, for the sixth consecutive four-year term, earned accreditation by the VLEPSC. This commission is comprised of law enforcement agencies and commissions including the Virginia Sheriff’s Association; the Virginia Association of the Chiefs of Police; and the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services. The GCSO was first accredited in 1999.

The accreditation process is a detailed, in-depth review of every aspect of a law enforcement agency’s organization, management, operations, and administration. Process standards provide a yardstick to measure and monitor agency performance and effectiveness of its policies time. Other benefits include streamlining operations, defining services, and devising strategies for effective deployment of agency manpower. (See the VLEPSC website: https://www.dcjs.virginia.gov/law-enforcement/programs/vlepscaccreditation for details.)

Fulfilling the requirements for reaccreditation is a considerable achievement in normal times. To do so in the first year of a newly elected sheriff ‘s term during the bizarre and challenging environment of the Covid pandemic is extraordinary.

Kudos to Sheriff Steven Creasey and every member of his department for demonstrating your commitment to good policing and dedication to community service.