To bridge or not to bridge, that is the question

To bridge or not to bridge, that is the question

Around midnight on June 4, the Goochland Board of Supervisors voted 4-1, with Susan Lascolette, District 1 in dissent, to defer a ruling on the rezoning application filed by Tuckahoe Bridge LLC until its July 2 meeting. Given the late hour, it was probably prudent to postpone a decision. However, the people who mostly filled the 255-seat board meeting room and had been there for at least five hours, were not happy. The supervisors listened carefully to all comments and clearly had not made up their minds on the case before hand.

The land in question, several parcels totaling 98.22 acres north of Broad Street Road between Manakin and Rockville Roads, has been the subject of contention between developers, property owners, and neighbors for a while. A previous proposal was eviscerated in 2015 and was withdrawn before reaching the supervisors. The current proposal was rejected 4-1 by the planning commission on February 7. After additional discussion between developers and neighbors, a revised proposal with fewer homes, 123 versus the original 147, came before the supervisors. The land is in the Tuckahoe Creek Service District (TCSD), whose water and sewer lines make it able to support homes on lots smaller than the one-acre average shown in the comprehensive land use plan.

Citizen opinions expressed during the public hearing, which ran from 9:20 to 10:50 p.m., were succinct and explored a wide range of topics and viewpoints.  The irony that the proposed development would further urbanize the area seemed lost on the property owners who recalled growing up in Centerville of the past. As presented, Tuckahoe Bridge will not be a “walkable community” enabling residents to stroll to shops and restaurants unless they have a death wish and want to “play chicken” with vehicle zooming along narrow country roads.

The 2035 comprehensive land use plan was invoked often. It can be used to support or refute most land use arguments, sometimes in the same case. Contrary to some of the rhetoric, this state-mandated document, while useful tool to for land use decisions, is not a “covenant between the people and their government”.  This Comp Plan was devised with input from about 200 people and the county’s competent and professional planning staff, few of whom live in Goochland. The other 21,000 or so county residents pay little attention to the Comp Plan and may not know, or care, that it exists. It is a GUIDE not gospel. The supervisors have the discretion to follow or ignore it but seemed reluctant to do either on June 4.

Had as many people attended the public hearing that established the TCSD, there might have been less heartburn over this proposal. As originally justified, the TCSD was created to encourage commercial and industrial economic development in the eastern end of the county. Except for Kinloch, it was not supposed to support residential development.  If that was indeed true, why were the parcels included in Tuckahoe Bridge ever put into the TCSD? Clearly, that land was best suited for residential use.

There were never any guarantees that landowners who put their land into the TCSD would benefit from the inclusion. The county owes these landowners, who voluntarily took the risk that their property would appreciate and become more developable and paid the ad valorem tax, nothing. 

Back to Tuckahoe Bridge. According to the 2035 comp plan, the area in question is designated for medium density residential use. This means an average of one acre per home. The comp plan also shows a “connector” road between Manakin and Rockville Roads, because a traffic engineer decided that one might be needed some time in the future. There is no need for a road there now, or perhaps ever.

As VDOT is slow to build roads, the county, whenever possible, encourages developers to include needed roads in their projects. So, the Tuckahoe Bridge folk included a road in their conceptual plan. The purpose of the connector—to provide another way for traffic to access Ashland Road without going along Broad Street Road—is vague at best. The intersection of Ashland and Rockville Roads is in an oft congested corridor and not signalized why add more vehicles to the mix?

A recent brouhaha by the residents of Parkside Village, a community near the intersections of Ashland and Pouncey Tract Roads, who were outraged to learn that a connector road had been part of their neighborhood since its inception, should be a cautionary tale. It is hard to believe that people shelling out upwards of $550K for homes would welcome cut through traffic in their neighborhood.

The major sticking point in the application—many speakers indicated that they wanted to get to “yes” on this development—was the density. As presented, there would be an average of 1.25 units per acre with a minimum lot size of 15,000 square feet, about a third acre. Some lots would be larger or smaller depending on the final survey. Current residents contended that is just too many homes for the area regardless of the availability of water and sewer.  A plan with 98 homes, adhering to the one unit per acre, was more acceptable. Given the need for roads, buffers, etc., the 98 home sites would be less than one acre, but still less dense than the proposal. In fact, some speakers contended that there would have been little opposition had the number of homes been 98. As currently zoned, 26 homes could be built on the land.

Main Street Homes, the developer in the case, who everyone lauded for its willingness to talk and reputation for building high quality communities, contended that it needs the 123 homes with a $550k starting price point, to cover the cost of building the connector road. The “bridge” over the Tuckahoe Creek wetland will cost approximately $5 million, with significant other up-front costs for turn lanes and extension of utility lines.

The “bridge” was described as a series of culverts through a wetland. Given recent torrential rains, perhaps leaving the drainage in this area alone might be a better idea than fiddling with Mother Nature.

Opponents contended that the density in this zoning category, residential planned unit development (RPUD), is not appropriate for the subject property and does not represent transition from the higher density expected in the core of the Centerville Village. (Speaking of village core density, yet another community meeting on the mixed-use rezoning application for Manikintowne is scheduled for June 18 at Company 3 from 6 to 8 p.m.) Tuckahoe Bridge was characterized as leapfrog development dropped in a rural area, not ratcheting down the densest development at the village core toward its edge.

The overall question, “what benefits does this bring to Goochland?” had different answers. Opponents contended that building 123 versus 98 homes would generate at $3.31 per resident (not a typo) in fiscal benefit to the county. Supporters of the project contended that more high-quality homes will bring young families who want to experience our schools and other amenities. (Clearly this person missed the comment that there are currently three education cottages at Randolph elementary, whose attendance boundaries will change after the new Goochland Elementary is built around 2024). Opponents contended that there is no public necessity for a high-density residential enclave here, but would support one with 98 lots, built without the connector road, which would make fewer lots economically feasible for the developer.

Traffic engineer Eric Strohacker, speaking on behalf of Tuckahoe Bridge, LLC, agreed that the connector road will be used as a cut through and the overall impact on area traffic would not be all that bad as he tap danced around the level of service indicators. Bottom line on all of this, there will be more cars on the road, expected improvements to the north side of the Broad/Manakin interchange generated by development behind Satterwhite’s (looks like survey stakes are already in the ground there) will help.

RPUD, one speaker contended, may be appropriate in some places, but there is “no rational purpose” for it on the outer edge of the Centerville Village and no compelling reason to set the recommend density of the comp plan aside.”

Supporters of the project contended that increased property values will enable the county to fund increased demands on public services. Some contended that they have lived in the county for years and seen lots of new subdivisions that had no impact on traffic. Others said that traffic on Manakin Road, for instance, has gotten so bad that they no longer feel safe walking their horses along the road, or even letting their children go out to collect the mail

Most of the supervisors expressed reservations about the road. Lascolette was the only one who said outright she could not support the road. Bob Minnick, District 4, observed that if 85 percent of Goochland is to be kept rural, one of the main tenets of the comp plan, the growth must go in the other 15 percent, essentially the TCSD. He opined that, as presented, the connector road is of little value to the county.

Ken Peterson, District 5 said that the supervisors’ job is easy “make a decision that pleases everyone and go home.” He also pointed out that they represent those who own the land, live near it and the other 21,000 who are not in the room.

The developer, Vernon McClure, said he would prefer a deferral to take another look at the application.

If the connector road is removed from the application, it may be possible to reduce the number of homes to 98, with about half accessed from Rockville Road, the remainder from Manakin Road.

On July 2, the Board will permit McClure to present his final offer and vote it up or down with no public hearing. County Attorney Tara McGee said that, if the density is not greater than that presented for the June 4 pubic hearing, that is acceptable.

Can you hear me now?

On. Wednesday,May 22, Goochland County held a “listening session” about noise issues at the Central High School Educational and Cultural Center.  The meeting was well-attended by citizens from all corners of the county.

The impetus for the meeting explained County Administrator John Budesky, was requests for creation of a “noise” ordinance - Goochland does not have one on the books-as well as those who feel the are enough restrictions on rural freedoms are already in place and oppose noise regulation. Next steps will be tracking feedback to see if there is adequate reason to draft a noise ordinance. If you have thoughts on the matter, please send them to countyadmin@goochlandva.us. They want to hear from you, pro, con, or in between.

Budesky made it clear at the outset that NO DECISION TO CREATE A NOISE ORDINANCE HAS BEEN MADE. The supervisors want a greater overview of citizen input on the matter before even considering such a law. (Should the board decide to go forward with an ordinance regulating noise, public hearings before the planning commission and supervisors will be held before a final decision. There could also be additional community meetings.)

Unlike their predecessors, who have been out of office long enough for people to forget their shortcomings, and passed an emergency ordinance to outlaw mud bogging after complaints about a single event, these supervisors, who have heard from constituents on both sides of the matter, want widespread public input on the subject before they decide if there is a need to regulate noise in the county. 

Goochland, said Budesky, did have a noise ordinance at one point, which was ruled “not legally sufficient” in 2007. In 2008, the Supreme Court nullified the law. The sticking point was how to enforce it. In 2010, the “old board”. Decided not to pursue the matter. 

 Some speakers suggested that a law should regulate “excessive” noise. Well, “excessive” is a very subjective term. It’s a little like the comment  late U.S. Supreme Court Justice Potter Stewart made about obscenity “I can’t define it, but I know it when I see it.”

Speakers at the meeting, the format was a brief overview followed by citizen comments, were on all sides of the subject.  Their remarks were thoughtful and on point.

Goochland did have a noice ordinance, said, Budesky, but it was deemed unenforceable early in the century. Other ordinances were tried, but were problematic. If Goochland’s supervisors do decide to regulate noise—AND NO DECISION TO DO SO HAS BEEN MADE—the resulting ordinance will be enforceable.

County Attorney Tara McGee explained that conditional permits for entertainment and wedding venues do regulate things like house of operation, outdoor music, and fireworks. 

Richard Willis of Maidens, who has been strenuously advocating for creation of a noise ordinance, contends that neighboring jurisdictions, including Hanover and Louisa, have enforceable noise ordinances. He presented a petition signed by 94 people supporting creation of a noise ordinance. He said that the Goochland Sheriff’s office received 948 noise complaints in the last ten years, about which “not much was done.” He said that there is a lot of noise that is causing problems and must be addressed. 

Offensive noise, as described by speakers, included neighbors that play ear splitting noise all night long that prevents their children from sleeping, fireworks at the Hermitage Country Club that caused a family member to have a stroke and regularly cause their cows to abort or deliver calves early, and extended loud sound from ATVs on adjacent property.

Gunfire was mentioned by several speakers, who enthusiastically support the safe, responsible use of firearms. Perhaps the most astute observation of the evening was “some people are just jerks and you can’t fix stupid.”

In 2012, an ordinance, 3-104 of the Code of Goochland, was adopted to regulate excessive noise by companion animals, essentially large numbers of dogs, which, one speaker contended, is working well

The discussion turned to the concept of neighborliness. Several speakers suggested that, if you have a problem with a noisy neighbor, discuss it with them to seek resolution. Others contended that sources of nuisance noise are renters with little regard for others. 

As the county grows and people are living closer together rules to govern acceptable behavior will safeguard everyone’s right to enjoy their property and help those who don’t think about being respectful of those around them, one speaker contended.  Rapid fire gunshots late into the night were mentioned a few times and speakers wanted some sort of mechanism to encourage people to use good judgement so as not to infringe on others. Some wondered how those shooters could afford all the ammunition.

Reasonableness of any noise regulation was also discussed. 

“I came to Goochland not to be constrained about what I can and can’t do on my land. I moved here to shoot guns, ride ATVs, and have parties with loud music. I don’t need regulations to keep things from getting out of hand because I am respectful of my neighbors,” one person said.

Another said that they want a noise ordinance but do not want their rights taken away; nuisances must be addressed, especially irresponsible use of firearms. 

How much noise is too much one speaker asked.”Dogs bark to protect their people and property, Harleys have loud engines, lawn mower mufflers get busted, and some folks yell very loudly to call their children. Does that need to be regulated?” Another contended that an ATV zooming around “sounds like freedom to me.”

Subdivision covenants, which often address activities such as shooting within a certain distance or obnoxious and offensive activity. Again, obnoxious and offensive can be in the ear of the beholder.

There seemed to be  general agreement that agricultural noise should be exempt from regulation. If you want rural, you must have agriculture, which can be noisy, smelly, and messy. A speaker who grew up in the flight path of a New York City airport contended that even loud noises eventually become background noise

The general notion on more regulation generated several comments. Among them was ”Do it right or not at all.” “I don’t want another bureaucrat in my pocket telling me what to do.” 

Several speakers raised concerns about the weaponizing potential. If someone has an issue with their neighbor, for instance, a noise regulation could be enable harassment. Additional regulations could become a slippery slope to more.

Part of the difficulty of noise ordinance enforcement is the definition of what excessive noise is. Use of decibel meters, somewhat similar to the radar guns used in speed control, might be the answer. If called to investigate a noise complaint, a deputy could measure the problematic sound, and, if if exceeded legal maximum, take action. Should this incident wind up in court, the deputy could present impartial evidence that the sound in question exceeded maximum legal limits. These devices, like radar guns, would need to be calibrated regularly. Without an impartial means to measure noise, complaints are difficult to enforce.

Once again, Goochlanders came together to express opinions in a thoughtful, cordial manner. We are blessed to live in such a place.

Reed Marsh

At its Tuesday, May 7 meeting, the Goochland Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a rezoning application for 56.3 acres adjacent  to the library in Courthouse Village. This gives the green light to Reed Marsh LLC  for no more than 64 homes, which will be connected to public water and sewer. 

Current zoning for the subject parcels in the rezoning application that adjoin River Road West is R3, which permits by right, construction of 27 triplex units without any public input, cash proffers, buffering, or preservation of the historic home.

The board meeting room was filled with concerned citizens who, for the most part, expressed objections to the proposed high density residential community for about an hour. Their  comments were thoughtful and concise. A petition in opposition of the rezoning signed by 200 residents was filed with the Board.At its Tuesday, May 7 meeting, the Goochland Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a rezoning application for 56.3 acres adjacent  to the library in Courthouse Village. This gives the green light to Reed Marsh LLC  for no more than 64 homes, which will be connected to public water and sewer. 

Current zoning for the subject parcels in the rezoning application that adjoin River Road West is R3, which permits by right, construction of 27 triplex units without any public input, cash proffers, buffering, or preservation of the historic home.

The board meeting room was filled with concerned citizens who, for the most part, expressed objections to the proposed high density residential community for about an hour. Their  comments were thoughtful and concise. A petition in opposition of the rezoning signed by 200 residents was filed with the Board.

The property also contains a home, built in 1810 that was, for many years, the residence of the  Miller family, several of who. Served as Goochland Court Clerks.

In. February, the planning commission voted 4-1 to recommend denial of the application citing density in excess of the Comprehensive Plan; concerns about destruction of the historic home; and failure to adequately address traffic impacts on River Road West.

The final application approved by the supervisors addressed some of those concerns. It has fewer lots, no more than 64 versus 67 (including the historic home) were approved. A proffer to preserve, remodel, and sell the historic home was added. A sewer line “stub” to the library and offsite improvements to sewer lines at the developer’s expense were also added. Heavily landscaped buffers along  River Road west and deeper treed buffers along other boundaries were added as were additional turn lanes.

Build out for Reed Marsh is expected around 2024, about the time that the new Goochland Elementary School will welcome students.

Opponents to the project contended that Reed Marsh will degrade the quality of life in Courthouse Village. Others argued that more people living there might bring a greater variety of business to the area.

( Last year, GOMM polled readers for suggestions for businesses they would like to see on the old Fairground Property. So far, no signs of new activity there.) 

 One speaker said that Courthouse Village needs more people because it “is like a ghost town at night.”

The density of the project raised the most ire. According to the 2035 Comprehensive PLan, available in its entirety on the county website, the parcels in questions are designated single family residential, low density, which the Comp Plan defines as “an average lot size of two acres.” This assumes that homes will use well and septic. Lot sizes in Reed Marsh are estimated to range between .5 and .75 acres with one third of the property left in open space.

 Director of Community Development JoAnn Hunter stated that higher density may be appropriate for property served by public utilities, as is Reed Marsh. Last year, the supervisors approved a higher density for the Swann’s Inn neighborhood, located further south on River Road West,  after additional sewer capacity became available. The Courthouse Village density provision of the Comp Plan needs to be updated to reflect availability of sewer and water.

One gentleman warned that the county will need to  assume massive bond debt to finance more water and sewer capacity in Courthouse Village. Agreements with the Department of Corrections to obtain water and sewer are limited in scope.

Others contended that this property is precious and should be developed carefully, without making any specific suggestions. Others felt that two acres lots served by well and septic are just fine. Someone mentioned that the mobile home community to the north of Reed Marsh has a density of four units per acre and uses well and septic.

As the realtors say “location, location, location” is the most important quality of a property. Reed Marsh is located in the heart of Courthouse Village, which itself is shaped like a heart—the one in your chest—and ground zero for the walkable village feel that the Comp Plan envisions for this area.  The approved Reed Marsh plan also includes intersection improvements and crosswalks. The map of Courthouse Village, shows a road at the intersection of Rts. 522 and 6 with connections to the larger parcels behind. Development density should be highest at the core of a village and decline toward the edges. Reed Marsh is the core (see Ladybug on Map) of the core.

The lady bug is the heart of Courthouse Village

Much doom and gloom was predicted in home with smaller lots are allowed into Courthouse Village. Curiously,no one mentioned Courthouse Commons, a neighborhood of smaller lots on public utilities that has been there for at least a decade. It made such an impact that no one seems to know it’s there.

The supervisors once again whistled past the grave yard about public safety concerns. The Goochland Sheriff’s Office has 31 deputies to patrol all 280 square miles of Goochland County all day every day. Goochland Fire-Rescue has increasing call volume. 

A traffic engineer for the developer, who, by the way lives in the county, contended that Reed Marsh at build out after all of the improvements, including turn lanes and intersection upgrades, will not have a major impact on traffic there. The Oilville exit, AKA the commuter’s nightmare,  is another matter, Goochland is at the mercy of VDOT there.

Balanced development is another goal of the Comp Plan, which is a bit squishy and an “in the eye of the beholder” concept. Opponents claim that people move to Goochland because they want more space between houses and Reed Marsh is inappropriate for Courthouse Village. Other railed against turning Goochland into an “urban commercial wasteland like Henrico.”

Curiously, little attention was paid to the provision that the size of the homes, whose price is expected to be about $400,000, will start at 1,800 square feet including garage. That seems steep for a relatively small house.

The supervisors’ ultimate charge is to decide if a rezoning project is good for the county. The job of the planning commission is to determine if it complies with the Comp Plan, the two are not necessarily the same. They spent more than an hour after the public hearing, discussing various provision of the proposal before voting.

The property also contains a home, built in 1810 that was, for many years, the residence of the  Miller family, several of who. Served as Goochland Court Clerks.

In. February, the planning commission voted 4-1 to recommend denial of the application citing density in excess of the Comprehensive Plan; concerns about destruction of the historic home; and failure to adequately address traffic impacts on River Road West.

The final application approved by the supervisors addressed some of those concerns. It has fewer lots, no more than 64 versus 67 (including the historic home) were approved. A proffer to preserve, remodel, and sell the historic home was added. A sewer line “stub” to the library and offsite improvements to sewer lines at the developer’s expense were also added. Heavily landscaped buffers along  River Road west and deeper treed buffers along other boundaries were added as were additional turn lanes.

Build out for Reed Marsh is expected around 2024, about the time that the new Goochland Elementary School will welcome students.

Opponents to the project contended that Reed Marsh will degrade the quality of life in Courthouse Village. Others argued that more people living there might bring a greater variety of business to the area.

( Last year, GOMM polled readers for suggestions for businesses they would like to see on the old Fairground Property. So far, no signs of new activity there.) 

 One speaker said that Courthouse Village needs more people because it “is like a ghost town at night.”

The density of the project raised the most ire. According to the 2035 Comprehensive PLan, available in its entirety on the county website, the parcels in questions are designated single family residential, low density, which the Comp Plan defines as “an average lot size of two acres.” This assumes that homes will use well and septic. Lot sizes in Reed Marsh are estimated to range between .5 and .75 acres with one third of the property left in open space.

 Director of Community Development JoAnn Hunter stated that higher density may be appropriate for property served by public utilities, as is Reed Marsh. Last year, the supervisors approved a higher density for the Swann’s Inn neighborhood, located further south on River Road West,  after additional sewer capacity became available. The Courthouse Village density provision of the Comp Plan needs to be updated to reflect availability of sewer and water.

One gentleman warned that the county will need to  assume massive bond debt to finance more water and sewer capacity in Courthouse Village. Agreements with the Department of Corrections to obtain water and sewer are limited in scope.

Others contended that this property is precious and should be developed carefully, without making any specific suggestions. Others felt that two acres lots served by well and septic are just fine. Someone mentioned that the mobile home community to the north of Reed Marsh has a density of four units per acre and uses well and septic.

As the realtors say “location, location, location” is the most important quality of a property. Reed Marsh is located in the heart of Courthouse Village, which itself is shaped like a heart—the one in your chest—and ground zero for the walkable village feel that the Comp Plan envisions for this area.  The approved Reed Marsh plan also includes intersection improvements and crosswalks. The map of Courthouse Village, shows a road at the intersection of Rts. 522 and 6 with connections to the larger parcels behind. Development density should be highest at the core of a village and decline toward the edges. Reed Marsh is the core (see Ladybug on Map) of the core.

Much doom and gloom was predicted in home with smaller lots are allowed into Courthouse Village. Curiously,no one mentioned Courthouse Commons, a neighborhood of smaller lots on public utilities that has been there for at least a decade. It made such an impact that no one seems to know it’s there.

The supervisors once again whistled past the grave yard about public safety concerns. The Goochland Sheriff’s Office has 31 deputies to patrol all 280 square miles of Goochland County all day every day. Goochland Fire-Rescue has increasing call volume. 

A traffic engineer for the developer, who, by the way lives in the county, contended that Reed Marsh at build out after all of the improvements, including turn lanes and intersection upgrades, will not have a major impact on traffic there. The Oilville exit, AKA the commuter’s nightmare,  is another matter, Goochland is at the mercy of VDOT there.

Balanced development is another goal of the Comp Plan, which is a bit squishy and an “in the eye of the beholder” concept. Opponents claim that people move to Goochland because they want more space between houses and Reed Marsh is inappropriate for Courthouse Village. Other railed against turning Goochland into an “urban commercial wasteland like Henrico.”

Curiously, little attention was paid to the provision that the size of the homes, whose price is expected to be about $400,000, will start at 1,800 square feet including garage. That seems steep for a relatively small house.

The supervisors’ ultimate charge is to decide if a rezoning project is good for the county. The job of the planning commission is to determine if it complies with the Comp Plan, the two are not necessarily the same. They spent more than an hour after the public hearing, discussing various provision of the proposal before voting.

A good time for a good cause

Voters disenfranchised

“The law is a ass!” Robin Lind, secretary of the Goochland Electoral Board declared, quoting Charles Dickens in frustration as he explained how more than 300 voters who live in the no man’s land between Goochland and Louisa counties will be unable to cast ballots for those who spend their tax dollars in this November’s local election.

He cited Code of Virginia 24.2-304.03B which states “all references in this section to boundaries of counties and cities shall be interpreted to refer to those in existence on April 1,2011, and as reported by the United States Bureau of the Census in the 2010 Census reports provided  pursuant to United States Public Law 94-171, not withstanding subsequent boundary changes  by law, annexation, merger, consolidation, or the voiding of boundary changes therefore made final.”

in

"The Goochland Electoral board greatly regrets  doing this, but we feel we must follow the law as it has been shown to us,” Lind said. Indeed, Goochland has a reputation for high election turnouts by making it easy  to vote. 

The Board of Supervisors, said Lind, has no standing authority in the matter and therefore no power to fix it. State law gives the power to assign voters solely to the local electoral board, which operates independently of county government.

For 250 or so years, a portion of the boundary between Goochland and Louisa has been, well, fuzzy. The two counties have held talks on and off in an effort to delineate the border, with no result for decades.  Lind contended that the problem may have been caused by early surveys that indicated that boundary was “on the ridge” and marked by stones long since moved by agriculture. He referred to parcels in  question as “Edge cases” that in some cases are in both counties.

Lind explained that voters are assigned to precincts based on U. S. Federal census boundary lines, which take precedence over all other demarcations. In theory, jurisdiction borders and census boundary lines should be the same, but on this fuzzy local no man’s land, they are not.

Last June, the Commissioner of the State Board of Elections emphasized that his department “has no oversight in ensuring voters are placed in the correct precinct,” after being notified that there were hundreds of mis-assigned voters in Goochland and Louisa due to county boundary inaccuracies. 

The Goochland Electoral Board adopted a policy agreeing to permit the General Registrar to accept any voter transferred into Goochland from an adjoining jurisdiction, but required EB approval before transferring voters out of the county.

In August of 2018, Louisa and Goochland Counties coordinated efforts by their GIS departments to identify misplaced voters and Census line errors  for submission to the federal census bureau  for the 2020 Census with mutual agreement on actual boundary lines.

In this year’s General Assembly session, 22nd District Senator Mark Peake, who represents Goochland, introduced legislation to deal with the situation until a more permanent solution is found. That legislation SB1102 passed the State Senate with no opposition. A summary follows:

Congressional and legislative district boundaries; alignment with boundaries of counties and cities; review of a voter's registration. Provides that, for purposes of congressional, Senate, and House of Delegates districts, if a boundary of such a district virtually coincides with the boundary between two or more localities, the boundary of the congressional district shall conform to the boundary between the localities that has been (i) agreed upon by those localities, (ii) adopted in ordinances by those localities, and (iii) reported by those localities to the United States Bureau of the Census. The bill requires the State Board of Elections to review any change of boundary to determine whether there is evidence that the change was made with fraudulent intent, and if it appears there was fraudulent intent, to refer the matter to a circuit court to approve or deny the change. If two or more localities sharing a boundary cannot agree on the true boundary line between them, the boundary shall be that which was in existence on April 1, 2011, and was reported by the United States Bureau of the Census in the 2010 Census reports provided pursuant to United States Public Law 94-171. The bill provides a process by which a voter who believes he has been incorrectly assigned to an election district or precinct may request and have his assignment reviewed by the general registrar and, if necessary, the governing body of the county or city.

However, when the legislation got to the Elections and Privileges Committee of theHouse of Delegates, its companion bill died in committee by a 17-5 vote. John McGuire, 56th District, was one of five delegates to support of the bill, while Delegates Ransone, Ingram, Jones, S.C., O'Quinn, Rush, Fowler, Leftwich, Head, Sickles, Rasoul, Lindsey, Price, VanValkenburg, Turpin, Tran, Convirs-Fowler, and Krizek voted to kill it, essentially depriving the affected citizens of their right to cast ballots for their local officials, and some state offices this November. Wonder if they were too busy checking their yearbook photos to deal with a serious issue like this.

On April 15, the Goochland electoral board and registrar met with their counterparts from Louisa, who had already moved voters to comply with state law, which relies on U. S. Census line boundaries. At that time, the Goochland electoral board voted to accept voters from Louisa who had been identified as being in Goochland and those in Goochland to Louisa. According to Lind, 100 voters have been transferred from Louisa to Goochland, 227 from Goochland to Louisa with four pending.

In the meantime, Goochland and Louisa counties are submitting identical census boundaries to be used in the 2020 census, which should clear up the mess, at least for voting, by the next redistricting in the spring of 2021.

Understandably, the voter affected are furious. One gentlemen contended that the situation is a clear case of taxation without representation. Local elections are often decided by a few votes,  making this more egregious. While still troubling, affected voters will have representation at the state level. 

Out into the world

Celebrating the success of CTE graduates as they go out into the world, ready to contribute.

On Friday, May 3, Goochland County High School held signing day for Career and Technical Education members of the class of 2019 who are headed to jobs, technical education, or the military. Although 7^th District Congressional Representative Abigail Spanberger, and Goochland resident John McGuire, 56^th District member of the Virginia House of Delegates were billed as special guests, the day belonged to the graduates. School Board members Karen Horn, District 3 and Mike Payne, District 1, who spearheaded the rebirth of CTE in Goochland Schools, also attended.

Senior Tiffani Burdick chats with Congressperson Abigail Spanberger

“What we’ve accomplished in eight years is amazing,” Payne, who is a CTE teacher in Powhatan said. “And we’re just getting started.”

As the cost versus the value of traditional four-year college degrees—that often saddle students with much debt and few job prospects—is examined, Goochland’s CTE program is an attractive alternative for many students.

From hard hats to dress blues, CTE grads are ready for the world.

School Superintendent Dr. Jeremy Raley thanked local companies including Liesfeld Construction and Sargent Corp., for their partnerships in the program. “Working together, we will add many good employees to the job pipeline for years to come.”

Every graduate of the Goochland heavy equipment program has a good paying job waiting for them. CTE program director Bruce Watson said that the demand for workers with the technical and soft skills that CTE offers is strong.  The heavy equipment operator program at GTech is the better established of only two in the Commonwealth. These kids know where they are going and what they want to accomplish in life.

Goochland’s Marine Corps Junior ROTC program has prepared many students for military service. Indeed, thanks to this program, GHS graduates are prized by armed forces’ recruiters.

Tiffani Burdick will attend the University of Virginia on a full Naval ROTC-Marine option scholarship. Others will serve in the Marine Corps, the Navy, and Air Force. Lt. Col. Kevin Williams, MCJRROTC instructor introduced military bound students. “They’ve chosen a path of serve and made a commitment to put it all on the line for all of us,” observed Williams.

Other CTE graduates will follow careers in nursing—including certified nursing assistants with jobs waiting for them. Areas of interest include culinary arts, fire-rescue, law enforcement; forensic science; welding, diesel mechanic, teaching, and cosmetology, the skills that build a society.

“I’ve watched many of you progress since middle school,” Watson told the group. “I look forward to seeing the great things you will do.”

McGuire, a former Navy SEAL, told the graduates not to rest on their laurels but to challenge themselves every day to be better and encourage those around them to do the same.

Del. John McGuire (r) and Peter Trevor who hopes to follow in McGuire's footsteps as a Navy SEAL

Those pursing apprenticeships in the 2019-2020 school year were also recognized.

Earlier in the week, first graders visited GTech for exposure to the notion of career and technical courses. Presenters for the various programs reminded them that math, science and reading are important in every endeavor.

First graders visit GTech and learn that science, math, and reading are important in every job.

Goochland Day returns

Goochland Day will feature a dunking booth

The latest version of an iconic local event, Goochland Day, will be held on May 11, that’s next Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the high school/middle school complex on Bulldog Way, off of Rt.6 west of its intersection with Rt. 522. Hosted by the PTSAs of the high and middle schools, the event honors mental health awareness.

The Future Famers of America will hold a plant sale at the GHS greenhouse starting at 9 a.m. and the annual mattress sale fundraiser will also be in progress.

For many years, Goochland Day, formerly held on the Courthouse Green, was the county’s major festival. Interest dwindled in the early days of the 21s century and Goochland Day slipped into history.

According to Elizabeth Nelson-Lyda, event organizer, long-time county residents miss Goochland Day and newcomers are eager to participate in a community-uniting experience. The new location is also an excellent way to showcase our schools to those who are not engaged in local education.

Goochland Day will have lots of vendors and food trucks. There will be live music; rides; inflatables; and a dunking booth. A free petting zoon will be available. Community service groups; representatives of the Virginia State Police; and Smokey Bear will be there too. Carnival games and knockerball will be available for purchase.

Nelson-Lyda said that the organizers want to make the event family friendly, but there are expenses. The Goochland County Economic Development Authority contributed $1,000 to the event. A limited raffle offering 250 $20-dollar tickets, with a one-thousand-dollar prize to the winner, will also help defray costs.

For additional information contact the Goochland Day Committee, call/email one of the following: Janet Neterer (804) 640-2960 j.byrd.hawk@gmail.com * Elizabeth Nelson-Lyda (804) 439-4591 enl@acumentech.net Ledra Allen (804) 201-3968 leeall999@gmail.com * Heather Maybush (804) 888-3416 MH_Maybush@msn.com Gina Saunders (804) 338-1513 gquickoats@aol.com.