The sky is not falling

 

The county logo, industry and agriculture

In the month or so since Goochland County proposed changes to county code and its comprehensive land use plan to help attract high revenue tech companies to the designated growth area, mostly the West Creek business park that hugs the border with Henrico from Rt. 6 to Broad Street Road, a firestorm has erupted.  Residents of Readers Branch, a relatively new subdivision on Hockett Road, for instance, seemed to believe that a data center was on the verge being built in West Creek south of their neighborhood. There is no truth to this rumor.

(Go to https://www.goochlandva.us/1408/Technology-Overlay-District-Technology-Z for details.)

Goochland County needs significant commercial revenue to bolster its tax base, which largely dependent on real estate taxes. The goal is to achieve a 70/30 split between residential and commercial taxes. Currently, the ratio is closer to 80/20 and slipping backwards. People complain bitterly when their tax bills go up due to rising assessments but want no commercial investment. The money must come from somewhere to pay the bills.

The internet—whose existence and ubiquity drive the need for data centers—is awash with horror stories of places overrun with enormous data centers built a stone’s throw from existing neighborhoods replete with ugly photos of anonymous buildings marching over the landscape.

Data centers have been a by-right—essentially prezoned—use in West Creek for several years. Without changes to existing regulations, a data center 80 feet high could be built, if equipped with a fire suppression system, 500 feet from land zoned for residential use. A football field is 360 feet long.

Adding a technology overlay district (TOD) and technology zone (TD) allows the county to offer incentives to attract desperately needed commercial investment in the county and strengthen existing zoning regulation for setbacks, landscape buffers, and design standards to ensure greater compatibility with nearby homes.

Provisions of the proposals, including by right building heights up to 120 feet, depth of setbacks from adjacent residential properties, lack of clear mechanisms for enforcement or consequences of violation of noise regulations, and no public input or supervisor oversight for placement of large buildings, raised red flags for citizens.

The county held a community meeting on July 7 (See GOMM “In search of a bigger worm”) to present the TOD and TZ. Although the boardroom was filled for that meeting, many complained that it was poorly advertised.

On Monday August 4, County Administrator Dr. Jeremy Raley, Ed.D.; Assistant Director of Community Development Ray Cash; and Director of Economic Development Sara Worley met with some residents of Readers Branch, Mosaic, and the Citizens Planning Committee to discuss the initiative.

Raley began the meeting by announcing that the TOD/TD amendments, originally scheduled for review at the Planning Commission’s August 21 meeting, would be postponed to the September 18 meeting to allow more time to gather citizen input and perhaps modify the TOD/TZ.

He also said that a second community meeting on the topic will be held in the next few weeks. Notice of this session will be mailed, advertised on social media, the county website https://www.goochlandva.us/  and distributed through other mechanisms to get the word out. The community meeting will also be livestreamed and archived on the county website for those unable to attend in person. This was done in response to sentiments that the proposals were being “rushed” into approval without adequate time for citizen input and thorough investigation of the long-term impact of unintended consequences. This postponement will allow the county to dispel misinformation and address legitimate concerns about the TOD/TZ.

Continuing and extending by right approval for uses, including data centers and bio tech manufacturing, which are new to the county, were high on the list of objections. Mandating approval by elected officials to ensure that these uses are properly sited to protect residential enclaves and scaled appropriate to the area was high on the list of requested changes to the proposals.

Allowing by right, rather than requiring conditional use permits for heights up to 120 feet was also a major concern for its impact on the viewshed. Insight into the rationale that included this in the TOD/TZ is needed to help citizens understand the proposals.

Noise, as currently drafted, the TOD/TZ set 65 decibels as the maximum permitted sound level. There are no details as to how, when, and by whom sound levels would be measured and violations enforced with meaningful consequences in addition to more stringent controls on backup generator testing noise.

During citizen comment at the start of the evening session of the August 5 board meeting, many residents, mostly from Readers Branch, made their feelings known and the TOD/TZ. Some of their comments were on point, others unfounded at best.

First of all, West Creek is not a nature preserve, or a mixed-use residential enclave. It was created in the 1980s to be the economic engine to generate business tax revenue Goochland and allow the rest of the county to remain rural. A Motorola chip plant was planned for West Creek Parkway, near the current Striker Soccer facility. Only parking lots were built before the chip operations moved offshore. The site is being marketed. The building on West Creek Parkway that housed the Federal Reserve, which did not pay real estate tax, has been vacant for some time and is currently for sale.

The notion that industrial uses in West Creek, most of which is zoned M-1 and has been for decades, should not be allowed is wrong. If the other requirements for data centers, like water and power are in reasonable proximity, the east side of Rt. 288 would seem to be an ideal place to put them. Traffic noise is about 70 decibels, higher than permitted by the TOD/TZ.

We do not know how many sites in the proposed TOD/TZ could support a data center. Aside from the need for water—the Tuckahoe Creek Service District has a 25 MILLION gallons per day allocation and uses about 5 million gpd—and power, which could be supplied by Dominion or turbines tapping into existing natural gas lines, seismic challenges from blasting at rock quarries to the north and south limit suitable locations. More clarity about this is needed.

Bio tech research and development and advanced manufacturing using 3D printing techniques are also by right uses.

Remarks made by some new residents suggest they performed little due diligence on the area before moving here. They naively believe that, despite the Hockett Road corridor and West Creek being the county’s designated growth area, they moved to a rural area and are surprised and outraged to learn that there will be robust commercial development nearby.

Kudos to the county for allowing more time to gather and evaluate meaningful feedback on the TOD/TZ proposals and dispel the bizarre rumors floating around.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Highlights of the August 5 afternoon Board session

 

The August 5 meeting of the Goochland Board of Supervisors began on a sorrowful note as Pastor Joe Brown of Goochland Presbyterian Church asked the Lord for profound comfort and peace for the family of Tia Baehr, wife of Captain Jason Baehr of the Goochland Sheriff’s Office, who passed suddenly. The community mourns this loss within the GCSO family and keeps them in our prayers.

Board Chair Tom Winfree, District 3 was absent to attend to a “private matter” according to Vice Chair Jonathan Christy, who presided at the meeting.

County Administrator’s Comments

Dr. Jeremy Raley, Ed.D. shared updates about the proposed technology overlay district and technology zone (go to https://www.goochlandva.us/1408/Technology-Overlay-District-Technology-Z) for details. He said that the county received great community feedback from the July 7 community meeting and continues to do so. To ensure that all perspectives on this matter are heard, the items will be rescheduled to the September 18 planning commission meeting, a postponement from the original August 21 date. In addition, a second public community meeting will take place in the next few weeks that will be livestreamed and archived. Notice of this meeting will be shared via mailings, social media posts, the county website, and email distribution lists.

The next class of Goochland Leadership Enterprise is forming. Go to https://www.facebook.com/GoochlandLeadershipEnterprise# for more information and to sign up. GLE is a great way to learn about Goochland and meet people from all parts of the county and all walks of life that share an interest in the community.

West Creek Fire-Rescue Station

Raley announced that the Company 7 West Creek Fire-Rescue Station, whose construction was put on “pause” by the previous administrator, will move forward on the original site on the east side of Hockett Road north of Tuckahoe Creek Parkway. The need for an additional fire-rescue station in the eastern part of the county was identified as far back as 2012.

“The topic was discussed at great length in several community meetings in 2017 to identify the best location. In 2022, five acres of land, the current site, was donated to the county for the station by West Creek Associates. Following a process which included community meetings and public input, the planning commission and supervisors approved rezoning of this parcel on April 2, 2024.”

The previous county administrator then put the project on pause, after which a broader and more comprehensive look at other potential locations was made. Staff reviewed sites along Tuckahoe Creek Parkway, CarMax, Capital One, the former West Creek Emergency Center, for which the county was outbid by another entity, and explored the possibility of locating the station on county-owned property roughly opposite Greenswell Growers on Hockett Road.

Fire-Rescue has explored options regarding use of lights and sirens when entering and exiting the proposed location. A detailed discussion with VDOT regarding speed and safety and the larger road network was also discussed.

After all of this work, said Raley, it has been determined that the original site allows the best north-south, east-west access and is well positioned to support an increasing number of fire-EMS calls in surrounding residential areas, West Creek business park, and nearby designated growth areas.

“Given this thorough analysis and due diligence since 2024, the work on station 7 is now being unpaused. We will continue to move forward to build station 7 on the five acre parcel owned by Goochland County on Hockett Road near the intersection with Tuckahoe Creek Parkway. We are committed to working with all stakeholders and neighbors on this project to ensure that it is successful for all involved.”

This is very good news to those of us who sat outside on a rainy election day in 2021 advocating for approval of the bond referendum to fund this station.

Citizen feedback

Continuing his commitment to learning from the community and gathering feedback to enable local government to better serve its citizens, Raley said that a feature on the county website https://www.goochlandva.us/ “tell us how we’re doing”  has  been moved front and center to the homepage. “We would love to get your thoughts on how we’re doing to ultimately serve you better. If you have a positive experience, a negative experience, or if you want to give a shout out to any member of our team and let us know about the good work we’re doing and opportunities to serve you better."

GYAA

Brandy Sims, on behalf of GYAA and the Goochland Youth Softball community, publicly thanked “incredible” county departments that made the District Five Darlings and Ponytails division all-star tournament not only possible but exceptional.

The tournament brought together young athletes, families, and fans from across the region to Goochland County. They came for the tournament but left with an exceptional experience, said Sims.

She praised the dedication teamwork, and professionalism of county staff, especially the parks and rec grounds crew.

“Your efforts did not go unnoticed. You’ve been in overdrive not just during the tournament, but during the entire season, which to my recollection has been the wettest in years. Game after game, the ground crew ensured that field conditions were safe, playable, and beautiful. You made it happen with long hours, attention to detail, and commitment to our community’s youth.”

Sims commended fire-rescue, whose presence throughout the tournament brought peace of mind to families ensuring that player safety was never in question. “Whether it was handling heat, minor injuries, or simply being on standby, your professionalism and care were appreciated more than you know.”

She also praised the Goochland Sheriff’s Office for its “visible support, keeping our families and guests safe, and for being a welcoming presence throughout the tournament. Whether patrolling the grounds or just taking time to chat, the GCSO showed exactly what community policing looks like. The collaboration between departments gave young athletes a chance to shine on the field and reminded us all what can be achieved when we work together. You turned a simple weekend of games into a showcase of what makes Goochland a beautiful place to live and raise a family.”

Sims then presented donations to the Michael G.“Tink” Sims Memorial Scholarship Fund, created to honor the sacrifice of the only Goochland Volunteer firefighter to die in the line of duty, and the Goochland Sheriff’s Foundation.

Broadband update

Paul Drumwright, Community Affairs Manager, the county’s point person on broadband, reported that connection activity is ongoing across the county from the west end to Crozier. The number of active connections is 1,574 with 79 in  July. Firefly, said Drumwright, is staying very busy working toward its goal of having everyone connected, or close to it, by the end of 2025. He said that Firefly sent out notifications to people who started but did finish registration process to see if they are still interested. He said that broadband connection questions can be directed to Raley at jraley@goochlandva.us for action.

Other departmental reports are in the August 5 board packet.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Coming soon to a road near you

 

Proposed improvements to Ashland Road/I64 interchange

On July 22, a VDOT public hearing on proposed improvements to the I-64/Ashland Road interchange, including a diverging diamond interchange (DDI) was held at Salem Baptist Church. Go to https://www.vdot.virginia.gov/projects/richmond-district/interstate-64-and-route-623-interchange-goochland/ for an overview. Go to  https://bit.ly/I-64AshlandRoadDDI for specifics. The project is currently in the design phase. A request for proposals will take place later this year. A design build contract will be awarded in the fall of 2026 with completion expected by summer 2029.

There interchange improvements are part of extensive road upgrades to Ashland Road north of I-64. Go to https://goochlandva.us/1396/Rockville-Opportunity-Corridor for details. This area, where an Amazon and large warehouse facility are under construction, has been designated for economic and industrial development for decades.

Email comments about the interchange project to Anthony.Haverly@VDOT.Virginia.gov by August 1. A questionnaire was part of an information brochure distributed at the meeting but does not seem available on the website. It asked for name, address, a choice of reasons for interest in the project, if you support the project and reasoning behind the answer, if you support the relocation of the park and ride and reasons for your reply, concerns about the proposed improvements, if sufficient information was provided during the public hearing, and how you learned of the meeting.

The event was robustly attended. GOMM arrived around the 5 p.m. starting time to find many people examining illustrations of the proposed road improvements. Folks were still entering more than an hour later. Conversations were animated.

As currently proposed, a second bridge over I-64 to the south of the existing span will be built to accommodate the DDI. According to VDOT “The DDI was identified as the best interchange design approach based on the approved I-64 and Ashland Road Interchange Access Report. A DDI achieves more efficient traffic flow due to the removal of conflicting travel paths and simple traffic signal phasing.

The DDI would remove the existing left-turn movement conflicts from the ramp terminals by converting these movements to unconflicted turns by crossing Ashland Road traffic to the opposite side of the roadway within the interchange footprint. A traffic signal at each crossover intersection controls the crossover movement as well as off-ramp traffic.”

The DDI at the Zion Crossroads I64 exit is an example of how the finished project will work. There were concerns about large trucks being able to navigate the DDI safely and how motorists would react to a very different traffic pattern. When finished, the DDI will give the Courthouse Village Roundabout competition for wry comments on social media.

Additional turn lanes, including one on southbound Ashland Road to the existing I 64 westbound on-ramp, which is currently under construction, are part of the project. This, and a temporary traffic signal on Ashland Road, south of I64 at the ramps there, are designed to ease congestion during construction.

The project also includes relocation of the existing park and ride lot from the northeast corner of the interchange to the west side of Ashland Road just south of I64. The new “Hickory Haven” park and ride will be larger than the current one. It seems like most of the morning traffic for this will be going east toward Richmond, which will require a left turn onto Ashland Road northbound.  The access point for the park and ride to Ashland Road will not be signalized. According to traffic engineers, the vehicle count anticipated when this is complete does not rise to warrant thresholds that VDOT uses to determine the need for a stoplight. They contended that there will be enough breaks in traffic to allow left turns toward I64 with minimal waits.

North of I64, the intersection of Ashland and Bennington Road, which is on the east side of Ashland, will be moved north to align with the entrance to the Martin Marietta quarry on the opposite side. Currently, there are no plans to signalize this intersection either. The Bennington connection was relocated to make it easier for vehicles to make left turns on to Ashland Road, which is difficult and time-consuming in current conditions.

Undeveloped land along Bennington Road is included in the county’s proposed Technology Overlay District and Technology Zone (see GOMM “In search of a bigger worm” for details), so it would seem like there should be a mechanism to signalize that intersection to encourage investment on those parcels without going through VDOT’s cumbersome warrant process.

Current cost estimates for this project are $91.7 million, according to VDOT. Funding is provided by a combination of state and local sources. Goochland Supervisors who represent the county on regional boards, especially Neil Spoonhower, District 2, our guy on the Central Virginia Transportation Authority (CVTA), worked hard with the Commonwealth Transportation Board and VDOT to bring all the funding pieces together.

Right now, the Ashland Road corridor is often very congested. In addition to traffic from businesses in the area, including quarries and a landfill, it is perhaps the shortest route to I64 for people from Hanover and western Henrico. When complete, the projects are expected to be able to handle increased traffic volume as the area grows.

The DDI and relocation of the park and ride have been bundled into one “design build” project, to allow the contractor greater flexibility during construction, which, hopefully, will enable it to come in on time and budget.

State funds for the project were approved at roughly the same time that Project Rocky got the nod from Goochland. While Rocky may have tipped the state funding scales in Goochland’s favor, without it, road conditions would have gotten worse with little hope for improvement.

In a perfect world, roads would be built to handle traffic before they get congested. We do not live in a perfect world.  Goochland does not build or maintain its roads, VDOT is responsible for this. Roads are expensive and VDOT processes and procedures add time and cost to projects. For instance, the promised improvements to Rockville Road that were included in the rezoning for Highfield, will be completed faster and less expensively by a private sector developer.

We hope that DDI and related improvements to the roads in question will ease congestion. Change is hard and this will be a big change. Please share your thoughts on this project with VDOT.

 

 

 

 

 

 

One small step

 

America watched as the dream became real

On July 20, 1969, 56 years ago today, Astronaut Neil Armstrong stepped onto the surface of the moon. On that summer Sunday, slightly less than 66 years after the Wright Brothers first flight in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina on December 17, 1903, and not quite seven years after President John F. Kennedy made his “to the moon speech” at Rice University on September 12, 1962, America held its collective breath watching scratchy video of the event.

The Soviet Union launched the first satellite, Sputnik, on October 4, 1957, setting off the space race. When America appointed its first seven astronauts in 1959, all military test pilots were instant celebrities. Most kids could recite their names: Alan Shepard, Gus Grissom, John Glenn, Scott Carpenter, Wally Schirra, Deke Slayton, and Gordon Cooper.

The world was a different place back then. Baby boomers were coming of age under the cloud of the Viet Nam war. The specter of cold war nuclear annihilation was ever present. Beating the Soviet Union to the moon was a high national priority. Schools focused on the importance of teaching science and math to ensure that America had the technical expertise needed to land on the moon.

By today’s standards, 1969 technology was primitive. The average smart phone probably has more computing power than those used by NASA to plan the first moon missions. Indeed, many of the calculations, whose accuracy was vital to the success of the mission, were performed by slide rule.

The six successful moon landings, which allowed 12 astronauts to walk on its surface, ended in 1972. These were followed by the space shuttle program and space stations used for research. Since then, many people have followed the original astronauts into space, including Sally Ride and Mae Jemison.

How did we get where we are today? Everyone’s mad. The “I’m right and you’re evil” attitude seems to infect every aspect of our daily life.

It’s time to pause and reflect on the moon landing and how we got to where we are today. Time to stop fighting and start collaborating for the benefit of all.

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.