Village people the next chapter

 

            Earlier this year, Goochland County kicked off small area plan studies for the Centerville and Courthouse Villages. Initial meetings were followed by focus group meetings, and surveys to gather feedback about needs, wants, and general perceptions of both villages.

            Sections of the Goochland Comprehensive Land Use Plan (https://www.goochlandva.us/250/2035-Comprehensive-Plan) dealing with these villages have not been updated to reflect recent growth. These small area studies will suggest ways that development could happen. Most of the land in question is in the hands of private owners, who may or may not follow these concepts as they develop their property. New businesses open when entrepreneurs risk their own money in the hopes of creating a profitable enterprise. The county’s role is business creation is to create an environment that is attractive to investment.

            On June 8 a “midway” meeting was held for Courthouse Village to share results of the survey and concepts drafted by Hill Studios of Roanoke, the consulting firm retained by the county to perform the study, and its partners. A look at what is here, and what could be, by fresh eyes with no preconceived notions, could be a useful tool for future land use decisions.

            Go to https://www.goochlandva.us/1212/Courthouse-Village-Plan to view a video of this meeting and accompanying slides.

The Courthouse and green on Memorial Day

            David Hill, principal with Hill Studios, said that the public engagement on the project is the best he has ever experienced, particularly comments on “what is a village, and how do you keep it that way?” The survey garnered 240 responses, out of almost 25k county residents.

            The presentation contained interesting statistical information. The 2022 population of Courthouse Village is 1,799 and that 10,407 people live within a 15-minute driving distance. The local retail trade information indicates that $146 million is “leaking” outside the area, which is no surprise to Goochlanders who regularly shop in Short Pump or Zion Crossroads. Although the Courthouse Village “leakage” translates into half a grocery store, the current population, contended Hill, is not large enough to support a second store. Hill contended that Courthouse Village could capture lots of retail sales with more stores.

Twice as many people commute into Goochland to work as those who commute out to jobs elsewhere. Again, this is no surprise. Employees of businesses in West Creek as well as county and school employees tend to live outside Goochland and travel here for work.

            Branding, how to exploit the community character, was discussed. Color pallets and fonts that create unique identities for different parts of the county and supporting logos designed to create an “iconic sense of place” were displayed. The goal of branding seems to be attracting people to Courthouse Village. Where these folks would come from and what they would do once there was a bit vague.

            Absorbing growth and providing needed services without losing the identity of the village was addressed next. A village, unlike towns or cities, Hill contended, has an extraordinary connection to the land outside. “All great villages are well-connected,” Hill said. He suggested greenways for hiking and biking that connect Tucker and Hidden Rock parks. Hill also talked about keeping open fields along roadways while hiding residential development from view. This is the goal of the county’s rural preservation zoning district, exemplified by Breeze Hill on Fairground Road.

            Hill suggested putting the “very wide” River Road West on a “road diet”. This would extend the sidewalks and add on-street parking between the library and roughly Parrish Ford. This might work where buildings are set well back from the roadway, in other parts, not so much. Near the Courthouse Complex, where buildings are close to the street, large trucks and tractor trailers fill a good portion of the travel lane between the double yellow line and the curb, making passing a very delicate operation. Unless a bypass to move through traffic around the village is built, narrowing the roadway is a recipe for disaster. The amount of general traffic and number of very large vehicles that travel River Road West daily, would seem to make on street parking and narrow travel lanes a safety hazard.

            Hill characterized the delightful River Road Cottage, at 2905 River Road West, (see its Facebook page for details) which transformed a home into an amazing market for all things made locally, as quintessential a “village” business. Existing homes nearby, Hill contended, also have potential for transformation to commercial use.

            Infill buildings should reflect those already there. Hill observed that the single-story structures along River Road West enhance the village feel.

             Aligning the new courthouse with the historic courthouse would provide space for a new “green” that could be used to host celebratory activities.

  Hill suggested that the Reynolds Community College campus could partner with private sector entities to create space for innovative uses like business incubators. “Cottage” housing on some of the RCC property could add attainable housing options to Courthouse Village. It was unclear if the consultants conferred with RCC leadership. Future use of the 90-acre campus, which was allegedly going to be the subject of “community conversations,” remains obscure.

            At the end of the presentation, the audience indicated, via smartphone poll, what they wanted to see in Courthouse Village. Answers included coffee shop, 24-hour pharmacy, medical facility, dry cleaners, laundromat, evening activities, gathering spaces, sidewalks, and concerts.

            The consultants will use feedback from the June 8 meeting to refine their initial concepts. The product of that work will be presented to the public later this year before final recommendations are made to the supervisors. If approved, the results of the study will become part of the county’s comprehensive land use plan.

            A similar meeting was scheduled on June 9 for the Centerville Village study but was cancelled when one of the presenters tested positive for Covid.