County board rejects alcohol restrictions

A proposal pushed by Board of Supervisors Chairman Kelly Miller that would have required a conditional use permit to sell alcoholic beverages within 500 feet of schools, daycare facilities, churches and residential neighborhoods died due to lack of support from other board members last week. Miller's motion on the proposed amendment to the existing ordinance did not get a second, which is required for a vote.

Clover Hill Supervisor Art Warren called for more study while Midlothian Supervisor Don Sowder cited the negative impact it would have on economic development.

During the public hearing, members of the business community lined up solidly against the amendment. Speaking for the Chesterfield County Chamber of Commerce, President Lenita Gilreath said the chamber had "strong opposition" against the "unnecessary ordinance." Bermuda Supervisor Dickie King agreed with the chamber's position.

Dave Anderson, a partner with Roseland Development Company, said the "ordinance misses the mark…[and impacts] live entertainment" at his company's proposed mixed-use development.

Amy Satterfield, executive director for the Midlothian Village Coalition, said her group wanted to promote neighborhoods that allow residents to walk to nearby bars and restaurants.

Last May, the planning commission recommended against the amendment on a vote of 4-1.

Road priorities

The board adopted a road priority list totaling $666 million that will be forwarded to the county's congressional and state legislative delegations and the Commonwealth Transportation Board. The entire Richmond District will only receive an estimated $394 million over the next six years.

In a good year Chesterfield receives $20 million. It costs $8.45 million to build onemile of a two-lane road.

The top priority was widening Route 10 from Route 1 to I-295, estimated to cost $47 million. The second priority was to widen Route 60 to six lanes from Courthouse Road to Old Buckingham Road. The third priority was to provide an interchange for the Meadowville Technology Park with I-295.

Vehicle restrictions

The board delayed a vote until Nov. 14 on proposed new restrictions for the operation of motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles and go-karts on land zoned residential or agricultural. The amendments would prohibit physical improvements like dirt tracks, lights and grandstands and paths on residential lots and near other residential lots that adjoin agricultural land. The goal is to reduce the noise, light and dust associated with the vehicles' use.

During a public hearing last month, three citizens generally spoke in favor of the restrictions. The commission previously voted 4-1 in favor of the amendments.

New clerk

The board selected Janice Blakely, the deputy clerk, to become the clerk to the board. She replaces Lisa Elko who begins a new job with Virginia Commonwealth University next week.