1.30.22 County planners continue developing draft plan for Genito Road corridor
| By Greg PearsonBrandermill Board member Chesterfield planners are still working toward a draft proposal for additional commercial/recreational uses on Genito Road from Route 288 east to just beyond the now-defunct Southside Speedway. The county is attempting to embellish the already successful River City Sportsplex that generated about 500,000 players, family members, and fans last year, ringing Chesterfield’s cash drawer. Though recommendations from citizens were officially to end on December 31, according to county planner Joanne Wieworkaj, Chesterfield continues developing the draft plan for the Genito/Special Focus Area Plan. More recommendations can be sent to [email protected]. Earlier, the Chesterfield Economic Development Authority purchased the 47-acre speedway site and is holding the property until the county decides what should replace it. Tentatively, planners are considering four more rectangular sport fields to the existing Sportsplex plus a 3,500-seat stadium. Other possibilities are an adult fitness area/track, a 15,000-square-foot multipurpose building with an observation area and a rooftop restaurant, a 1.5-acre playground, a 5k trail, more restrooms, and additional parking. The link to the current draft plan on the county website is www.chesterfield.gov/genito288. The requests for recommendations from county residents generated 1,127 responses by December 31 seeking more recreation, including disc golf, pickleball courts, and a concert venue. The second highest demand was for reviving the speedway, but in a public meeting, Clover Hill Supervisor Chris Winslow said, “No one with sufficient experience and financial means has stepped forward.” Chesterfield, he added, even reached out to NASCAR’s Denny Hamlin team to see if the former Southside Speedway driver had interest, but received no response. Winslow did say county officials were in touch with the owner of Chesterfield Auto Parts, whose unsightly business sits between the Sportsplex and speedway. The owner is willing to relocate when terms are reached, Winslow reported.Responding citizens were also surveyed about what they thought was undesirable. Residential and commercial development topped that list follow by self-storage, industrial uses, and a hotel. A number of improvements are necessary to develop the area plan. Wieworka said that includes direct access from Genito Road to Route 288 in all directions. Thus far, VDOT has turned thumbs down because a new interchange would be too close to the one at the Powhite Parkway. Streetscaping along Genito Road and paved trails or sidewalks were also reported to be necessary. The next step for county planners is to finish the draft plan and hold a work session with the Chesterfield Planning Commission before reaching out to citizens with its updated plan. After the commissioners hold a public hearing, the final draft plan would go to the Chesterfield Board for another public hearing followed by a vote. Part of the county’s outreach to the community included Wieworka presenting the draft plan in early January to members of the Brandermill Regional Men’s Club.On the west side of Genito, the initial land clearing and road network has begun for a waterpark that would include surfing, waterskiing, an amphitheater, space for offices and retail, and about 1,200 multi-family apartments. That project was approved by the Chesterfield supervisors last year. Local governments try to attract commercial development because it costs less to provide services (largely because of the cost for schools) to its citizens. The county’s operating principle is that sport’s tourism is “largely recession proof” and is doubling down on its investment as competitors on the East Coast (including Henrico County) up their game too. Sales taxes from commercial development also help reduce Chesterfield’s heavy reliance on residential property taxes to operate the county. For decades, Chesterfield has been working to reduce that reliance, which still remains at about four times higher than commercial property tax revenue. The current property tax rate is 95 cents per $100 of assessed value, but the supervisors are advertising a rate of 93 cents, which means in April when the Board sets the rate, it can’t be any higher than 93 cents. The reduction in the rate is a result of recent escalation in home values that created a seller’s real estate market. For Henrico, because it has considerably more office parks and retail development, it generates more revenue with a mix of about 35% commercial to 65% for residential. That allows Henrico to have a lower property tax rate of 87 cents compared to Chesterfield’s mix of about 80% residential to 20% commercial. |
1.30.22 788 Homes are Proposed Near Brandermill’s Front Door
A Northern Virginia builder is requesting 103 acres bordering Hull Street from Market Square north along the west side of Route 288 be rezoned to residential for a mixture of up to 788 townhouses, condos or apartments including 17 single-family homes. Known for years as the Cheatam property and now with added adjacent acreage, the current owners have struggled to find its place in the congested 288/360 marketplace.
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11.23.2021 Winter Weather; Snow and Ice Removal in Brandermill
As winter weather approaches, BCA Staff would like to remind you of the following; roads, parkways, and neighborhood streets are owned and maintained by the Virginia Department of Transportation. BCA staff are not authorized to perform snow and ice removal services on any public roadways throughout the community. The BCA Maintenance staff may plow snow at community amenities such as Sunday Park, Harbour Pointe Clubhouse, and the BCA Office but will not address public roadways. If you should have questions or concerns in regard to snow and ice removal along roadways and neighborhoods throughout the BCA please reach out to VDOT using the following link:
https://www.virginiadot.org/default.asp
BCA Staff thanks you and wishes you a safe and happy winter season. Click here to read the entire blog post.
10.29.2021 Prevent Damage to Your Roofs: Regular Cleanup is Necessary
*This article follows the story of a US Navy Veteran in the Brandermill Community. The interview has been conducted anonymously. *
Rewind back to June of 1969. A senior student of the University of Minnesota is nearing the end of his studies in Occupational Therapy. He was a well-studied student, ready to start his career. The director of his program recognized this and informed the young man of an opportunity that would very well set his future up for success. The US Navy was in search of Occupational Therapists, and they were offering a full commission to those who joined. The young man, no older than 21, accepted the position and began his career in the US Navy Reserves. He was then sworn in as an Ensign (a commissioned officer) and obtained his commission. He completed his fieldwork at the Veteran’s Administration of Minneapolis, where he took the national assessment and upon passing, graduated from the program.
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10.1.2021 Prevent Damage to Your Roofs: Regular Cleanup is Necessary
It is getting to be that time of year again, where the leaves will start turning colors and start falling from the trees, which means here in Brandermill, more leaves will be gathering on roofs, in gutters, and on yards.
While it is a rule (Residential Design Standard, 11.1.1 D & E and 11.1.2 A) to keep your roof and gutters relatively clean of leaves and debris, it’s important to know why. Having an excess of leaves sitting on your roof and in your gutters is a hazard to your house.
Click here to read the entire blog from Tasha Rempfer, BCA Compliance Manager.