Teach your children well

 

Never forget

As we mark the 30^th anniversary of the end of Desert Storm aka The First Gulf War—may we live in a world without numbered wars—in a land more conflicted than ever, let us all honor the sacrifice of those who fought and died for America.

The following editorial appeared in the May23,2007 issue of the Goochland Courier.

Teach your children well.

Memorial Day is not just an excuse for a three-day weekend.

In the halcyon days before that perfect Tuesday in September almost six years ago, it seemed like the meaning of Memorial Day was fading into history.

Then the world changed in a heartbeat. Once again, we were at war.

Our sons, and now our daughters, fight and die far from home so that we can enjoy a day at the beach in peace and safety.

Come to the Courthouse Green next Monday and bring your children. Introduce them to real American heroes, the ones who came home but will never forget the horrors of war, or their buddies who never returned.

Men of the Greatest Generation, who, when there were mere boys, left farm and factory to protect our way of life n foreign fields. Men whose childhoods were blighted by the hardships of Great Depression answered without hesitation when their country called. Some came home, some remain boys forever, their blood watering the beaches of Normandy or of the beaches of a thousand nameless Pacific Islands.

Teach them about the boys who went to Korea to fight for the American way in frozen hells like the Chosin Reservoir in a forgotten war that could erupt again tomorrow.

Don’t forget the kids who answered their country’s call to fight and die in Viet Nam. They fought in steamy jungles on the other side of the world while classmates schemed to avoid the draft. These men don’t talk about their war much. Their homecoming was greeted with indifference and disgust. This must never happen again.

Tell them too about the soldiers who fought to free Kuwait, and battled in places like Somalia, Beirut, and the Balkans.

Teach them that past and present members of every branch of the armed forces who go in harm’s way to protect our way of life must be treated with respect and love and gratitude.

Teach your children about the chair draped in black with a single red rose reserved for those whose fate remains unknown. Tell them that we must never rest until they come home.

Teach your children that war is not all glamour and glory but fear, boredom, and deprivation.

Introduce your children to real heroes who know first hand the real cost of freedom, but never take credit for their sacrifice.

Teach your children to respect the flag and honor those who protect our nation. Teach your children well.”

What a difference fourteen years makes. Back then, the 9/11 attacks were fresh in memory and the unity they spawned strong. Everyone loved America.

As we crawl into back into the daylight after more than a year afraid to leave our homes or interact with other people, we find that the world has changed, not for the better. For the second consecutive year, Covid restrictions prevented an in person Memorial Day observance, traditionally held in front of the venerable Goochland Courthouse with prayers, patriotic music, and remembrance of our war dead.

Everyone is angry and distrustful. Media outlets, which had a captive audience during the Covid lockdown, worked to convince us that America is bad, patriotism is evil. Civil unrest rocked our world. Free speech is under attack and far too many groups, whose existence was enabled by our founding documents, want to rewrite, or discard the Constitution.

Is this what our war dead gave their lives for?

May God Bless America because she needs it now more than ever.

 

A home for everyone

 

The notion that you can’t afford to work in Goochland if you live here and vice versa seems truer than ever. As prices for new homes rise in concert with soaring lumber prices and labor shortages, fewer of the fine people who keep our county running can afford to live here. Those at the bottom of the economic scale are just plain out of luck.

There is a shortage of rental properties outside of the two apartment complexes, whose rents are pricey. (According to its website, one-bedroom apartments in The Retreat at The Notch start at $1,511, $1,885 for two bedrooms.)

The term “affordable housing” conjures up images of subsidized dwelling units for the economically challenged. In Goochland though, high prices and low inventory force many deputies, fire-rescue provider, and teachers to live outside of the community where they work.

At the May 4 Board of Supervisors’ meeting, Sally Graham, Executive Director of Goochland Cares (http://www.goochlandcares.org/) said that finding local affordable housing for clients is one of the biggest challenges GooclandCares faces. Existing homes visited by its critical home repair team are “just substandard; it’s hard to believe anyone can live in them,” Graham said. Before Covid, then County Administrator John Budesky suggested bringing stakeholders in the housing issue together to study the matter and offer possible solutions.

Housing GVA, comprised of representatives from civic organizations, county government, churches, and interested community members was formed. “We were pretty good at gathering data, but unable to mine it deeply and tell the story in a compelling way so people could understand it,” Graham said.  She thanked members of GVA Housing who combined different perspectives, experiences, and opinions with hard work and patience to make the study very rich.

Grant funding enabled Housing GVA to retain the consulting firm of hdadvisors, whose principal, Erica Sims, has extensive experience in non-profit management and community organizing.

Sims focuses on social and economic justice. She explained that hdadvisors is an eight-person consulting firm based in Richmond that focuses on housing, housing policy, and housing development. She presented a draft report of findings to the board, asking for feedback so that the final report can be a working document for the community.

An important part of their work, said Simms, was a community survey with more than 660 responses, which she contended is a representative sample of the county’s more than 24,000 residents. Survey results indicated that 65 percent of respondents believe it is difficult or very difficult to find a good quality reasonably priced starter or middle market home in Goochland County. The median home price in the county in 2020 was $421 thousand, which requires an income of $106 thousand to afford. Sims said that 53 percent of Goochland residents earn less than $100 thousand. In 2003, said Sims, 20 percent of people who worked for the county—it was unclear if this included employees of the school division—lived in Goochland. By 2017, that number had decreased to nine percent. Only seven percent of Capital One’s workforce —the county’s largest employer with approximately 13,000—live in Goochland. (This could be due to the lack of amenities preferred by young professionals.)

Sims said that Goochland “has an incredible housing market that is working well on a number of levels”. In fact, she contended that the Goochland housing market is comparable to that of Northern Virginia rather than neighboring jurisdictions. Unsurprisingly, she found that there are great disparities among income groups and housing types in the county.

An influx of older people to age restricted and other communities has and will increase the number of senior citizens here. According to UVa population projections the 65 and older age group in Goochland will increase from 4,600 in 2018 to 8,100 by 2040.

Three groups of people who are having difficulty finding housing are extremely low income, new families who need starter homes, and seniors, one third are living alone and “cost burdened”.

Sims presented recommendations to expand the opportunity for home ownership or high-quality rentals to a wider range of Goochland residents. Expansion of home repair initiatives to help low-income people in substandard living situations topped this list.

A way to increase affordable rental units is to ease or eliminate zoning restrictions on accessory dwelling units. Under current county ordinance, living quarters added to a home for an aging relative may be occupied only by family members. If no longer used for this purpose, the stove in the accessory unit must be removed to make it unsuitable as a home. Why should property owners be prevented from renting these spaces if the units meet building and health codes?

Sims mentioned encouraging developers to set aside some units at below market rates for starter homes. This sounds good in theory, but does it work in the real world? What sort of incentives would encourage developers to do this?

High density housing requires public utilities available only in Courthouse Village and the Tuckahoe Creek Service District. Land prices in the TCSD are high as are connection fees and the additional ad valorem tax levied to cover debt service. New homes in Courthouse Village are expensive.

Sims mentioned a land trust as another way to deal with high development costs but provided few details. She also suggested that alternative building methods such as prefabricated homes, tiny houses, and dwellings crafted from repurposed shipping containers could significantly reduce construction costs if they were allowed in the zoning ordinances.

Low-income people who are in default on mortgages, rent, or property taxes fall into a different category.

The final report will be submitted in June. Thanks to all who are working to find solutions to this thorny problem.

The show did go on

 

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This week’s production of The Drowsy Chaperone by the Goochland High School Drama Department was corny, campy, charming, and wonderful. Spring GHS musicals are a lesser-known local life savor. After last year’s plays were cancelled when the black swan of Covid pooped on the world, the intrepid Drama Department, under the direction of Neil Burch, pivoted—another word that needs to go away—and moved online.

Last December’s production of It’s a Wonderful Life was virtual with each actor zooming their parts to ensure social distancing. The pieces were spliced together with a pleasing and coherent result. The Goochland Middle School’s production of Dear Edwina in February used a similar approach.

During introductory remarks, Burch said that the leadership of the seniors made the production possible. Faces covered with clear masks, the cast flawlessly sang, danced—including an excellent tap routine—and carried off slapstick body language. Most importantly, they were together on the GHS stage. There was robust applause at appropriate moments, but no indication if the clapping was live or canned as brief pans of the auditorium showed empty seats. The technical staff made a seamless livestream experience seem effortless.

The play itself was a parody of musicals, with a narrator—the man in the chair—whose editorial comments poked gently fun at the genre. The final musical number “As we stumble along” is a fitting description of the past year.

Kudos to all involved who found a way to stage the drowsy chaperone during these strange times. Students involved learned first-hand the value of collaboration, and appreciation for the unique skill and talents of each castmate. Most important, they learned to look for creative solution to overcome obstacles.

Thanks for delightful morsel of normal as a brief escape from this weird world.

 

 

Changes

 

Goochland supervisors hold regular public meetings. These sessions have bene livestreamed for several years, which became more important than ever during Covid lockdowns, to ensure that citizens can see what they are up to. Mechanisms to comment remotely have also been in place for more than a year, though few people took advantage of this option.

During one of the May 4 public hearings, a citizen contended that when they called the Community Development office to inquire about an application, they were told by member of county staff that the application was “a done deal”.

During deliberations supervisors clearly had conflicting views on the matters before them.  Board Vice Chair Ken Peterson, District 5, contended that those exchanges demonstrate that the board does not vote in lock step or make decisions before the public has been heard. Sometimes open meetings seem like a carefully choreographed performances,  and Board actions make you wonder.

The supervisors contend that they prefer to govern with a light hand. To further the goal of keeping 85 percent of Goochland “rural” they support “agritourism” as a means for property owners to generate revenue from their land without selling it to residential developers.

In its broadest sense, tourism is an industry that attracts visitors to experience what you have to offer, spend money, then go home to educate their children and go old elsewhere. Like “rural” agritourism may be in the eye of the beholder. This is not a bad thing, it provides maximum flexibility in interpretation. Sunflower festivals, events at Rassawek, farmers markets, and dear departed Field Day of the Past fall under the designation.

An application for a conditional use permit to operate a camp ground and place of public assembly submitted by Kim Hill for approximately 97 acres in the very rural far western end of the county was on the May 4 board agenda. These zoning categories are the closest to the uses that Hill intends for the property. Her enterprise, Crane and Clover, plans to offer overnight lodging for groups of no more than 32 for common purpose activities including workshops, reunions, team building exercises, yoga, and meditation. Hill’s goal is to bring several generations of her family together after being scattered across the country and make a living from the property. Her parents and brother reside in recently built dwellings there. Hill lives in Florida but expects to move to Goochland after her daughter graduates from high school next year. No overnight “camping” will occur between November 14 and January 2 to accommodate deer season.

Flower farming, to provide fresh flowers for guests and supply local florists is part of the plan. In addition to cabins and yurts, a greenhouse, catering kitchen, art studio, and a pavilion for classes and indoor meetings will be built on the property. No RV camping or overnight Air BnB type stays will be permitted.

Hill’s description of Crane and Clover was long on vision and short on details. For instance, when asked how many people the enterprise would employee, Hill casually counted off positions on her fingers, and promised to be a “fair wage employer and work with local businesses in a symbiotic manner.”  Where will these employees come from?  If they stay on site, even for a few days, where will they be housed. Deputy County Administrator for Community Development Jo Ann Hunter said that it is illegal to live in an RV in Goochland County.

A petition signed by 75 property owners, 95 percent of the immediate neighbors, urging that the supervisors deny the CUP had little impact on the board. The supervisors cited Hill’s modifications of her initial application as an indication that Crane and Clover will not degrade life in the area.

Hill pledged to be a benefit to Goochland by bringing much needed revenue and said that she had been in contact with the local “ag” community.  The immediate neighbors not so much.

Opponents of Crane and Clover contended that Hill waited two years to seek the CUP, during which time she allegedly spent close to $1 million on improvements but had little contact with nearby land owners.

Curiously, none of the supervisors asked how much Crane and Clover will charge for group stays. Given Hill’s description of lavish surroundings and catered meals, the price tag could be hefty. She also mentioned that guests would be transported to the site from the airport.  Hill said she will have “security” to ensure adherence to all rules of the CUP. Will people paying big bucks to revel in the delights of rural western Goochland follow the rules or feel entitled to do as they please?

Justifying their approval, supervisors contended that Crane and Clover will be a low intensity use. Hunter explained that Crane and Clover must have a detailed plan of development approved and comply with requirements of the health department for well and septic systems; fire-rescue for emergency access; and building codes. CUPs can be revoked if the applicant does not comply with conditions.

Only District 1 supervisor Susan Lascolette voted against the CUP. She said that support for the application came only from people who lived elsewhere in Goochland or out of state. She echoed the concern of neighbors about “strangers” staying overnight on the property.

Another supervisor observed that the CUP must be renewed in five years. He expressed the hope that that there will be no  opposition to Crane and Clover in 2026.

We hope that Crane and Clover realizes Hill’s wonderful vision and proves to be a successful enterprise that harmonizes with its surroundings, and a good neighbor.

The seeming lack of due diligence by the supervisors on this case, however, is troubling. As the county grows, we can expect more applications for non-traditional uses for land that has been farmed for generations opening a wide range of agriculturally related revenue generating possibilities.

 One supervisor contended that if landowners do not do anything that is illegal or interferes with the neighbors, they should be permitted to do as they please.  Another observed that this is not the first time that someone put up buildings for a commercial enterprise before obtaining necessary permits, expressing disdain for “the locals” who object. Perhaps the county needs to find a way to inform newcomers that there are zoning and land use rules here and encourage them to share their intentions with their new neighbors before they start to build.

 

 

 

Serving

 

Mainstream media too often uses actions of a few bad actors in the law enforcement community to vilify those who devote their lives to community service. We owe a debt of gratitude to those who pin a target over their heart when they go to work so that the rest of us can go about our daily lives in peace. Our law enforcement officers (LEOs) deserve our respect and gratitude.

Goochland Deputies serve and protect our residents in addition to enforcing laws. Two new programs have been put into place by the Goochland Sheriff’s Office to aid members of the community with special needs in normal and emergency situations.

Project Lifesaver is a mechanism for local LEOs to work with caregivers using locating technology and search and rescue methods for people with wandering behavior.

Handle with Care is a way for families and caregivers to make deputies aware of loved ones special needs to provide appropriate assistance for those with autism; Asperger’s Syndrome; behavioral disorders; Cerebral palsy; dementia; Down Syndrome; hearing impairment; mental disorders; and more.

These programs enable deputies and caregivers to work together for the best interests of our most vulnerable citizens.

To learn more or register, visit https://www.goochlandsheriff.com/ and click on community programs.

 

May flowers

 

A new 2,500 gallon tanker that will be stationed at Courthouse Company 5 was on display before the May 4 Board of Supervisors' meeting. 

             

  The May 4 meeting of the Goochland Board of Supervisors was almost like old times. Public hearings lasted well into the evening as masked citizens, kept out of the board room until their hearing began and socially distanced, made their views known. May we soon gather at will with faces fully on display to share viewpoints on important local issues.

               New Swagit video software was used to record the meeting. In addition to a video, Swagit has a transcription feature. Speakers were encouraged to remove masks and enunciate. Meetings of the Planning Commission, School Board, and Economic Development Authority will be recorded using this software. The initial transcription requires a bit of interpolation. For instance, a speaker’s address came out as Mannequinn Sabath.

               Covid County Administrator Kenneth Young updated the Board on local Covid vaccination efforts. Beginning this Thursday, the weekly walk-in clinic at Central High School Educational and Cultural Center will operate in the afternoon only. Om May 6, Walk-in hours are from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. for the first dose of the Moderna vaccine only for individuals 18 and older who live or work in Goochland County. Proof of age will be required. For other vaccination opportunities, call the Chickahominy Health District at (804) 365-3240, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

               Food Drive Following the Board’s adoption of a proclamation recognizing May 16-22 as hunger awareness week, John Aaron of Goochland Rotary announced that his organization will lead a county wide food drive scheduled for May 21 and 22. Non-perishable food will be collected at both Food Lions and distributed to county food banks.

               Noise Ordinance Goochland now has a noise ordinance. During lengthy discussion, the supervisors tweaked the proposed ordinance. All forms of legal shooting were exempted as were complaints from apartment complexes overseen by a management company.  Rationale for the apartment exemption is that they have policies in place to deal with noise, including possible eviction, that could resolve these situations more quickly than wading through the courts. Penalties of the ordinance are civil rather than criminal. A required first step is notification of the alleged offender via certified mail.

               Goochland Sheriff Steven Creasey expressed concerns that use of the terms “unreasonable and substantial” could force deputies to interpret the terms detracting from their efforts to build sound relationships between local law enforcement and citizens.

               The intent is to provide a relief mechanism for residents suffering from the actions of unreasonable neighbors. Expect this ordinance to be tweaked in reaction to its use.

 

               Bond referendum A resolution to petition the Circuit Court to place bond referendum questions on the November general election ballot was adopted. Approval of a bond referendum by voters gives the supervisors the power to authorize issuance of general obligation bonds to finance xx in capital spending. This does not mean that the board will issue bonds, or issue bonds in the full amount. It adds another financing option to ensure that the county borrows money on the best possible terms to spend tax dollars wisely.

               As Supervisor Neil Spoonhower, District 2, observed during the audit committee meeting held earlier in the afternoon, bond referendum approval is akin to receding preapproval for a mortgage. It doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re going to borrow the full amount.

               Polling places The Board set public hearings for its June 1 meeting to consider changing voting precinct locations as follows:  Fife precinct in District 1 to Second Union Church. Goochland Courthouse precincts 1 and 2 to the sports complex at 1800 Sandy Hook Road. The county administrator was authorized to execute a license agreement for a polling place with St. Mary’s Church on River Road in order to relocate the Blair Road precinct, which was formerly at the Collegiate School facility. The board voted to relocate the Hadensville precinct in District 1 to the Hadensville Company 6 Fire-Rescue Station and the absentee voting precinct to the General Registrar’s Office located behind the administration building. As election day is now a state holiday, which would close the administration building, relocation of the absentee precinct allows it to be open on election day, which is a working day for the registrar.

               Broadband A resolution accepting a 2021 grant from the Virginia Telecommunication Initiative (VATI) in the amount of $567,557.98. Goochland will partner with Port80 to construct 18.9 miles of fiber backbone and 10.36 miles of fiber drops connecting 218 serviceable units, including 10 businesses. Goochland County’s pledged match of $100,000 towards the project has been assigned, but not appropriated. Port 80 Internet Services pledged $247,707.40 in cash and in-kind services towards the project. The overall project total is $915,265.38. This will be in the Crozier area. Details about this project will be presented at a future supervisors’ meeting.

               Emergency Shelter The board accepted grant money from the state in the amount of $207,061 to supplement $138,040 in local assigned fund balance to install generators at the Central High School and Cultural Center to create a second emergency shelter in the county. Goochland has a cache of cots and other emergency equipment supplemented by the Red Cross should the need arise.

               Public hearings The Board approved all items subject to public hearings. The only dissenting vote was cast by District 1 Supervisor Susan Lascolette on a conditional use application filed by Kimberly Hill for a campground and place of public assembly on approximately 97 acres in the western part of the county.