In case you missed the Oct. 25 Board of Supervisors meeting, here is a brief recap of items from the board’s work session and business meeting:
RIDGEDALE SPECIAL FOCUS AREA PLAN
Following a public hearing, the board approved the Ridgedale Special Focus Area Plan, a document that will guide future growth, land development and redevelopment decisions within a 579-acre area around the intersection of Chippenham Parkway and Iron Bridge Road.
A Special Focus Area Plan is a long-range plan providing detailed development guidance to areas undergoing change or having a high potential for change.
Since the Ridgedale Special Focus Area Plan was initiated last fall, Dale District Supervisor Jim Holland and Planning Commissioner LeQuan Hylton worked with county staff and community stakeholders to craft a 52-page draft plan.
Notable recommendations of the plan include:
- Land uses aim to promote expanded commercial, residential, and recreational opportunities for the community and visitors of the Ridgedale area.
- Design guidelines for connectivity, site layouts, open spaces, lighting, and signage.
- Implementation items related to community facilities, incentives, infrastructure and studies for affordable housing and trail creation.
With the board’s vote, the Ridgedale Special Focus Area Plan will now be incorporated into Chesterfield’s countywide comprehensive plan.
WESTERN AREA HIGH SCHOOL
After a brief presentation by Jesse Smith, deputy county administrator for community development, the board voted to initiate a zoning action – either rezoning or substantial accord – on a county-owned, 120-acre Duval Road property that has been selected as site of the new western area high school.
You can watch the board discussion in its entirety by clicking on the image below.
BON AIR PEDESTRIAN/BIKE IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT
The board approved the award of a $1.5 million construction contract to Messer Contracting LLC for Phase 2 of the Bon Air Pedestrian/Bike Improvements Project.
In September 2018, the board authorized staff to proceed with design and right-of-way acquisition for Phase 2, which will provide pedestrian connections from the intersection of McRae Road and Western Road to the Bon Air Library and Bon Air Elementary School.
The county received three construction bids on the project last month, ranging from $1.5 million to $2.2 million. Based on staff evaluation, Messer Contracting LLC submitted the lowest responsive and responsible bid.
Construction is expected to begin in early 2024 and take about nine months.
FINANCE UPDATE
Matt Harris, deputy county administrator for finance and administration, and Budget Director Gerard Durkin briefed the board on several finance-related topics, including the revised state budget for fiscal year 2024, K-12 school funding and development of the county’s FY25 budget.
Watch the presentation below.
SENIOR PROGRAMS AT HUGUENOT ROAD BAPTIST CHURCH
The board authorized the county administrator to renew a lease agreement with Huguenot Road Baptist Church for continued senior citizen programming.
Since 2014, Chesterfield Parks and Recreation has sponsored activities at Huguenot Road Baptist Church to serve the recreational needs of older adults in the community. Programs include aerobics and arts and crafts, as well as special events like brown bag education series and potluck luncheons.
The renewed lease runs for three years. Rent will be $1,050 monthly during the first year of the new term, $1,150 monthly in the second year and $1,250 monthly over the final year.
RICHMOND REGION TOURISM AND TOURISM IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT UPDATE
Jack Berry, Katherine O’Donnell and Danielle Fitz-Hugh with Richmond Region Tourism gave a presentation to the board about the organization’s efforts to increase tourism, hotel occupancy and visitor spending across the region.
View the presentation below.