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Supervisor elections may complicate planning agenda
One unresolved issue is what to do with the proposed Northern Courthouse Road Plan that runs just south of Midlothian Turnpike almost to Hull Street Road. The commission majority likes the draft plan, which has less commercial development than what appears to be the wishes of the current board majority. Some believe Clover Hill Supervisor Art Warren and Gulley have micromanaged the plan to appease residents there who want to limit retail and office development. A traffic study from the Virginia Department of Transportation has been reviewed, and the commission may vote on Nov. 20 to send it to the board as requested in time for the supervisor's scheduled public hearing on Dec. 19. A board majority is reportedly in agreement with the planning staff and wants more commercial development along the roadway north from the Powhite Parkway to almost Midlothian Turnpike. Many residents in the plan area don't want increased commercial development, saying it will increase road congestion and create more traffic safety problems on the road that has 4-6 lanes. Business leaders, some property owners fronting on Courthouse, and the planning department are calling for more retail and business uses because of an abundance of agricultural zoning on the divided highway. Even if a plan is adopted by the current board next month, the new board in January could reverse it. Warren and Gecker, who like the current draft, would need only one vote from one of the three new supervisors. The plan area includes some areas that haven't been updated for over 20 years. The plan includes 81 acres known as the Moody tract, located south of Midlothian Turnpike in the Midlothian District, which is privately-held open space. The state has set aside the land for conservation because it has historical significance. Cheatham property Rezoning for the 63-acre Cheatham property in the northwest quadrant of routes 360/288 is being held up because it lacks a second access for fire and EMS vehicles. The county fire department is considering a proposal that would require all residential units to have interior sprinkler systems, which would allow the project to build 100 units. Last August, the commission deadlocked on a 2-2 vote with one abstention over the second access problem. The Cheatham family seeks rezoning from agriculture to commercial for 600 homes - mostly multifamily - including a 3-4 story high-rise building. As proposed, the project will include about 110 townhouses, independent senior housing, assisted living and a nursing home. The development would pay $9.3 million in proffers for road improvements, additional students and other county services. Neo-traditional design Planning Director Kirk Turner wants more time for his staff to study a proposed ordinance for village and town settings that incorporate residential, retail and office together. "There are some changes the staff can recommend that make it a better ordinance, so I hope it will be deferred," said Turner. As drafted, it was written by some staff members and a committee. Cloverleaf Mall The revitalization plan of the 83-acre Cloverleaf Mall site may be deferred again as Gecker tries to get more commitments from Crosland of North Carolina. The county has already invested $10 million in the project that calls for at least 200,000 square feet of retail including a Kroger as an anchor store and up to 750 mostly multifamily homes. Gecker wants a guarantee of office space. "The site is not being used intensively [more office and retail] enough given its location," said Gecker. |
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Holiday Celebrations 2008
Fall & Winter Guide 2008-09
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