Hull Street Rd. center to get new traffic light
By Greg Pearson STAFF WRITER

The Virginia Department of Transportation has given the green light for a traffic light to be installed on Hull Street Road between Winterpock Road and Woodlake, allowing easier access in and out of the new Hancock Village shopping center that's currently under construction. It will be installed sometime next year.

The light will also allow traffic exiting the Lakepointe community to turn left from Duck Ridge Boulevard onto eastbound Hull Street Road. Lakepointe residents had argued strenuously for the light during a public hearing before the county board last year. Hancock Village developer Doug Horack of Atlantic Realty Investments will pay for the light.

"Our operations staff reviewed how the 360 corridor would operate with a signal there and at Ashlake Parkway," said Chesterfield/Powhatan Residency Engineer Dale Totten, "and concluded the corridor could support two new signals."

"VDOT gave us our day in court," said Horack. "I'm pleased that the light is not only good for the center but also helps the citizens of the area."

County Transportation Director John Mc- Cracken opposed the Hancock Village light, saying it would slow down east and westbound traffic on Hull Street Road.

The opening of the 534,000-square shopping center has been delayed until September 2008 because of the permitting process. The center will be anchored by an upscale super Wal-Mart with 197,356 square feet and a JCPenney with 103,525 square feet. Other "firm" prospects include Circuit City, Dick's Sporting Goods, Bed Bath & Beyond, DSW and Books-A-Million.

The demographics of the area are enticing, though national retailers usually look for more "rooftops [homes]" than are currently available in the immediate area. But with Harpers Mill south of Hampton Park and Magnolia Green west of Woodlake becoming active, national retailers are setting their sights on the spike in new residential development yet to come.

The site plan also shows numerous outparcels - separate retail buildings around the perimeter of the 87-acre site. Many of those will likely be restaurants. Signed agreements include

Long Horn Steakhouse, a new prototype of Applebee's, a Starbucks with a drive-thru location, and a new prototype McDonald's with plasma television sets and a fireplace.

The 20.66 acres behind the village is zoned for multifamily residential and office/warehouse. Horack said he is "leaning toward residential."