In search of a bigger worm

 

West Creek in the center of the proposed TOD looks more like a nature preserve than eocnomic engine

Every year when crafting the county budget, Goochland supervisors struggle to allocate expected revenues to fund core services in a way that is reminiscent of a mother bird dividing a worm among hungry hatchlings.

Despite burgeoning assessments, which result in higher real estate tax bills—the 53 cents per $100 of valuation rate has remained steady since 2007—fiscal needs outpace available tax dollars. Inflation is partly to blame for this. Higher citizen expectations and a changing world also contribute. For instance, not that long ago, fire-rescue providers were mostly volunteers. Now, they are paid employees, increasing county expense. Then there is the more than $100 million of needed capital expenditures festering in the county’s fiscal future.

The current board of supervisors has committed to increasing commercial investment in the county to improve the ratio of commercial to residential tax revenue from its current approximately 18/80 to 30/70, easing the burden on homeowners. They plan to accomplish this by pursuing robust development in the county’s designated growth area, roughly north of Rt. 6 and east of Mankin Road, which includes the Tuckahoe Creek Service District.

On Monday, July 7, the county held a community meeting to explain its initiative to amend the county code and 2035 comprehensive land use plan (https://www.goochlandva.us/250/2035-Comprehensive-Plan) by establishing a technical overlay district (TOD) and a technology zone (TZ) to attract high revenue business  that generates lots of tax dollars  and high paying jobs to the county. Much of the proposed TOD and TZ are in West Creek, with some acreage hugging I64 east of Ashland Road. The TOD and TZ, as proposed, account for a bit more than two percent of the county’s total land area and about 18 percent of the designated growth area. Goochland is approximately 290 square miles.

People who own land in and adjacent to the area under review were invited to the session by letter, others—the board room was nearly full—learned about the meeting from the county website, social media posts, and word of mouth. Property owners will be able to opt out of inclusion in the TOD and TZ but must do so in writing before October 7, when the supervisors are expected to vote on the matter. The planning commission will hold public hearings on the TOD and TZ at its August 21 meeting.

Director of Economic Development Sara Worley and Ray Cash, Assistant Director of Community Development, explained the proposals.

Worley said that the county needs more business revenue to achieve the 30/70 tax ratio to relieve the tax burden on residential property. Goochland has designated a growth area in the eastern part of the county where commercial and industrial growth should go to keep the rest of the county—the goal is 85 percent—rural. To maximize return on investment here, the county is actively pursuing high revenue producing businesses in the technology sector. These include data centers, which have been a by right—essentially prezoned—use in West Creek for years. This is expected to being significant private sector investment in the county as well as good paying jobs.

The TOD, explained by Worley, allows specific uses and imposes more stringent development standards for buffers, noise limits, and architectural standards to mitigate the impact on property outside the district, than West Creek, whose existing standards are fairly high.

The TZ is complementary to the TOD because it allows the county to provide incentives to businesses for locating in Goochland. These can include a reduction of certain fees and some tax rebates. Worley made it clear that any new business in the TCSD will not be exempt from paying ad valorem tax.

The boundaries of the TOD and TZ were determined, said Worley, after careful analysis of the existing zoning, availability of large tracts of developable land, availability of public utilities, and electrical and natural gas infrastructure in the designated growth area.

Data centers are proliferating around us. Louisa has several; one was recently approved in Powhatan.

Worley said that by right uses in the TOD will include: an advanced manufacturing facility that creates products through innovative technologies that depend on information, automation, computation, software, sensing, and networking; data center; public utility; technology college, university, or technical school; technology research and development facility; technology training center. All must be for profit enterprises. Go to https://www.goochlandva.us/1408/Technology-Overlay-District-Technology-Z for details.

Because these facilities do not exist in a bubble, accessory uses including on site water and sewage treatment plants, will be allowed by right. These will be regulated to ensure no adverse impact on Goochland. Also included as accessory uses are food service, and energy-generating and storage facilities, which too will be required to meet all health, safety, and environmental standards.

The TOD and TZ propose a by right maxim structure height of 120 feet, higher than the current 80 feet, which can be exceeded only with a conditional use permit. Worley said that some advanced pharmaceutical manufacturing needs this height for their processes. Worley said that these facilities will be built away from residential areas. “These companies want to be good neighbors and don’t want to locate in people’s back yard.”

Noise generated by proposed industries, based on existing facilities, is expected to be in the 60-65 decibel range, which is roughly between normal conversation and an air conditioner. Lighting must conform to the county’s dark sky policy.

Much of West Creek, which was created in the 1980’s as an economic engine for the county, still looks more like a nature preserve.

Cash discussed the land use side of the proposal. He outlined minimum 200-foot buffer and setback requirements in the proposed changes, which are intended to mitigate visual impact of large buildings on surrounding areas.  Tall trees, which already exist in much of the TOD, will provide screening. He also showed examples of attractive data centers that resemble office buildings.

Existing tree canopy south of Readers Branch

Some citizens raised concerns that water needed for data centers could result in water shortages for residential users. The TOD is in the TCSD, whose water comes from Henrico. Currently, the county has a water allocation of 25 million gallons per day, of which only about five million is used.

Another contended that trees are not an effective way to mitigate noise and advocated for earthen berms with trees on top. The 200-foot setback as a buffer to mitigate visual impact was labeled a “bundle of nonsense”.

Some attendees were skeptical that there is sufficient energy in the TOD to power the proposed uses and wondered where new high voltage electric lines might be placed.  One person contended that people who live near high voltage lines have a greater incidence of cancer. Worley said that electric power capacity will be determined by Dominion and the end user. There was no discussion of how the major natural gas line, located roughly in the center of the TOD, could be used to generate electricity separate from the power gird.

Worley said that currently there are no data center non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) in effect. She did say that at least five companies have expressed interest in locating data centers here.

Concerns about “energy storage facilities” were raised. A proposal to locate a battery storage facility in rural Crozier seems to have gone away, but these could wind up in the TOD.

Citizens also expressed frustration about the lack of notification about the meeting and proposals in general. This has been a recurring issue and a valid concern, but the remedy is elusive. What is the best way to inform county residents about things that might impact their daily lives? Encouraging citizens to check the county website and follow it on social media could reach more people. Getting people to pay attention is the hard part.

Please check the county website often for updates on the TOD/TZ initiative and pay attention as this moves forward. Tell your friends and neighbors.

Map of proposed TOD. (Goochland County image)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Highfield part last

 

Goochland supervisors approved an application filed by Markel/Eagle, LLC to rezone 138.52 acres on Rockville Road, just north and south of Interstate 64, from A-2 to residential planned unit development (RPUD) by a 3-2 vote at their July 1 meeting. Supervisors Jonathan Lyle, District 5 and Charlie Vaughters, District 4, where the project is located, were in dissent. In May, the Planning Commission voted 5-0 to recommend denial of the application.

Known as Highfield, the approval allows no more than 138 single family detached homes on the property. While “builder math” density works out to one home per acre, as presented, some of the proposed dwelling units will be built on smaller lots, as roads, open space, and unbuildable wetlands consume acreage. There are a few lots larger than an acre.

Since it began the rezoning process years ago, Highfield, which originally proposed 199 houses, met with robust community opposition. Objections included that Highfield would add too many homes to a rural area and make an already dangerous road worse.

Rockville Road, which runs between Ashland Road and Pouncy Tract Road in Hanover County, features white crosses nailed to trees to marking the site of fatal wrecks.  At this time, there are no plans to improve the intersection of Rockville and Ashland Roads, which is already a choke point during rush hour traffic and expected to get worse as development in the Ashland Road corridor ramps up.

As approved, the Eagle project will make significant improvements to Rockville Road along the Highfield frontage, which will require closure of the road for at least three months but not address the chokepoint intersection with Ashland Road. In response to concerns made about fire response, all homes built in Highfield will have internal sprinkler systems for fire suppression. Eagle will build, at its own expense, a 16-inch water line from Highfield to Ashland Road. This will ensure adequate “fire flow” for emergencies and also enhance attractiveness for economic development in the corridor.

No comments in support of the application were made during the public hearing. Despite the holiday week, there was a good crowd in the boardroom. The staff presentation of the application, made by Deputy County Administrator Josh Gillespie, was relatively brief.

Natalie Croft, Director of land planning for Eagle, made the presentation for the applicant, familiar to those who have followed Highfield since its inception. Go to the county website to review details in the July 1 board packet and view the discussion under the “watch county meetings” tab beginning at about the three-hour mark.

A change from the Planning Commission submission is that home construction will not start before January 1, 2028, with no more than 36 homes built in any year, taking almost four years for full build out to increase traffic impacts gradually. Road improvements must be completed before residential construction begins.

As with Tuckahoe Bridge North, the 49-lot subdivision that borders Highfield to the south, entrances to Rockville Road were a sticking point. Initially, Highfield proposed a single access to Rockville Road, even though more than 49 homes require a second access, using a stub road to access TBN north, whose roads were built to accommodate only its homes. After much wrangling, in response to community concerns, Highfield added a second entrance and reworked its internal roads to make using TBN roads less attractive. Highfield expressed willingness to install a right turn lane at the southernmost entrance but needs to acquire a bit of land from TBN to do so. Eagle has had no response from Main Street Homes, the developer of TBN, about purchasing the land, so that remains unresolved.

Fire-Rescue Chief D. E. “Eddie” Ferguson expressed his serious concerns about safety issues on Rockville Road in an internal letter opposing the development that found it way into the planning commission packet.  Indeed, it is not hard to imagine a scenario during construction when the Highfield frontage is closed, that say, a dump truck overturns closing Rockville Road from the east rendering access to TBN north or the Highfield site by EMS crews impossible.

The staff report identified issues with the timing of the closure. “As there are a variety of traffic implications arising from the development and proffered road improvements, the timing of the development will be of concern.  It is anticipated that the road improvements along the Property frontage in Proffer 9 will require the closure of Rockville Road for an extended period of time.  Although necessary for the planned Rockville Road roadway improvements for this project, timing of a closure of this portion of Rockville Road should be considered in relation to other road improvements and the likely closures and/or detours for other major roads in the traffic shed including the interstate interchange on Ashland Road (fall 2026 through summer 2029), and the realignment of Hockett Road to Ashland Road (fall 2028 through winter 2029).”

To their credit the supervisors took the time to explain their votes.

Lyle thanked the folks from Eagle for their willingness to meet with all concerned, the engaged citizens, planning commissioners, and staff. He commended the community development staff for the endless hours and attention devoted to this application.

The January 2024 Highfield community meeting was one of the first he attended after taking office. The meetings, there have been three, served their purpose as the applicant made changes in response to citizen concerns, but the fundamentals stayed the same. Safety, Lyle contended, is the fundamental job of government. He applauded Eagle’s proffered transportation improvements, but “even with those road, will the 138 homes that will generate more than 1,000 trips per day be a positive impact on safety and what improvements are needed to Rockville Road to keep safety from deteriorating? Is it appropriate for the county or VDOT to expect the applicant to improve the road? It’s been acknowledged that most of those 1,000 trips will go to Ashland Road, an already failing intersection. The proffered improvements will result in moving people more quickly and safely to a failing intersection.” He noted that the delay in building starts is unprecedented but will only delay the safety impact for three or four years, by which time Ashland Road traffic will be heavier. “That’s not a scenario I want the board to deal with in three or four years.” He said the Highfield application was solid, but he could not support it at this time. “

Lyle vowed to work with staff, VDOT, and regional transportation organizations to find a solution for Rockville Road.

Neil Spoonhower District 2 said he spent a lot of time looking at the Tuckahoe Bridge case five years ago with many of the same issues brought up by some of the same people.  He said he drove Rockville Road and after spending time looking at the crosses he could not understand why anyone would oppose road improvements.

He mentioned the many communications he had gotten on the application, then cited county budget data, taking issue with the contentions that the county does not have the resources to deal with residential growth. Spoonhower referenced county budget increases in past years for schools, fire-rescue, and the Sheriff’s Department to support his reasoning. Goochland’s population in the last few years has grown about 18 percent while the fire-rescue budget for instance, has more than tripled. However, he does not like the Ashland/Rockville Road intersection.

“I would love to be able to pay for everything up front. That’s just not the way the world works. At the tax rate of 53 cents, we don’t have the money to do this. It’s much more affordable for the developer to build roads and that’s how we get it done.” He contended that the subject land is used exactly as intended and pledged to work to get the Ashland/Rockville interchange fixed.

Vaughters said that he traverses Ashland Road every day. “In order to have sensible growth in this county, we have got to have thoughtful and deliberate applications.” He said that most of the comments he has received from citizens over the last six months concerned burgeoning real estate assessments. “When you decrease the supply of homes in a market where demand is going up prices increase. These decisions do have impacts on getting quality commercial projects that want housing options for their employees.” He said that local governments are forced to clean up messes made at the state and federal level and promised to “poke” appropriate authorities to secure needed road improvements. “We cannot simply say we don’t want this; we have to stop (residential rezoning). We’re not going to see the best applicants. The county coffers do not fil themselves if we do not have the best projects.”

Jonathan Christy, District, who moved to approve the application, agreed that there is a supply demand housing dilemma in the county. When houses “pop up” in the western part of the county through by right splits on Hadensville/Fife Road, which, Christy contended, is as if not more dangerous than Rockville Road, no improvements, including turn lanes, are made. “I look at this as a way to alleviate the supply/demand situation. “I can’t deny this while homes are popping up to the west. This is how we get economic development. This is how we do it. This will eventually solve a lot of problems.”

Board chair Tom Winfree, District 3, agreed with these sentiments. He said that Eagle has “checked all the development boxes. It is in the area where we want to see economic and residential development to keep the rest of the county rural. I believe we can rely on VDOT to recognize the need for further improvements as volume dictates.”

He too cited the need for housing to attract quality commercial development and that the county needs school children, which are the future. “If we’re not growing, we’re dying. Goochland County is maturing and becoming more significant every day as a regional player. We must keep up. This will help our stated goal of keeping 85 percent of the county rural,” said Winfree.

He hated to vote against the planning commission, which he values and respects. “My over riding belief is that this is proper for approval.”

There are some interesting aspects to this case. The delay and phasing of home construction, unprecedented, is curious. We do not know what the world, or this part of Goochland, will look like in almost three years. Should the land on the other side of Rockville Road be developed by an entity that will improve its side of the road and strongarm VDOT into fixing the Ashland Road chokepoint, safety concerns will be moot.

Comments during the public hearing estimated that proposed road improvements will cost Eagle about $2-3 million, as opposed to a $5-6 million if built via the convoluted and glacially slow VDOT route. This brings the question often asked of and ignored by our delegation to the General Assembly as to why VDOT road construction is so expensive and slow.

There is indeed a supply/demand issue in the Goochland housing market. While Eagle declined to estimate price points for homes in Highfield, it seems likely that they will be in the high six figures echoing those in TBN. Does Amazon pay that well?

The planning commission concentrates on appropriate land use. The supervisors look at the “big picture” of development. Since taking office in 2024, this board has repeatedly committed to improving the ratio of residential to business tax revenue by rigorously pursuing investment in the county. Given the sensitive nature of negotiations with companies interested in coming to Goochland, the planning commissioners may not be privy to information that affects board decisions.

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

Happy Birthday America

 

Where it all began and could have ended very differently


Happy 249th birthday America!

From the National Archives:

In Congress, July 4, 1776

The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America, When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.--Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.

He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good.

He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till his Assent should be obtained; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them.

He has refused to pass other Laws for the accommodation of large districts of people, unless those people would relinquish the right of Representation in the Legislature, a right inestimable to them and formidable to tyrants only.

He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their public Records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures.

He has dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly, for opposing with manly firmness his invasions on the rights of the people.

He has refused for a long time, after such dissolutions, to cause others to be elected; whereby the Legislative powers, incapable of Annihilation, have returned to the People at large for their exercise; the State remaining in the mean time exposed to all the dangers of invasion from without, and convulsions within.

He has endeavoured to prevent the population of these States; for that purpose obstructing the Laws for Naturalization of Foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their migrations hither, and raising the conditions of new Appropriations of Lands.

He has obstructed the Administration of Justice, by refusing his Assent to Laws for establishing Judiciary powers.

He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone, for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries.

He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harrass our people, and eat out their substance.

He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislatures.

He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil power.

He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged by our laws; giving his Assent to their Acts of pretended Legislation:

For Quartering large bodies of armed troops among us:

For protecting them, by a mock Trial, from punishment for any Murders which they should commit on the Inhabitants of these States:

For cutting off our Trade with all parts of the world:

For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent:

For depriving us in many cases, of the benefits of Trial by Jury:

For transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pretended offences:

For abolishing the free System of English Laws in a neighbouring Province, establishing therein an Arbitrary government, and enlarging its Boundaries so as to render it at once an example and fit instrument for introducing the same absolute rule into these Colonies:

For taking away our Charters, abolishing our most valuable Laws, and altering fundamentally the Forms of our Governments:

For suspending our own Legislatures, and declaring themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever.

He has abdicated Government here, by declaring us out of his Protection and waging War against us.

He has plundered our seas, ravaged our Coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people.

He is at this time transporting large Armies of foreign Mercenaries to compleat the works of death, desolation and tyranny, already begun with circumstances of Cruelty & perfidy scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages, and totally unworthy the Head of a civilized nation.

He has constrained our fellow Citizens taken Captive on the high Seas to bear Arms against their Country, to become the executioners of their friends and Brethren, or to fall themselves by their Hands.

He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, and has endeavoured to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers, the merciless Indian Savages, whose known rule of warfare, is an undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes and conditions.

In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A Prince, whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.

Nor have We been wanting in attentions to our Brittish brethren. We have warned them from time to time of attempts by their legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties of our common kindred to disavow these usurpations, which, would inevitably interrupt our connections and correspondence. They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, which denounces our Separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, Enemies in War, in Peace Friends.

We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.

Turning a page

 

Four weeks into his tenure as Goochland County Administrator, Dr. Jeremey Raley Ed.D. was quite at home seated at the right hand of Board Chair Tom Winfree, District 3 for the July 1 supervisors’’ meeting.

“I never thought I’d be back in this chair serving as county administrator,” he said at the start of the meeting.  He thanked both The Hon. Manuel Alvarez, Jr., who served as interim county administrator since February, and Lisa Beczkiewicz, executive assistant/deputy clerk, for dedicating time to ensure that when he walked in the door he had everything he needed to get started. “Both Lisa and Manny have been there to support me, counsel me, calm me down when I got a little excited, and been tremendous teammates. I’m grateful for all you’ve done for me.”

Raley presented his formalized entry plan “designed to provide for an intentional and purposeful process for the transition to serve as County Administrator for Goochland County.” This will explore what Goochland is doing well, how it can do better, and what steps need to be taken to ensure the county’s ongoing success. He emphasized the need to understand and work with all stakeholders—citizens are first on the list—as well as business and regional partners to better serve the community and make it even stronger.  Raley said he is analyzing operations to ensure that Goochland’s government is structured to provide excellent customer service to all those with whom the county interacts.

He acknowledged that Goochland must be a regional partner on significant issues that impact us all. Raley said he has already been warmly received by counterparts in other counties and looks forward to meeting the rest of the neighbors.

“We want a seat at the table, we want to be part of the conversation and the work, so that ultimately what happens in one county affects us all.”   Go to the county website https://www.goochlandva.us/ and click on transition plan to read the full document. Even better, listen to the remarks in his own words under the “watch county meetings” tab. All work will be shared with the public.

Charlie Vaughters, District 4, commended Raley for prioritizing customer service to all stake holders including citizens, business, and those who are guests of the county.

“Too often in our processes people only see the individuals who are at the dais or in the crowd. What it takes to make these complex decisions is a dedicated county administrator leading a dedicated staff with touchpoints throughout the county, region, and state. We need to draw in as many minds as possible and consider all the people who will be impacted when making decisions.”

Vaughter commended Raley for the work he has done in his short tenure as county administrator, citing incredible progress already made in deliverables and continuous improvement. He was “thrilled” with the entry plan.

This unprecedented approach to assuming the reins of government—the county administrator serves as Goochland’s chief executive officer charged with executing goals, priorities, and strategies of the board of supervisors—bodes well for the future. There is new energy and optimism in county government.

Fireworks

Goochland’s annual fireworks display will be held on Thursday July 3 rain date July 5. The Independence Day celebration will take place behind the sports complex on Sandy Hook Road. Pyrotechnics are visible from many places in Courthouse Village. See https://www.goochlandva.us/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=1275 for details. Arrive early for the best spot and pack your patience as crowd disbursement takes a while.

Fire-Rescue

Many members of Goochland Fire-Rescue attended the board meeting, resplendent in dress uniform in anticipation of recognition for being nationally recognized for its commitment to quality care for heart attacks and strokes in Central Virginia. The department received the Mission Lifeline gold award from the American Heart Association for proven dedication to ensuring access to best practices and lifesaving care.

Mission Lifeline is the American Heart Association’s national initiative to advance the system of care for patients with high-risk time sensitive medical conditions like severe heart attacks and strokes.

This is one of many awards earned by Goochland first responders for their exceptional commitment to patient care. This does not happen by accident but is the product of hard work by all involved to ensure that Goochland residents, and those that work and travel through the county, receive the highest level of care.

Instead of the usual reading of such recognitions followed by a photo of Fire-Rescue folk present with supervisors, Raley and Winfree praised and thanked Fire-Rescue providers for their work and moved on.

Park and Rec month

The supervisors approved a proclamation recognizing July as Parks and Rec month with Winfree and Vice Chair Jonathan Christy, District 1, posing for a photo with Parks and Rec Director Tom Cocke.

Treasurer

Goochland Treasurer Pam Duncan and her team were recognized for being accredited for the 10th consecutive year by the Treasurer’s Association of Virginia. The rigorous accreditation process requires proof of continuing education such as completion of an ethics course by the treasurer (or a principal officer) and educational requirements for all staff. Accredited offices are required to have written policies in place addressing areas such as personnel, customer service, and delinquent collections. Kudos to all the fine people who made this happen. This too is the result of excellent leadership and attention to detail every day.

New County Staff

Recent additions to team Goochland were introduced to the supervisors. They are Patrick Longerbeam, Transportation Manager; Adam Barber, Planner III; Rachel Tripp, an engineering technician in the utilities department; Susan Phillips administrative assistant in the extension office, firefighter Jeffrey Lewis; and two new communication technicians in the Sheriff’s Office. A warm welcome to all.

 

Reports

Updates about broadband expansion, agriculture, and a summary of planning and development activity are included in the July 1 board packet, available on the county website under the “minutes and agendas” tab.

Consent agenda

This contains routine items that require formal action by the supervisors. The July list included authorization for the county administrator to execute a contract to purchase a parcel of land on Whitehall Road adjacent to the Sandy Hook Fire-Rescue Station 8; set a public hearing for August 5 to consider an ordinance amending the county fee schedule; and a request to initiate and refer to the Planning Commission amendments to the county’s comprehensive land use plan and zoning ordinances to create a technology overlay district; and a request to set a public hearing for October 7, or earlier if necessary, to consider an ordinance amending the count code to add an article establishing a technology zone.

Technology Zone

A community meeting will be held on Monday, July 7 in the board room of the county administration building beginning at 6 p.m. to discuss proposed amendments to various documents to establish a technology overlay zone.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A community event to savor

 

One of the life savors of Goochland is the annual open house event at the historic Jackson Blacksmith Shop near Sandy Hook, held on June 14.

In days gone by, blacksmiths, who literally kept things together, were an important part of the community.

In days gone by simple tools and the skill of the blacksmith held things together

 

Henry Jackson, born around 1926 during slavery, began the family blacksmithing tradition opening his own shop near the current site in 1880. His son, G. Wilson Jackson, Sr. built a shop in the area and his son George W. Jackson, Jr., practiced his trade at the existing shop, built in 1932, until the early 1970’s.

The shop was restored in 1995 and registered as a National Historic Landmark in 1997. Visit https://jbshop.squarespace.com/ for details.

Jackson descendant Jeff Mabry shares history of the shop

Delightful toe tapping music floated on an early summer breeze as people perused exhibits, danced, enjoyed toothsome food offerings, and visited with friends old and new.

A beautiful afternoon

Bluebell the Fairy has magical talents

Bluebell the Fairy mystified with her magic. Representatives of the Second Union School and Museum (https://secondunionrosenwaldschool.org/); the Goochland Historical Society and 250^th Commission (https://www.goochlandhistory.org/); shop tours; and demonstrations by a farrier and members of the Central Virginia Blacksmith Guild (https://cvbg.org/) were among the interesting exhibits.

How wagon wheels were repaired

Farrier shoeing a horse

Blacksmithing demonstration

Jackson descendant Jeff Mabry explained how blacksmiths used their skill, ingenuity, and simple tools to build and repair equipment vital to local farms. He explained how his grandfather designed a hammer that was less likely to break than a typical claw hammer.

Jeff Mabry and special hammer designed by his grandfather

Goochland’s new county administrator Jeremy Raley, who started work on June 9, and District 2 Supervisor Neil Spoonhower were among those who enjoyed the event.

 

 

 

 

 

A cautionary tale

At its June 3 meeting, the Goochland Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a resolution “requesting the Virginia Commonwealth Transportation Board consider restricting through truck traffic on Hemsby Road (Rte. 1246), Stradsett Road (Rte. 1247), Brandiston Street (Rte. 1248), Park Village Boulevard (Rte. 1251), Yare Street (Rte. 1253), and Village Trail (Rte. 1254) in the Parkside Village subdivision.”

Parkside Village, a 55+ residential community of single family detached homes, lies in the county’s northeast corner. It was rezoned from agricultural to residential and commercial use about 12 years ago. At that time, Goochland did not have mixed-use zoning, so the developer instead put different zoning options on adjoining tracts of land. The first iteration—there have been many—of land use here included building homes near M-1, industrial limited, and B-1, business general, zoning. The site included a convenience store/carwash that was in place before any homes were built. Parkside Village is near the active Vulcan Quarry on Johnson Road.

Parkside Village today (Pouncey Tract to left)

This was near the end of the Great Recession, a low point in economic activity in Goochland. The developer convinced the supervisors that, even though the subject property was in an area that had been designated for industrial use decades earlier, it was unlikely that would continue into the future. (See https://goochlandva.us/roc for details about the Rockville Road Opportunity Corridor) It seemed like a good idea at the time.

The first plat included a spine road, with no homes fronting it, between Ashland and Pouncey Tract Roads. Two access points are required for all subdivisions with more than 49 lots. The spine road was promoted at the time, as necessary to relieve pressure on the Ashland/Pouncey Tract intersection, which was, and remains a bottleneck and is in Hanover County. The June 3 staff report now contends that heavy truck traffic should use the signalized intersection at Ashland and Pouncey Tract Roads.

As people moved into Parkside Village, they discovered to their dismay that the spine road would be go behind their homes and protested to the county. It is unclear if the developer did not include a build out illustration of Parkside Village with all approved roads, in its marketing materials, or if homebuyers did not understand that a “through street” could attract vehicles, especially large dump trucks servicing area quarries.

Parkside Village at beginning. Blue line spine road, Pouncey Tract to left

In response to this concern, the Parkside Village internal roads were redesigned in a circuitous manner to thwart through traffic, which has not solved the problem. Residents have complained for more than a year that large vehicles use residential streets as a “cut through” creating dangerous conditions on internal roads not designed to accommodate them, hence the resolution to restrict through truck traffic. This applies only to trucks and tractor trailers driving through with no business in Parkside Village. It does not apply to pick-up or smaller trucks used to make deliveries or provide services to residents.

If the signage restrictions are not sufficient, further measures including traffic calming devices could be deployed.

In addition to the traffic issues, there has been rigorous opposition to several proposed business uses by residents of Parkside Village even though commercial uses were approved in the initial rezoning.

Parkside Village is not alone in this situation. GOMM predicts that when the parcels at the corner of Manakin and 250 in Centerville, currently a mulch yard, are developed, residents of the Parke at Saddle Creek will object, even though the zoning for commercial use and the subdivision were approved at the same time.

This is a cautionary tale going forward for our supervisors.  When they approve rezoning for a subdivision, they must remember that people will live in those homes, pay taxes, and vote. All too often, developers gloss over objections raised by current citizens, leading to unintended consequences for the county to sort out later. It would be helpful if, before voting, each supervisor would explain how they reached their decision, to help citizens better understand their vision for the county. It would also be nice to know if supervisors would like to live in the neighborhoods they approve.

While some opponents of rezoning applications can be classified as NIMBYs (not in my backyard), or BANANAs (build absolutely nothing anywhere near anything) others raise legitimate concerns about the impact of land use changes on people who live nearby.

Developers should be required to begin commercial development in a mixed-use project before homes are built, or at least make those plans an obvious part of their marketing materials, so  residential buyers know what they are getting into at the outset.

While we hope people take the time to perform ample due diligence before buying property, especially given the gracious plenty of information available on the internet, that does not seem to be the case. All too often, buyers take the marketing fables spun by developers as gospel then whine “no one told us” when they discover things not to their liking after they move in and expect “the county” to fix them.

This leads to angry phone calls, emails, and other communications between citizens and supervisors that might have been avoided had better decisions been made earlier in the process.

Board members realize early in their term of elected office that, no matter how hard they work, they cannot please everyone. Decisions based on complete, detailed data about rezoning applications would go a long way to preventing some of this heartburn.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On the cusp of summer

 

The June 3 meeting of the Goochland Board of Supervisors on the cusp of summer was brief, perhaps in anticipation of the arrival of new County Administrator Jeremy Raley on June 9.

Board Chair Tom Winfree, District 3, and Jonathan Lyle, District 5, attended the Goochland High School graduation on June1. Winfree complimented 197 graduates on their many accomplishments and wished them success and happiness on life’s journey.

There will be a “meet and greet” with Raley in the board room on Thursday, June 12 from 2:30 to 4 p.m. This is a wonderful opportunity to welcome Raley to his new role in county government.

Winfree profusely thanked the Hon. Manuel Alvarez, Jr., for stepping in, on February 24, as interim county administrator to keep the ship of local government going in the right direction and afloat to allow the supervisors to methodically and deliberately select a new county administrator.

County Administrator comments

Alvarez said that the deadline for the veteran tribute banner program has been extended to June 15^th.  The banners, featuring photos of local veterans, free of charge, will be displayed on light posts in Courthouse Village through Veterans’ Day, November 11. Go to https://militarytributebanners.org/virginia/goochland-va.html for details.

Independence Day fireworks will be held on Wednesday, July 3 at 9 p.m. at the Goochland Sports Complex, roughly behind the county administration building, rain date, July 5. The date was chosen due to an increase in costs.

The next Night at Tucker outdoor music event will be held at Tucker Park on Friday, June 27^th, featuring the band “Permanent Vacation”. Visit https://www.goochlandva.us/236/Parks-Recreation for more information.

Document shredding will be held on the Fairground lot near the intersection of Fairground and Sandy Hook Roads on Saturday, June 7 from 9-1. Visit the county website for details.

Alvarez congratulated the organizers of last month’s Goochland Day, the Goochland Day Foundation, for the wonderful job they did staging the event, which he said attracted approximately 7,500 people and was well done.

He explained that the county waived more than $4,000 in event associated fees; the parks and rec department donated a lot of time to the event; the Economic Development Authority  contributed $5,000; fire-rescue did not charge for its  participation; one part time and six full time county employees staffing the Friday night concert; there were two full-time county staff at both the parade and festival on Saturday; the county promoted the event; provided dumpsters; and all of the tables and chairs.

Alvarez explained, that contrary to some contentions, the county has never “run” Goochland Day. It was started by the Volunteer Fire-Rescue Association as a community event to raise funds to build fire-rescue stations. He said that he does not believe that the county could do as good a job as the Goochland Day Foundation does, attracting volunteers and energizing community support. He thanked the GDF for its fine work and hopes that next year’s Goochland Day will be even better.

 

VDOT

As June 3 was the last time that Marshall Winn, Director of the Ashland VDOT Residency, would speak to the board, the supervisors thanked and commended him for his 48 years of service with the agency.  Winn announced that he will be succeeded by Philip Frasier. Winn has overseen the daily operations of VDOT, including cutting grass, plowing snow, removing dead animals and fallen trees, fixing potholes, and a myriad of other road related maintenance tasks. The supervisors commended Winn for his role in maintaining a good relationship between Goochland County and VDOT. In addition to a letter of appreciation signed by each supervisor, Lyle presented Winn with a selection of baseball themed videos. Winn continues to follow the professional baseball career of his son, a former player with the Richmond Flying Squirrels. We wish Winn every happiness in his next chapter.

Board Chair Tom Winfree (r) congratulates Marshall Winn on his retirement

Reports on fire-rescue; broadband; and planning and zoning activity were in the board report. Although there have been new additions to county staff, their introduction was not part of the agenda.

Neil Spoonhower, District 2, who represents Goochland on regional transportation boards, reported that the Central Virginia Transportation Authority rotates leadership, and that Jody Rogesh from Henrico is its new chair, with John Hodge from the Town of Ashland is vice chair. Spoonhower said that the CVTA will be looking for a way to combine the disparate plans of all of the regional partners into a single 2050 long range plan.

He also represents Goochland on the Central Virginia Transportation Authority, which hopes to meet with Goochland to explore micro transit options in the county.

Spoonhower reported that three of the four applications made by Goochland for “smart scale” funding, including the roundabout at Fairground and Maidens Road were approved. He thanked our VDOT partners for their help in making Goochland’s applications as robust as possible to increase chances of success.

On Monday, June 2, Spoonhower and Lyle attended groundbreaking ceremonies for the new Goochland-Powhatan Community Services building in Powhatan County that attracted more than 100 people. A larger facility will enable the CBS to better serve its clients. The CSB provides a range of services to help with mental health, behavioral, developmental, and other concerns. Go to https://gpcsb.org/ for more information.

The consent agenda included items amending the school budget for FY26, which begins on July 1, due to approval of the state budget after the county budget, and for FY25. Both amendments resulted in additional funds being appropriated to the school division.

 

 

 

 

They also serve

 

The missing action chair reserved for those who fate remains unknown

As a nation we pause on Memorial Day to honor and remember those who gave their lives in defense of our freedoms.

War is a complicated business. For every front-line hero, there are scores of support people that rarely receive mention but perform dangerous and vital tasks. Then there are the families of the dead, their lives shattered, left to mourn in the shadows and pick up the pieces of their lives. This year marks the 50^th anniversary of the end of the Viet Nam War, which claimed the lives of 58,220 Americans, and negatively impacted countless others.

At the May 26 annual American Legion Post 215 Memorial Day observance Gladys Grubb-Woodfin shared her powerful story as a young woman widowed by the Viet Nam war.

“Fifty-six years ago, today we were a young married couple building a house, planning a future, hoping to have kids, and grow old together,” Gladys began. “In a few days something would happen that would change my young life and shatter that future.”

Gladys Grubb-Woodfin

The something was a letter from Uncle Sam that began “greetings”. Those of a certain age know that phrase as the opening words of a draft notice, informing the recipient that he was required to put his life on pause and report for military service. (The “draft” ended in 1973. America now has an all-volunteer military.)

“Little did I know that the boy I really disliked in grade school would become my husband. He was the one who wrote in my yearbook that he would love me ‘till the day he died.” We were married in July of 1968. In August he got “the letter” and left for Fort Bragg on September 13. I sent daily letters to him. He came home on leave for Christmas before going to Fort Polk, Louisiana, birthplace of Viet Nam combat infantry, for more training. In February he came home and told me he was going to Viet Nam. He left on March 3 and arrived in Viet Nam on March 6. I still remember his last hug before he boarded the plane.”

Gladys returned to a job at the telephone company in Richmond while Steve was deployed. She sent him letters and care packages, including a special one for his 22nd birthday in April that included a box on which she wrote “I love you” in big letters.

“On May 31 two men in uniform came to my door to tell me Steve was missing in action. On June 6 they came back to inform me that he was killed in action. During that week I was so scared and wondered why he was missing and alone. He came home on June 13. I had hoped they were mistaken but I was able to view his body and knew there was no hope. I buried him in my family cemetery on June 15 with full military honors. Then his personal items came home, including the I love you box. After the funeral everyone told me I had to forget because I was young, I had not yet turned 21. I was stubborn and hurting and had no one to talk to. They did not have survivors’ programs then. No one wanted to talk about Viet Nam. Then someone told me that they were glad that one more baby killer wasn’t coming home. I shut down.”

Gladys said that seeing “China Beach,” the 1988 television show about a field hospital in Viet Nam, made her cry, especially scenes in the “checkout” room. Times were changing, she wanted answers to her questions. Gladys found a veteran’s group that took her under their wing and told her that no man is alone. She was made an honorary member and is still in contact with some of the people who helped her heal.

It was through this association that she met a soldier who was with Steve when he died from wounds sustained during a “search and clear” mission. Believing his wound was not serious, Steve joked that he was going for a needed rest and would be back, as he was airlifted to an aid station and evacuation hospital where he succumbed to his wounds at 17:50 hours on May 28, 1969.

Gladys recalled by name eleven boys that had been her schoolmates in Nelson County and also died in Viet Nam. “Every year around Memorial Day I visit their graves to put flags and flowers on them. As long as we live, they will live because we will always remember them.”

Many have given their lives in service to our country, from the first battles of the Revolutionary War 250 years ago and into the future. We must remember them all, most who will be forever young, and honor their sacrifice.

Gladys has and continues to support veterans in a variety of ways, including with the Post 215 Auxiliary

 

 

 

 

Honoring those who gave all

 

 

Goochland American Legion Post 215 will hold its annual Memorial Day observance on the Courthouse Green on Monday, May 26 beginning at 10 a.m. to honor those who gave their lives in  defense of our freedom from Bunker Hill to Bagram air base.

Gold Star wife Gladys Grubb-Woodfin will be the keynote speaker. 

The Marine Corps Jr. ROTC from Goochland High School will present the colors.

Bring a chair.

The event will include a children's flag parade, please bring your youngsters and teach them about  the meaning of the day.

Poppies and flags will be distributed by the Post 215 Auxiliary.

A 21 gun salute and the playing of taps will conclude the ceremony.

Rain will cancel the event, with no make up date.

Please pass this along.

A familiar face

 

Jeremy Raley new Goochland County Administrator

At an early morning special called meeting on Friday, May 23, the Goochland Board of Supervisors did not go into closed session as previously announced for final deliberations on its choice for the next county administrator.  Instead, Board Chair Tom Winfree, District 3 proclaimed that the Board’s unanimous choice was Jeremy Raley, Ed.D. of Maidens. All supervisors except Charlie Vaughters, District 4, who participated electronically, were present at the event.

The board unanimously adopted a resolution appointing Raley as County Administrator and Clerk of the Board of Supervisors and authorized Winfree to execute Raley’s employment contract, which was signed in front of the assemblage.

Eight years and eleven months to the day when Raley was selected to be Superintendent of Goochland Schools, he took the oath of office for county administrator administered by Amanda Adams, Clerk of the Circuit Court. He starts work on June 9.

Surrounded by Supervisors Spoonhower, Lyle, Christie, Interim County Administrator Manuel Alvarez, Jr. and Winfree Raley takes the oath of office from The Hon. Amanda Adams

The board met in closed session at “undisclosed locations” several times during the past few weeks to interview candidates. This is the third time in the past five years that the position has changed hands, not counting two “interimships” by the Hon. Manuel Alvarez, Jr., former District 2 supervisor, who has been at the county’s helm since February 24 following the departure of Vic Carpenter.

Unlike the past two county administrator searches conducted by previous supervisors, this board chose not to retain a “headhunter” for the task. Instead, the position was posted on the websites of several governmental organizations, generating 33 responses without incurring significant expense to the county. “We were flattered that so many excellent candidates were interested in the county administrator position,” said Winfree.

Raley was Superintendent of Goochland Schools from 2016 to March 2023, when he was appointed to the position of Chief of Staff to the Superintendent of Public Instruction for the Commonwealth by Governor Glen Youngkin. He holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree from the University of Virginia and a master’s degree and doctorate in organization leadership from Shenandoah University.

Among Raley’s many professional qualifications, the fact that he and his wife and two children have lived in the county for almost nine years and is a part of the community, may be the most important. He “gets” Goochland and understands our strengths and challenges. Comments he made to the supervisors after the appointment illustrate this.

“I had prepared remarks and knew what I wanted to say,” he began. “But after being here today, it just reminded me of how wonderful this community is and how thankful I have been to serve this community for several years in a different role but now I have a chance to serve as your county administrator.

“This is a job that I take very seriously, and I’m humbled and quite honestly thankful for the trust and confidence you have placed in me to serve alongside you and do amazing things for the citizens of this fantastic community.

“When I moved my family halfway across the state in 2016 to serve as superintendent I never in a million years thought that I would be able to serve as superintendent and now as county administrator in a place that is now my home. A place where we have planted roots and want to be for many, many years.”

He glanced around the boardroom filled with people from the school division, Sheriff’s Office, Fire-Rescue, Commonwealth’s Attorney, county staff, and others. “I’m grateful for everybody who showed up here today in support. It feels great to see familiar faces, folks that I have served and worked with and folks that I know are true servants to Goochland County. I’m really excited to work alongside them and get to know them better. It’s truly a pleasure to have an opportunity to serve. I’m grateful for your confidence.

“Any leader knows that having a support system and network is extremely important. I want to publicly thank my wife Cindy who has been behind me every step of the way through a lot of challenging times in leadership. She is a trusted confidant and counsel to me. I enlisted her counsel on something yesterday and she steered me in the right direction. Cindy, I just want to say publicly thank you, I love you, and I’m grateful for everything you’ve done for me.

“I’m excited to get started on June 9^th. Let’s roll up our sleeves and get to work.”

District 5 Supervisor Jonathan Lyle comically alluded to the long hours that the county administrator’s job requires by producing a milk carton with Raley’s photo on it like those used to find missing children.

“The position Jeremy’s taken today will likely remind him of his two a day football resume from his days at UVa. It’s going to take a lot of energy, effort, and enthusiasm to guide his team, actually our team, to reach the goals this board has set. Those efforts won’t happen in a vacuum but will have an impact on his family as well. They know what they signed up for, but I hope that Jeremy’s commitment to his work doesn’t require these cartons to stay on the shelf for long.”

Milk carton and red phone 

Lyle then produced a special red “dad we need you” hotline as a constant reminder to Raley that, no matter how important things get on the third floor of the administration building, he has a more important job as part of a family.

( See GOMM ICYMI for the recruitment packet circulated during the search.)

Raley’s resume ticked all the boxes for the supervisors, who are believed to have spent time in one-on-one discussions about the position with “finalist” candidates to select someone well-qualified for job who will stay for more than a minute. As a Goochland resident since 2016, Raley is familiar with the community, which will enable him to hit the ground running—given his background as a gridiron star at the University of Virginia, there will be sports metaphors.

Winfree said the day was a happy time, the result of a very deliberate process that resulted in a unanimous decision. “We’ve hired a star and have the utmost confidence that Mr. Raley,” he said. “I urge the public to stay tuned because the county’s on a roll and we’ve got a lot of opportunities ahead of us.”

Alvarez is expected to work with Raley during a transition period.

Welcome back Jeremy!

Raley's new team minus Charlie Vaughters