NEWS BRIEFS
Board appropriates money for Chesterfield Arts Center

As part of its capital improvements budget approved late last month, the Chesterfield Board of Supervisors set aside $400,000 to design the proposed Chesterfield Arts Center to be built across from the Chester Library. The funding came from a county refund from the Richmond Convention Center, and the money has to be used for tourism and economic development purposes.

"We have a prototype so we have to put it out for bid to see what it will cost to get some detailed drawings," explained Deputy County Administrator Becky Dickson.

Last Wednesday, the Chesterfield Center for the Arts Foundation held a grand opening for its new offices next to the site. The foundation has been pressing for more immediate action since the Capital Improvements Plan of the county calls for $1.9 million in bonds to be sold in the FY11 budget period (starting July 1, 2010) and another $11.8 million a year later.

Still undecided is whether the county will require the foundation to raise matching funds. An earlier bond issue funded the purchase of the acreage across from the library for the center and parking. County funding was approved in the 2004 bond referendum to finance the building of the center with a target date of 2010. In 2003, the foundation became a Virginia nonprofit corporation, and a later analysis by consultant Stephanie Micas reported that the foundation is only likely to raise $2 million.

Preliminary architectural plans were done based on the premise that the cost will be $8.9 million - the total of county funding plus fundraising. The foundation's advisory/finance committee is comprised of George Emerson, Jim Daniels, Sam West, Tom Winfree and Hugh Cline.

According to foundation Chair Betty Matthews, the center would be about 33,000- square-feet with a theatre that seats 450-500. The lobby would likely double as an art gallery and include multipurpose rooms for rehearsals, music, art and children's art.

Last week, the Chesterfield County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors endorsed turning the construction of the arts center over to the foundation, but didn't indicate approval of the location, saying it should be located for the best long-term financial success.

Another homicide

A county man was killed on Apr. 30 during a shooting at America's Best Value Inn, 2126 Willis Rd. Police have identified the victim as 50-year-old Kenneth Ray Prindes. Officers were called to the motel around 12:30 a.m. for a report of gunfire and discovered Prindes' lifeless body.

Police continue to investigate this homicide.

Teens charged with drinking

Six teenagers between 17 and 18 years old were arrested and charged with underage possession of alcohol on Apr. 25 after police received information about underage drinking at a party at a Midlothian home.

Officers responded to the home in the 14000 block of Lander Road at about 10:15 p.m. and discovered more than 20 people in and outside the residence. Those charged included Rebecca P. Carle, 18, of the 1500 block of Goswick Ridge Road; Samantha M. Tillar, 18, of the 2500 block of Kentford Road; Elaine M. Williams, 18, of the 14200 block of Nicolay Way; two female juveniles; and one male juvenile. The male juvenile was also charged with obstructing justice.

Anyone with information about parties or places where underage drinking may be occurring is encouraged to call the police department at 748-1251 or contact Crime Solvers anonymously at 748-0660.

Mall adds Hollister Co. and Aldo

Shoppers will soon have more choices at Chesterfield Towne Center with the opening of Hollister Co. and Aldo.

"The addition of these national retailers is a strong sign that Chesterfield Towne Center continues to attract exciting fashion-oriented stores that enhance the shopping experience for our guests," said Tom Coover, senior property manager at Chesterfield Towne Center. "These are the first Chesterfield County locations for both Aldo and Hollister."

Hollister, an upper-scale retailer of apparel and accessories for teens, will be located near Center Court and will feature the company's distinctive beach décor. The store is 6,404 square feet and is expected to open this August.

Aldo is a fashion-forward retailer of men's and women's shoes. Its new 2,335-square-foot store is anticipated to open in late July in the Macy's wing.