The dust settles

In the wee small hours of Friday, November 7, the Goochland Board of Supervisors voted 4-1 with Jonathan Lyle, District 5 in dissent, to approve creation of a technology overlay district and technology zone (TOD/TZ) in the eastern end of the county, which has been a designated growth area for decades. The vote followed more than six hours of public comment by more than 80 speakers. (A video and transcript of the entire public hearing and comments by the supervisors before the vote is available on the county website https://www.goochlandva.us/ under the “watch county meetings tab.)

Long story short. Since taking office in 2024, these supervisors set a goal to make the commercial/residential tax ratio of 30/70 through economic development. It is currently about 18/82. Residential development does not pay its own way.

Since the TOD/TD initiative was put forth by the county in early July, it has created a firestorm of opposition, mostly from new residents in the Hockett Road corridor complaining that they were not aware that data centers had been a by right use in West Creek since 2014 and do not want them in their backyards. A provision to allow small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs) by right met with even more virulent opposition. The late in the game addition of approximately 900 acres north of the Richmond Country Club between Hockett Road and Mosaic that allowed data centers by right especially enraged residents of Mosaic.

For more than a generation, the owners of the 900 acres, now dubbed TOD west, apart from demanding that the county grant access to privately built internal roads in West Creek and Rt. 288, have been coy about their intentions, if any, to develop their land. Rumor of an agreement between owners of TOD west and unnamed entities to blanket the acreage with enormous by-right data centers further stirred the pot. The land is currently zoned A-2. As approved by the board, data centers in TOD west must obtain a conditional use permit. This process includes at least one community meeting and public hearings before both the planning commission and supervisors. Unlike zoning ordinances, which tend to be generic, CUPs are site specific and better able to mitigate impacts on neighboring properties.

A motion by Lyle to remove the 900 acres from the TOD/TZ died for lack of a second, as did a motion he made to defer a vote for 120 days to allow more study.

Opponents of the TOD/TZ contended that data centers anywhere in Goochland pose a dire health hazard, harm the environment, and cause a significant decline in the value of their homes.

Charle Vaughters, District 4, moved to approve the TOD/TZ with amendments made in response to citizen feedback. He said that the process was the most challenging during his tenure as a supervisor. The TOD/TZ, he said, gives Goochland “the chance to set and follow a higher standard for development, solidify and grow our county’s economy in ways never before imagined, and achieve our stated goals for decades to come.”

Vaughters cited the massive capital needs of the county, more than $217 million in the next decade growing to at least $490 million in 25 years. He said that infrastructure investment was made in the east end to support economic development. The ordinance, as amended, “is thoughtful, both economically and technically feasible in mitigating risk and makes Goochland not only competitive, but hopefully a leader is achieving modern economic development.”

He further said “I know there is a resounding voice against data center development. However, the fact that data centers could be developed in West Creek with far lesser standards than what is proposed in this ordinance led me to find the best compromise possible. My colleagues and I did everything possible to make this as strong as possible knowing it will not appease everyone.

That is an understatement. Even though opponents offered voluminous and detailed tweaks to the TOD/TZ, and demanded more time to study the issue, they really just want the whole thing to go away. Some said that they would gladly pay higher taxes rather than have data centers in the county. They do not seem to understand that many of the other 27,000 Goochland residents struggle to pay taxes at the current rate.

Jonathan Christy District 1 thanked staff, the planning commission, and his fellow supervisors for working tirelessly on the TOD/TZ. “After months of emails, accusations, rumors, adjustments, compromises, meetings, and fear mongering, I am satisfied that the best option that works for everyone is now complete. There are no individual winners in this but as a whole we have fortified our financial standing and will be able to provide some level of protection to residents that had not previously existed. We as a board have the obligation to not just look at the next few years, but to think about the next 50. There are no winners on this board. I have taken some personal hits in this process. Let me be crystal clear on something. I was never involved in any backroom deals regarding development. I hear rumors just like everyone else but have the responsibility to verify them before spreading them. Understand that this process has not been rushed or that concerns have been brushed off.

“This TOD is far different from its original draft. To my shock, I cannot believe that we are being attacked for making concessions and improvements.”

Neil Spoonhower, District 2, also refuted allegations that the measure had been “backdoored,” contending that it could have been done with a single community meeting and public hearings before the planning commission and supervisors. Instead, there were several community meetings and smaller sessions with various focus groups and neighborhoods. He said that economic development in the designated growth area protects rural areas will be protected and enhances the revenue base.

“We did listen,” said Spoonhower. “Nobody wanted to hear what we had to say.” He read all the emails he received, responded to about 600, watched videos, and followed links he was sent. “I heard, I listened, I understand, but I do not agree. I believe that data centers are the best thing for the area. There is nothing I can say that will get you on my side.”

Spoonhower added a bit of perspective to the discussion. He watched the videos of the board meetings at which Readers Branch and Mosaic were approved.

“Many of the same objections were raised then. It’s going to destroy the rural character, harm the environment, people are going to die on Hockett Road because of the increased traffic. That wasn’t because of a data center, it was because of ya’lls neighborhoods. And guess what? I think that was a pretty damn good decision that you’re all here.”

“This should be no surprise to anyone. In 2024 when this board took office the first thing we did, announced in public that we planned to bring commercial development, including working with our EDA to bring data centers to Goochland, to preserve the rural character. This was not hiding the football.”

As approved, the ordinance and comprehensive land use plan changes require energy generation, including small modular nuclear reactors and gas peaker plants, to obtain CUPs. This will provide ample opportunity for public input and a mechanism to educate citizens about the local impact of emerging technology during that process. More stringent noise dampening for generators and data centers as well as increased visual and aural screening, including berms and landscaping, were in the approved documents. More robust sound baffling and restricted hours on generator operation and testing were also approved.

Only two small parcels opted out of inclusion in the TOD/TZ.

The TOD/TZ imposes restrictions on data centers currently allowed by right in West Creek adjacent to residential property. This seems to have been done without the consent of West Creek property owners, which may well lead to legal action.

Since July many ugly and unfounded accusations have been hurled at supervisors, including that they are being bribed and need to be removed from office. It seems likely that they have also gotten emails and phone calls in a similar and, perhaps more violent, vein. Those who claim they could do a better job should remember that the next time the board faces a controversial proposal, and there will be a next time, whoever is in office will face similar calumny. It is impossible to please everyone and no matter how hard they work, at least half the people will be mad at them.

 

Veterans made America possible

 

Col. William Parrish and Marine Corps Jr. ROTC cadets

The annual Veterans’ Day observance was held at Goochland High School on November 11. Thanks to all who made this happen.

Goochland High School Marine Jr. ROTC Cadet Captain Ava Freeman welcomed attendees, after which the colors were presented by the unit’s color guard drill team. The GHS band played the Star-Spangled Banner. During the Armed Forces medley, veterans stood as the song of their branch of service was played. Veterans in attendance included a young mother Navy veteran and one from Air Force who came in uniform.

Maidens resident Colonel William Parrish, United States Marine Corps, (Retired) was the keynote speaker. He began his remarks by thanking GHS history teacher Rachel Tate for facilitating a program to bring veterans and high school students together for mutual benefit. He commended Lt. Col. Wiliams and Staff Sargeant Strong, the GHS MC Jr. ROTC faculty, for their excellent work with our students, and thanked our Sheriff’s Office and Fire-Rescue folk for their role in community safety.  (Go to https://sites.google.com/glnd.k12.va.us/goochlandhighschoolmcjrotc/home to learn more about this program, which has the largest enrollment in the Richmond region.) Above all, Parrish thanked his fellow veterans.

Following a distinguished career in the Marine Corps, Parrish established the Office of Anti-Terrorism for U.S. Customs Service; served as Senior Advisor to Secretary of Homeland Security Tom Ridge, where he helped plan Operation Liberty Shield to strengthen homeland defense during operation Iraqi Freedom; served as Acting Assistant Secretary for Intelligence Analysis; and Senior Homeland Security Advisor to the FBI. He received the Outstanding Public Service Award in 2009.

Col. Parrish went on to become an associate professor at Virginia Commonwealth University where he helped create the Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness Program, the first of its kind in the Commonwealth.

Closer to home, Col. Parrish served several terms as the Board of Supervisors’ representative on the Goochland Volunteer Fire-Rescue Association Board.

 Col. Parrish told of how the silencing of the guns at 11 a.m. on November 11, 1918, on the front lines of World War I led to the observance of Armistice Day, which became Veterans’ Day in 1954 at the direction of President Dwight Eisenhower, himself a veteran. On this day we recognize the service of those who wore the uniform.

Parrish reflected on how life lessons learned in military service translate into civilian life using the founder of FedEx Fred Smith as an example.  Smith believed that the leadership skills he learned during his service in the Marine Corps during Viet Nam helped him build a successful company.

These lessons include knowing yourself and seeking self-improvement; knowing what your job is and how to do it; knowing your people and looking out for their welfare; be proficient in the tools needed to do your job; and train as a team for success.

Parrish recalled creating a “what if” handbook to prepare families of those in his command left behind during deployments so Marines could focus on their mission rather than worry about the homefront.

Parrish shared some of his experiences. He was involved in providing security in the aftermath of the 1996 Kobar Towers bombing in Saudi Arabia and building a soccer field and supporting orphanages to win the hearts and minds of people in foreign countries where he was deployed.

November 10 was the 250^th birthday of the Marine Corps. Like the Army, founded on July 14, and the Navy on October 13, all in 1775, they predate the Declaration of Independence.

Our nation is blessed by every veteran since the founding of our nation, those currently serving, and those who will serve in the future like our cadets.

 

Veterans of tomorrow

 

(Attendance by local veterans was less than robust, possibly due to failure to get the word out. Goochland needs some sort of centralized calendar of events, to keep residents informed about local events.)

Icing on the cake

 

"Keys to Success" at Goochland Elementary School ( GEF image)

Equipping our kids with the tools they need for successful and satisfying lives is the goal of education. Filling thirsty young minds with knowledge is a daunting task. As every child has differing gifts—the motto of Goochland Public schools is “maximizing the potential of every learner—accomplishing that task requires a supportive environment for creative teachers, and often more money than is available in the county budget.

The Goochland Education Foundation, a 501c(3) organization, was founded in 2008, at the start of the “Great Recession” when county tax revenues were stressed by falling real estate values, to “bridge the gap between what traditional funding provides and innovative education requires” by citizens dedicated to help every student succeed. (Go to https://goochlandedu.org/ for details)

Each year, the GEF awards strategic innovation grants that reward and incentivize creativity in education.

This press release describes 2025 grantees.

“The Goochland Education Foundation (GEF) Board of Directors is proud to announce grant funding totaling $15,003.52 for ten innovative projects that will directly benefit students across Goochland County Public Schools. The Strategic Innovation Grants program supports the research and implementation of forward-thinking instructional practices, empowering students with the critical thinking, creativity, and adaptability essential for success in today's dynamic world. "Innovation in education means meeting students exactly where they are and giving educators the tools to unlock each child's potential," said Cyndy Brown, Chief Executive Officer of GEF. "These ten projects represent the kind of creative, student-centered approaches that don't just enhance learning—they transform it. We're proud to invest in ideas that will resonate in our classrooms and our community for years to come."

Dr. Andy Armstrong, Superintendent of Goochland County Public Schools, attended the awards ceremony to celebrate the recipients and their commitment to educational excellence. "Goochland Education Foundation Strategic Innovation grants continue to expand and enrich the engaging educational experiences our students and families deserve and expect," said Armstrong. "From kindergarteners discovering the joy of reading to high schoolers exploring professional theatre careers, these projects demonstrate our commitment to nurturing creativity, critical thinking, and real-world skills. I'm grateful to the Goochland Education Foundation for their continued investment in our students' success."

2025 Strategic Innovation Grant Recipients:

 ● Time Travel in Goochland and Beyond 4.0 – Byrd, Goochland and Randolph Elementary Schools Fourth graders explore Goochland's historic sites as part of their Virginia history curriculum, creating multimedia projects including podcasts, 3D models, and photojournalism to showcase the county's role in state history.

● Enhancing Supports for Literacy Development – Goochland Elementary Expands access to decodable books for struggling readers, providing families and volunteers with targeted materials to build reading confidence and fluency.

● Otterly Excited to Read: Kindergarteners Dive into Reading! – Goochland Elementary Partners with Goochland Library to connect kindergarteners with reading resources and foster a love of literacy through structured library visits and community engagement.

● "Keys" to Success – Goochland Elementary Provides wireless keyboards for fifth graders to improve typing fluency, writing stamina, and digital literacy skills essential for future academic and career success.

● A Sensory Room for All Learners – Randolph Elementary Creates a dedicated sensory room and classroom calm-down spaces where students can self-regulate, manage emotions, and develop coping strategies to support learning and well-being.

● Just make a mark…(and see where it takes you…) – Randolph Elementary Students refresh and enhance the school's outdoor courtyard learning space through artistic collaborations with local artists, creating lasting environmental and creative contributions.

● Good Morning Goochland: Student Broadcast Enhancement – Goochland Middle Eighth-grade media students gain real-world journalism experience through upgraded broadcast equipment for their student news program.

● Math through Music – Goochland Middle Students explore mathematical concepts including fractions, ratios, and patterns through guitar instruction, analyzing frequency relationships, time signatures, and chord progressions while developing musical skills.

● Real World Experiences for the Performing Artist – Goochland High Theatre and choir students attend professional workshops while traveling to New York City to explore career pathways in musical theatre through performances and backstage tours.

● Bulldogs Read to Succeed: Enhancing Student Literacy Through Beanstack – Goochland High Implements Beanstack reading platform and expands the library collection to gamify reading, track progress, and build a sustainable culture of literacy across all subject areas.”

Kudos to GEF for funding these initiatives.

If you have an extra “bean” or two, please consider investing in the future of our students through GEF.

 

 

 

Tomorrow is now

 

Junkyard Dogs Robot "marched" in parades on Goochland Day and at Homecoming

On October 22, Goochland Schools hosted local business and education roundtable at the Residence Inn in West Creek. This was the latest session of a dialog begun years ago to help our school division, especially the Career and Technical Education (CTE) department, prepare students for jobs.

County Administrator Dr. Jeremy Raley welcomed the group and introduced Bruce Watson, CTE director who said, “I have the best job in the entire school system.”

Chance Robinson, Assistant Director of Economic Development, talked about the importance of bringing local businesses together with schools to create the talent that helps them thrive and attract new companies to Goochland. He mentioned feedback from a local business praising the quality of an apprentice from the CTE program.  “It is a great example of how we build a pipeline with our school system to help existing industry. Small businesses want to start and grow in Goochland.”

He said that the $5 billion investment in Goochland recently announced by Eli Lilly (see GOMM “With a B”) whose commitment to partner with our schools to promote STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education will be transformational.

Watson touted the CTE heavy equipment operator program, one of only two in the Commonwealth. “Ours is the biggest and the best. We own all of our equipment and enrollment in the program, which, has been in existence since 2014, is full.”

Dr. Beth Fowler, coordinator for student advancement at Goochland High School, discussed the advanced college academy (ACA) dual enrollment program. This enables students to earn an associates degree from Reynolds Community College, giving them two years of college credits and saving their families substantial college tuition. Many of the courses are offered at no cost to students and there is financial assistance for any family that needs it to ensure that all kids who can benefit from the program participate.

The number of students completing the dual enrollment program, which began in 2018, has quadrupled. The 2026 GHS graduating class is on track to have 99 students out of 250, earn their AA degrees. A third of students in GHS are participating in the full program. There are also “a la carte” students who “dabble” to see if college is for them.

Fowler contended that the “secret sauce” to the success of ACA is that the number of enrollees is not limited. This results in huge growth in the program not just for degree seeking students, some students simultaneously participate in other advanced programs.

The ACA offers the same academic rigor as college classes in a familiar setting. This, contended Fowler, builds students’ confidence that they are ready to deal with college. The ACA students also learn “soft skills” of professional communication, time management, and how to be successful in the world of work.

Fowler reported on some of the earliest ACA graduates. One is working on a doctoral degree in physical therapy. Another finished college and started a successful business. Another is on track to earn a master’s degree in five years.

Hunter Willms, a 2020 ACA graduate who earned a business management degree in three years, touted the flexibility of the program. He said that he saved $30k at got into the workforce a year ahead of his classmates. He is now a project engineer.

Mikayla Pryor, now a kindergarten teacher at GES, said she appreciated the program, which allowed her to graduate in December and was able to take a permanent substitute teacher job, which segued to a permanent position at the start of the current school year.

Watson said that work-based learning opportunities ranging from job shadowing that gives a glimpse into a particular career, to full-fledged apprenticeships, which can lead to job offers after graduation, are a crucial part of CTE.

Carl Gupton President of Greenswell Growers on Hockett Road (https://greenswellgrowers.com/ great fresh greens, available at Food Lion), who has welcomed several GHS student interns said that “their soft skills are amazing. They’re smart and willing to jump in and do whatever is needed, including coming in on a Sunday to help with an emergency order.”

“We want to be ahead of the game, so our students are ready to enter the workforce, or go on to a two- or four-year college,” Watson said. “With the high-tech companies coming to Goochland we are going to start an academy next fall for logistics, mechatronics, and robotics.”

He displayed a photo of GHS award winning Junkyard Dogs robotics team, which participated in a world competition Texas last May, working with a team from Israel. Watson explained that robotics is a huge part of instruction in Goochland Schools starting in kindergarten.

Coursework in the academy will open career pathways to careers in robotics, mechatronics (the design and analysis of mechanical systems, such as sensors, actuators, and mechanical structures. This can include anything from robotic arms and automated machinery to consumer products like cameras with auto-focus mechanisms), logistics, computer science, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence. He said there will be a 19 percent increase in these careers in coming years.

The academy program will be implemented in four phases with “on and off ramps” adding courses and work-based learning opportunities each year yet allowing for students who may change their minds about participating.

Both Amazon, under construction on Ashland Road, and the Lilly plant will bring high-paying high-tech jobs to our backyard. The Academy, said Watson, will help our kids be ready to fill these and similar jobs coming to the region.

Armstrong pointed out that the skills taught in the new academy will also benefit local partners and be responsive to workforce needs of the local partners in the room, the smaller companies that are the bread and butter of the Goochland economy.

Stan Corn, of Alarms, Inc (https://www.alarmsinc.net/), who has been an active partner with CTE advisory committee since its beginning, encouraged attendees to get engaged and meet “these great kids and see what they’re doing to aim them in the direction we’d like to see them go.” Mock interviews, career day in January, and a Veterans’ initiative provide opportunities to see up close and personal what’s going on in Goochland schools, provide opportunities to do this, said Corn.

CTE, said Watson, goes to great lengths to ensure that students and companies are a good match for job shadows.

Gupton reported that every student CTE has sent to Greenswell has been well prepared for the job. He also said that students are covered under the school division’s insurance while interning or shadowing to ease some of the “red tape” when dealing with minors.

Virginia Economic Development has been a great partner in this initiative, said Watson. Goochland is exploring collaboration and partnerships with other educational entities including Reynolds and Brightpoint Community Colleges and VCU.

The academy curriculum is being developed to allow high school students to take part in other programs including the Marine Corps Jr. ROTC program, which at 150 cadets, is the largest in the region.

Seniors will be encouraged to participate in apprenticeships as part of the academy. “We want our students to come out of high school with an industrial certification. We want them to get out into industry and see what’s going on,” Watson said.

This program could be a model program for the Commonwealth of Virginia, contended Watson. “To have a four-year academy with high tech skills for major industries will take our students a long way.”

The cost of equipment for the program is estimated at $175, 424, which will be purchased next spring. Watson is submitting grants and indicated that some federal funding may be used.

All of these programs are part of goal of the Goochland School Division to ensure that every graduate is well prepared for the next chapter in life.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On to November 6

 

On October 20, Goochland County released an updated version of the TOD/TZ proposals that will be considered for approval by the Board of Supervisors at a public hearing to be held in the high school auditorium on Thursday, November 6, beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Since it was introduced at a July community meeting, TOD/TZ has generated robust opposition. Constructive input from community meetings and sessions with smaller groups was incorporated in the October 20 documents. Go to https://www.goochlandva.us/1408/Technology-Overlay-District-Technology-Z for the latest information. Due to legal restrictions, the proposals cannot be amended before the public hearing.

As written, small nuclear reactors (SMR) and gas “peaker” plants must obtain conditional use permits (CUP), a process which mandates at least one community meeting and public hearings before both the planning commission and supervisors subject to conditions imposed by the county. Water used for commercial purposes must come from public sources, not wells.

The addition of approximately 900 acres roughly between Mosaic, the Richmond Country Club, and Hockett Road, now identified as “TOD west” to the TOD/TZ footprint has been tempered with the requirement that any proposal for data centers there obtain a CUP. These parcels are illustrated with cross hatching on the map.

Changes made in the November 6 proposal, including restrictions on height, noise, and generator operation were made in response to concerns expressed by citizen engagement.

The statement on the county website also addresses rumors about “a done deal” concerning data centers in the TOD west parcels.  “…the County has been made aware of discussions between a private developer and several landowners regarding a contract for a potential data center project on approximately 900+ acres near Mosaic and Richmond Country Club. This information was shared with the County after those private discussions had already taken place. Goochland County has not been involved in or a party to any negotiations or contracts related to this property. However, the County recognizes that this is likely the beginning of continued interest from technology-related businesses seeking to invest in Goochland.”

Will this iteration of the TOD/TZ make everyone involved happy? No, but it does impose more stringent noise, height, buffer, setback, and generator operation requirements for data centers than currently exist. Rules for land in West Creek, which was zoned in the 1980’s, will not change. One goal of the TOD is to provide attractive incentives to encourage developers to accept the restrictions.

The October 20 TOD map seems to indicate that no landowners in its original footprint have opted out. The deadline to do so was October 10.

We do live in interesting times.

 

 

 

 

 

Comments on comments

 

The point of the post entitled “A hard no” is that no parcel of land anywhere in Goochland County should be rezoned for any reason or any purpose, be it a data center or subdivision, without going through the entire rezoning process.

Many people, especially former Goochland County Administrator, the late Rebecca T. Dickson, worked tirelessly to get the county back on track collaboration with the “Revolution Board” whose support was crucial to the success of the initiative. Failure to recognize them was an error.

Protecting a precious asset

 

Rural protection on Millers Lane (CRLC image)

There’s been a lot of conversation of late about Goochland’s rural character. A precise definition of rural remains elusive—bringing to mind the observation of a former United States Supreme Court Justice about pornography, “I can’t define it, but I know it when I see it”—but there is general agreement that it should be protected. The “how” is the tricky part.

While developers contend that high density subdivisions with homes on a sliver of an acre protect the rural character, a true way to preserve rural is to place land in a conservation easement removing its development potential in perpetuity—forever.

The Capital Region Land Conservancy https://capitalregionland.org/ recently announced that Dr. William “Whitey” Robertson and his wife Mary donated a conservation easement, their second in Goochland, to the CRLC, for a 10.5 acre parcel on Millers Lane. Their first was for 51 acres including their home, Oak Knoll in Manakin Sabot.

The Millers Lane property is in a part of the county designated as rural enhancement and “Deep Run Hunt Country” in the Goochland Comprehensive Land use plan to pay homage to the area’s equestrian roots. As both Robertsons are active members of the Deep Run Hunt Club, where Mary served as Master of Foxhounds, protecting land from development in this iconic part of Goochland is especially meaningful.

The newly protected property, known as “the cottage,” is mostly surrounded by land already in conservation easement or under deed restrictions and covenants recorded by the Sabot Hill owner’s association. The property also contains “the manse” of Hebron Presbyterian Church, which was established in 1845.

 According to CRLC “approximately 85% of the property contains Prime Farmland or Soils of Statewide Importance. It has the highest agricultural value as determined by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation’s (DCR)’s Virginia Heritage Data Explorer (NHDE), which also notes the entire property is most vulnerable to the threat of development. To preserve the land for agricultural uses and to preserve scenic views from Millers Lane, all existing and future buildings larger than 500 square feet, must be located within a 1-acre area.

“As we look back at our origins as an organization it includes the Goochland Land Alliance that began in 2002 by Sandy and Rossie Fisher and merged into CRLC in 2009,” said Parker C. Agelasto, CRLC’s Executive Director. “The Robertson’s dedication to land conservation goes back to these early efforts and is exemplary of how community values are enforced by selfless acts of neighbors.”

The Fishers were early and ardent advocates for land conservation. In 2007, they were named “Stewards of the Land” by the American Farmland Trust, an organization dedicated to keeping the earth healthy. For many years the Fishers operated Brookview Farm, protected by an easement, raising organic grass-fed beef, eggs, and chickens sold at their farm market.

Jonathan Lyle, who currently represents District 5 on the Goochland Board of Supervisors, and served for many years as a director of the Monacan Soil and Water Conservation District, lauded the Robertsons’ for taking action to “save this land for future generations” and hoped that others would follow their example to keep Goochland rural.

According to the CRLC website, easements come in all sizes from less than an acre to large tracts of land. Appropriateness for inclusion is determined by the policy focus of the entity granting the easement. Each easement is unique. There can be tax benefits for donating an easement.

Land that has been in a family for generations sometimes winds up in the hands of distant heirs with little connection Goochland, who sell to developers. Placing an easement on the land prevents this. If you own land you’d like to protect from development, please investigate the benefits offered by an easement.

Capital Region Land Conservancy is dedicated to conserving the natural and historic resources of Virginia’s Richmond region for the benefit of people and nature. The nonprofit land trust serves the City of Richmond and 19 surrounding counties. Since 2005, CRLC has helped protect more than 15,000 acres, including easements on more than 5,000 acres.  www.capitalregionland.org

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A hard no

 

The south end of Hockett Road  needs massive improvement to support development

The rumor mill has been in overdrive about the technology overlay district/technology zone (TOD/TD) proposal making its way through the Goochland County land use change process. As currently written, the TOD/TZ would magically rezone all land in its proposed footprint from current zoning without going through the zoning process.

This magical rezoning should be a hard no for the supervisors to ensure that citizens know how particular parcels will be used. There has been much angst about existing by-right uses in West Creek, which were approved after the usual process including public hearings.

Changes in West Creek land use must still go through the public process. For example, the Honda dealer under construction on Broad Street Road has applied for a conditional use permit to operate a car wash on its site and must hold a community meeting and public hearings before both the planning commission and supervisors to get approval.

In response to an oral FOIA request, District 5 Supervisor Jonathan Lyle shared an email he sent to his fellow board members concerning the 900 acres roughly between Hockett Road and Mosaic north of Rt. 6, known as “the Hockett basin.”  This land was added to the TOD/TZ footprint after the initial community meeting in July.

Lyle’s email contends that there is a conceptual layout in an existing contract between the Hockett basin landowners and an unnamed developer, for an eight building, two million square foot data center contingent on their land being included in the TOD and presumably magically rezoned to M-1 from its current A-2.

Lyle said that while the possibility of locating data centers on those parcels is not a surprise, the “manner in which this seems to be unfolding is not in the best interest of Goochland County.”

Lyle contended that other supervisors had received “non-NDA” information about the proposal, which was not shared with him because he opposed adding the 900 acres to the TOD and that a representative of the landowners refused to discuss the matter because he knew that Lyle opposed it.

In his email, Lyle asked his fellow supervisors detailed questions about their knowledge of the alleged contract/proposal including the identity of the users of the data center. Should this be a financial service company, Lyle said, it would significantly reduce economic benefits to the county. Questions about setbacks, noise levels, cooling systems, noise suppression, and vital infrastructure improvements like road access and energy supply were also asked.

Lyle goes on to say “Beyond Board members knowing this, I believe this is important information for Goochland’s citizens to know as well. I can no longer say that I am not aware of any contracts or data center plans that exist for the 900+ acres.  Unless I am massively wrong, there is a contract, and there are conceptual plans for a data center campus. 

“None of us want the appearance of decisions being made out of the public’s purvey.  Rezoning decisions are always public.  The impact of every rezoning is in the open, and details are discussed. This TOD process short circuits that open, transparent process. And an applicant unwilling to share information with a Board member who will be voting on this TOD is seriously concerning.”

Lyle believes that the TOD/TZ strengthens existing West Creek regulations, however, he supports reverting to the July TOD/TZ map without the 900 acres, for the final TOD/TZ scheduled to be addressed by the supervisors on November 6.

At that time, the board will address only the version of the TOD/TZ proposal that, by state law, must be advertised weeks in advance of the hearing. They will not change any existing provisions of M-1 zoning. If the TOD goes away, the current by-right uses in West Creek remain unchanged.

Hockett basin landowners have been at odds with the various owners of West Creek and the county since the 1980s. Last year’s pushback to the creation of three lots in Mosaic was the latest skirmish.

At the very least, the final version of the TOD/TZ should remove the magical rezoning of all land in its footprint, including parcels along Hockett Road and between Broad Street Road and I64 that are currently zoned anything other than M-1.

 Reverting to the July map without the 900 acres would likely derail the alleged data center scheme, forcing those landowners to go through the normal zoning process like everyone else, and provide greater clarity for nearby residents and the county.  To date, these landowners seem to have been reluctant to take this route to development.

Far more restrictive standards about noise and vibration must be part of the TOD/TZ language. Data centers in the right place and of the right scale, preferably smaller ones in West Creek on the east side of Rt.288, could be beneficial to Goochland finances. If developers don’t like our rules, they won’t come.

The SMRs must require a CUP. They are still in the development stage, and any CUP process for them should include a robust educational component to dispel the massive amount of disinformation that is floating around.

If indeed other supervisors were aware of this backdoor zoning, they have obliterated any public trust that remains after the Centerville small area plan debacle. They have squandered the hard work of the “Revolution” board elected in 2011 that metaphorically held hands and walked through fire to rescue Goochland from massive dysfunction and the brink of bankruptcy.

Goochland needs to boost its commercial tax base, but not this way.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Speed kills

 

Haydon Alexander Kyle pleaded guilty to two counts of causing the death of another by racing, a class 6 felony, in Goochland Circuit Court on October 14 before the Hon. Timothy K. Sanner. Kyle is represented by Cody Villalon of Richmond. The defendant walked into court under his own power.

Following Kyle’s plea, Goochland Commonwealth’s Attorney, John Lumpkins, Jr. presented a summary of evidence in the case to the Court. He stated that Kyle exhibited a "gross, wanton disregard for human life" that resulted in two deaths.

 About 11 p.m. on the night of May 18, 2024, Kyle and another young man were racing side by side on two lane Hockett Road when Kyle lost control of the 2011 BMW he was driving. The car left the road and hit a tree so hard that the vehicle broke into pieces. The crash plowed a debris field approximately 235 feet into the woods on the west side of Hockett Road, according to the crash report, Lumpkins said.

Kyle, belted upside down in the driver’s seat, was extricated by first responders and transported to the Medical College of Virginia trauma center. Two young men in the back seat, who were not restrained, were ejected from the car and believed to have died on impact.

Lumpkins played portions of the 911 calls reporting the accident. One caller, when asked to identify the make of the car, reported that it was in pieces. Occupants of the other car said that Kyle’s vehicle was more powerful than theirs and was far ahead when it crashed.

The accident report made by the Virginia State Police crash team included an image of the BMW’s speedometer “needle” stuck at the 112-mph indicator. The speed limit on Hockett Road is 55 mph, and 45 mph, clearly posted before the curve near the crash site. The VSP crash report also noted that one of the rear tires on Kyle’s vehicle was bald, the other had “insufficient” tread. A light rain was falling at the time of the accident.

Occupants of the other vehicle testified that on May 18, 2024, a group of teens gathered at the Cook Out in Short Pump decided to race up and down Rt. 288. On the way to 288, Kyle was alleged to have suggested that they go further west to a country road, Hockett, in Goochland. The deceased passengers recorded the race and subsequent crash on their phones. That footage, bodycam video from all responders, the complete crash report, the medical examiner’s finding on the cause of death of the two passengers, and other documentation of the incident was included in a package of evidence that Lumpkins gave to Judge Sanner to review before sentencing.

Lumpkins asked that Kyle’s bail be revoked, and he be taken into custody given that more than a year has passed since the incident. Villalon alluded to medical procedures that Kyle has undergone to treat the injuries he sustained in the crash, contended that his client is not a flight risk, and has been essentially confined to his home while recovering from his injuries. He said that Kyle needed to complete one more procedure.

Sanner granted continuance of the bond until he sentences Kyle on January 9, 2026, at which time victim witness statements will be heard by the court. The judge also ordered Kyle not to drive.

Families of the dead boys expressed outrage at Sanner’s bail ruling. “He gets to have one more Christmas at home. My son is still dead,” the mother of one of the victims cried.

According to the Code of Virginia injuring or causing the death of another while engaging in a race is a class 6 felony punishable by a term of imprisonment of not less than one or more than 20 years of imprisonment. Conviction also requires suspension of driver’s license for not less than one or more than three years.

Location, location, location

 

This is rural (Google Earth image)

At their October 7 meeting, Goochland supervisors voted 3-2 to deny a rezoning application for 109.22 acres on Maidens Road, south of its intersection with Poorhouse Road from A-2 to Residential Preservation R-P. Board Chair Tom Winfree, District 3, and Charlie Vaughters, District 4, were in dissent.

The applicant, Serenity Trail, LLC, Christina and David Jinnette, requested a second deferral on the afternoon of the scheduled hearing, after one was granted last month. As the public hearing had been advertised and several citizens were in attendance to speak about the application, the supervisors decided to hold the public hearing.

RP zoning is intended to provide well-planned residential enclaves that preserve the rural areas of the county. It requires at least 50 percent of the land be declared undeveloped open space in a “preservation tract,” which may be used for agricultural purposes under an approved management plan. It encourages clustering of residential lots away from roadways to protect the rural viewshed. Breeze Hill on Fairground Road is an example.

Serenity Trail is in a rural enhancement area, the 85 percent of the county to be kept rural. People who live here depend on wells for their water, use septic systems, live on acreage. Many farm and have horses and other livestock. This time of year, when the Fall Festival of Firearms is in full swing, the sounds of gunshot can be heard as people hone their shooting skills to prepare for hunting season. The “vibe” is very different from that in the designated growth area (DGA).

The rezoning application proposed no more than 24 single family detached homes on minimum two acre lots on the subject parcel, which is currently occupied by a single 4,172 square foot home with a saltwater pool and other amenities, marketed for $2.6 million, according to realtor.com. The application stated that home would be part of community amenites managed by the HOA, in addition to the preservation tract.

According to the staff presentation made by Ray Cash, Assistant Director of Community Development, approximately 40 acres of the property is open, currently used for harvesting hay, the remainder forested.

Scott Courtney, speaking for the applicant, explained that Serenity Trail placed most of the houses in open space to leave most of the forested part undisturbed for passive recreation uses like hiking and fishing in the pond. A proffer that all wells drilled into bedrock at least 100 feet deep would not have an impact on surrounding wells, contended Courtney, because they would access a different aquifer than neighboring properties. He said that the last-minute referral was requested to allow more time to address adding left and right turn lanes and expanding lane width along the parcel frontage on Maidens Road that would also address drainage issues.

Jinette said that the “bells and whistles” of Serenity Trail, while not as flashy as other neighborhoods, provide amenities to preserve the natural beauty of the site and would attract quality families who will be an asset to Goochland County.

The Planning Commission recommended denial of the rezoning application.

Traffic was a significant concern. Opponents characterized the narrow, winding nature of Maidens Road, noting that “trucks bump mirrors when passing” to avoid slipping into a ditch. Its treacherous intersections with Fairground, Poorhouse, and Broad Street Roads were cited during public hearing by nearby residents.

One resident of Maidens Road said that drivers going 55 mph past her home are terrifying. Because development, and associated traffic, is “exploding” in the area, she urged the supervisors to pause and take a breath before approving more homes there.

A roundabout is “on the books” for the Maidens/Fairground intersection at some undetermined date. Given the glacial speed at which VDOT moves, it could be a decade before this is built, in the meantime, traffic, and wrecks will increase. 

Drainage issues on Maidens Road near the subject parcel, frequent area power outages, the impact of 24 more wells on ground water, and more stringent oversight of the preservation tract were other concerns raised by opponents.

Placing a conservation easement on the preservation tract would limit development in perpetuity while HOA oversight and uses of the tract could change.

Rose Retreat and another subdivision in the general vicinity, zoned in 2007 but never developed, could add more than 100 homes in the Poorhouse/Sandy Hook Road corridor soon. They will use well and septic systems, whose impact on groundwater is unknown and add more traffic to the roads.

Water is an important consideration in rural areas. Consecutive dry years in the early part of the century caused so many local wells to fail that drillers had long waiting lists. A few wet years eased the situation somewhat, but wells are still going dry. The county has long needed an impartial hydrologic study in areas where public utilities are not available to gauge availability of ground water when approving homes dependent on wells.

One speaker urged the supervisors to concentrate on commercial development before approving more homes without the infrastructure including roads and electric service to support them. No mention was made of cell service or broadband access by the applicant or residents.

Jonathan Christy, District 1, said that water issue was most important to him. Lack of water for people with livestock causes panic, he said. “We’re not talking about days; we’re talking about hours.” He supported the concept of aquifer study.

Neil Spoonhower, District 2, said that there are more than 1,000 zoned home sites in the county “ready to go vertical” many in the rural enhancement area. Serenity Trail, he said, would be a great subdivision in the DGA, but not on Maidens Road. He also contended that RP zoning should protect the rural viewshed. Putting houses in an open field, as proposed by Serenity Trail, does not do that, he said.

Others pointed out that developers improving roads along the frontage of their projects is the only way county roads get improved, even if these upgrades do not address dangerous intersection choke points.

County Attorney Tara McGee said that under county code, the applicant is not entitled to bring back a similar application for 12 months after a denial motion is passed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Highlights of October 7 supervisors' meeting

 

Aerial view of Goochland Courthouse Complex

At their October 7 meeting, Goochland Supervisors voted 3-2 to deny a rezoning application for Serenity Trail, proposed for land on Maidens Road; unanimously voted to defer a public hearing on the proposed TOD/TZ to their November 4 meeting; and unanimously approved the removal of access requirements for parcels on Pond View Lane, just west of Hockett Road.

Opponents to the proposed TOD/TZ (go to https://www.goochlandva.us/1408/Technology-Overlay-District-Technology-Z for details) reiterated their objections during citizen comment at both the afternoon and evening sessions. This followed extensive comments at the October 6 town hall meeting.

County administrator Dr. Jeremy Raley invited all to the Goochland Fall Festival on Saturday, October 25 on the old GES track field (River Road West between the old GES and the high school) from 11 to 2. The free event will feature activities for kids, free pumpkins, face painting, live music, balloon artists. More than 70 vendors, a mix of local non-profits, artisans, community groups, and Goochland businesses will be there.

Raley said that the next Board meeting will be held on Thursday, November 6 with the evening session at the high school. County offices will be closed next Monday, October 13 and on election day, November 4. The county will host trick or treat in the admin building, 1800 Sandy Hook Road on October 31 from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. for a safe, fun afternoon.

Highlighting county staff

New employees were welcomed to “team Goochland”. After taking office in June, Raley began to share the good work of county staff, whose accomplishments too often fall below the radar.  He reported that Parks and Rec managed 4,095 individual facility reservations in FY25. The construction staff of the department of public utilities cleared 4,436 Miss Utility tickets in calendar 2025 with the year far from over. Goochland’s DMV Select processed 71, 342 transactions in FY25, averaging 5,945 per month.

Raley also thanked staff who supported the community meetings in past weeks and kept things flowing smoothly.

Domestic Violence Awareness Month

The  supervisors adopted a resolution recognizing October as Domestic Violence awareness month and thanked staff member from Goochland Cares (https://goochlandcares.org/) which provides sexual and domestic violence services to all victims regardless of gender, sexual orientation or income. You do not need to be a Goochland Cares client to use its sexual assault and domestic violence services.

Schools

Dr. Andy Armstrong, Superintendent of Goochland Schools, gave a brief update on our schools. The student body has grown by 47, to 2,690, more than half with special needs, whose individual education plans could require additional staffing. This will have an impact on the FY27 budget, which is in development. Watch his full presentation on the county website https://www.goochlandva.us/ under the “watch county meetings” tab.

 

The school division’s strategic plan is being updated. This document, said Armstrong, being developed with assistance from the Luck Company, is recognized for its concision and effectiveness. Feedback on the strategic plan is currently being gathered via a survey.

Among the many accomplishments of GCPS is the high school Marine Corps Jr. ROTC which has an all-time high enrollment of 150 students. Go to the GCPS website https://www.goochlandschools.org/ to learn more about our schools.

 

Fire-Rescue

D. E. “Eddie” Ferguson, Jr. Chief of Fire-Rescue and Emergency Management and Mike Watkins, Deputy Chief EMS gave a brief presentation on the newly adopted protocol that makes whole blood available for first responders in field. This advanced capability gets blood quickly to a patient reverse the dire impact of severe blood loss.

Goochland Fire-Rescue is one of 280 agencies in the nation that use this protocol. This is especially valuable in a rural area where the distance to a hospital literally means the difference between life and death timewise.

This protocol, said Ferguson takes Goochland Fire-Rescue, known for having top end EMS in the region carrying ventilators, and IV pumps for use by some of the “sharpest paramedics in the region”.

This is fire prevention week, there will be open houses at Courthouse Company 5 from 11-2 and Hadensville Company 6 from 1-3 on Saturday, October 11. This year’s theme is “Charge into fire safety” and explains proper use and disposal of lithium-ion batteries that power the devices we use every day. Go to https://www.nfpa.org/events/fire-prevention-week for safety tips.

The new courthouse

Next year, Goochland’s iconic courthouse will mark its 200^th anniversary. Thomas Jefferson was still alive when this venerable structure was in the planning stage. We’ve needed a new courthouse for some time and in 2021, Goochland citizens approved a bond referendum to fund, in addition to other public facilities, a new courthouse.

For several months, explained Raley, staff has been working with the people who occupy our judicial spaces, to determine what is needed to provide security, safety, and functional space going forward.

The county retained the services of court planning consultants Fentress, Inc.   (https://www.fentress.com/) to analyze current and future needs. Keith Fentress said that courthouses must balance flexibility, efficiency, and innovation to meet the evolving needs of modern justice systems. Advances in technology could require less space to store physical documents, which could translate into additional space for people.

An initial 75k square foot design, said Fentress, includes four courtrooms. We currently have two. While some could be interchangeable, he does not advocate jury space in a juvenile and domestic relations courtroom. The design is based on hard data, not a wish list. Office space for court-related functions including grand jury and jury rooms.

Fentress said that while Goochland is growing, the population increase will not be enough to justify full time judges, but rather more sessions with visiting judges.

The Sheriff, Commonwealth’s Attorney, and Clerk of the Court are among county officials who have been visiting neighboring counties who have built new courthouses in the recent past to gather feedback on the process. The goal is a new courthouse that harmonizes with the character of the vision of the Courthouse Village small area plan that was adopted a few years ago. Ideally this will use realistic standards to craft a design with a generational impact on Courthouse Village and meet the evolving needs of the court.  

Next steps will include conceptual designs, potential building layouts, an exploration of next steps for buildings vacated, and cost estimates.

It will be very interesting to see how the creation of the new courthouse will unfold.

 

Go to https://goochlandva.new.swagit.com/videos/357499 to view a recording of the entire meeting.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

at your library

 

Zach Roberts, Director of the Pamunkey Regional Library

The new director of the Pamunkey Regional Library (PRL), Zach Roberts, hired after a careful search, was introduced to the Goochland Board of Supervisors at its September 4 meeting by the county’s representatives on the PRL board, trustees Barbara Young and Barbara Slone.

Roberts comes to PRL from Prince William County, where he served as senior library manager for public libraries with its school division. He has worked in public libraries for more than two decades in roles ranging from frontline public service and programming to senior management. He has a bachelor of arts degree from Purdue with a double major in political science and history, a master’s degree in library and information science from San Jose State University, and a master’s degree in public administration from Arkansas State University.

Then in his new position for just 13 days, Roberts told the supervisors that he was in the process of meeting with every member of the PRL team to find out what they need from him and assess the activities of the library including service areas, programming, and community engagement. He plans to analyze PRL’s structure to identify possible improvements and expansions. Roberts pledged to be an advocate for PRL staff and looks forward to collaborating with the supervisors and staff to better serve the community.

Young gave an update on other PRL activities. Prince William County left the PRL system as of July first, leaving Goochland and Hanover in PRL. The board of trustees now has seven members, five from Hanover and two from Goochland. In addition to the Goochland Branch Library in Courthouse Village, there are PRL branches in Rockville and Montpelier.

Going forward, trustee meetings, said Young, will include the pledge of allegiance and a moment of silence. Roberts is in the process of purchasing American flags for each branch community room.

PRL has acquired a new van to move materials among branches every day. The Richmond Times Dispatch is now available electronically to PRL cardholders.

As the Virginia Library Association annual conference will be held in Richmond this year, PRL staff will be offered the opportunity to attend.

Barbara Slone, newly elected vice chair of the PRL board, reported that Ace Phillips has been hired as the PRL business operations manager. The audit for the 2025 fiscal year, which ended on June 30, is underway and going well.

Slone said that the PRL audit committee, created a few years ago to address fiscal problems, has been rolled into the finance committee. PRL staff will present its preliminary FY27 budget to the trustees in the next few weeks.

As electronic checkouts are getting more popular, they are being tracked more carefully. The number of items that patrons may check out has increased from five to seven per month. Check out limits for “Libby” and “Hoopla” other electronic material providers available to PRL members, have also gone up.

Overdue billing notices are being emailed and mailed out.

The summer reading program at the Goochland Branch Library was very successful, placing us second out of seven participating libraries. A bottle filler has been installed at the library.

Slone urged everyone to stop by the library to see the tiny art show, the brainchild of a staff member, who distributed 100 four by four-inch canvas boards during the summer reading program. Patrons were encouraged to paint, color, or collage, and return to the library. Fifty were returned and are currently displayed at the library showcasing the incredible talent of Goochlanders.

PRL provides a wide range of services to its patrons. Library cards are free to residents of Goochland County. Go to the PRL website www.pamunkeylibrary.org and click on the “ask a question” tab for details on obtaining your library card and services provided. The library is located at 3075 River Road West, Goochland 23063.

 

Goochland Fire-Rescue advances emergency care

 From Goochland County: 

Goochland County Department of Fire-Rescue and Emergency Services Launches EMS Blood Patient Care Protocol

 

Goochland, VA – On Wednesday, September 17, 2025, Goochland County Department of Fire-Rescue & Emergency Services (GCFR) began their new EMS Whole Blood Program, marking a monumental advancement in emergency medical care in the County. Through a partnership with Chesterfield Fire and EMS, Virginia State Police EMS Med-Flight 1, and Inova Blood Donor Services this program allows GCFR to administer up to two units of low titer O+ positive whole blood as part of pre-hospital care. 

 

Goochland first responders train to implement new life saving EMS protocol (Goochland County image)

Goochland County is proud to be among the few EMS agencies in Central Virginia, outside of helicopter EMS programs, to carry blood and is the first rural agency in Central Virginia to implement a program of this type. As part of the implementation of this program, Fire-Rescue and Emergency Services staff have undergone extensive training; including the requirement to receive patient consent to administer blood products and protocols on addressing patients who may decline a blood transfusion due to faith-based beliefs.  

 

Within the last five years, blood has been available on medical helicopters. However, there are times where transport by medical helicopter may not be available, or situational circumstances where the patient could be transported to definitive care by ground ambulance.  

 

The leading cause of death for individuals under the age of 46 is traumatic injury.  A person can bleed to death in three to five minutes. Blood is the “gift of life” and having a protocol to administer blood products to a patient bleeding and in shock can be lifesaving.  Administering blood pre-hospital environment reduces e mortality and morbidity, and improving patient outcomes and their quality of life.  

 

“We are incredibly proud of this accomplishment that would not have been possible without our member’s exemplary skill and talent, and the tremendous support from our partners at Chesterfield Fire and EMS, Virginia State Police EMS Med-Flight 1, and INOVA Blood Donor Services.”, said Chief Eddie Ferguson. “This is a pivotal moment and a huge leap forward for Goochland County Fire- Rescue. We are truly fortunate and blessed to have been afforded this opportunity to help our patients and serve our community in this way.”  

 

“By equipping our highly trained paramedics with this lifesaving capability, Goochland County Fire-Rescue becomes one of the few EMS systems in the region offering this cutting-edge intervention.”, said Dr. Anderson, Operational Medica Director for Goochland County Fire-Rescue. “We are honored to bring this lifesaving resource to our community and will continue working tirelessly to advance the health and safety of those we serve.” 

 

“This program is a testament to the dedication and leadership of our Fire-Rescue and Emergency Services’ staff.,” said Dr. Raley, County Administrator. “We are proud to be able to provide this life-saving program to our residents through the support of our regional partners.”   

 

Given the geographical makeup of Goochland County, particularly the rural regions and the distance to the nearest trauma centers, this blood program will make a positive difference for patients. 

 

Goochland County would like to extend special appreciation to INOVA Blood Donor Services for making whole blood available for EMS agencies supporting the delivery of life-saving pre-hospital care.  To help support their efforts, Goochland County Fire-Rescue will be organizing blood drives to give back to the INOVA Blood Donor Services supply. 

 

For more information on Goochland County Fire – Rescue and Emergency Services, please visit www.goochlandfirerescue.org.  

 

Next steps

 

The GHS auditorium was packed for the planning commission meeting

After more than six hours of public hearing, the Goochland Planning Commission recommended approval of the TOD/TZ amendments on September 25. This was a continuation of a meeting that began on September 18 held in the high school auditorium to accommodate a large crowd.

The recommendation included suggestions to require that primary and secondary energy generation facilities, especially small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs), obtain conditional use permits. (The CUP process requires at least one community meeting and public hearings before both the planning commission and board of supervisors.) Other suggestions were imposition of a 500-foot setback for data centers on land currently zoned A-2, limiting building height to 80 feet next to residential areas, and a noise less than the proposed 65 decibels in the daytime, 60 at night.

The vote was 3-2 with Guy Kemmerly, District 1, and Amanda Kowalski, District 2, in dissent. Kemmerly made the motion to approve, which under procedural rules, opened discussion.

The planning commission is an advisory board charged with making recommendations to the supervisors about land use matters. Attendees did not seem to understand commission protocols and that public hearings are not interactive. After the hearing is closed, a motion must be made and seconded to begin discussion among the commissioners preceding a vote. When attendees screamed that the commissioners were not doing what the “public” wanted (of the 28,000 people in Goochland, approximately 1,000 have weighed in on this topic) Curt Pituck, District 4, said “I don’t have to explain myself to you.”

County Attorney Tara McGee explained, though the audience was not paying attention, under state law, the commission may only address the proposal as advertised. She said that recommendations from the planning commission, further studies, and “other activities” will be used to craft the final version brought before the supervisors. The matter is currently scheduled to go before the supervisors, who will hold another public hearing, on November 6. The final version of a land use change proposal is often tweaked between the planning commission and supervisors’ final vote.

Residents of eastern Goochland, especially Readers Branch and Mosaic, made it very clear during several community and focus group meetings, a District 5 town hall held on September 22, and the planning commission public hearing that they do not want a SMR anywhere near them, and reject data centers outright, especially as a by-right use in West Creek. Ironically, there was significant opposition to the rezoning that created both communities contending that high density neighborhoods would destroy the rural character of the area.

Several comments were thoughtful and constructive. There were also many rants, some bordering on the hysterical, about the horrors of reactor meltdown, nuclear waste disposal, fantastical estimates of water usage, and health hazards of the data centers that will be a blight on Goochland if the TOD/TZ is approved.

Opponents believe that data center construction is imminent even though county officials have repeatedly stated that there are no, zip, zero, nada pending data center applications in Goochland. (They may have confused it with a proposal recently filed in Hanover County by HHHunt, developer of Mosaic, for a 10-building data center campus on 410 acres near the Hunting Hawk golf course on Ashland Road east of Pouncy Tract Road. Building height would be limited to 62 feet, according to a recent story on Richmondbizsense.com.)

 A few speakers lauded and welcomed the Eli Lilly plant coming to West Creek and suggested that the county forget data centers and concentrate on attracting companies that support the Lilly plant. We hope that happens. However, the county tried the “putting all your eggs in one basket” when a Motorola plant was proposed decades ago. The plant never materialized, and the county scrambled for tax revenue.

After congratulating the group on the general civility of the hearing, Delegate David Owen, who lives in Manakin Sabot, urged the commission to defer a vote until county staff and community stakeholders have an opportunity to work through the proposal and find a way to move forward both preserving the quality of life in Goochland and advancing economic development. “Those two have to go hand in hand and I think right now we don’t have that,” he said.

Opponents do not seem to understand that existing by-right uses for property currently zoned M-1, including West Creek, remain unchanged regardless of what happens with the TOD/TZ. The M-1 data center zoning in place lacks any noise mitigation mandates and has setbacks of just 50 feet from property lines. Creating the TOD/TZ sooner rather than later could fix that. As a practical matter, if favorable conditions for a data center existed in West Creek one would have been built by now.

The version of the TOD/TZ taken up by the supervisors, perhaps in November unless they defer, which they have done in the past, will undoubtedly be revised to address concerns articulated by the planning commission and citizens.

It seems very likely that SMRs, if not stricken entirely, will require a CUP, whose related public input could effectively kill them. These devices are still in the conceptual stage. The 120-foot height included in the initial draft of TOD/TZ document seems to have been aimed at the Lilly factory. Carving out greater heights for advanced manufacturing more than a distance certain away from homes could address that.

Land not currently designated M-1 should not be magically rezoned by joining the TOD/TZ but rather go through the usual process. This includes parcels north of Broad Street Road in the Centerville Village, which was not mentioned in the discussion.  A-2 property that opts out of the TOD/TZ would need to be rezoned for higher use anyway. Switching from A-2 to M-1 is a big change and needs input from neighboring landowners. Rezoning parcels for a specific use often includes proffers to address issues in a particular location, providing more protection for neighbors.

Complete recordings and transcripts of all of these meetings, including the marathon planning commission public hearing, are available under the “watch county meetings” tab on the county website https://www.goochlandva.us/

There will be a county wide town hall meeting on Monday October 6 in the Goochland High School auditorium beginning at 6:30 p.m.

So, what kind of economic development is acceptable to the folks who live in Readers Branch and Mosaic? Land in the designated growth area, especially West Creek, will be developed.