Townhouse project passes BOS after drainage solved
By Greg Pearson STAFF WRITER

A 121-unit townhouse development adjacent to Amberleigh in the Route 360 corridor east of Courthouse Road was approved by the Chesterfield Board of Supervisors after the applicant pledged to improve the drainage of one neighbor's driveway. Several supervisors expressed their concern when they saw photos of water pouring over the driveway following heavy rain, causing Bluestone Real Estate LLC to quickly huddle with Director of Environmental Engineering Director Dick McElfesh for a solution.

About an hour later, the applicant agreed to redesign the driveway so it would remain above the water at the 100 year storm level. The water drains to Gregory's Pond and then to Falling Creek.

The staff report said there "are no existing or anticipated on - or offsite drainage or erosion problems." The 29-acre rezoning request may have been in jeopardy as the board questioned the staff report. Both the planning commission and the planning staff had recommend board approval.

The upscale townhouses are expected to add another 64 students to Chesterfield schools, and Bluestone agreed to proffer the county's maximum of $15, 600 to pay for the cost of county services needed. Bluestone also proffered to pay for installing a traffic light at the intersection of Route 360 and Amberleigh Boulevard, but so far, the Virginia Department of Transportation has not agreed that a light is necessary.

Otterdale development approved

By a 4-1 vote, the board also approved another 36 single-family homes on Otterdale Road near where Magnolia Green is to be built. Developer Vernon McClure plans on connecting this 18-acre parcel to Westerleigh, which the board approved for 314 single-family homes on 157.6 acres in early 2004.

Supervisor Art Warren agreed with the planning commission and wanted a denial of the rezoning because of the lack of adequate roads in the area and overcrowded schools. Earlier this year, the commission voted 3-0 with two abstentions against the rezoning. The planning staff, however, said the rezoning met the comprehensive plan and recommended approval.

New Midlothian Supervisor Don Sowder voted for the rezoning, saying "the impact would be minimal...because of the size of the development." It would generate 19 children to county schools when completed.

The Hampton Park community and several other citizens opposed the rezoning. Resident Kitty Snow wanted the rezoning deferred until the Upper Swift Creek Plan is revised and approved.

No chickens

The board told Gary and Luann List they have to give up the 25 chickens they're keeping in the River Ridge community. The zoning doesn't permit the chickens, and Matoaca Supervisor Renny Humphrey was concerned about the precedence it would set. It could lead to potbelly pigs or ponies in other residential communities, according to Bermuda Supervisor Dickie King.

The Lists said the chickens had started as a project for their home-schooled children, and reported that their neighbors supported them. One neighbor, however, had turned in the violation anonymously.