Route 360/288 development is carried over to September
By Greg Pearson STAFF WRITER

Because of last week's tie vote, the 63-acre parcel known as the Cheatham property in the northwest quadrant of routes 360/288 will be reconsidered at the Sept. 18 planning commission meeting. Commissioners Dan Gecker (Midlothian) and Sherman Litton (Dale) didn't like the proposed access for fire department and EMS vehicles - only one instead of the standard two. The Cheatham family proposed a second emergency access through the Tomahawk Baptist Church, which fronts on Hull Street Road.

Approval of the rezoning was motioned by Planning Commissioner Russ Gulley of the Clover Hill District, who represents the area, and seconded by Commissioner Wayne Bass of Matoaca District. Bermuda Planning Commissioner Jack Wilson abstained while Gecker and Litton opposed. Gecker, Wilson and Litton huddled together prior to the vote.

"This has been a challenging piece of property," acknowledged Gulley.

The president of the Nuttree Civic Association requested waiving access to Red Chestnut Drive, which could have been a second access option, because they didn't want cut-through traffic from the larger development.

The Cheatham family seeks rezoning from agriculture to commercial for 600 homes - mostly multifamily - including a 3-4 story high-rise building. The project will include about 110 townhouses, independent senior housing, assisted living and a nursing home.

The planning staff recommended approval of the rezoning, saying it fits the comprehensive plan, but noted the second access problem. The development would pay $9.3 million in proffers for road improvements, an estimated 319 more students, and other county services.

Road access has been a persistent problem in developing the property. The westbound ramp off Route 288 onto Route 360 presents "drivers with too many decisions to make in too short of time," according to the county's Transportation Director John McCracken. The cost of road improvements and no direct access to Route 360 ruled out the opportunity of more commercial uses, which would have made the land more valuable. Residential development with an emphasis on senior housing is projected to produce 5,800 vehicle trips daily instead of 19,000 for a shopping center.

The primary entrance would be from Market Square Lane, which would become a four-lane divided roadway off Old Hundred Road. Cheatham has proffered road improvements on Old Hundred Road south to Hull Street Road and north on Old Hundred Road to Tall Hickory Drive. If the Virginia Department of Transportation approves a traffic light on Old Hundred Road at Market Square Lane, the Cheathams would be obligated to pay for it.

New ordinance proposed

The commission will hold a public hearing on Sept. 18 before voting on tighter restrictions governing the use of motorcycles, allterrain vehicles and go-carts on agricultural and residential property. The staff report says the ordinance is needed because some citizens riding these types of vehicles have "created detrimental conditions for neighbors due to noise, light and dust." The county board will make the final decision after the commission's recommendation.