Henrico adds designated webpage for planned ‘GreenCity’ development
Henrico County added a page to its website to keep the public updated on the proposed “GreenCity” development. The page will be updated with the latest developments on the $2.3 billion, 200-acre “ecodistrict” community planned at the site of the former Best Products headquarters. The mixed-use development is planned to be anchored by a $250 million, 17,000-seat arena for concerts, sporting events and other entertainment.
Chesterfield adds $75M to FY21 budget
Chesterfield supervisors amended the county’s fiscal year 2021 budget last week, allocating a further $75 million to the spending plan.
Among the line items tied to the amendment are $24 million to acquire economic development sites, as well as $13.5 million to increase starting salaries for public safety workers, a new step plan for career advancement and elimination of pay compression for first responders. Other allocations include $3 million for turf replacement and new stadium seating at a field located at River City Sportsplex, as well as funds for a new assistant director in the planning department.
Supervisors approved the budget in April, though about $52 million from the original spending plan was cut in anticipation of the coronavirus pandemic’s economic effects. Cost-saving measures, residential development and a bump in local sales tax receipts generated $54 million in revenue.
Better Housing Coalition proposals moving forward in Chesterfield
The Chesterfield Planning Commission voted to recommend two separate rezoning and conditional-use permit requests from Better Housing Coalition to tee up new residential developments in the county.
The housing nonprofit is planning to build a 152-unit development on a 9.8-acre parcel at 13916 Jefferson Davis Highway, which would consist of 136 apartments and 16 townhomes. The other project would establish a three-story, 49-unit residential building on 3.5 acres at 3901 Stigall Drive.
The Board of Supervisors will consider the applications for final approval at a future meeting.
Hanover supervisors OK broadband plan
The Hanover Board of Supervisors approved a new broadband plan intended to provide a roadmap to improve internet access for residents, the county announced last week. Adoption of the plan allows the county to proceed with a review of the policy recommendations to make broadband more accessible to residents underserved or unserved by existing resources. The full report can be found here.
Branch Museum allowed to hold more events
The Richmond City Council approved a request from Branch House Associates LLC to amend the museum’s special-use permit to increase the number of events it can hold per year, to increase allowable event sizes from 150 to 300 people, and to allow a dwelling unit for an artist-in-residence and retail space.
The approval increases the number of events that can be held from 52 to 105, with only five events permitted for 200-300 guests, 50 for 150-200 guests, and 50 for 75-149 guests. Events below 75 guests are unlimited, and no more than 25 events annually shall be wedding receptions. Satellite parking will be made available for events exceeding 75 attendees, among other requirements.
The city had received opposition to the proposal from several area residents, and support from other residents and four community groups. The Fan District Association submitted a letter of no opposition. Councilmembers said they supported the change because the increase in events would generate more revenue for the nonprofit.
Henrico adds designated webpage for planned ‘GreenCity’ development
Henrico County added a page to its website to keep the public updated on the proposed “GreenCity” development. The page will be updated with the latest developments on the $2.3 billion, 200-acre “ecodistrict” community planned at the site of the former Best Products headquarters. The mixed-use development is planned to be anchored by a $250 million, 17,000-seat arena for concerts, sporting events and other entertainment.
Chesterfield adds $75M to FY21 budget
Chesterfield supervisors amended the county’s fiscal year 2021 budget last week, allocating a further $75 million to the spending plan.
Among the line items tied to the amendment are $24 million to acquire economic development sites, as well as $13.5 million to increase starting salaries for public safety workers, a new step plan for career advancement and elimination of pay compression for first responders. Other allocations include $3 million for turf replacement and new stadium seating at a field located at River City Sportsplex, as well as funds for a new assistant director in the planning department.
Supervisors approved the budget in April, though about $52 million from the original spending plan was cut in anticipation of the coronavirus pandemic’s economic effects. Cost-saving measures, residential development and a bump in local sales tax receipts generated $54 million in revenue.
Better Housing Coalition proposals moving forward in Chesterfield
The Chesterfield Planning Commission voted to recommend two separate rezoning and conditional-use permit requests from Better Housing Coalition to tee up new residential developments in the county.
The housing nonprofit is planning to build a 152-unit development on a 9.8-acre parcel at 13916 Jefferson Davis Highway, which would consist of 136 apartments and 16 townhomes. The other project would establish a three-story, 49-unit residential building on 3.5 acres at 3901 Stigall Drive.
The Board of Supervisors will consider the applications for final approval at a future meeting.
Hanover supervisors OK broadband plan
The Hanover Board of Supervisors approved a new broadband plan intended to provide a roadmap to improve internet access for residents, the county announced last week. Adoption of the plan allows the county to proceed with a review of the policy recommendations to make broadband more accessible to residents underserved or unserved by existing resources. The full report can be found here.
Branch Museum allowed to hold more events
The Richmond City Council approved a request from Branch House Associates LLC to amend the museum’s special-use permit to increase the number of events it can hold per year, to increase allowable event sizes from 150 to 300 people, and to allow a dwelling unit for an artist-in-residence and retail space.
The approval increases the number of events that can be held from 52 to 105, with only five events permitted for 200-300 guests, 50 for 150-200 guests, and 50 for 75-149 guests. Events below 75 guests are unlimited, and no more than 25 events annually shall be wedding receptions. Satellite parking will be made available for events exceeding 75 attendees, among other requirements.
The city had received opposition to the proposal from several area residents, and support from other residents and four community groups. The Fan District Association submitted a letter of no opposition. Councilmembers said they supported the change because the increase in events would generate more revenue for the nonprofit.