Grab bag

  

Memorial Day

Undaunted by rain, like those who fight to preserve our freedoms, Goochland American Legion Post 215 held its annual Memorial Day Observance on the Courthouse Green. Memorial Day is set aside to honor those who died in service to our country. It is a solemn day to remember those who will be forever young men and lie at rest in cemeteries around the world. This is a long line of heroes that stretches from Bunker Hill to the unknown conflicts of tomorrow.

Though keynote speaker John Lumpkins, Jr., District 3 Supervisors, never wore the uniform, his father did, and he learned first hand to honor and respect the military. His brief remarks remind us of the sacrifices made to keep us free.  Go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IX91cDUENgQ to watch excerpts. Thanks to the Goochland Republican Committee for making this available to those of us reluctant to brave the elements.

The Roundabout

Thanks to collaboration between VDOT and the county transportation staff, the roundabout at Sandy Hook and Fairground Road is expected to be open and operational by July 4^th. This is more than two months ahead of original schedule.

 

(Goochland County photo)

Small area plans

The board of supervisors will hold a public hearing on June 12 before taking a vote to incorporate the proposed Courthouse Village small area plan into the county’s comprehensive land use plan. The planning commission approved the proposal in May.

On June 15, the supervisors and planning commissioners will hold a joint workshop, beginning at 6 p.m. to discuss the draft small area plan for Centerville. In response to robust opposition to this proposal, the planning commission deferred a vote on the matter. As presented, the draft plan recommends allowing hotels on Manakin Road and residential density much higher than previous plans. It includes other inconsistencies whose origins are counter to citizen feedback gathered for more than a year.  Opponents contend that if enacted, the draft plan will roll Short Pump up the hill to Centerville. This is still a work in progress.

Superintendent Search

Goochland’s School Board met with Dr. Kevin Castner and Dr. E. Wayne Harris, of BWP & Associates, the consultants retained to conduct the search for the next superintendent, on May 11.  Kastner and Harris presented a profile of the ideal candidate they crafted with input from students, teachers, the school board, parents, and the community.

Castner and Harris will use the profile to select candidates that will be interviewed by the school board. The new superintendent is expected to be in place before the start of the next school year in August.

Go to https://goochlandschools.new.swagit.com/videos/230420 to listen to the meeting with BWP.