In case you missed the May 25 Board of Supervisors meeting, here is a brief recap of items from the board’s work session and business meeting:
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING $105M BOND ISSUANCE
At the request of staff, the board adopted a resolution authorizing the issuance of up to $105 million in General Obligation bonds for county and school capital projects approved by voters in the November 2022 bond referendum.
The bond sale, which is expected to take place in June, will finance work on an initial slate of projects from the $540 million referendum.
Approximately $55 million of the proceeds from this year’s issuance has been earmarked for the following county capital improvements: River City Sportsplex Enhancements, Horner Park Development, Chester Fire and Rescue Station Replacement, Falling Creek Police Station, Enon Library Replacement, and Conservation Area Development.
Another $50 million will be allocated to the replacement of A.M. Davis and Bensley elementary schools, as well as construction of new elementary, middle and high schools in the western Route 360 corridor.
SIX-YEAR PLAN FOR SECONDARY ROADS
Following a public hearing, the board approved a proposed update to Chesterfield’s plan for secondary road improvements from fiscal year 2024 through 2029.
Virginia law requires the Board of Supervisors and VDOT every two years to jointly update a six-year plan identifying improvements that are expected to be made to the county’s system of secondary roads.
The plan was developed based on anticipated revenues of a little more than $1 million per year, and includes the following projects:
• Belmont Road (Whitepine Road to Concoran Drive) Drainage Improvement
• Beach Road/Riverway Road Advisory Signs
• Otterdale Road at Harpers Mill Parkway Intersection Lighting
• Otterdale Road at Hampton Park Drive Intersection Lighting
• River Road at Winterpock Creek Bridge Repair
• Bridle Path Court (S. Chesterfield/Petersburg) Rural Addition
• Weight-Restricted Bridge Permit Renewal (countywide)
SHERIFF’S OFFICE UPDATE
Chesterfield Sheriff Karl Leonard provided an update on his office’s programs and activities to the board during its afternoon work session. You can watch his presentation in its entirety by clicking on the image below.
PERFORMANCE GRANT AGREEMENTS
The board approved performance grant agreements with two companies that have committed to make a combined capital investment of $42.1 million to expand their existing Chesterfield operations and create more than 150 new jobs.
Under the terms of the county’s agreement with Church & Dwight Co., the manufacturer of household and personal health products will invest at least $27 million by Sept. 30, 2025. In exchange, it will receive a grant equivalent to 100% of the marginal increase in real estate taxes generated by its expansion project up to a maximum of $24,000.
Weidmuller, Inc., a manufacturer of smart industrial connectivity products and solutions, plans to invest approximately $15.1 million to increase their engineering and production footprint at its Chesterfield facility. Its grant will be equivalent to 100% of the marginal increase in real estate taxes paid for three consecutive years and 100% of the marginal increase in machinery and tools taxes paid for five consecutive years. It also will satisfy the match requirement for a grant Weidmuller received from the Virginia Economic Development Partnership’s Commonwealth Opportunity Fund.
The grants will assist with the companies’ respective expansion plans, which will benefit the county through additional tax revenue and economic activity in addition to the new jobs. Both grants are contingent upon their performance and will be administered by the county’s Economic Development Authority.
VDOT UPDATE
Rebecca Worley, resident engineer for the Virginia Department of Transportation’s (VDOT) Chesterfield Residency, gave the board an update on the agency’s ongoing and planned road projects at its afternoon work session. Watch her full presentation below.
TRANSPORTATION ALTERNATIVES PROJECTS
Following a public hearing, the board adopted a resolution of support for a list of projects that will be submitted to VDOT for consideration as part of its Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) for fiscal years 2025-26.
TAP funding is intended for smaller-scale, non-traditional transportation projects, including on-road and off-road pedestrian and bicycle facilities, and safe routes for non-drivers (children, older adults and individuals with disabilities) to access daily needs.
Chesterfield intends to submit the following projects for $5.6 million in TAP funding:
• Beach Road at Ironbridge Road Signalized Pedestrian Crossing
• Bon Air Pedestrian Improvements Phase II
• Forest Hill Avenue (Choctaw Road – Anwell Drive) Sidewalk
• Genito Road at Hull Street Road Signalized Pedestrian Crossing
• Sturbridge Drive at Route 60 Signalized Pedestrian Crossing
• Woods Edge Road at Route 1 Signalized Pedestrian Crossing
TAP projects are financed with 80% VDOT funds and a minimum 20% local match.
For FY2025 and FY2026 TAP funds, pre-applications are due June 30, 2023 and final applications are due October 2, 2023.
VDOT staff will review project applications for eligibility. The Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) and Transportation Planning Organization (TPO) will select projects for funding.
COMMUNITY ENHANCEMENT UPDATE
Dan Cohen, director of Chesterfield’s Department of Community Enhancement, briefed the board on various topics -- including recent community cleanups and the new Ettrick Landing subdivision that is under development in partnership with the Maggie Walker Community Land Trust. You can view his presentation below.