Land use matters

Goochland County’s planning commission—reduced to five members earlier this year—does its homework and plows through agenda items in an effective and efficient manner. This is a nice change from the past.

The downturn in the real estate market drastically reduced the number of rezoning and other land use issues in Goochland. Things slowed down so much that the commission met only on an as needed basis. Now, activity has started to ratchet up as plans of development and residential rezoning applications trickle in.

Perhaps the most significant change in these applications compared to development of old is that lot sizes are now described in square feet rather than acreage. (There are 43,560 square feet in an acre.)

At the Commission’s October 3 meeting, it approved tentative plans of development for Section 8 of Kinloch and The Parke at Pouncey Tract.

It also recommended approval of rezoning 73.69 acres on the north side of Tuckahoe Creek Parkway from A-2 to Residential Planned Unit Development (RPUD) to permit construction of 115 homes in a community designated at Tuckahoe Creek. Under RPUD regulations, up to 146 lots could be created on this parcel.

(Note to county, please encourage names that do not include Tuckahoe or Manakin, to avoid future confusion. It’s bad enough that the Postal Service zip codes lump a huge portion of eastern Goochland into the non-geographical Manakin-Sabot entity. There is no Manakin-Sabot. Manakin is on Route 6 and Sabot, also near Route 6, no longer exists. Some folks who live on the eastern edge of the county have Richmond zip codes. Widespread use of GPS reinforces this fiction.)

The density of the proposed Tuckahoe Creek community requires public water and sewer and cannot proceed unless and until this parcel becomes part of the TCSD. A separate initiative to accomplish this will appear on the Board of Supervisors’ agenda in the near future.

Lots in Tuckahoe Creek would be between 70 and 90 feet in width. The applicant contended that upscale housing options in Goochland for those who do not have the ability or inclination to maintain large yards are in short supply. The homes, whose size has not yet been determined, are expected to be priced in the $6-800,000 range. Speakers raised concerns about Tuckahoe Creek having an adverse effect on property values on the Kinloch coach homes, which are also on small lots.

As this parcel is currently in land use, rezoning would result in immediate increased revenue for the county before one teaspoon of dirt is moved. Full cash proffers were included in the application with the expectation that these homes would add 58 students to the county school population. This too is a major change from the olden days when developers contended that folks who buy expensive houses had no impact on the school population.

Properties on Hermitage Road that abut this parcel are several acres each. While the proposal includes vegetative buffers, owners of neighboring land raised concerns that construction of a mandated retention pond will require clear cutting near the eastern boundary, destroy their privacy and reduce property values.

Parties involved in developing Tuckahoe Creek include Tommy Pruitt and William Goodwin who were involved in high quality projects including Keswick Farms and Kiowah Island.

The supervisors are expected to take up this application at their December meeting.

The recurring toothache issue of electronic signage crept into the discussion as the commission addressed a proposed sign for the HCA West Creek Emergency Center. The proposed sign, essentially a dreadful pole mounted billboard that announces the wait at the ER, an image of which was not included in the packet, is intended to help people find their way to the facility located near Rt. 288. This seems to be smaller version of the billboard that glowers over the train yard on Interstate 64.

Although the commission recommended approval of the sign, which is intended only for hospital-like entities, the efficacy of the sign in solving the problem was discussed. It was initiated to help patients find their way to the West Creek emergency Center, which is quite visible from Rte. 288. Figuring out how to get there is another matter.

The proposed sign, which would seriously degrade the view shed, gives no clue how to get there. Installation of more road level directional signage--think blue signs with a big H and arrows pointing in the right direction--would seem to be more effective in solving this problem. Proponents of the sign didn’t quite explain how it would help motorists find their way to the emergency center. The discussion lacked justification for the electronic notice of the waiting time in the ER. Do they believe that folks will pop in for medical if there is a short wait? Not nearly enough information there.

A similar emergency medical facility operated by Bon Secours on Midlothian Turnpike just off of Rt. 288 in Chesterfield has a similar problem but refrains from degrading the landscape with eyesore devices to attract customers.

While the language for the West Creek Emergency Center is extremely narrow, it might be the proverbial camel nose under the tent for future attempts to permit tawdry and annoying signage in Goochland. Electronic signs, like those on Broad Street in Short Pump, do little other than declare desperation for customers. We do not need that here.

The Commission also recommended approval of new setback regulations to eliminate confusion caused by current rules.

An extension of an existing conditional use application for Applegarth Farm on Shallow Well Road was given a thumbs up as was a new CUP application for Clear Choice Auto Brokers to operate a used car dealership in Courthouse Village.

An ordinance to codify “dark sky” lighting requirements, which has been in the works for a while was discussed and passed on to the supervisors. Regulations proposed apply only to new construction and will not require creation of “light police” for enforcement. This is the result of a great deal of thought and hard work by staff and former and current planning commissioners and some supervisors.

Questions posed by commissioners during the meeting indicated that they were familiar with the matters at hand. Comments were short and to the point.

All of the above business was conducted in one hour and 32 minutes.

No shut down here

As the national news reported details of the federal government shut down, Goochland County’s Board of Supervisors held its regular monthly meeting on October first conducting business as usual.

The afternoon agenda was routine.

Following the annual employee recognition luncheon to honor staff with service anniversaries in five year multiples, the supervisors took a few minutes to present them with plaques. According to county administrator Rebecca Dickson, the honorees represent about 300 collective years of service and associated institutional knowledge.

Up next was recognition of the 265th anniversary of Byrd Presbyterian Church. Located on Dogtown Road, Byrd has provided spiritual sustenance to its congregants in addition to service and compassion for the community that continues to this day with its home repair, feeding the homeless and Habitat for Humanity outreach.

 Board chair Ken Peterson, District 5 (center) reads a letter recognizing Byrd   Presbyterian Church to members Lee Turner (left) and Knight Bowles.

Mike Cade Ashland Residency Administrator for VDOT—the state agency whose motto is Oops!—reported on maintenance completed and underway. Widening of I 64 from Short Pump to west of the Manakin-Rockville exit will begin soon.

Representatives from Dominion Virginia Power presented details of electric utility’s emergency preparedness and response strategy. This is available in Part A of the October 1 board packet, which can be found on the supervisors’ tab on the county website www.co.goochland.va.us) Even though it may seem like the power company is indifferent to power outages, it makes no money unless the wheels on your meter are spinning.

The board voted unanimously to opt out of the Virginia Retirement System disability plan in favor of seeking the same level of coverage for county employees at more competitive prices.

Dickson was given authorization to execute a memorandum of understanding among Goochland, Powhatan and the Virginia Department of Corrections for a water allocation sharing plan. This will provide Courthouse Village and Powhatan, as well as DOC facilities in both counties, with enough water to meet expected demand in the coming years.

People who live near the James River in western Goochland should take note of this development, as it replaces the dreadful concrete water intake bunker that Powhatan was planning to build that would have defaced the wild view shed of the James River. The late John Lewis, who worked hard to protect the James River and strenuously objected to the Powhatan plan, must be pleased with this outcome.

Thanks to regional cooperation, all parties involved will obtain water to encourage economic development while protecting a precious resource.

The board adopted it annual legislative agenda for transmittal to the county’s delegation in the Virginia General Assembly. The county is represented by Delegates Lee Ware, 65^th District; Peter Farrell, 56^th District and 22^nd District State Senator Tom Garrett. (Details of the September meeting between Goochland officials and the delegation where these items were discussed are in an earlier GOMM post.)

Paul Springman was appointed to the Board of Zoning Appeals.

A Rural Economic Development Committee was created to identify opportunities to facilitate and promote enterprises in rural enhancement areas that reflect the county’s overall business plan.

Like the group that investigated the broadband issue, this committee will be temporary in nature and is expected to disband around the middle of 2014 after making a report to the board. It is comprised of supervisors, county staff, and those currently engaged in facets of operating ventures that focus on the agrarian and recreational aspects of Goochland.

The last item on the afternoon agenda was a closed session for the purpose of discussing the performance and duties of the County Administrator and County Attorney. The proper motions were made and voted upon before entering closed session and at its end, which occurred just before the start of the evening session at 7 p.m.

The first weekend in October

Fall is in full swing and the weather promises to be perfect. Take advantage of the nice days to participate in a few things close to home.

October is Fire Prevention Month. Firefighters believe that the best fire is one that never gets started. To that end, they work hard on prevention and education.
Auxiliaries, local folks who support fire-rescue volunteers, work hard to raise money. This Saturday, October 5, the Hadensville Company 6 ladies' auxiliary will hold a huge yard sale from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the station, on Rt. 250 in Hadensville. All proceeds will be used to furnish and equip the kitchen of its soon-to-be-built new station.

This Sunday, October 6, Manakin Volunteer Fire-Rescue Company 1 will hold a barbecue and fire safety exposition from 1 to 6 p.m. on the grounds of Benedictine College Preparatory school on River Road next to Rt. 288. In addition to tasty barbecue, there will be demonstrations, including a visit from a MedFlight helicopter and lots of fire-rescue apparatus for your inspection. For further information, visit Manakin1.org for more information. Come visit the area’s newest neighbor.

Centerville Fire-Rescue Company 3 will also hold an open house at 52 Broad Street Road between 1 and 5 p.m.

Fife Company 4 will hold a field day event at its station on Hadensville-Fife Road from 1 to 5 p.m.

This is a great opportunity to meet the volunteers who work and train hard to save lives and protect property in Goochland County.

Grace Episcopal Church will have a blessing of the animals on Sunday at both the 9 and 11 a.m. services.

The County Health and Fitness Expo will take place on Saturday, October 5 from 10 to 2 at the Goochland Sports Complex (aka the old gym behind the admin building at 1800 Sandy Hook Road.)Contact county parks and rec at 556-5854 for additional information. Shuttle service from the Goochland YMCA will be available between 11 and 1.

Last, but not least, on Saturday, there will be an open house at the Goochland Animal Shelter from 10 to noon. Bring the kids, take a tour, register for prizes, and lots more! Dr. James Lavender and his Big Cats are special guests. The animal shelter is located at the entrance to Hidden Rock Park near the central convenience center just off of Fairground Road in Maidens.

Getting things done

On September 25, Goochland dedicated a new school bus maintenance facility. Located just north of Broad Street Road in Oilville, the building, which contains maintenance bays, storage, offices, a kitchen and conference room, has been servicing the county fleet since August.

After decades of fruitless searching for a replacement for the old facility on Sandy Hook Road in Courthouse, the new bus garage happened thanks to the wisdom of Maidens resident Lester "Buzz" Coe.

Noticing a for sale sign on  the site, Coe suggested that it would be an ideal, an immediate, solution to the bus garage problem to several supervisors before someone  realized that he was
 right.
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 The county put an option to purchase on the property earlier this year while investigating its appropriateness for servicing county vehicles. After performing exhaustive due diligence, the site was declared a fit and was purchased.

Following some retrofitting and equipment installation, equipment and supplies were moved to the new site. Nice high ceilings mean that mechanics no longer need to let air out of bus tires to get them inside.  There is ample space for several buses and some smaller vehicles so no one needs to work outside in the elements any more!
Betty Thurston, head of transportation for the school division, said that the new facility was everyone's project. She thanked and praised those on county and schools staff for working hard to bring everything together.
Sonny Thompson, director of maintenance for schools oversaw the renovations and move of equipment and supplies into the new garage. He gave Buzz Coe a grand tour of the place.

Last weekend, two school board members painted over the logo of the previous owner and replaced it with a big red G.

This is what can happen when the supervisors and school board work together. Instead of saying " we can't" these boards operate on a "how do we make this happen?" vibe.

Cutting the ribbon: left to right: Susan Lascolette(District 1 supervisor), John Lumpkin District 3 School Board), Ken Peterson (District 5 supervisor and Board Chair), John Wright (District 5 school Board and chair), Mike Payne (District 1 school board), Manuel Alvarez(District 2 supervisor),  Bob Minnick (District 4 supervisor), Kevin Hazzard (District 2 school board), Beth Hardy(District 4 school board), and Dr. James Lane, Superintendent of Schools.

                   Lots of room to work (photo taken after hours.)

                Notice the ample space and high ceilings that provide a safe and efficient workplace.

Carol and Buzz Coe in one of the new offices at the vehicle maintenance facility.

Friday night lights

Have you been to a Goochland Bulldogs’ football game recently, or ever? Local high school football, especially when the home team is reigning state champ in its division, is one of the many savors of life in a rural community.

Last night’s (September 20) game was just about perfect. A nearly full moon peeked out of lush clouds on an almost autumn night. The warm day cooled just enough that many folks slipped on a light jacket, or Bulldog sweatshirt at half time.

The football was excellent. Goochland vanquished the visiting Randolph Henry team 56-7. The cheerleaders, perhaps even better athletes than the guys on the gridiron, defied gravity and flainted their agility while egging the team to its win.

Our marching band presented an ambitious half time show and treated the crowd to celebratory riffs to exit the stadium by. In addition to performing at football games, the band struts its stuff in area competitions.

The atmosphere was down home and friendly. There were lots of empty seats on the home side of the field. The admission fee, $5, is modest. Those over 62 get in free. But if you can afford it, lie about your age and buy a ticket. You won’t get carded and the money will be put to good use.

Speaking of money, the band boosters, that intrepid group of parents that works hard to raise money and provide other support to the band, is collecting recipes for a cookbook.  Chapters include: no bake; best of tailgating; snack attack; easy crockpot; and the most important meal of the day—breakfast. Visit the band booster website at:http://goochlandbandboosters.blogspot.com/ or drop an email to goochladbandboosters@gmail.com.

The next home game is Friday, October 4. Kick-off is 7 p.m. Wear red!

Lunch with the sausage

Lunch with the sausage makers

Crafting legislation has been compared to making sausage—you might like the result, but the process is best left unseen.

Goochland’s current board of supervisors drew criticism in 2012 when it declared membership in lobbying groups the Virginia Organization of Counties (VaCO) and the National Organization of Counties (NaCO) unnecessary expenses. Goochland supervisors, however, contended that the concerns of small counties are ignored, or overruled, by the big boys.

The most tangible benefit to membership in these organizations was the annual conferences, which allegedly provided an opportunity for local officials to learn from their peers, like the NaCO conference in Hawaii a few years back. This board will pay for their own vacations.

Rather than get lost in the priorities of statewide lobbying groups, Goochland supervisors prefer to deal directly with the legislators who represent the county in the Virginia General Assembly to evaluate attitudes on specific issues.

Virginia is a Dillon Rule state, which means that localities have only those powers given to them by the General Assembly. So, local governing boards must engage in a cumbersome ritual of “mother may I” to change anything.

In the 2013 General Assembly session, Goochland’s Delegation: Senator Tom Garrett, 22^nd District, along with Delegates Lee Ware, 65^th District, and Peter Farrell, 56^th District, successfully carried several pieces of legislation requested by the supervisors. This is the result of good communications among local and state officials.

These include: the ability to amend service district boundaries following proper notice and a public hearing; changes to land use taxation rules going forward; exclusion of inmate populations from decennial redistricting; construction of a Department of Corrections Water line; and a solution to the long sought delineation of the boundary between Goochland and Louisa using a GIS map.

Bills to provide reimbursement to localities for electoral reimbursement failed.

Possible legislative requests—items the county would like to see the General Assembly address in 2014—were discussed with the delegation at a meeting, held in the community room at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community Room on September 3.

This year’s initial wish list includes: funding for replacement of the Department of Corrections water storage tank on River Road West; construction of a bridge over Tuckahoe Creek connecting Henrico with Rt. 288; more local input in the need for traffic control devices; regulation of sewage sludge; reimbursement for political party primary expenses, compensation of registrar and electoral board; affordable access to high-speed internet services; expedited test retakes; impact of home school athletic legislation; elimination of post Labor Day school start; and increase of the technical assistance funding percentage for Virginia agricultural cost share program. Items were submitted by the county, school division and Monacan Soil and Water Conservation District respectively.

Some items were an easier “ask” than others. The water tank funding, which has been also requested by the DOC, is fairly easy. On the other hand, construction on the bridge over Tuckahoe Creek will start about the 12^th of never.

Because Henrico County—one of the big dogs in the region-- opposes the bridge and has about 15 times as many people—read voters—as Goochland it can veto our request.

Board of Supervisors’’ Chair Ken Peterson, District 5, pointed out that, barring Henrico’s disapproval, VDOT—the state agency whose motto is “oops”—believes a bridge connecting Ridgefield Parkway with Tuckahoe Creek Parkway, would provide regional traffic benefits. The Metropolitan Planning Organization, which addresses regional road issues, would give this bridge its number one priority, except for the Henrico opposition.

According to Ware, our neighbor to the east opposes the bridge because Rt. 288, the final portion of the circumferential highway around Richmond, was built in Goochland. Ware said that one of the reasons he opposed the western option, which we know as Rt. 288, was that the more easterly version offered better connective options. He also foresaw the bad feelings on the part of Henrico.

Aside from easing congestion where Rt. 288 connects with Broad Street Road and Route 6, the bridge would provide quick access to the West Creek Emergency Center from western Henrico.

Farrell believes there is no room for compromise—that Henrico does not want the bridge. Farrell and Garrett then sang a duet cautioning that compromising the property rights of one locality could result in unintended consequences statewide.

Herb Griffith, chair of the county electoral board, said that the “pockets of every taxpayer in Goochland are being picked by the very people we are working to elect,” with respect to reimbursement of localities for the cost of partisan primaries. Indeed, candidates seem to have very deep pockets to fund annoying robocalls, commercials, and endless mailings, but refuse to pay for primary elections.

The entire delegation claimed to agree that the system should be changed. They have sponsored legislation to remedy the situation, but the bills fail.

Griffith also pointed out that the state mandated change from electronic voting machine to paper ballots will cost Goochland more than $100,000 on top of the increased election costs. Griffith said that electricity to power the electronic machines costs ten cents PER DAY while paper ballots cost 25 cents EACH and must be stored in a secure location. He vigorously contended that every jurisdiction in Virginia faces a similar unfunded mandate and should be properly compensated by the Commonwealth.

Ware pledged to work with other jurisdictions to increase advocacy of the issue.

A major toothache for county motorist is the lack of traffic signals at several dangerous intersections. County Administrator Rebecca Dickson explained that funds to install signals at several places have been pledged by developers and local companies, but cannot be built because traffic counts at these locations do not exceed the arcane VDOT warrant threshold. The Board would like more control over this matter.

The legislators sort of agreed with this. Although the General Assembly passed legislation to  provide VDOT with a massive amount of money for transportation, little thought was given to reforming the agency itself.

School superintendent Dr. James Lane had a short list that boils down to increased local control of schools. Greater flexibility in the timing of tests, he said, would allow students to focus on more rigorous and relevant instruction.

Allowing schools to determine when they will start the school year—doing away with the so-called “Kings Dominion” law that prohibits classes from beginning before Labor Day—would also give greater local control over the instructional calendar. (Goochland has had a “waiver” to start classes in August for several years.)

Ware, Farrell and Garrett praised Goochland’s elected officials for keeping them informed about issues facing the county and for crafting a clear and concise wish list for the General Assembly.

In recent weeks, the Board of Zoning Appeals and School Board struggled to understand and apply convoluted and sometimes contradictory state laws. It would be nice, as our General Assembly delegation goes forth to legislate, if they would make laws can be interpreted by mere mortals.

Upcoming opportunities for citizen engagement

On September 11, 2013, Goochland Volunteer Fire-Rescue will hold two events commemorating the 9/11 attacks on Manhattan and Virginia.

At Courthouse Volunteer Fire-Rescue Company 5 on Fairground Road a memorial will begin at 9:45 to honor the victims and heroes of the attack on the World Trade Center.

At 7 p.m. Manakin Company 1 on Route 6 will dedicate the county's September 11 monument, which contains artifacts from both the World Trade Centre and Pentagon.

Twelve years after these heinous acts America continues to struggle against the forces of evil intent on destroying our way of life. It is important to remember those who died in the attacks and those who gave their lives trying to save others: the passengers of Flight 93; firefighters and police officers.

On a lighter note, the next Goochland Leadership Enterprise class begins on September 26. Registration closes on September 18.

Even though our county is currently in good hands, citizen engagement is vital to ensure that continues.
 
Graduates of GLE are involved in every facet of the county, including the Board of Supervisors, School Board, and Christmas Mother program. it is a great way to learn about Goochland and meet other citizens that you might not otherwise encounter. Knowledge is power. Get to know your county!

For additional information, brochure, and applications call the Goochland Extension Office at 804-556-5841 or go online at  
http://offices.ext.vt.edu/goochland/Gooch_Leadership_Class.html