Citizens need a choice of Courthouse Road plans
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Dear Editor,

The [Aug. 23] article on the proposed Northern Courthouse Road Plan prompted me to offer a few words of caution to the residents and business owners in the area. Chesterfield County has an extremely professional, capable planning staff. The process of revising a land use plan for any area is complex and centered around data and sound land use principles.

I was at the Planning Commission meeting, and I have read the numerous versions of the proposed Northern Courthouse Community Plan. The issue that gives me heartburn is [Planning] Commissioner [Russ Gulley] deleting significant portions of the plan and inserting his own language. I would have this issue with any of the commissioners. For example, the staff recommended certain densities and mixes of uses in certain areas.

These recommendations are made based on available infrastructure, suitability, economic development potential and proper transitions. The community will not have the opportunity to see these recommendations because only Gulley's version will be presented.

State law has mandated the plan address affordable housing, but the language in this plan has been changed to discourage it. If all plan revisions did the same, there would be no real provision for affordable housing.

I don't live in the geography encompassed by this particular plan.

However, if citizens wish to ensure the future use of land in Chesterfield is in harmony with sustainable development and fiscal responsibility, I would suggest they make a point to get more than one opinion.

Andrea Epps

Brandermill

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