Another land use tool

Designated growth area (Goochland County image)

 

SIS area (Goochland County image)

Goochland is growing. Seems like every time you turn around there’s another rezoning application to build homes, or preferably, businesses. Before any dirt is moved, applications go through a lengthy process where developers make their case for their project, and the public gets to weigh in. The planning commission reviews the application, holds its own public hearing, makes a recommendation—the planning commission is an advisory body, with no power to approve or deny any land use change—and the supervisors make the final call.

Discussions during the process tend to range from “not in my backyard” objections from citizens to developer contentions that the proposal is beneficial for Goochland. Supervisors are bombarded with opinions from all sides. Community development staff reports summarize applications, but evaluating the potential impact of projects to avoid unintended consequences has been difficult.

A case in point is the Avery Point Continuing Care Community in West Creek, approved a few years back. The supervisors welcomed a significant investment in the county, especially in the Tuckahoe Creek Service District, which would not add children to our school population. They did not, however, consider the significant increase in emergency medical service (EMS) response generated by the older residents in Avery Point.

The county has long needed a tool to objectively analyze the impact of different kinds of development on county resources, including, schools, fire-rescue, law enforcement, public utilities, and perhaps most important, roads.

Last year, Goochland County hired Timmons Group and 3TP Ventures, to take a detailed look at currently available resources for an area roughly centered on the intersection of Routes 288 and 6, labeled the southern infrastructure study (SIS). The report was presented to the supervisors at their December 3 meeting and is available in its entirety on the county website https://www.goochlandva.us/ under the planning and zoning section of the community development tab. According to County Administrator Vic Carpenter, the bid for the SIS was $340k, which he anticipates will be lower when the account is settled.

The SIS examines approximately 3,250 out of the 21,000 acres in eastern Goochland considered the designated growth area, (DGA). The county’s total area is 187,000 acres.  Something of an anomaly, this area has been set aside in recent updates to the county comprehensive land use as needing more detailed study.

Development, especially commercial development, is encouraged here to keep the rest of the county rural. All land in the DGA is privately owned, mostly zoned for agricultural use, which requires rezoning for development. SIS points out that the owners of the land may have development visions different than those in the county’s comprehensive land use plan, which is used to guide land use decisions.

Parcels in the study area were grouped into “land bays” with similar characteristics. Most of the land is partially or undeveloped. The report includes a description and discussion of possible uses in each land bay. Land south of Route 6 in the River Road corridor is perhaps the most sensitive. Development there could generate robust opposition from current residents. The report concedes that not all land is developable, and assumed that 75 percent could be used, which could vary by land bay. This percentage deletes things like wetlands, topography, and easements from total acreage.

The initial report, however, used school attendance data that did not reflect redistricting for the new Goochland Elementary School, which opened in August, and stated that a new Randolph Elementary School was a critical need. That has been corrected in the final report, which still advises that a new RES is needed sooner rather than later.

Excellent charts and graphs in the report illustrate infrastructure impacts of various development scenarios on county infrastructure. One clearly shows that homes generate more demand for government services and less revenue than other uses. The SIS does not show where road lanes should be built, but rather indicates that a certain amount of a particular kind of use will require additional traffic lanes, not necessarily all in the same place.

SIS is a tool. It does not change existing zoning, or the comprehensive or any other land use plan. It does make a good case for updating the county’s 2040 major thoroughfare plan, which was crafted in 2018 and has several “conceptual” roads that were never built and do not align with recent development. SIS does not propose new regulations, taxes, or changes in personnel. The county is hiring more people in the community development department to manage its burgeoning workload.

The plan identifies the immediate need for another fire-rescue station in the area. The long planned, Station 7, on Hockett Road near its intersection with Tuckahoe Creek Parkway, was “paused” last year due to concerns about the site. To date, there has been no action to get this underway while Station 8, located near Sandy Hook, is in the design phase.

Utilities—public water and sewer— mostly provided by the Tuckahoe Creek Service District is available in most of the SIS area. SIS estimates that $12,440,000 of TCSD improvements will be necessary to support anticipated development.

Cost estimates for all recommended infrastructure improvements, including a new elementary school and fire-rescue station, was $153 million, a snapshot “guesstimate” that will undoubtedly soon be dwarfed by inflation. How these improvements will be funded is the big question. Developers contend that proffer dollars will pay for infrastructure upgrades generated by new homes. At current levels, cash proffers are a drop in the bucket.

It's no secret that Goochland would like to attract a data center to boost tax revenue. These need to be close to both water and adequate power sources. The SIS did not investigate the location capacity of existing power lines, which seems odd.

The report recommends that Goochland use a similar approach in other parts of the DGA to analyze and evaluate infrastructure needs and development impact when making land use decisions.

Please take the time to read the SIS to better understand the development process.

Yet another election

 

In the wee hours of December 14, Republicans in the 10^th Virginia Seante District, which includes Goochland, chose Luither Cifers of Farmville (luthercifers.com/) to be their nominee. A special election to replace John McGuire will be held on January 7. The Democrat nominee is Jack Tramell (trammellforsenateva10.com/) of Louisa.

For an  excellent account of the mass meeting, please go to https://cardinalnews.bluelena.io/lt.php?x=3DZy~GDEVaOb7pF~_Q5JU.lz236hut~0vMcxXqbDIXXL5H0szEy.0OJt1HRzid9zkNYwbHTJJXOe The reporter for Cardinal News, Elizabeth Beyer, seems to have been the only media representative to correctly identify the location of the meeting, the Goochland Sports Complex, not the Rec Center as was reported in the alleged “local” media.

 

Wish list for the General Assembly

 

Virginia State Capitol

UPDATE: The special election to fill the 10th District State Senate seat will be held on January 7.

Virginia is a Dillon Rule state, which means that local governments have only those powers specifically ceded to them by the General Assembly.  Therefore, it is vital that Goochland County has sound working relationships with those who represent us in Richmond.

Our current representatives in the GA are two delegates, Tom Garrett, 56^th District, and David Owen, 57^th District, and one 10^th District state senator. At this time, we do not know who will represent the 10^th district during the 2025 session. John McGuire, who was elected to that office in 2023, was recently elected to represent Virginia’s 5^th District in the United States Congress. McGuire submitted his letter of resignation from his state senate seat on December 10. The date for the special election should be announced soon.

As time grows short until the start of the 2025 General Assembly Session, political parties are moving forward with candidate selection for this special election. Democrats have chosen Louisa County resident Jack Trammell.

On Friday, December 13, 10^th District republicans will hold a mass meeting in Goochland to select their candidate/ Go tohttps://goochland.gop/ for details.

In October, Goochland officials met with Garrett, Owen, and McGuire for an informal discussion of legislative matters. (See GOMM Sausage Making Preview for details)

The county’s final legislative agenda for the 2025 General Assembly session was included in the supervisors’ consent agenda on December 3, without further discussion. (See pages 64-70 of the December 3 board packet available on the county website https://www.goochlandva.us/ under the “agendas and minutes” tab for details.) Crafted with input from the supervisors, school board, county and school staff, constitutional officers, and the Monacan Soil and Water Conservation District, it is a comprehensive list of issues that Goochland supports and those it opposes. This will be communicated with our General Assembly Delegation, so it can act in the best interests of Goochland.

Some highlights:

Schools

Goochland supports policies that enable full funding for public education, including standards of quality and support for programs that keep new teachers in the profession for the long term. It also supports additional state resources and funding options for school construction and capital projects, including dedicated local sales and use taxes. This includes expanding dedicated local sales and use tax authority first given to select counties by the General Assembly in 2019 as well as continuing to fund the School Construction Grant Program and School Construction Assistance Program.

Opposes any financial policies or regulations that impose a burden on localities. For example, in FY25, the Commonwealth mandated that school divisions provide a three percent salary increase for Standard of Quality instructional and support positions using the local composite index to compute the locality’s share. This unfunded state mandate cost Goochland—our LCI is .8 meaning that we pay 80 percent—$526,332 from local revenue.

Support was expressed for strategies to address the Commonwealth-wide teacher shortage that target instructional areas with critical need.

 

Local control

The agenda opposes erosion of local control over land use decisions, revenue streams, and “other issues of local concern”. These include the location of solar installations, higher density zoning to accommodate affordable housing, or accessory dwelling units.

Protection of local funding decisions and the preservation of local government authority to collect revenues necessary to provide local public services.

Support extending powers currently given to some local governments to all local governments.

Oppose any change in local government’s present defense of qualified and sovereign immunity.

Support legislation to streamline newspaper advertising of public notices, public hearings, and public procurement to give localities the option to use electronic or other forms of notification as an alternative.

Broadband expansion

Goochland supports the removal of all regulatory and other impediments to the provide broadband access. These include increased funding, expanded funding and implementation of new technology to build the infrastructure necessary to deploy universal, affordable access to all areas, especially in underserved rural areas.

Support improvement to existing state law to make it easier for wireless communication providers to use existing tall structures or building towers as long as they do not usurp local land use authority.

Support streamlining broadband infrastructure permitting   in VDOT rights of way, at railroad crossings, and within utility easements.

Second amendment

Goochland opposes “the passage of any state laws that infringe upon the rights of the law-abiding citizens of the Commonwealth under the Second Amendment of the United States Constitution and under Article I, Section 13 of the Virginia Constitution.”

Public safety

In the public safety area, Goochland supports the enhancement of hazardous duty retirement benefits for full-time 911 dispatchers and animal control officers. Recruitment, retention, and funding for fire and EMS providers, especially funding for EMS agencies.

Support for “identification and implementation of new funding sources for Virginia’s fire departments and Emergency Medical Service (EMS) agencies.  In 2023, the General Assembly passed House Bill (HB) 2175 establishing a work group to study existing fire service needs, analyze sustainability of funding, and review alternative funding models.  The HB 2175 Workgroup submitted their report, “Service to Others: A Report on the Commonwealth’s Fire and EMS Service,” to the General Assembly and the Governor in October 2023.  In addition, support the recommendations of the HB 2174 Workgroup and continued study of fire and EMS funding in the Commonwealth.” 

Our delegation to the GA should discuss concerns identified in a report submitted in 2023 on the continued funding of fire and EMS services in the Commonwealth with providers in their districts to ensure that the report reflects actual conditions and challenges “on the ground” and helps rather than harms public safety operations going forward.

Goochland supports “continued local authority and state funding to implement appropriate security, preparedness, and health measures.”  These include dedicated state funding that may include capital and operational costs, including ongoing support for School Resource and School Security Officer positions. The Goochland County Sheriff’s Office, in partnership with Goochland County Public Schools, currently has six trained, qualified, and assigned SROs to cover five schools in Goochland.  The Goochland County Sheriff’s Office has an additional four trained and qualified SROs that are available to serve as back-ups as necessary.

Goochland supports the full funding of all Sheriff’s Office Deputy positions approved through the Compensation Board.  

Goochland opposes “any federal or state regulatory action that hinders the provision of emergency services by increasing costs of operations or deterring recruitment and retention of emergency Services employees.  This includes the Occupational Safety and Health Administration proposed rules change to Fire Brigades Standards and the Food and Drug Administration’s proposed rule changes impacting prescription drug box programs.”

Transportation

Support “a robust and sustainable transportation funding framework that effectively addresses the evolving needs of Goochland County and communities across the Commonwealth.”

Support continuing study and action to address the declining growth of transportation revenues and find ways to grow them over time to meet increasing demands. Address the increase in cost of transportation related projects that impact localities, especially VDOT fees for locally managed projects.

Support additional flexibility within the VDOT approval process to be responsive to the needs of an individual locality.  Supports the expansion of authority and discretion of the VDOT Resident Administrator to approve design standard modification, including reduction of speed limits.

Disclosure

Goochland supports the ability of localities to require residential property disclosures related to zoning classification or permitted uses on adjacent parcels. Legislation is requested to establish a standardized disclosure list that includes proffered land use conditions enacted by local government action.

The 2025 session of the Virginia General Assembly will convene on January 9 and meet for 30 days. During that time, thousands of bills will be submitted, some will become law. Go to https://virginiageneralassembly.gov/ to follow the action.

Thanks to our delegation for representing us in Richmond.

 

 

Library Report

 

Goochland Branch Library

At the December 3 meeting of the Goochland Supervisors, our county’s representatives on the Board of Trustees of the Pamunkey Regional Library (PRL), Chair Barbara Young, and Trustee Barbara Slone, presented a quarterly update.

Earlier this year, Young and Slone reported that the PRL director had resigned and outlined changes the Trustees planned to make to the organization. At that time, they introduced Jamie Shoop as the acting library director and Sherida Bradby as acting assistant library director.

Among the issues the PRL board faced were several tardy annual audits. As PRL is funded with tax dollars, accounting for use of that money is vital.

Slone said that the annual PRL audit for FY24, which ended on June 30, was completed early and was clean. PRL was the first of Hanover County’s financial partners to complete its 2024 audit.

She commended Stoops, Bradby, and PRL business operations manager Ken Katron for their work on the project.

Slone said that PRL does not plan to request a budget increase from Goochland County for the next fiscal year. PRL did request additional funds from King William County to increase its weekly library hours from 44 to 52.

PRL has retained the services of an accountant with expertise in public financing to assist with finances and audits. As of October 31, the PRL fund balance is approximately $4.5 million, which had been earmarked for a new administration building, which was never approved. The Trustees believe that money should be used for library capital projects. A minimum balance of $500k will be kept as a rainy-day fund.

Slone said that the trustees are still investigating how the large fund balance was accumulated. She said that PRL has some very generous donors.

Jonathan Lyle, District 5, asked if the large fund balance would affect the amount PRL requested from Goochland. Slone said that it is an entirety of PRL funds, which are managed by Hanover County. Lyle said he wholeheartedly supports PRL and wants to ensure that it is adequately funded.

Stoop explained that the cost of “shared services” provided by PRL is split on a per capita basis, among its member counties. Those services include the purchase of books and other materials; subscriptions; supplies; contractual agreements.  Goochland is responsible for 16 percent of the shared services and 12 percent of $48k cost of hotspots. Hanover pays 72 percent and King William 12 percent. Personnel at library branches are funded by the county where they are located.

Young quashed the “firestorm” rumor that PRL planned to discontinue issuing “hotspots,” devices that provide Wi-Fi to patrons with no access to broadband. When the trustees began to review the PRL budget, the $48k budget for hotspots was discussed to see if that was a service PRL should continue to provide for its patrons. That amount covers maintenance and subscriptions. Trustees decided to talk to their county officials about the matter.

Young said that Goochland County administrator Vic Carpenter reminded her that there are still many places across Goochland not served by broadband making hotspots a vital library service.

At the November meeting of the PRL trustees, hotspots were discussed, Young said. A suggestion that PRL charge for use of hotspots “did not go over well”.  A motion was made and approved at that meeting that the hotspot policy will be continued and revisited in 2027, by which time broadband access may be more widely available. In short, THE PRL HOTSPOT POLICY WILL REMAIN UNCHANGED until at least 2027.

Hotspots may be checked out, one per patron, for fourteen days at a time. They have no data limit and use Verizon and T Mobile signals, which work well in the Goochland service area.

The PRL trustees are working to update policies, which Young said will be a long but necessary process.

At the direction of the Trustees, Stoop met with branch managers to compile a project “wish and needs list”, which includes replacing aging laptops; updating network equipment; purchase of enhanced marketing and outreach materials; museum passes; digital access to local news; new early learning stations; a new delivery van; and AEDs at all branches.

“The disbursement of these funds will be thoughtfully made as we strive to enrich and enhance our libraries for the community,” said Slone.

Goochland is part of a pilot program for library lockers that allow patrons to pick up on hold library materials after hours by retrieving a code on their phone.

Young said that the Trustees decided to look at PRL staffing last September to make sure that there were no holes, or redundancies. Stoop asked the Trustees to hold off until PRL knows if King William will be leaving PRL.  

The was brief discussion about a potential departure from PRL by King William County, which will be decided by that county’s officials. For what are believed to be financial challenges, King and Queen County left PRL earlier this year.

Carpenter said that he has had positive discussions with King William officials, some of whom are new to the job, and said they are not, at this time, going forward with the departure, but that could change. A meeting has been scheduled in January to hopefully “nail” this decision down so PRL can move forward.

Current holders of PRL library cards have received notice that renewals must be done in person showing proof of residence in Goochland. Stoops explained that the procedure will ensure that only those who live in counties belonging to PRL will have active library access.

Go to https://www.pamunkeylibrary.org/ for more information.

West Creek v neighbors round next

 

Broad Branch Drive north of R 288 two lane bridge

The sole public hearing at the December 3 meeting of the Goochland Board of Supervisors was the latest salvo in a decades long battle between the West Creek Business Park and various owners of several parcels totaling approximately 1,000 acres to the west and south.

At issue was a proffer amendment for Mosaic, a 500 home 55+ community in West Creek, to adopt a new conceptual plan for 7.153 acres at the intersection of Mosaic Creek Boulevard and Broad Branch Drive to add three lots for detached single-family dwellings. The language of the amended proffer also precludes any road access through the subject land to the approximately 80-acre parcel to the west, which is designated as prime economic development. The amendment was approved 4-1.

HHHunt, the developer of Mosaic, that requested the proffer amendment, contended that any road access through or near its property onto Broad Branch Drive, a two-lane road that seems to have been built to access the Capital One Campus, and is a private road to the north, would be unsafe. It was odd that Capital One does not seem to have weighed in on the matter.

More than a hundred Mosaic residents turned out for both the supervisors’ meeting and a public hearing held by the planning commission on November 21 to express support for the proffer amendment.

Speakers representing owners of the land to the south and west contended that refusal to permit access to Broad Branch drive landlocked their property denying them access to Rt. 288 and the ability to develop them. They also incorrectly contended that the action would preclude them from connecting to the Tuckahoe Creek Service District utility lines. TCSD trunk lines are required to “stub” at the boundary of new construction to allow the next parcel to connect and have done so in Mosaic. 

There were references to alleged promises made to adjacent landowners by the late C. B, Robertson, who created West Creek, that their land would be able connect to the park. They also labeled the proffer amendment as a “spite strip” created specifically to stifle critical competition with West Creek by denying access to its internal roadways and, perhaps most important, Rt. 288. The proffer amendment was characterized as arbitrary and capricious to prevent development.

Jonathan Lyle, District 5, said that he had spoken at length with representatives of the parcels on the outside as well as those from HHHunt and Mosaic residents. Lyle, a marathoner, said that he often runs through Mosaic and has also walked Broad Branch Drive between Mosaic and the two-lane bridge over Rt. 288. “There may be a worse, less accommodating location for a connector onto Broad Branch Drive, but you’d have to look long and hard to find it,” he said of the two lane downhill blind curve.

Lyle said that he opposed the creation of Mosaic believing that it was inappropriate to put residential use in the middle of a prime economic development area, but that things changed when the community built out.  Lyle said that the parcel to the west has been landlocked for a long time and the proffer amendment will not change that. He contended that the adjoining property owners can find solutions that will let them develop their land other than connecting with West Creek. Lyle pointed out that traffic issues on Broad Branch Drive are already bad and adding access to more land bringing more traffic would exacerbate the situation.

No mention was made of the approximately nine-acre parcel on the east side of Broad Branch Road, which is part of West Creek, or how that might develop. Lyle moved to approve the measure and voted for the amendment on the grounds that it is in the interest of the health, safety, and welfare of county citizens.

Neil Spoonhower, District 2, who cast the lone dissenting vote, had a different take on the case. He said that, had he been a Mosaic resident, he would support the proffer amendment. However, said Spoonhower, his job is to look out for the greater good of the entire Goochland community. Having gone back and “reviewed the tape” of the 2018 meeting that approved the Mosaic rezoning, he had concerns. Hours before the final public hearing for that rezoning, said Spoonhower, documentation mentioning an “east west” connector was presented to the board in hopes of securing approval for a case that was “teetering” on the brink of rejection.

Perhaps “to tip the scales,” Spoonhower contended, Mosaic developers said they would not build homes on a place indicated on one of the several conceptual plans presented and in the case of public necessity, there would be “mechanisms” perhaps to build the connector.

“That’s the east west connector we’re talking about today. It’s been sitting there since 2018 as a potential plan. I find it outrageous that we’re sitting here talking about a negative proffer. In our own proffer policy, it says reasonable proffers, notwithstanding any other provision or law general or special, the county will neither request nor accept any unreasonable proffer in connection with the rezoning or proffer. It is my belief that this is an unreasonable proffer.

“I’m not saying a road should go there, but there is no way in good conscious this board should prevent a road from potentially going there. I’ve seen nothing that tells me there will be an increase in traffic or significant safety concerns and those will be addressed.”

Spoonhower cited the recent day long economic development workshop when the supervisors declared that economic development in appropriate locations, like the area under discussion, would be its focus for the next four years to keep the rest of Goochland rural and pay the bills.

“So, if I vote for this amendment, not only am I signaling that we’re not as much for economic development but saying out of one side of our mouth that we’re in favor of economic development but not doing everything we can to support it. I also think we’re picking winners and losers and that’s not right either.”

Spoonhower referenced the “Hatfields and McCoys” element of the dispute between West Creek and adjunct landowners. “I don’t know anything about that and that’s between y’all,” he said.

If the landowners outside of West Creek can work together to protest this proffer amendment, why can’t they work together to create their own internal roadway with access to both Hockett Road and Rt. 6 that could make their land more attractive to develop, perhaps more than West Creek? It is unclear how being able to connect to Broad Branch Drive would make the landlocked property easier to develop, because more than one access would be required to meet fire and other codes.

This is the latest instance of a developer “kinda sorta” agreeing to provide connectivity during the rezoning phase based on “conceptual plans”, but never quite building the roads. Then, after homes have been sold, they convince new residents, who never bothered to ask how their community would build out, that if the subject road was built, their safety and serenity would be at risk. This happened in the Parke at Saddle Creek, for the connector road parallel to Broad Street Road between Manakin and Hockett Roads that had been in the major transportation plan for years. When residents of Parkside Village realized that a connector road between Pouncey Tract and Ashland Roads, that was pretty much a condition for its approval, would go through their community, they objected to the road and the plan was reworked.

Rezoning applications tend to be based on conceptual plans that get revised in the plan of development stage, after more detailed engineering has been completed. Often, these require revisions because developers are reluctant to spend money on engineering until rezoning has been secured and is handled administratively by planning staff.

 

 

Making Goochland a better place

 

Sally Graham

Sally Graham is a familiar face to many in Goochland as the Executive Director of Goochland Cares, https://goochlandcares.org/ the non-profit organization that provides a wide array of vital services to those in need. Earlier this year, Graham announced her retirement and has been succeeded—she cannot be replaced—by Andrea Ahonen who has served as chief executive office since August. During its November 6 meeting, the Goochland Board of Supervisors recognized Graham for vital contribution to the community.

In 2000, St. Mary’s Episcopal Church outreach ministry founded the Goochland Free Clinic to provide access to health care for county residents without insurance. Graham, a nurse practitioner by trade, was appointed executive director. Funded by grants and donations, and run by volunteers, the Goochland Free Clinic started out in leased space under the old county health department with office hours one night a week using volunteer doctors and dentists.

In addition to providing health screenings, the early Free Clinic helped patients negotiate various programs to afford their medications.

Graham, who Dr. Bob Bennett, medical director and now, contended, “has a way of getting people to do what’s needed. She’s a master herder of cats.” She has been a visionary leader since the start of the free clinic. She tapped the generosity of Goochlanders to share their time, talent, and treasure to help their neighbors and attracted a large and dedicated volunteer corps that make the organization a success.

In 2007, the Free Clinic merged with Goochland Fellowship and Family Services, which was also created to help neighbors in need with a goal helping those in need to better and healthier lives.

Over the years, services offered expanded and were housed wherever space could be found, which was not efficient or cost effective. In 2016, the organization’s board approved a capital campaign to raise $7.5 million to build a” one stop shop” putting all services under a 20k square foot roof and transition the house that had served as headquarters into emergency housing. The new building was dedicated in March 2018.

After a few years of operating under the somewhat jaw breaking name of Goochland Free Clinic and Fellowship and Family Services, the organization changed its name to reflect its mission to Goochland Cares in 2018.

All the while, Graham tirelessly expanded program offerings to fill needs, including the food pantry, mental health care and sexual and domestic violence services.

She worked with Patient-Centered Medical Home Collaborative, the Capitol Region Free Clinics Collaborative, the Virginia Association of Free and Charitable Clinics, the Richmond Region Domestic Violence Collaborative, EmpowerNet, Goochland Community Partners, Community Partnership for Oral Health, Goochland Rotary, St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, and has served by appointment by the Virginia Governor to the Richmond Region Initiative related to health care reform. 

Graham was honored by her peers as an Allen & Allen Hometown Hero in 2015; nominated for the Richmond Times Dispatch Person of the Year in 2016; named a YWCA Richmond Outstanding Woman of the Year in 2019; and inducted to the Goochland County Wall of Fame in 2023.  

Goochland has been blessed by Graham’s compassion and dedication to improving the lives of those less fortunate.

The annual Jingle Bell Bazaar, which benefits Goochland Cares, will take place on Tuesday, December 10 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Richmond Country Club,12950 Patterson Avenue, Henrico, VA, 23238.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Details on mass meeting to select 10th District republican candidate for the Virginia Senate

 Please read the official "call" about the nominating process for the  republican candidate for the 10th District senate seat in the Virginia General Assembly

10th Senate District Republican Mass Meeting

As Chairman of the 10th Senate District Committee of the Republican Party of Virginia, pursuant

to the Republican Party of Virginia Plan of Organization, and as directed by the District

Committee, I, R. T. “Torrey” Williams, III, do hereby issue this call for a Mass Meeting to be

held at the Goochland Sports Complex located at 1800 Sandy Hook Road, Goochland, Virginia

23060, or an alternative site, starting at 6:30 p.m. local time on Friday, December 13, 2024.

Registration begins at 4:30 p.m.

The sole purpose of the Mass Meeting is nominating a Republican Candidate for the 10th Senate

District of Virginia Special Election that is anticipated to be called upon the resignation of the

incumbent.

Qualifications for Participation

All legal and qualified voters of the 10th Senate District under the laws of the Commonwealth of

Virginia, regardless of race, religion, national origin or sex, who are in accord with the principles

of the Republican Party and who, if requested, express in open meeting either orally or in writing

as required, their intent to support all of its nominees for public office in the ensuing election,

may participate as members of the Republican Party of Virginia in its mass meetings, party

canvasses, conventions or primaries encompassing their respective election districts. All

qualified voters in this mass meeting must present a government issued photographic

identification in order to participate.

In addition to the foregoing, to be in accord with the principles of the Republican Party, a person

otherwise qualified hereunder shall not have participated in Virginia in the nominating process of

a party other than the Republican Party in the last five years from September 1, 2019. A single

exception to this restriction shall be approved for a voter that renounces affiliation with any other

party in writing, and who expresses in writing that they are in accord with the principles of the

Republican Party and intends to support the nominees of the Republican Party in the future.

Candidate Filing Requirements

Candidates seeking nomination at said mass meeting shall file the following:

1) Candidate Filing Form

2) Filing fee of $720.00, via a check made payable to the “Fifth Congressional District

Republican Committee” fiscal agent for the 10th Senate District Republican Committee

All required documentation must be hand delivered to R. T. “Torrey” Williams, III, or subsequent

designee, no later than 5:00 PM on Wednesday, December 4, 2024. It is the responsibility of the

candidate to confirm receipt of their declaration. Available contact information to confirm receipt

of the declaration is R. T. “Torrey” Williams, III at 540-894-3504. Nominations will not be

permitted from the floor at the mass meeting. The Candidate Filing Form is attached to this call.

Registration Fee

There will be NO registration fee to participate in this Mass Meeting.

Resolutions

Resolutions shall not be considered at the 10th Senate District Republican Mass Meeting.

Call Revisions

The 10th Senate District Committee is authorized to revise the issued Call to make any such

technical or conforming changes in the event such changes are necessary and shall promptly

notify the Republican Party of Virginia.

Cancellation Notification

Should only one candidate properly file for the Republican nomination for the Senate of

Virginia, then such candidate shall be deemed elected, and the mass meeting shall be cancelled.

Paid for by the Fifth Congressional District Republican Committee Authorized

by the 10th Senate District Republican Committee

Miscellaneous

 

We like to vote in Goochland. According to statistics recently released by the Virginia Public Access project (VPAP), Goochland recorded the highest voting percentage in the Commonwealth at 83.2 percent of eligible voters in the November 5 general election.

Thanks to our electoral board, Pam Johnson, Robert Walker, Wanda Taylor, and Goochland Registrar Ryan Mulligan for their hard work in conducting a free and fair election.  We also owe a profound debt of gratitude to all those who worked at the polls, especially during the extremely long early voting period.

But wait, we’re not done voting. Because the incumbent in the 10^th district seat in the state senate, John McGuire, was elected to congress, a special election will be held to replace him to ensure that 10^th District citizens will be represented in the 2025 Virginia General Assembly session. Details about when that special election will take place and who political parties will nominate have not been announced.

Due to the short time frame, there may not be much notice of this election, so keep an eye out.

It’s that time of year when we pause to count our blessings. Goochland’s 2024 Christmas Mother Belinda Bowles, supported by her intrepid elves, is busy collecting non-perishable food and cash donations so those less fortunate can have happy holidays.  Go to https://www.goochlandchristmasmother.org/ to find out how to participate.)

According to past Christmas Mother Robin Hillman, who spoke to the Board of Supervisors at their November 6 meeting, 239 families qualified for Christmas Mother benefits this year. All recipients must be Goochland residents and meet income requirements. Families with children, residents over 60 years of age, and those with documented disabilities qualify are eligible.

Each recipient is given gift cards for Food Lion ($175) and Walmart ($100 for each family member) and a box of nonperishable food.

The document shredding and tire amnesty event was a resounding success. According to information released by the county, 400 vehicles disposed of 525 tires, especially large ones from agricultural equipment, and 10,000 pounds of documents.

The inclusion of large tires supports our agricultural community. Disposing of large tires is difficult and expensive.

The Marine Corps Junior ROTC from Goochland High School helped with the collection and were instrumental in the success of the event, according to Don Leftwich, the county’s solid waste and recycling manager. This was the first time in many years that ag tires were included in amnesty. The county sponsors these events a few times a year. Go to the county website https://www.goochlandva.us/ and click on the “solid waste & recycling” tab for detailed information about recycling year-round.

Residents lined up for the tire amnesty at the Fairground property. (Goochland County image)

Differing gifts

 

Bruce Watson and bulldozer 

The mismatch between available jobs and appropriate skill sets to fill them is a challenge for our economy. While young people are accumulating huge debts in pursuit of college degrees that do not lead to gainful employment, vital jobs go unfilled. Workers in the “trades” are often looked down upon even though they earn handsome incomes and incur no educational debt.

Goochland Schools, through its career and technical education (CTE) department under the direction of Bruce Watson, provide our kids with opportunities to explore a wide range of careers and help them obtain the skills needed for a successful and satisfying life.

On November 4, the CTE advisory committee, made up of representatives of local businesses, partners in the enterprise, heard from CTE students, present and past, how the program benefited them.

Watson discussed the CTE work based learning program. This lets students from grades 9-12 explore career paths through job shadowing, internships and apprenticeships with excellent results.

Katelyn Ragland, a junior at GHS in her third year of ROTC, which is one CTE program, talked about a job shadow she recently completed in her pursuit of a career in interior design. The ROTC program, where she serves as commander of color guard, helped Ragland build her self-confidence. She said that, thanks to CTE, she was able to “shadow” a local designer, tour Ethan Allen, and observe an actual interior design consultation.

Coleman Boatwright, a 2020 GHS graduate, who earned a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, concentrating in construction management, from the University of Virginia this spring, said that CTE helped him explore different career pathways. In his senior year, Boatwright job-shadowed an architect and took a heavy machinery course, unsure if he wanted to explore construction or design. Computer-aided design classes he took in high school helped him to excel in college. An internship in road construction led to a job offer as a project engineer. He is currently working on adding travel lanes to I95 in Chester, and expects to move on to bridge rehabilitation when that is complete.

Boatwright recommended that students use the wide variety of courses offered in the CTE program to explore career possibilities to find their passion. He suggested that business partners visit the career center to see what is being offered. “Many do not realize that we’re taking CAD classes or operating real machinery in high school. They were shocked to learn that we were using the same programs in high school that they use.”

Leyton Sutherland, who graduated in June 2024, took heavy construction while learning about hand tools and different kinds of equipment. Unsure of what to do, CTE instructors guided him to a senior year internship with Hal’s Heating and Air, where he alternated classroom study and workdays. He began full time work with Hal’s upon graduation and is currently involved in the rehab of a Civil War era house. “I’ve learned a lot. CTE gave me a lot of opportunities, it put me in the place I am today.”

Sutherland advised students to “be a sponge, practice good habits, learn the rhythm of how to do things, don’t take shortcuts, listen to your peers, be an open book, walk in with confidence every day, show up on time, look like you want to be there. Keep dreaming ‘cause it’s going to happen.”

Watson recalled the positive impression that Sutherland made on his first meeting with Mr. Parrish of Hal’s. He said that Sutherland was championship swimmer who attracted 17 scholarship offers to swim in college but decided he would rather turn wrenches. Sutherland graduated from high school on June 8 and started with Hal’s on June 10 with a bright future.

Watson said that 15-20 percent of GHS graduates go directly into the workforce or military service and that number is changing every year due to the high cost of college. He asked the group to support CTE by offering work-based learning programs, internships, and job shadowing to expose students to their businesses.

Mock interviews where third year CTE students interact with potential employers are extremely valuable for both the kids and the businesses.

Stan Corn of Alarms, Inc. said that mock interviews let employers “see what’s coming” when younger people enter the workforce. CTE tries to match student interests with specific industries. The program is so useful, Watson said, that students have come out of mock interviews with job offers.  

Watson said that a benefit of a small school system like Goochland is its ability to pivot to meet opportunities. He cited the new Honda dealer that recently broke ground on Broad Street Road, just west of the Henrico line, which will need employees with specific skillsets. CTE can help prepare students for those jobs.

The CTE curriculum is being expanded. Watson said that students are being surveyed to find out what classes they want but are not being offered. Local businesses are also being queried to learn which specific job training they would like to see offered.

Samantha Romano, of the community college workforce alliance (https://ccwatraining.org/) presented an overview of job training programs offered through Brightpoint and Reynolds Community College. These programs offer cost effective fast track and flexible training so students can complete credentials or certificates and move into the workforce quickly.

Watson said he is very proud of the program and the teachers that are its backbone. To find out more about CTE, contact Watson at bwatson@glnd.k12.va.us

 

 

 

 

 

November board highlights

 

The November 6 meeting of the Goochland Board of Supervisors—held on Wednesday because county offices were closed on Tuesday for election day—was quite short.

County offices will be closed on Monday, November 11 for Veterans’ Day. All are invited to Goochland High School at 9:30 a.m. that day for the Marine Corps Jr. ROTC observance. The keynote speaker will be Michael Flanagan, retired Army Colonel.

Board Chair Charlie Vaughters, District 4 said that the district town hall meetings held I October were a success and thanked staff for their great presentations and responses to citizen questions.

Vaughters said that the meeting between county officials and our delegation to the Virginia General Assembly was a productive exchange of concerns and insight.

Fire-Rescue Station 8, at the corner of Dogtown and Whitehall Roads in Sandy Hook is in the design process, construction is expected to begin sometime next year.

Newly created voting precinct 403 at Avery Point in eastern Goochland was a resound success, said Vaughters. He commended Goochland Registrar Ryan Mulligan and our Electoral Board Pam Johnson, chair; Robert Walker Vice Chair; and Wanda Taylor, Secretary and all of the election officials for their hard work made more arduous by the long early voting period, for conducting a successful election.

County Administrator Vic Carpenter reminded all of the document shredding and tire amnesty, which will include farm equipment tires, to be held on Saturday, November 16 on the Fairground Property at the intersection of Fairground and Sandy Hook Roads from 9-1.

 

The consent agenda, essentially a laundry list of items that need to be voted on in a public setting by the supervisors.

On November 6 it included amending the FY25 budget and appropriating a one-time $300k donation from the county’s unassigned general fund balance to the Goochland Education Foundation https://goochlandedu.org/  to create an extended day enrichment program for all three county elementary schools. The money will kickstart the program, which will fill a gap, rather than compete, with other after school programs. Benefits to families include budget friendly extended learning in a safe environment, homework completion, academic remediation as needed, and expanded opportunities for learning activities like STEM. It will also help to mitigate Covid learning loss. The program will include success metrics to gauge a return on investment and reinforce our school division’s commitment to maximizing the potential of every learner.

This donation will enable the GEF to move forward with the program, which is expected to be self-sustaining once in operation. Details are expected to be shared early in the new year, so the program will be in place at the start of the 2025-26 school year next August.

A resolution affirming Goochland’s support of and participation in Firefly Broadband’s expanded regional internet service expansion project (RISE), the 2024 Virginia Telecommunications Initiative (VATI) Broadband grant, authorizing the county administrator to take all actions necessary in furtherance of the RISE project, was unanimously approved.

The Virginia Board on Geographic Names asked for approval of a proposal by the U.S. Board on Geographic Names to name an unnamed stream in Goochland and Louisa Counties "Fern Creek." The creek is perennial and about 4-6 feet wide, 1.7 miles long and heads at an oblong pond near the boundary of Louisa and Goochland Counties and flows generally southwest into Courthouse Creek. The name Fern Creek was chosen due to the widespread presence of fern along its banks near the Aldwyck Subdivision in Goochland County.  This item was provided to both Goochland and Louisa County staff and was reviewed/researched by both the Goochland and Louisa County Historical Societies. Neither historical society found precedent names or conflicts with the proposed name.

Employee service recognition

On October 24, 40 county employees were recognized for their years of service to Goochland for a total of 360 years. These are the people who work hard every day to serve our citizens.

 5 Years of Service: Beatrice Hall; Jamie Sherry; Christopher Johnson; Dennis Mayo; Justin Pennington; Wendy Grady; David Croker; Sara Grayson; Robert Page; Ashley Eggleston; Ashton Gruzsecki; and Diane Pomphrey.

10 Years of Service: Chris Ferguson; Alyssa Ferguson; Scott Leabough; and Christina Neale.

15 Years of Service: Daniel Sprouse and Michele Parrish.

20 Years of Service: D. E. “Eddie” Ferguson

(Happily, GOMM did not have to file a FOIA request to obtain the list. Photos of some the honorees are on the county Facebook page.)

 

VDOT

Marshall Winn, administrator for the Ashland VDOT Residency, which includes Goochland, reported that a speed study to lower the speed limit on Fairground Road from 45 to 35 mph and a safety study for Rockville Road necessitated by site distance issues at the entrance to the Tuckahoe Bridge North community, which is in the data collection phase, are ongoing.

Winn said that there will be no more VDOT roadside vegetation spraying in Goochland. He speculated that continued spraying, which has generated complaints from residents whose plants and trees have been harmed, may be part of power company efforts to clear their transmission lines.

District 5 Supervisor Jonathan Lyle commented that the new lane and crosswalk striping at the intersection of River Road and Route 6 by the Richmond is confusing and may have caused more problems than it solved. Winn promised to meet at the site with Lyle to address the situation.

Board reports

Our supervisors serve on regional bords and commissions representing the interests of Goochland.

Neil Spoonhower, District 2, who serves on Plan RVA and the Central Virginia Transportation Authority CVTA ( https://planrva.org/) reported that he has been elected finance chair of that group. Thanks to a white paper crafted by county staff, CVTA is “beta testing” the possibility of CVTA to issue bonds to finance regional transportation projects to understand how Goochland could benefit from this while protecting the county’s excellent bond rating.

Created in 2020, the CVTA administers locally generated transportation funding, generated from 50 percent of taxes generated by local fuel sales. Goochland has benefited to the tune of more than $9 million used to fund a variety of local projects. (Go to https://www.goochlandva.us/1363/Gas-Up-In-Goochland to learn more.)

Lyle, who represents Goochland on the regional Richmond Transportation Authority, reposted that the group will move to a biannual funding schedule to synchronize with other transportation funding groups.

Lyle said that a discussion about paratransit caught his attention as perhaps a way to mitigate the dramatic increase in calls for, perhaps less than emergency, EMS transport from Sheltering Arms Hospital and Avery Point, which are near an established GRTC bus route.

Vaughters expressed appreciation to his colleagues for their time and effort participating in these groups on Goochland’s behalf.

 

 

A celebration of General Lafayette

 

General Lafayette dressed for 1824

Lt. Col. Williams, and Marine Corps Jr.ROTC color guard

 Bright blue skies blessed Goochland’s celebration of the of the visit of General Lafayette during his American farewell tour, on November 2. The commemoration was 200 years to the day when the French aristocrat, who became a hero of the American Revolution, stopped overnight in Goochland on his way to see his old friend Thomas Jefferson at Monticello.

The day began at historic Tuckahoe Plantation where the Hon. Manuel Alvarez, chair of the Goochland 250^th Commission, tasked with reminding Americans of the importance of the Declaration of Independence, welcomed the assembly.

The presentation of the colors by the Goochland High School Marine Jr. ROTC, and the pledge of allegiance led by its director LT. Col. Kevin Williams, was a living reminder that the freedoms Americans enjoy today exist because of General Lafayette and all those who have worn the uniform since 1776.

Robin Lind, present of the Goochland Historical Society, in period attire, explained that the event was held at Tuckahoe because it is convenient rather than Powell’s Tavern on nearby River Road where Lafayette was escorted by the Henrico militia and greeted by the Goochland militia two centuries earlier.

Robin Lind and Suzanne French Keesler

Lind read a passage penned by Jefferson’s grandson describing how Lafayette and Jefferson, both old and feeble friends, fell into each other’s arms in greeting at Monticello, a scene that caused all present to weep.

When Lafayette came to America, he was 19 years old and had been promised a commission as a major general, which did not occur because of his age. It took Lafayette some years to earn his generalship.

The 1824 visit came about when President James Monroe realized that more than half of the country’s population has been born since 1776. As the sole surviving Revolutionary War general, Lafayette was invited to remind the population of the importance of both the Declaration and American ideals. Lind compared Lafayette’s reception to that of a modern-day rock star. People lined roads across the county to cheer the return of Lafayette in huge numbers. That was at a time when there were few newspapers and no 24/7 media to spread the word of his arrival.

Lind said that a lock of Lafayette’s hair, given to a Richmond woman, was on display in a nearby Tuckahoe outbuilding being guarded by Goochland Sheriff’s Deputy Matt Carrier.

Commission member Linda Weistroffer and Deputy Carrier

Cheryl Wilson, Executive Director of the Virginia 250 Commission—note Goochlanders, the 250 Commission is not about Broad Street Road, but rather the 250^th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence—set the tone for the day.

(ltr) Brian Burns, General Lafayette, Cheryl Wilson, Manny Alvarez, Robin Lind

She congratulated the Goochland 250^th Commission for being one of the strongest local groups, out of 134 in Virginia. Telling all sides of the story of the fight for American independence and sponsoring fun events, like the Run to Revolution 5K held at Elk Hill in western Goochland in September, is part of the initiative. “You’re (Goochland 250^th Commission) trail blazers and I will brag about you everywhere I go,” said Wilson. (Go to va250.org for details about the state organization)

Wilson explained that the State 250 Commission has simple goals to educate and help people understand Virginia’s primary role in the founding of our nation. Were it not for Virginians, the ideals born here would not inspire us as we come together to form a more perfect union.

“We want to feel history and connect to our past while we work to make our future better, so that those who come after will understand the importance of what happened here. There is something powerful about being on the site of an event on the very day that it happened. It lets us experience the power of place. We’re in the present nestled between past and future. History helps us understand that link. When the Declaration was signed it was a hope, a prayer that took  many years and a war to achieve the ideals whose pursuit still unites us. E pluribus unum, out of many one. We are the many and the nation is one,” said Wilson.

Brian Burns, President of Alliance Francais said that 200 years ago Lafayette, as a 60-year-old, looked back on his life and judged that he chose well. A 19-year-old aristocrat, Lafayette was one of the wealthiest men in France if not in all of Europe, who could have enjoyed a life of ease in his chateau. Instead, he sailed to the American colonies at his own expense to join the movement for independence. He soon became close to Washington, some have described their relationship as that of father and son, and quickly earned the rank of Major General as he fought alongside Washington. Wounded at Brandywine, which could have proved fatal, he recovered. France’s role in helping the United States gain its freedom from England cannot be overstated, contended Burns. “Without the trust that Washington put in Lafayette, I’m not sure the events at Yorktown would have happened. He chose to come here and help us.”  We’re here to thank Lafayette, who some contend is America’s best friend.”

Suzanne French Keesler, chair of the event committee and a member of the Goochland 250^th Commission, introduced General Lafayette, both were attired in period clothing.

The General, brought to life by Charles Wissinger, thanked the assembly for his welcome. He quipped that he came just for the food. “I have been asked to come to these United States by President Monroe to spend three to four months (he stayed for more than a year). I will visit not just the original 13 but all 24 states. I come to accept your word of thanks. It is my love not only for your great nation but the love I also see from the people of your nation. As I am welcome in city to city I see a lot of rebuilding as in Portsmouth, which was laid in ruins by the previous war.”

“Lafayette” also mentioned recovery from artillery damage in Petersburg, for which he apologized. “As I find myself going through Virginia once again, I recall chasing Banastre Tarleton, Benedict Arnold, and Cornwallis and enjoying the beautiful countryside and visiting with so many people while trying to protect you.”

He recalled reading the Declaration of Independence in French, which inspired him to fight for the rights of man, paying his own way to come across the ocean and fight under our colors. “I will take the ideals of the rights of all men to my own nation. With these rights I wish America will be the grand republic that I see and continue to be a beacon to the world for your fight for liberty, freedom, and independence.”

Then it was time to eat.

Culinary Arts students and Chef Erlenbach

The Goochland High School Culinary Arts program, under the direction of Chef Bill Erlenbach, researched recipes from the era of Lafayette’s visit and interpreted them with contemporary ingredients into a delightful array of finger foods. The exquisite and delectable menu included: Sweet potato biscuit with Virginia ham and local honey butter; Martha’s Chicken and Rice croquettes (a particular favorite of the General); Smoked trout on baguette with horseradish cream; Bloody butcher grit cakes with lamb loin and pickled veg; Brie candied peanuts and oranges; hoe Cakes with honey; Mount Vernon Gingerbread with logo; Caramelized Tuckahoe Pear Posset; Petite Hot Chocolate cups; and Maple Ice Cream with shortbread.

Culinary arts students efficiently and professionally served the food to the appreciative throng.

"Martha's chicken croquettes 

Christine Jordan Dunn provided and arranged the flowers at Tuckahoe and the plantings next to the Courthouse Village marker.

Then it was on to Courthouse Village to dedicate a marker commemorating the night that Lafayette—he preferred to be addressed as general, a title he earned, rather than Marquis, a title he inherited—slept in Goochland.

The dedication began with a prayer offered by the Rev. Darvin Satterwhite. Lind said that even in the sparsely populated countryside, people lined the roads to cheer the hero of the revolution.

Julian Icher, from the Lafayette Trail (https://www.thelafayettetrail.org/), explained that installation of that marker had been a lengthy process. His organization, dedicated to documenting and marking all stops on the General’s farewell tour, funded the marker. Standing in shadow while the marker was unveiled, the “General” looked on with approval.

Jeff Mabry, Julian Icher, General Lafayette

The marker, on River Road West opposite the History Center, is on the site of Anderson’s Tavern, where Lafayette stayed. The location and visit were documented by the Lafayette Trail for accuracy. The William C. Pomeroy Foundation (https://www.wgpfoundation.org) provided funding. 

the Marker

Suzanne Taylor, a member of the Goochland 250^th Commission and teacher in Goochland Schools, commented that Goochland has been at the epicenter of American history from its beginning to the present day and it needs to be remembered, shared, and celebrated.

The Goochland 250^th Commission https://www.exploregoochland.com/187/VA-250-American-Revolution has just gotten started. Keep an eye out for future events to mark the 250^th anniversary of America.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Town hall meetings

 

The last of Goochland’s fall 2024 town hall meetings was held on October 28 for District 4. These sessions began on October 3 in D5. Recordings of all four meetings—districts two and three were combined—are archived on the county website, https://www.goochlandva.us/ under the “watch county meetings tab” listed as community meeting. They were also livestreamed in real time for those who preferred to tune in from home.

Attendance was light, perhaps due to the 6 p.m. starting time, which may have conflicted with the dinner hour for busy folks. At the D1 meeting, there seemed to be more elected and appointed officials and staff than citizens.

All meetings followed a similar format with County Administrator Vic Carpenter and Superintendent of Schools Michael Cromartie Ed. D.  giving thumbnail overview of their operations followed by questions.

The presentations were pretty much the same for all meetings, with some curious divergences. For instance, Carpenter mentioned major repairs to the Tuckahoe Creek Service District force main in the River Road corridor at the D5, and D2&3 meetings, but made no mention of it at the meeting for D4, where many residents live in the TCSD. He announced that the county is starting to build Fire-Rescue Station 8 in Sandy Hook, but glossed over that a proposed east end station has been put on the back burner.

Cromartie shared the accomplishments of our school division, including scholastic advances in the past year. He also illustrated how a teacher salary adjustment, implemented this year, has made Goochland schools better able to compete with our neighbors to attract and retain the best people.

Questions that made the recording— conversations continued after the meetings ended—included concerns about long bus rides and where the next new elementary school should be located.

Cromartie opined Goochland is a long, narrow, and rural community, which precludes the notion of neighborhood schools. He also contended that he does not expect the county to have more than three elementary schools whose attendance districts would wax and wane with prevailing demographics.

Cromartie said that the school division does the best it can to make school bus routes efficient with the resources—drivers and buses—available. He echoed the lament of most school divisions that bus drivers are in short supply.

The fate of the old Goochland Elementary School, which belongs to the school board, may be decided during the November 12 school board meeting.

Other citizen questions/comments dealt with the frustrating slowness of broadband connection in parts of the county and an overall concern about the dearth of local housing in price ranges accessible to teachers, deputies, and public safety employees.

Carpenter explained that the county is powerless to demand that developers build lower cost homes. He said that one way to reduce the price of “dwelling units” is to increase density as in townhome and apartments, which most Goochlanders reject. The county cannot declare a moratorium on building either. While increasing minimum lot sizes could put the brakes on development, it would also reduce the supply of buildable lots and increase demand and home prices.

Carpenter contended that because Goochland is a beautiful place with good schools and services people want to move here. The county is also at the mercy of VDOT when it comes to road improvements. Thanks to money received from tax on gas purchased in Goochland the county, via the Central Virginia Transportation Authority, has a bit more money to deal with badly needed road improvements, all of which cost a fortune and are built with glacial speed.

The burden that non-essential 911 calls place on fire-rescue personnel, especially volunteers, was discussed. The county, said Carpenter, is aware of the issue and could investigate measure to mitigate “nuisance” calls, like multiple false alarms from security systems, that waste precious public safety resources, by imposing fees.

Attendance at town hall meetings has dwindled since they restarted after the Covid lockdown. These sessions consume a good deal of staff time that might be better used in other ways.

The supervisors regularly contend that they want more citizen engagement, but are town hall meetings the way to go about it? People tend to show up at public hearings to oppose land use changes close to their homes but are generally uninformed about other matters. The small area plan studies for Courthouse Village and Centerville had robust attendance, but the perception of citizens that their input on those studies was ignored, may have cooled enthusiasm for engagement.

A desperately needed refresh of the county website will be unveiled soon. Other ways to stay informed are to sign up for “Goochland at a glance” https://www.goochlandva.us/list.aspx?listid=413 to receive a weekly digest of county information.

Local government has the greatest impact on your daily life. Please pay attention and keep informed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The last of Goochland’s fall 2024 town hall meetings was held on October 28 for District 4. These sessions began on October 3 in D5. Recordings of all four meetings—districts two and three were combined—are archived on the county website, https://www.goochlandva.us/ under the “watch county meetings tab” listed as community meeting. They were also livestreamed in real time for those who preferred to tune in from home.

Attendance was light, perhaps due to the 6 p.m. starting time, which may have conflicted with the dinner hour for busy folks. At the D1 meeting, there seemed to be more elected and appointed officials and staff than citizens.

All meetings followed a similar format with County Administrator Vic Carpenter and Superintendent of Schools Michael Cromartie Ed. D.  giving thumbnail overview of their operations followed by questions.

The presentations were pretty much the same for all meetings, with some curious divergences. For instance, Carpenter mentioned major repairs to the Tuckahoe Creek Service District force main in the River Road corridor at the D5, and D2&3 meetings, but made no mention of it at the meeting for D4, where many residents live in the TCSD. He announced that the county is starting to build Fire-Rescue Station 8 in Sandy Hook, but glossed over that a proposed east end station has been put on the back burner.

Cromartie shared the accomplishments of our school division, including scholastic advances in the past year. He also illustrated how a teacher salary adjustment, implemented this year, has made Goochland schools better able to compete with our neighbors to attract and retain the best people.

Questions that made the recording— conversations continued after the meetings ended—included concerns about long bus rides and where the next new elementary school should be located.

Cromartie opined Goochland is a long, narrow, and rural community, which precludes the notion of neighborhood schools. He also contended that he does not expect the county to have more than three elementary schools whose attendance districts would wax and wane with prevailing demographics.

Cromartie said that the school division does the best it can to make school bus routes efficient with the resources—drivers and buses—available. He echoed the lament of most school divisions that bus drivers are in short supply.

The fate of the old Goochland Elementary School, which belongs to the school board, may be decided during the November 12 school board meeting.

Other citizen questions/comments dealt with the frustrating slowness of broadband connection in parts of the county and an overall concern about the dearth of local housing in price ranges accessible to teachers, deputies, and public safety employees.

Carpenter explained that the county is powerless to demand that developers build lower cost homes. He said that one way to reduce the price of “dwelling units” is to increase density as in townhome and apartments, which most Goochlanders reject. The county cannot declare a moratorium on building either. While increasing minimum lot sizes could put the brakes on development, it would also reduce the supply of buildable lots and increase demand and home prices.

Carpenter contended that because Goochland is a beautiful place with good schools and services people want to move here. The county is also at the mercy of VDOT when it comes to road improvements. Thanks to money received from tax on gas purchased in Goochland the county, via the Central Virginia Transportation Authority, has a bit more money to deal with badly needed road improvements, all of which cost a fortune and are built with glacial speed.

The burden that non-essential 911 calls place on fire-rescue personnel, especially volunteers, was discussed. The county, said Carpenter, is aware of the issue and could investigate measure to mitigate “nuisance” calls, like multiple false alarms from security systems, that waste precious public safety resources, by imposing fees.

Attendance at town hall meetings has dwindled since they restarted after the Covid lockdown. These sessions consume a good deal of staff time that might be better used in other ways.

The supervisors regularly contend that they want more citizen engagement, but are town hall meetings the way to go about it? People tend to show up at public hearings to oppose land use changes close to their homes but are generally uninformed about other matters. The small area plan studies for Courthouse Village and Centerville had robust attendance, but the perception of citizens that their input on those studies was ignored, may have cooled enthusiasm for engagement.

A desperately needed refresh of the county website will be unveiled soon. Other ways to stay informed are to sign up for “Goochland at a glance” https://www.goochlandva.us/list.aspx?listid=413 to receive a weekly digest of county information.

Local government has the greatest impact on your daily life. Please pay attention and keep informed.