GENERAL COMMENTS SUMMARY GENERAL COMMENTS SUMMARY

General Comments

This section presents the 132 comments received from the public regarding various aspects of the Draft 2026 Comprehensive Plan. These comments have been received through a variety of means including, but not limited to, direct mail, e-mail, and submissions to the County’s website for the Draft 2026 Comprehensive Plan, and generally were provided to staff prior to the start of the community open houses.

While later sections of this document present more specific comments regarding the Draft 2026 Future Land Use Plan Map and Draft 2026 Major Thoroughfare Plan Map, as well as responses to questions posed on the Citizens’ Comment Form, the comments in this section have been organized by magisterial district and then into 12 general categories. These categories are:

• Cultural and Historic Resources • Quality of Life • Demographics • Recreation and Parks • Environment • Schools • Infrastructure • Special Focus Areas • Land Use • Transportation • Public Facilities • Other

More than half of the comments received (77) relate to Transportation, over 40 of which directly relate to the need to address bicycle travel in the Plan. Land use proposals and comments received over 40 requests, which are also addressed in the Proposals for Land Use Plan and Major Thoroughfare Plan Revisions section.

In some cases, comments contained specific questions, which warranted an immediate response. Those responses made by staff are shown along with the respective comments. We would like to take this opportunity to express our appreciation to all those who took the time to forward us their comments regarding the various parts of the Draft 2026 Comprehensive Plan.

4 2026 Comprehensive Plan General Comments - Brookland Environment Submittal Type: Mail Name: Laura Harlow Comment Response Dear Mr. Emerson: Dear Ms. Harlow:

Thank you for taking the time to speak to me last week. My husband I am responding on behalf of Joe Emerson to your March 20, 2007 letter and I live in the Westwood subdivision of the near West-end. Mike concerning the Draft 2026 Comprehensive Plan. Thank you for taking and I have always liked this area. We enjoy the close proximity of the time to offer your suggestions, we need input such as yours for the small shopping areas and quick access to the interstates. process to work as intended.

We also like the diversity of home construction and the abundance of We appreciate your interest in the Comprehensive Planning process trees, plants, grass and flowers. Our neighborhood seems to co- and will place your comments in our files and take them under habitate successfully with wildlife. (I know our back-yard is very consideration as we continue to draft the Plan. Additionally, we active). We again have a large variety of birds, including two adult encourage you to visit the Planning Department website for updates on hawks that visit regularly. In addition there are wild rabbits, squirrels, the Comprehensive Plan and Citizen Input Meetings that will happen in chipmunks, and the occasional raccoon and opossum. the future. You can find more information about the Comprehensive Plan updates at the following website People of many religions, race, ethnic, and national backgrounds live http://www.co.henrico.va.us/planning/2026plan.htm. here. We have babies and senior citizens and many ages in between. We have a nice neighborhood. Now that I have shared If you have any questions or need additional information about the something about Westwood I would like to make several requests for Comprehensive Plan Update process, please contact me at 501-4488. the Henrico County 2026 Plan. Sincerely, Please keep Westwood in a plan for revitalization. Please plan for Rosemary D. Deemer more small neighborhood parks and ask the County and property developers to plant vegetation that will help area wildlife. Please put in sidewalks down roads like Libby and Monument to encourage pedestrian traffic and safety. Also, do not allow "adult type" businesses next to residential neighborhoods. I believe that anything that encourages people to mingle with people and people to co- habitate with wildlife is good.

Monday, November 03, 2008 5 Land Use Submittal Type: Web Name: Michele Powers Comment Response I live at 5044 Eddings Dr., next to the removed Nuckols Road Comments provided to the Draft 2026 Comprehensive Plan website extension, between Springfield and Francistown. We would like to were provided with an automated response. Additionally, a staff purchase the vacant lot next to our home, or at the very least, have member in the Comprehensive Planning division contacted this the planting strip easement and VA power easement removed so we respondent with the information requested. may add on to our home. What do I need to do to make this happen? Submittal Type: Web Name: Georgia Coopersmith Comment Response I am distressed at how little green recreational space has been Comments provided to the Draft 2026 Comprehensive Plan website allotted for a growing population. To maintain the Henrico quality of were provided with an automated response. Additionally, this life, the percentage of park/recreational space must keep pace with suggestion has been added to the list of concerns that will be forwarded the population. Otherwise, the existing green spaces will be over- to the Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors. populated with visitors and lose its native wildlife and plant species. Once the character of Henrico is lost, it cannot be regained. People with the means to do so will move farther out, taking the higher income tax base for Henrico. Is this what is best for Henrico? I think not. Submittal Type: Mail Name: Glenn Moore Comment Response Dear Mr. Emerson: Dear Mr. Moore:

I am writing on behalf of J & L Associates, LLC, the owner of property I am responding on behalf of Joe Emerson to your January 28, 2008 on which the West Broad Hyundai Automobile franchise is currently letter regarding the designation of several properties from Office to operated. I am enclosing a copy of a map showing the existing zoning Commercial Arterial on the Draft 2026 Comprehensive Plan’s Land Use as of January 9, 2008. I request that the property currently zoned B- Map. The subject properties are generally located east of Fountain 3C lying northwest of West Broad Street, north of the line of Avenue to Harrison Avenue. Emerywood Parkway extended, in a northerly direction, to Deep Run Avenue, be shown on the Future Land Use Maps for commercial As you are aware, the Planning Department is currently in the process of arterial development. Additionally, I request that the R-4 zoned updating the County’s existing 2010 Land Use Plan. Along with the parcels fronting on Fountain Avenue, south of Deep Run Avenue, proposed Future Land Use maps staff has posted several of the draft also be indicated for commercial arterial development. The subject chapters on our website and are soliciting input on the information.

Monday, November 03, 2008 6 area is hatched on the zoning map. (See staff file.) I have filed your letter with other similar requests. The next time our draft This request is consistent with the existing zoning of the property, or maps are revised staff will review your request in conjunction with the zoning of property adjacent to the subject parcels, in the case of the information you provided. Additionally, I encourage you to continue R-4 zoned parcels. With the exception of the R-4 parcel on the west visiting the Planning Department's website for updates on the line of Fountain Avenue, at its intersection with Deep Run Avenue, all Comprehensive Plan and Citizen Input Meetings that will happen in the of the property is planned for development in conjunction with the future. You can find more information about the Comprehensive Plan West Broad Honda and Hyundai Automobile Dealerships. update at the following website: http://www.co.henrico.va.us/planning/2026plan.htm.

Thank you for taking the time to review the draft land use maps; we need input such as yours for the process to work as intended. If you have any questions or need additional information about the Comprehensive Plan Update process, please contact me at 501-4488.

Sincerely, Rosemary D. Deemer

NOTE: The R-4 parcels mentioned in this request were rezoned to B- 3C, Business District (Conditional) in May 2008. The Draft 2026 Land Use Map has been amended to show the parcels as CA, Commercial Arterial.

Monday, November 03, 2008 7 Transportation Submittal Type: Web Name: (No Name Provided) Comment Response I would like to see the County provide additional Park & Ride facilities. Comments provided to the Draft 2026 Comprehensive Plan website Specifically a couple of these along the I-295 corridor e.g. Staples Mill were provided with an automated response. Additionally, this Exit would encourage and facilitate car-pooling and help alleviate suggestion has been added to the list of concerns that will be forwarded traffic. to the Planning Commission and the Board of Supervisors for further review.

Monday, November 03, 2008 8 2026 Comprehensive Plan General Comments - Fairfield General Comments/Questions Submittal Type: Web Name: Melanie Holden Comment Response I am a resident of Henrico's East End. Unfortunately, I missed the Comments provided to the Draft 2026 Comprehensive Plan website public meeting dates. However I request that you consider including were provided with an automated response. The respondent's name me on future community input sessions or volunteer outreach and contact information was added to the Comprehensive Plan opportunities that will bring voice to the needs of the residents within notification list. the East End Fairfield District. Thank you.

Monday, November 03, 2008 9 Land Use Submittal Type: Mail Name: Andrew Condlin Comment Response Dear Rosemary: Dear Mr. Condlin:

Parham Road Properties, LLC is the current owner of eight parcels of I am responding to your January 14, 2008 letter regarding the real property located in Henrico County designated as Tax Map Nos. designation of the following parcels 782-757-2904, -3717, 782-756- 782-757-2904, 782-756-4861, 782-756-6636, 782-757-3717, 782-756- 4861, -6636, -3992, -6562, -9451 and -4840, from Office to Commercial 3992, 782-756-6562, 782-756-9451 and 782-756-4840, (collectively, Concentration on the Draft 2026 Comprehensive Plan’s Land Use Map. the "Property"), which is "depicted" on the enclosed marked-up plat The subject properties are located at the southwest intersection of entitled "Plat Showing Twelve Parcels Of Land Lying Southwest Of Parham Road and Villa Park Drive. The Intersection Of Parham Road And Villa Park Drive", dated March 30, 2005, revised November 26, 2007, prepared by Jennings As you are aware, the Planning Department is currently in the process of Stephenson P.C. (See staff files.) updating the County’s existing 2010 Land Use Plan. Along with the proposed Future Land Use maps staff has posted several of the draft The Property is currently designated in the 2010 Land Use Plan as chapters on our website and are soliciting input on the information. Urban Residential and I understand the 2026 plan calls for the Property to have an Office designation. The owners request that I have filed your letter with other similar requests. The next time our draft instead the Property have a change in its designation in the final 2026 maps are revised staff will review your request in conjunction with the Land Use Plan to Commercial Concentration. This Property is information you provided. Additionally, I encourage you to continue situated at a heavily trafficked, signalized intersection, at the entrance visiting the Planning Department's website for updates on the to Villa Park. If done correctly commercial development serving the Comprehensive Plan and Citizen Input Meetings that will happen in the area will compliment Villa Park without having an adverse impact on future. You can find more information about the Comprehensive Plan surrounding residential development. Further, in looking at the update at the following website: vacancy rates in the surrounding area, the retail facilities are http://www.co.henrico.va.us/planning/2026plan. consistently reporting extremely low vacancies, even though they are outdated in design and maintenance, while the office areas continue Thank you for taking the time to review the draft land use maps; we to report higher vacancies, as they have for a number of years. need input such as yours for the process to work as intended. If you have any questions or need additional information about the An appropriately scaled and designed commercial service area on Comprehensive Plan Update process, please contact me at 501-4488. this Property, with the surrounding road network and residential users addressed appropriately, would help upgrade the entire area and Sincerely, provide a much needed service. Rosemary D. Deemer

Please feel free to call me to discuss this request if you have questions. Andrew M. Condlin

Monday, November 03, 2008 10 Submittal Type: Mail Name: John Chevalier Comment Response Dear Joe: Dear Mr. Chevalier:

D.O. Allen Homes has been hard at work creating a vision to I am responding on behalf of Joe Emerson to your December 5, 2007 development the Glenwood Golf Course into a residential community letter regarding the designation of the Glenwood Golf Course as that will stand the test of time, yet serve the community by providing Traditional Neighborhood Development on the Draft 2026 an affordable product for the residents of Henrico County. As you Comprehensive Plan. The property is generally located north of know, we attempted to utilize the only high density zoning Creighton Road in the Fairfield magisterial district. classification available (UMU), by negotiating to pull a retail corridor to Nine Mile Road into our overall plan. We were unsuccessful in getting As you are aware, the Planning Department is in the process of updating enough properties pulled together quickly enough and eventually the the County's existing 2010 Land Use Plan. Along with the proposed ability to create the corridor to Nine Mile Road ceased to exist. We Future Land Use maps, staff has posted all of the draft chapters on our still have the golf course property under contract and would like to website and continues to solicit input on the information. pursue developing a community. We would like to be able to rezone the property within the next 12-18 months, with anticipated home Planning staff is currently compiling comments and proposals for land deliveries in conjunction with the road improvements for Creighton use changes. Your request will be reviewed by staff, the Planning Road. Commissioner and Board member prior to finalizing the draft Future Land Use Map for public hearing. I encourage you to continue visiting The county has placed in its comprehensive plan a designation called the Planning Department's website for updates on the Comprehensive Traditional Neighborhood Development (TND) and has designated Plan. You can find more information about the Comprehensive Plan the golf course as a property to be developed under this zoning update at the following website: classification. As I understand it, the county has yet to write the http://www.co.henrico.va.us/planning/2026plan.htm. regulations for this zoning classification and therefore the ability to develop the property is in limbo. I would ask that the county consider Thank you for taking the time to review the draft land use maps; we moving forward in allowing properties to gain approval to the TND (or need input such as yours for the process to work as intended. If you another similar) classification, by creating a zoning classification that have any questions or need additional information about the would allow the Supervisors to work through the details of these Comprehensive Plan Update process, please contact me at 501-4488. projects on a project by project basis. By providing limited basic core criteria, the county could maintain the key concepts of the TND while Sincerely, allowing the flexibility of developers and the county to tailor each Rosemary D. Deemer project to the specific site and need of the community. I would also ask that the county allow within the TND classification (or as an alternative zoning classification) density (with or without the TND characteristics) in certain situations, without the burden of retail or commercial development. Once again, with certain basic criteria, the county could work with the developer to create the right project for

Monday, November 03, 2008 11 each given situation.

Glenwood Golf Course is a unique piece of property, not by the shape of the property or its topography and features, but by where it is located. This property alone is not in a location where retail or commercial properties would prosper. That designation should be reserved for properties with access to Nine Mile Road. The combination of the Nine Mile Road retail, with the addition of quality affordable housing on the Glenwood Tract, would help begin to revitalize the area. The key is that the two areas don't touch due to previously approved neighborhoods. To burden any developer with pulling the two together at this point would not only doom the project, but deprive the county of much needed retail and residential revitalization.

Glenwood, as a residential development, would provide needed workforce and middle income housing, while adding to the customer base for additional retail development. In order to attract additional commercial development, the county will need developments like Glenwood to provide the employee base. The location is perfect for this type of development because of its proximity to major roads and the fact that it is nestled in the midst of similar demographics.

Density done right can have sustainable value and appearance while serving a need for the community. We are asking for the opportunity to work with the county to achieve quality, affordable density. In order to achieve this, we ask that the zoning regulations not dictate specific characteristics of communities, but instead focus on the flow, feel and functionality of a community. Leave room for the developer and the county to work out affordable solutions in communities where affordable housing is desired. If you try to create the same TND look here that you would want in the West End, you will kill affordability and the project will fail. By the same token, we agree that a sustainable good looking community is desirable by all of us. I believe we can achieve this together if we are not saddled by a one size fits all zoning classification. There needs to be a zoning classification that works in middle sized developments like Glenwood.

We would be happy to share our input when the zoning ordinances Monday, November 03, 2008 12 are written and hope that the process begins soon. I will forward more information concerning our project as we begin to rework the site plan. We hope that you can use our ideas in formulating your zoning ordinances, or at least provide us with the flexibility to utilize our plans.

If you have any questions or comments, please do not hesitate to contact me. I can be reached at (804) 323-1362 x102. I will follow up with you next week to confirm receipt. John Chevalier

Monday, November 03, 2008 13 2026 Comprehensive Plan General Comments - Three Chopt General Comments/Questions Submittal Type: E-mail Name: Gail Goodrich Harwood Comment Response Notifications of meeting. The respondent's name and contact information was added to the Comprehensive Plan notification list. Submittal Type: Web Name: Allen Dorin Comment Response Interested in receiving land use plan updates electronically. The respondent's name and contact information was added to the Comprehensive Plan notification list.

Monday, November 03, 2008 14 Land Use Submittal Type: Web Name: Rae Willis Comment Response Re: Kain Road/Bacova Future Land Use Suburban Mixed Use, SMX. Comments provided to the Draft 2026 Comprehensive Plan website This area should be left alone as much as possible. If anything has to were provided with an automated response. Additionally, this comment change please consider RURAL RESIDENTIAL/PRIME is addressed in the "Proposals for Revisions" section of the document. AGRICULTURE, RR/PA. See page 201 for more information. Submittal Type: Web Name: Emmanuel Moss Comment Response Suburban Mixed Use is too dense for the Kain/Bacova/Perrywinkle Comments provided to the Draft 2026 Comprehensive Plan website corridor. Without question it would burden schools and roads too were provided with an automated response. Additionally, this comment much and would be harmful to wildlife, natural beauty and the rural is addressed in the "Proposals for Revisions" section of the document. nature of the area. See page 201 for more information. Submittal Type: Web Name: Mary Ann Keogh Comment Response Has Henrico County considered the addition of a dog park in the Far Comments provided to the Draft 2026 Comprehensive Plan website West End of the County? With the expansion of homes in this area were provided with an automated response. Additionally, this we are desperately in need of a park where residents can safely bring suggestion has been added to the list of concerns provided to the their dogs to exercise and play. Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors for further review. Submittal Type: Web Name: Suzanne Pitt Comment Response I believe the current proposal for Suburban Mixed Use is too dense Comments provided to the Draft 2026 Comprehensive Plan website for the Kain/Bacova/Perrywinkle area. Our roads simply can't take were provided with an automated response. Additionally, this comment any more congestion-especially in the Short Pump area. Also our is addressed in the "Proposals for Revisions" section of the document. schools are quickly becoming over crowded. Thanks. See page 201 for more information. Submittal Type: Web Name: (No Name Provided) Comment Response As a resident of the area and tax payer I do not want to see the area Comments provided to the Draft 2026 Comprehensive Plan website West of Pouncey Tract, North of I-64 zoned anything other than Rural were provided with an automated response. Additionally, this comment Residential Prime Agriculture, RR/PA, or Suburban Residential is addressed in the "Proposals for Revisions" section of the document. Monday, November 03, 2008 15 (SR1). Absolutely no kind of office zoning at all especially so close to See page 201 for more information. our schools and parks. Submittal Type: Web Name: (No Name Provided) Comment Response I am strongly opposed to the re-designation of the land between Comments provided to the Draft 2026 Comprehensive Plan website Perrywinkle Road and Kain Road from SR-1 to Suburban Mixed Use. were provided with an automated response. Additionally, this comment This is one of the last remaining large wooded tracts in this part of the is addressed in the "Proposals for Revisions" section of the document. County and this change will inevitably result in its destruction. This will See page 201 for more information. also exacerbate traffic on Pouncey Tract Road. Submittal Type: Web Name: Janice Luvera Comment Response In the Pouncey Tract area you are proposing rezoning the property to Comments provided to the Draft 2026 Comprehensive Plan website Suburban Mixed Use. This will make an already bad situation worse were provided with an automated response. Additionally, this comment crowded schools and roads despite the planned extension on Gayton. is addressed in the "Proposals for Revisions" section of the document. I prefer that zoned Suburban Residential 1. Zoning the area See page 201 for more information. Suburban Mixed Use will negatively impact the quality of life. Submittal Type: Web Name: Holley Nilson Comment Response I am commenting on the Pouncey Tract /Kain Rd /Bacova Rd. area. I Comments provided to the Draft 2026 Comprehensive Plan website would like it to be EPA or OS/R. There are so many homes bunched were provided with an automated response. Additionally, this comment together in the Far West End and there are not enough schools to is addressed in the "Proposals for Revisions" section of the document. handle all of this housing. The traffic will be horrible as well. The See page 201 for more information. land is disappearing before our eyes. Please save some of it. Submittal Type: Web Name: Randy Bowen Comment Response There are already many congestion problems and constrained Comments provided to the Draft 2026 Comprehensive Plan website resources in the Kain/Bacova/Pouncey Tract corridor and I'm were provided with an automated response. Additionally, this comment concerned that redesignating much of the area as Suburban Mixed is addressed in the "Proposals for Revisions" section of the document. Use would significantly undermine the quality of life there. Please See page 201 for more information. consider redesignating those areas as Suburban Residential 1 or Rural Residential.

Monday, November 03, 2008 16 Submittal Type: Mail Name: Mabel Holloway Comment Response We are the owners of 100 acres situated on the Chickahominy River, Dear Mr. and Mrs. Holloway: address 10915 Opaca Lane, designated as parcel 750-774-6038. I am responding on behalf of the Planning Commission to your In your publication “Small Area Land Use Study” dated April 24, 2002, November 20, 2007 letter concerning the Nuckols Road/I-295 Small a portion of this property is designated SR2 the remainder O/S. Area Plan. Thank you for taking the time to offer your suggestions, as we need input such as yours for the planning process to work as It is our desire that the entire parcel be recommended for residential intended. use. The Planning Department is in the process of updating the County’s How can this be accomplished? current 2010 Land Use Plan, which includes the Nuckols Road/I-295 Small Area Plan. Citizen input is a very important part of the process and does and continues to include public comment. We will place your comments in our files and take them into consideration as we continue to draft the Comprehensive Plan.

Additionally, we encourage you to visit the Planning Department's website for updates on the Comprehensive Plan and Citizen Input Meetings that will happen in the future. You can find more information about the Comprehensive Plan update at the following website http://www.co.henrico.va.us/planning/2026plan.htm. Because of your interest we will include your name on our mailing list to be notified when the Citizen Input Meetings have been scheduled.

Thank you for sharing your concerns with County officials and staff. Your input is very valuable. If you have any questions or need any additional information about the Comprehensive Plan process, please contact me at 501-4488.

Sincerely, Rosemary D. Deemer

NOTE: The redesignation request was discussed with the Board and Planning Commission members from Three Chopt on March 10, 2008. Since the property had been rezoned from A-1 Agriculture District to R- 3C One-Family Residence District, the property was redesignated as

Monday, November 03, 2008 17 Suburban Residential 2 (SR2) on the Draft 2026 Future Land Use Plan Map as requested. Submittal Type: Web Name: Linda Levine Comment Response I am concerned about the proposed change of the land use along the Comments provided to the Draft 2026 Comprehensive Plan website Kain/Bacova/Perrywinkle Road corridor. Suburban mixed use is too were provided with an automated response. Additionally, this comment dense for an already, overcrowded area. This would burden schools, is addressed in the "Proposals for Revisions" section of the document. already clogged roads and further destroy wildlife habitat that has See page 201 for more information. always been the best part about Virginia and the quality of life that people enjoy here. I strongly suggest Residential 1 land use or Rural Residential Land use for this area. Submittal Type: Web Name: David Serio Comment Response I object to the proposed change of use from Rural Residential in the Comments provided to the Draft 2026 Comprehensive Plan website 2010 plan, to Office in the draft 2026 plan for the land on the eastern were provided with an automated response. Staff believes the side of Pouncey Tract Road just south of Short Pump Middle School. respondent is referring to property located at the northeast intersection This small plot of land appears to be the only area north of Twin of Pouncey Tract Road and Twin Hickory Lake Drive. This Hickory Lake Drive that is not rural or mixed use residential in redesignation request was discussed with the Board and Planning character. Office use would detract from the rural residential Commission members from Three Chopt on March 10, 2008. The Office character and should remain south of Twin Hickory Lake Drive. designation is a carry-over from the current 2010 Land Use Plan Map and an Office rezoning is pending on the property. (Due to color variations between the 2010 and Draft 2026 Land Use Plan maps, the respondent may have misidentified the property as Rural Residential.) There has been a concerted effort to contain commercial development from encroaching beyond the southern boundary of the above- mentioned intersection and an Office designation was determined to be an appropriate transition between recently approved commercial uses and Short Pump Middle School. No change was recommended to the Draft 2026 Future Land Use Map. Submittal Type: Web Name: (No Name Provided) Comment Response There is a small parcel of land on the east side of Pouncey Tract Comments provided to the Draft 2026 Comprehensive Plan website Road about 0.5 miles north that is earmarked for Office zoning. The were provided with an automated response. Staff believes the

Monday, November 03, 2008 18 current use of this land is predominately agricultural and wooded respondent is referring to property located at the northeast intersection acreage. The proposed use is not in keeping with the character of of Pouncey Tract Road and Twin Hickory Lake Drive. The redesignation the surrounding area, which is suburban/exurban. I suggest open request was discussed with the Board and Planning Commission green space is a better use for this land to maintain the character of members from Three Chopt on March 10, 2008. The Office designation the area. The more intense commericial/office development should is a carry-over from the current 2010 Land Use Plan Map and an Office stay south of Twin Hickory Lake Drive and I-64. rezoning request is pending on the property. There has been a concerted effort to contain commercial development from encroaching beyond the southern boundary of the above-mentioned intersection and an Office designation was determined to be an appropriate transition between recently approved commercial uses and Short Pump Middle School. No change was recommended to the Draft 2026 Future Land Use Map. Submittal Type: Web Name: Janet Nugent Comment Response The reason I chose this location to live was the low density housing Comments provided to the Draft 2026 Comprehensive Plan website and safe serene and low stress area to raise my children. We were were provided with an automated response. Additionally, this comment able to enjoy the benefits of the good location, friendly schools while is addressed in the "Proposals for Revisions" section of the document. living in a country- like atmosphere. It seems that all of the current See page 201 for more information. county plans are aimed at overpopulating and increased business expansion in a land area which is already stretched. It is extremely unfortunate that after 21 years here the quality of life is diminishing instead of increasing due to these expansive efforts. Submittal Type: Web Name: Tim O'Brien Comment Response I am very concerned about the area bordered by the Goochland line, I- Comments provided to the Draft 2026 Comprehensive Plan website 64, Pouncey Tract and Perrywinkle/Kain Road. In order to preserve were provided with an automated response. Additionally, this comment the mature trees, animal habitats and rural character of this area I is addressed in the "Proposals for Revisions" section of the document. believe it should not be designated Mixed Use. Instead the entire See page 201 for more information. area should be designated Rural Residential first choice or Suburban Residential 1 my second choice. Also I believe Grey Oaks Road should cut through to Kain in place of the Perrywinkle Road Extension. The Perrywinkle Road Extension should be deleted as this is a quiet, residential street and cut-through traffic would be detrimental.

Monday, November 03, 2008 19 Submittal Type: Web Name: (No Name Provided) Comment Response I would hope that we don't have to do major development in every last Comments provided to the Draft 2026 Comprehensive Plan website inch of Henrico County. The Suburban Mixed Use is too dense for the were provided with an automated response. Additionally, this comment Kain/Bacova/Perrywinkle corridor and will burden the roads and the is addressed in the "Proposals for Revisions" section of the document. schools and roads are already bad enough. It is harmful to wildlife, See page 201 for more information. the natural beauty and rural nature of the area. If there must be development, the Rural Residential is my preferred land use designation. I would also like to see more sidewalks and bike paths in support of recreation as well as alternate modes of transportation in these times of rising prices and concern for our environment. Thank you. Submittal Type: Web Name: Meghan Gunnerso Comment Response This area has become so densely developed in the last 5 years that Comments provided to the Draft 2026 Comprehensive Plan website traffic is almost unbearable at times. By reclassifying this tract of land were provided with an automated response. Additionally, this comment as Suburban Mixed Use, the county is just contributing to this is addressed in the "Proposals for Revisions" section of the document. problem. Perhaps a classification of Suburban Residential 1 or Rural See page 201 for more information. Residential is a better choice. The current school situation is crowded, especially in the middle school and high school. Infrastructure should be considered before building another set of homes that continue to contribute to the over crowding of the schools. Additionally, a traffic light at Kain Road should be part of this plan to help regulate current congestion on Pouncey Tract Road. Submittal Type: Web Name: Sarah Day Comment Response As a resident of Kain Road since 1991, I urgently request that you do Comments provided to the Draft 2026 Comprehensive Plan website not change the zoning from Rural Residential to Suburban Mixed Use were provided with an automated response. Additionally, this comment Community. This is beautiful wild land over here. We have foxes, is addressed in the "Proposals for Revisions" section of the document. raccoon, deer and wild turkeys, along with many lovely song birds on See page 201 for more information. our property. We have horses next door to us and lovely black Angus cattle across Kain Road from us. My four children and I have loved living here, tucked away from the asphalt and chaos just a mile away with the teeming Walmart, Target, Skate Nation and Short Pump Monday, November 03, 2008 20 Town Center. We have hardwood trees that are hundreds of years old on our property. At what point does more asphalt, traffic congestion and money make up for destroying the peace, natural beauty and all the lives of the people, animals, and trees of this area. Never as far as I am concerned. Thank you for your time. Submittal Type: Mail Name: Edmond Massie Comment Response Dear Joe: Dear Mr. Massie:

It was a pleasure meeting with you on the afternoon of Wednesday, I am responding to your February 28, 2007 letter regarding the proposed February 28, 2007, concerning land use in the above-mentioned designation of land in the corridor immediately adjacent to Sadler Road corridor (Sadler Road). Webb and I appreciate the support and on the Draft 2026 Comprehensive Plan’s Land Use Map. encouragement we have received over the years from Henrico County in our redevelopment of land in that corridor. The Planning Department is currently in the process of updating the County’s 2010 Land Use Plan. The properties referenced in your In our conversation on Wednesday we discussed the following facts: correspondence are designated Suburban Residential 1 (1.0 to 2.4 net units per acre) in the current land use plan and continue to be 1. The marketplace is becoming much more sophisticated regarding recommended for this designation in the Draft 2026 plan update. “in-fill” locations with trends towards higher density combined with characteristics that encourage walking as opposed to requiring Staff notes your request to change the designation to Urban Residential vehicular transportation in every instance; (3.4 to 6.8 net units per acre) and your reasons for proposing this 2. At the time of the last Comprehensive Plan, the Sadler Road designation and will keep this under consideration during the update corridor was seen as a suburban area that still looked semi-rural due process. to the lack of public utilities; 3. Most of the parcels which have not been redeveloped in the Thank you for taking the time to review the draft land use maps and corridor of the relocation of Sadler Road tend to be in the 1 acre to 2 offering thoughtful suggestions. County staff encourages this type of acre size; input to ensure the Plan update process works as intended. 4. Assembling and redeveloping parcels of that size where the owners are living on the property as their primary residence means Unfortunately, I cannot commit to a specific time frame for reaching a that the cost of the land in that corridor is much higher than conclusion regarding your request; however, my staff will contact you previously was the case. about any decisions relating to this matter.

The relocated Sadler Road corridor has the benefit of being adjacent Meanwhile, if you have any questions or need additional information to the second largest employment center in the metropolitan about the Comprehensive Plan update process, please feel free to Richmond area, Innsbrook Corporate Center. Although there are contact Rosemary Deemer, County Planner, at 501-4488. limited access points between the Sadler Road corridor and Innsbrook, it is possible to drive from that area to a job in much of Sincerely, Monday, November 03, 2008 21 Innsbrook without going through a stop light. R. Joseph Emerson, Jr.

In our discussion we spent a great deal of the time reviewing the impacts of both the right-of-way for the relocation of Sadler Road and the combination of forces mentioned above. I believe it is safe to say that all of us in the room and everyone that I know in the Sadler corridor are anxious to have Relocated Sadler Road built. Therefore our request is that Henrico County designate in its new Comprehensive Plan the land corridor immediately adjacent to relocated Sadler Road as "Urban Residential (UR)". We believe that such a designation accurately captures the nature of land in that area and provides the requisite level of potential density needed to encourage private enterprise to continue the revitalization of that corridor. At the end of our meeting, Webb left you a schematic on which he had indicated the area of our proposed Urban Residential designation (see staff files). My hope is that you will combine this letter with that schematic in order to have a complete package representing our request. After reviewing the enclosed if you have any questions please feel free to contact me. Until the pleasure of our next conversation, I remain.

Sincerely, G. Edmond Massie, IV Submittal Type: Mail Name: Webb Tyler Comment Response Dear Randy: Dear Mr. Tyler:

Enclosed please find four (4) copies of a colored land use plan I am responding on behalf of Randy Silber to your December 26, 2007 revised to reflect our discussions last month (See staff files). The plan letter regarding the designation of several properties from Suburban has been revised to reflect only a land use plan change in the area Residential 1 to a combination of Office and Urban Residential. The bounded generally by the back of Carmax on the south, Glasgow subject properties are generally located between Glasgow and Sadler Road on the west, Sadler Road on the east and the intersection of Roads in the Three Chopt magisterial district. Sadler and Sadler Grove Roads to the north. The plan allows for changes to land use along the general alignment of Sadler Road As you are aware, the Planning Department is in the process of updating relocated as it proceeds south from the intersection of Sadler Road the County’s existing 2010 Land Use Plan. Along with the proposed and Sadler Grove Road to generally the intersection of Sadler Road Future Land Use maps staff has posted all of the draft chapters on our and Old Sadler Road. West of Glasgow Road it remains generally website and continues to solicit input on the information. Monday, November 03, 2008 22 single family or Suburban Residential 1. These proposed land use changes would obviously be between Suburban Residential 1 land Based on several meetings held between you, Planning staff, Mr. use and the Innsbrook Corporate Center O-3C generally along the Branin, and Mr. Kaechele, with input from the Department of Public western and eastern boundaries of the subject area, respectively. Works regarding future improvements to Sadler Road, staff has Obviously, the Carmax facility is a more intense use and is zoned B- recommended the subject parcels be designated a combination of 3C along the southern edge of the study area with the northern edge Suburban Residential 2 and Urban Residential. This recommendation being controlled by single family detached residential SR-1 will be reflected on the Draft Future Land Use Map and section of the classification. Draft 2026 Comprehensive Plan. Please note that until the Plan is adopted, the change is a recommendation. I have attempted to show three, and possibly four, land use PODS in the study area. Starting at the southern end abutting Carmax being I encourage you to continue visiting the Planning Department's website proposed as O-1 or residential style office single or two story but for updates on the Comprehensive Plan. You can find more information having no greater than 5,000 S.F. footprint. This would be for the about the Comprehensive Plan update at the following website: softest type of office use, generally for professionals such as http://www.co.henrico.va.us/planning/2026plan.htm. engineers, architects, photographic studios, etc. Thank you for taking the time to review the draft land use maps; we Proceeding northerly along relocated Sadler Road the next POD need input such as yours for the process to work as intended. If you would include a live/work environment such as a townhouse where have any questions or need additional information about the the individual may have two or three employees on the first floor and Comprehensive Plan Update process, please contact me at 501-4488. live on the second floor. This might be for a single lawyer, software programmer or sales rep with the need for an office and one or two Sincerely, employees while living above the office. Here I envision two or three- Rosemary D. Deemer story town homes, probably a two story with dormers allowing living space in the third floor.

The northern most land use POD would be for medium density residential or sometimes referred to as Urban Residential (UR) from 3.4 to 6.8 net units per acre. This would include townhouses, single- family detached condominiums or R-5A zero lot line.

As you can see from this proposal, the proposed uses within the corridor are generally soft residential in character with more intense uses in the southern area and reduced intensity in the northern area. These land use changes would be generally centered on the new Sadler Road relocated or widening portion. I would suggest Sadler Road relocated be considered for a 40' face of curb to face of curb with sidewalks to allow for pedestrian use in a neighborhood environment including living and possibly walking to work. My doctor would be proud of this effort. As long as I practiced what I planned. Monday, November 03, 2008 23 I believe this land use plan should be favorably considered because of the adverse affects of relocated Sadler Road on the parcels, and the adjacent land use of Innsbrook at O-3. I believe the additional traffic generated would be minimal because of the right of way take of relocated Sadler Road and the difficult geometry of the parcels left after that relocation. In addition, it would be a challenge to assemble even a respectable 2 to 4 acre parcel from multiple property owners to create basically in-fill development along this linear land use plan amendment.

I hope you will favorably review this proposal. Please understand, as I am sure you do, these lines are not hard but rather fluctuating. Uses described could bleed from one side of the line to the other depending upon specific site plans and proposals based upon individual zoning cases and the applicant's ability to assemble property.

I look forward to hearing from you regarding this new proposal that is greatly reduced from our initial concept, and I hope that you and your staff will favorably consider my feeble efforts to pencil out our mutual ideas at our meeting last month.

As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.

Webb Tyler Submittal Type: E-mail Name: Kristin Swanlund Comment Response To whom it may concern: I have been a Henrico resident for almost Ms. Swanlund: 10 years, having moved here from Stafford County. In that time, I've appreciated many of the development initiatives in the far West End, Your email of June 6, 2008 regarding feedback for the Draft 2026 including the Short Pump Town Center, the planned community at Comprehensive Plan was forwarded to me as project manager of the Twin Hickory, and others. In particular, I have appreciated that the Plan Update. On behalf of Mr. David A. Kaechele, Chairman of the development has largely been managed with an eye toward Henrico County Board of Supervisors, I'd like to take this opportunity to maintaining quality of life for existing residents, ensuring that County thank you for taking the time to provide us with your input. As your infrastructure kept pace with development, and that new development comments focused on housing, roads and schools, I have coordinated fit into the existing terrain of housing, retail, and offices. Over the last this response with the Department of Public Works and Henrico County Monday, November 03, 2008 24 couple of years, I feel that the quality of the planning has deteriorated Public Schools. significantly. I am writing to outline my concerns about Infrastructure, Housing, and Schools as they relate to choices in the current 2026 First, allow me to clarify that the Future Land Use map does not rezone Comprehensive Plan. any property. The designations on the map simply provide recommendations for future development across the county. If the HOUSING Future Land Use map is adopted as part of the Draft 2026 One of the things that drew us to the West End was the variety of Comprehensive Plan, those designations will be used when considering housing options and settings. Depending on whether you wanted rezoning requests and planning for future infrastructure, facilities and condominiums, town homes, apartments, planned single family or a services. more rural single family setting, Henrico offered lots of choices. We relocated within Henrico 2.5 years ago and were thrilled to learn that In your email, you mentioned increased density in the Kain Road area. we didn't have to leave the county to find a more wooded, quiet area On the Draft 2026 Future Land Use Map, the area generally bordered by to live. We now live on Axe Handle Lane, just off Kain Road, and we I-64, Pouncey Tract Road and the Shady Grove Estates residential love the setting in our neighborhood. It is a slower pace, but so close development is designated for Suburban Mixed Use (SMX). This type of to the amenities of the area. My understanding is that the 2026 development is a mix of residential housing types with limited residential Comprehensive Plan now calls for a dramatic change of zoning along services and recreation facilities incorporated into the overall Kain Road to densify the housing to 4 units per acre or even higher development plan of the community. Densities should not exceed 4 for some kinds of housing. units per acre and 10% of the area should be dedicated to non- residential uses and must include open space/recreation. I am aware that the same developers who have driven other mass housing developments in the County have positioned themselves to The established neighborhoods of Twin Hickory and Wyndham are make money on this change as well, especially if the County does not examples of Suburban Mixed Use development and they each have a go through with its own purchase plans on Kain Road. In our last variety of housing types in addition to recreation and non-residential neighborhood, the County made a similar change that resulted in the services. When local property owners prepare to sell their land, the creation of condominiums along Nuckols Road. Although the Planning Department works with them, as well as their attorneys and developer of those units was reasonably pleasant to deal with, he developers, to identify the most appropriate use for their land. Staff, absolutely was not concerned with making the new units fit into the elected and appointed officials endeavor to ensure that a quality existing feel of the area, nor with softening the blow to adjacent development is built. Architecture, building materials, landscaping, road neighborhoods, until we protested his work. I also know that this improvements and amenities are just some of the issues that are same developer is responsible for some of the neighborhoods that reviewed for consistency with existing development. have contributed to the existing traffic problems. As mentioned, road improvements are addressed at the time of I would be exceedingly disappointed if the County chose to pursue rezoning. For the most part, Henrico County maintains its own road these zoning changes. They do not benefit residents, only system and improvements are driven by development. If additional developers. They do not improve the mix of use in the area. We have lanes or signals are required as a result of development, the developer plenty of retail and office use close by. We have plenty of planned must install them as part of the project. In some instances, the Virginia housing of various types close by. All these changes will do is destroy Department of Transportation (VDOT) maintains certain roads in the the diversity of options available to residents and complicate the county. That is the case with Pouncey Tract Road. The widening of already disappointing infrastructure and school situations. Pouncey Tract Road had been a county priority for many years but it Monday, November 03, 2008 25 wasn't until recently that VDOT approved funding and began work on INFRASTRUCTURE the project. Road construction has not kept pace with development recently, and traffic in the West End has become both congested and unpleasant. The North Gayton Road extension is a county-sponsored project, which For example, construction of a back entrance to Short Pump Town would extend North Gayton Road across Broad Street and Interstate 64 Center was delayed, as well as improvements on Pouncey Tract and intersect at Twin Hickory Road. Based on calculations prepared by Road, but no one seemed to consider that a delay of the housing the Department of Public Works, Kain Road is not expected to boom along Pouncey Tract and Nuckols Roads might also be needed experience more traffic when improvements are completed. A traffic to ensure that residents had a reasonable way of moving around. As light is not currently proposed for the intersection of Kain and North an example, I will point out that yesterday it took me almost 20 Gayton Roads because estimated traffic counts do not warrant a signal. minutes to get from the intersection of Broad and Pouncey Tract to If the development pattern in the area causes traffic to increase, my house less than 4 miles away at 3pm. I understand that there is developers will be required to install a signal at that intersection. Until construction in the area, but the County's insistence on dramatically that occurs, there is no need for a signal. increasing housing before the road was ready is the primary cause. I can not imagine what a mess the area must have been during the Improvements such as additional lanes for traffic and utilities are actual rush hour. To further make my point, I will offer that my development driven. The county does not extend water and sewer to un- husband and I both recently changed our commuting patterns to served areas unless there is a health need. Extensions of water and avoid Henrico's planning mess at the intersection of Broad and sewer to areas in the county have been built and paid for by private Pouncey Tract (and the ongoing construction on Pouncey Tract). We development. The provision of trash service by the county is solely now commute through Goochland and Hanover Counties to get to the supported by monthly service charges. In order for expansion to occur, it West Creek area, because it is simply unworkable to commute via the must be authorized in the budget of the Department of Public Utilities main roads in Henrico. We will try it again once the construction is and there must be an adequate number of trucks and personnel to meet complete, but I have to say that I am not optimistic. I just think that the additional demand. Henrico has gotten way ahead of itself. It is truly unfortunate, and I Regarding your comments related to schools, Henrico County is hope it can be turned around. fortunate that the Board of Supervisors and the School Board are proactive in identifying funding needs for new school facilities, which I understand that in addition to the zoning changes discussed above, minimize the use of trailers on a long-term basis. In areas of high the plans call for extending Gayton Road, which would create growth, it has been recognized that the service needs of local schools significantly more traffic along Kain with no improvements to Kain. No are often challenged. Because the school division will open a new high new light would be installed at Kain Road. I am completely baffled at school and new middle school in northwest Henrico in 2010, the school this line of thinking. These moves, in conjunction with the zoning board has begun a comprehensive redistricting process. Henrico County changes, would essentially destroy one of the last quiet and diverse Public Schools works diligently to effectively balance student housing areas in the West End. It would destroy the quality of life that membership and capacity across all school, at all levels. those of us who have chosen to live here sought. To be clear, I am supportive of opening new traffic patterns in the area, primarily As the County continues to develop, the Department of Planning because of the traffic congestion that the existing new developments remains committed to working with the Departments of Public Works have caused. The new traffic patterns should alleviate the and Utilities, Henrico County Public Schools, the Virginia Department of development problems already caused in the area. Also, I would Transportation and local developers to address the infrastructure needs, suggest that allowing development along Kain before such safety and well-being of all citizens. Monday, November 03, 2008 26 improvements are made would force many to reconsider residency in the area. I hope this information is helpful and again, thank you for your input. The Planning Department has placed your comments in our records and Further, I would point out that the County has not even extended for consideration as we update the Draft 2026 Comprehensive Plan. basic water, sewer or trash services to our area. I understand that additional development creates tax revenue to support services, but Sincerely, so far, the additional development in the West End has not created Rosemary D. Deemer any benefit for our neighborhood in this way. I am curious about plans to support all the residents with the services this development should be helping to expand. To my knowledge, no plan exists to extend services to us despite the plan to clutter our neighborhood with housing that is not needed or desired. Calls to the various services departments confirmed my understanding this afternoon, as none of them could advise of a plan or schedule to expand services to us.

SCHOOLS The quality of Henrico schools is one of the reasons that we elected to move here. However, the pace of growth is stripping the schools of their quality. Overcrowding, trailer classrooms, financial burden of construction and other issues press on our resources. It seems to me that a more measured pace of growth would let us manage the school burden more effectively than it has been managed to date. The pace of opening and rezoning homes for school districts does not serve our students or teachers well. Again, this is an example of the County valuing growth over quality. I do not support that thinking at all.

In closing, I am a truly disappointed resident. I do not agree with or support the pace of growth or especially the haphazard management of growth the West End has experienced in the last couple of years. We moved here from Stafford in part because the poor management of growth in the Fredericksburg area had made life so unpleasant. Regretfully, if Henrico continues to implement development without planning to support it, we will be forced to consider another move. We truly enjoy living in the County and would much prefer to see things turn around here. I am in no way opposed to development that benefits existing residents, that supports the local economy, and that creates vibrancy in the community. I am a commercial real estate professional myself, and I do appreciate the value of carefully planned development. As I read them, many of the planned changes Monday, November 03, 2008 27 in the 2026 plan do not support these things. I would characterize them as "development for development's sake" and I believe that they largely benefit only the developers themselves. I ask that the County reconsider these changes with their current residents in mind. I am more than willing to engage in dialogue on this matter.

Monday, November 03, 2008 28 Public Facilities & Utilities Submittal Type: Web Name: Ron Travers Comment Response With draft 2026 coming why do we not have city water and sewage Comments provided to the Draft 2026 Comprehensive Plan website for us as we are surrounded by it. were provided with an automated response. Additionally, a staff member in the Comprehensive Planning division contacted the respondent with the information requested. Submittal Type: E-mail Name: Barbara O' Neill Comment Response I am appalled and disappointed with the Henrico Planning and Board The Board of Supervisor member responded directly to this constituent. of Supervisors with their decision to approve a site with such The Planning Department was forwarded this information for our records. magnitude without more public input (West Broad Village). The County has added to the nightmare that already exists at Short Pump. They really “goofed” on this one. They should have deferred this development until more citizens could have a say so in the matter. After all, the residents are the county. We pay salaries and elect some officials. I know that the county is not obligated to notify every resident only the directly affected ones and I agree with that, but with such a large area to be developed they should have extended the courtesy to surrounding residents. I don’t get the paper, so unless I’m involved in zoning I don’t hear about the meetings and I didn’t know about what was going on with this mess. There has to be a better way to notify residents including the paper. The county should have checked with the Henrico information office to see what civic groups that were near by and would be affected by this and notify the president of each group. The president of these groups could notify their residents.

I live not too far from this site and our civic association is on record with the county and we are going to be affected by this, so I feel we like many others should have been notified about all meetings. I have always had respect for Henrico County, but now it seems like they want to be known as City of Henrico. The county appears to be a run- away train with over development and like I read on steroids. Is it for tax revenue or something else along with it? Of course, it is for tax

Monday, November 03, 2008 29 revenue and I have no idea what else it involves. I wish they could take their approval back (they should) and regroup and start again.

Monday, November 03, 2008 30 Transportation Submittal Type: Web Name: Ted Price Comment Response Are there preliminary plans available to view on line for the proposed Comments provided to the Draft 2026 Comprehensive Plan website North Gayton Road work? were provided with an automated response. Additionally, the respondent was provided contact information for the Department of Public Works. Submittal Type: Web Name: (No Name Provided) Comment Response Lower density please (SMX at Kain and Pouncey Tract). No more Comments provided to the Draft 2026 Comprehensive Plan website than Suburbian Density 1 and maybe bike paths to keep bike riders were provided with an automated response. Additionally, this comment off Pouncey Tract. is addressed in the "Proposals for Revisions" section of the document. See page 201 for more information. Submittal Type: E-mail Name: Matt Marchal Comment Response Thank you for the response and I appreciate the time taken. I hope See response on page 35. that the county will keep cyclists and walkers in mind as the county continues to grow.

Submittal Type: Web Name: Kevin Buckley Comment Response Does the transportation plan call for a full interchange at I-64 and N. Comments provided to the Draft 2026 Comprehensive Plan website Gayton Road in the western Henrico Short Pump area? If so, when is were provided with an automated response. Additionally, the scheduled construction and what is the likelihood of completion as respondent was provided contact information for the Department of scheduled? Public Works. Submittal Type: Web Name: (No Name Provided) Comment Response The area between Perriwinkle and Kain Roads should not be Comments provided to the Draft 2026 Comprehensive Plan website changed from SR-1. The traffic is already horrible on Pouncey Tract - were provided with an automated response. Additionally, this comment allowing for more densely populated subdivisions to be built would is addressed in the "Proposals for Revisions" section of the document. Monday, November 03, 2008 31 make a total mess-regardless of the Gayton Road extension. There is See page 201 for more information. no allowance or planning for pedestrian or bike traffic and this is very dangerous. Submittal Type: Web Name: Karen Hamlett Comment Response I have concerns about Perrywinkle Road and Bacova Road plans to Comments provided to the Draft 2026 Comprehensive Plan website connect to Kain Road. Kain Road cannot safely handle additional were provided with an automated response. Additionally, this comment traffic that would result. Land in the corridor bordered by Goochland is addressed in the "Proposals for Revisions" section of the document. line, Pouncey Tract and I-64 should continue to be semi-rural with low See page 201 for more information. density single-family residential homes. It should retain its rural character and mature trees. That area should have a consistent density with existing residential development in that corridor. Submittal Type: Web Name: William Nugent Comment Response While not discussed at the 20 meetings (Gayton Road) I am Comments provided to the Draft 2026 Comprehensive Plan website dismayed about the planned extension of Perrywinkle Road to Kain were provided with an automated response. Additionally, this comment Road. Based on the North Gayton extension project and the other is addressed in the "Proposals for Revisions" section of the document. road changes in the 2026 plan I fail to see what benefit the See page 203 for more information. Perrywinkle Road extension will have to anyone. It seems that the most expeditious route for traffic traveling towards Broad St would be to remain on Pouncey Tract to either Broad St or North Gayton. This only seems to make sense if the county also plans to increase the residential density making this end of Henrico like the Midlothian Turnpike of the West End. Submittal Type: Web Name: (No Name Provided) Comment Response Looking at the MTP Map and associated Road Classification Comments provided to the Draft 2026 Comprehensive Plan website Definitions PDF's you have above-linked on this page- I notice that were provided with an automated response. Furthermore, the website the entire Major Thoroughfare Plan Map IS NOT SHOWING UP in was checked and found to contain no missing information. Staff your PDF. As a PDF document is a "stand alone" document which attempted to contact the respondent, however, s/he did not provide any can be clicked and dragged and zoomed to view once downloaded, it contact information. would seem that it is important that ALL of the document information (IE county seal, KEY, and text in block at top left) actually be ON the

Monday, November 03, 2008 32 document you offer for download) Otherwise ( as with the hesitance to make GIS information available publicly- instead of inside the HC offices and public stations ONLY) it might appear as though the information was being kept from the public who could not otherwise view it.

Please amend the 2026 MTPM so that the public can see what the 2026 Plan actually proposes.

Also- be aware that the map shows no distinction between an overpass and an underpass, nor does it show any proposed changes from the former MTPM... both are necessary to view the map and gain any perspective. Submittal Type: Web Name: Frances Engesser Comment Response I live on the west side of Pouncey Tract because it is rural. I can't Comments provided to the Draft 2026 Comprehensive Plan website imagine why zoning for this area would be changed so 100s of homes were provided with an automated response. Additionally, this comment can be built on this side. The schools and resources here can't is addressed in the "Proposals for Revisions" section of the document. handle this huge 20 yr development plan. Colonial Trail ES will be full See page 201 for more information. very soon, which is the 4th ES we have attended since moving here in '91. The 2010 school won't be enough. Kain Road is a dangerous road already with tragic accidents and numerous near misses and you want to put more traffic on it. The Gayton extension is bad enough but to rezone without regard to why we all live here, forcing sales and destroying what makes this a beautiful place to live is truly sickening. What about the quality of my well water with all this expansion? I doubt you'll be hooking us up to city water for free when my well is contaminated from the over development. The huge development happening already is truly a sad sight to see. Fix what's broken in town before moving further out of town. No sidewalks in your plan, no place to ride our bikes, more cars, more accidents waiting to happen. It's truly unbelievable. Submittal Type: E-mail Name: Mark Dupuis Comment Response I live in the Three Chopt district of Henrico County, and I would like to Mr. Dupuis: Monday, November 03, 2008 33 voice my concern for the lack of safe alternative transportation Your email of May 29, 2008 regarding bicycle and pedestrian facilities options. I have for the last year attempted to reduce my use of the was forwarded to me as project manager of the Draft 2026 Henrico automobile, and have been frustrated by what I see as oversights in County Comprehensive Plan Update. On behalf of Mr. David A. the transportation infrastructure in Henrico county. For example, I live Kaechele, Chairman of the Henrico County Board of Supervisors, I'd like less then 1/2 mile from a shopping center but I can't walk to it. This is to take this opportunity to thank you for taking the time to provide us with due to the lack of painted crosswalks and protected walk signals. I your input. just can't get safely across Broad Street without driving my car. I feel like the shopping center is so close, but the lack of the correct When much of Henrico County developed, amenities such as sidewalks infrastructure makes it very dangerous to attempt to get to without a and bike lanes were not included when road improvements were made. car. Also, on several occasions over the last year I have attempted Consequently, most of our existing roadways do not have adequate right- to ride by bicycle to work (about 6 miles), but have found that the of-way to retrofit these types of facilities. To do so on anything other than roads lack proper space to safely accommodate a bicyclist and cars. a small scale, case-by-case basis is simply not economically feasible at Again, the lack of the correct infrastructure makes it very dangerous this time. to attempt to go places that are not very far away, without the use of an automobile. I would like to ask that pedestrians and bicycles be Additionally, many of the roads in the County are maintained by the given more consideration in the upcoming comprehensive plan review. Virginia Department of Transportation and the County is constrained in creating bike paths along them. However, VDOT has adopted a policy Thank you for your time. whereby they will consider the inclusion of bicycle facilities on new projects along State-maintained roadways, where appropriate. Additionally, Henrico County now includes sidewalks in their road improvement projects and the Departments of Public Works and Planning encourage developers to incorporate sidewalks and bike facilities as part of their projects where feasible.

As the County continues to develop with more urban characteristics, the Departments of Planning and Public Works remain committed to working with the Virginia Department of Transportation and local developers to incorporate the safety of all citizens along the area roadways.

I hope this information is helpful and again, thank you for your input. The Planning Department has placed your comments in our records and for consideration as we update the Draft 2026 Comprehensive Plan. If you have any questions or need additional information about the Comprehensive Plan Update process, please visit our website at www.co.henrico.va.us/planning/2026plan.htm or contact me at 501-4488.

Sincerely, Rosemary D. Deemer

Monday, November 03, 2008 34 Submittal Type: Web Name: Karen Mitscherlich Comment Response Please consider that traffic for any additional development in the area Comments provided to the Draft 2026 Comprehensive Plan website north of the Pouncey Tract bridge will also feed into the traffic light at were provided with an automated response. Additionally, this comment Broad - Pouncey Tract - Pump Roads, currently the busiest is addressed in the "Proposals for Revisions" section of the document. intersection in all of Henrico County. There is no reasonable See page 201 for more information. expectation that traffic generated by additional development will use any other route to reach the area. Currently, this is the main access to stores such as Wal-Mart, Target, Home Depot, Lowes, the movie theatre, Ukrops, as well as other existing and new development along Broad Street near this intersection. It is not reasonable to expect that the proposed Gayton Road extension at the opposite end of Short Pump Town Center will be used any more frequently than I-64 is currently used to access this area. As it is, vehicles are cutting through parking lots as much as possible to avoid sitting through multiple changes of the light. Anyone who currently lives on the north side of this intersection can attest to the daily traffic nightmare of this area - and many must do so multiple times. Traffic surveys conducted on Memorial Day Sunday morning do NOT reflect the true traffic volume through both the traffic light and neighboring parking lots every afternoon, evening, and Saturday. Submittal Type: E-mail Name: Matthew Marchal Comment Response I am a Henrico resident and also a family physician who owns Altius Mr Marchal: Family and Sports Medicine located in Henrico County as well. Your email of May 29, 2008 regarding bicycle and pedestrian facilities Finally, I am an avid cyclist. I was recently made aware of the fact was forwarded to me as project manager of the Draft 2026 Henrico that the plan for 2026 has no provisions for cycling such as bike lanes County Comprehensive Plan Update. On behalf of Mr. David A. or bike paths. I find this very unfortunate on many fronts. As the Kaechele, Chairman of the Henrico County Board of Supervisors, I'd like county becomes more populated, the roads become more to take this opportunity to thank you for taking the time to provide us with congested. The numerous autos make cycling more dangerous as your input. drivers are frequently distracted by cell phones and texting. Most drivers consider cyclists to be something in the way and not aware we When much of Henrico County developed, amenities such as sidewalks have the same right to the road as the autos. Secondly, gas prices and bike lanes were not included when road improvements were made. are driving people towards their bikes and these cyclists are often not Consequently, most of our existing roadways do not have adequate right- skilled riders making things more dangerous for drivers and cyclists. of-way to retrofit these types of facilities. To do so on anything other than Finally, the obesity crisis is huge, and a real problem in my line of a small scale, case-by-case basis is simply not economically feasible at Monday, November 03, 2008 35 work. Jogging for obesity can be difficult, but cycling is much easier. this time. Unfortunately many of my patients currently are quite afraid to start cycling because it is simply not safe in Henrico. I can't blame them Additionally, many of the roads in the County are maintained by the for their fears. As a skilled racer and rider who logs over 4000 miles a Virginia Department of Transportation and the County is constrained in year, there are many areas of Henrico county I will not visit. Bike creating bike paths along them. However, VDOT has adopted a policy lanes make riding for recreation, employment and health feasible for whereby they will consider the inclusion of bicycle facilities on new all. I strongly suggest that you reconsider placing bike lanes in the projects along State-maintained roadways, where appropriate. plan for balanced growth of the county of Henrico. Thank you for Additionally, Henrico County now includes sidewalks in their road your time. improvement projects and the Departments of Public Works and Planning encourage developers to incorporate sidewalks and bike facilities as part of their projects where feasible.

As the County continues to develop with more urban characteristics, the Departments of Planning and Public Works remain committed to working with the Virginia Department of Transportation and local developers to incorporate the safety of all citizens along the area roadways.

I hope this information is helpful and again, thank you for your input. The Planning Department has placed your comments in our records and for consideration as we update the Draft 2026 Comprehensive Plan. If you have any questions or need additional information about the Comprehensive Plan Update process, please visit our website at www.co.henrico.va.us/planning/2026plan.htm or contact me at 501-4488.

Sincerely, Rosemary D. Deemer

Monday, November 03, 2008 36 2026 Comprehensive Plan General Comments - Tuckahoe General Comments/Questions Submittal Type: Web Name: Matt Barber Comment Response I would like to see a more detailed version of the Land Use Map Comments provided to the Draft 2026 Comprehensive Plan website which shows additional road names, subdivision markers and ideally were provided with an automated response. Additionally, the respondent tax parcels. attended the Brookland Community Open House and was able to view the documents in question at a more detailed level. Submittal Type: Web Name: Corina Herrera Comment Response The color coded map indicates my area of residence as office. The Comments provided to the Draft 2026 Comprehensive Plan website subdivision itself is the color purple with no indication of green. Is this were provided with an automated response. Furthermore, a staff the right color I'm getting through my computer? or is the area being member from the Comprehensive Planning division contacted the rezoned? respondent to clarify her concerns.

Monday, November 03, 2008 37 2026 Comprehensive Plan General Comments - Varina Environment Submittal Type: Mail Name: John Deal Comment Response RE: The Camp Holly Spring & the Diamond Spring Environmental Dear Mr. Deal: Element portion of The Henrico County 2026 Comprehensive Plan Please accept my apologies for not responding sooner to your letter Dear Lee: dated April 19, 2005 regarding the inclusion of the Camp Holly Aquifer in the Draft 2026 Comprehensive Plan Update. As you are aware, the Thanks for taking the time to speak with me yesterday relative to the Planning Department is in the process of updating the County’s existing above. Camp Holly Springs, Inc appreciates the protection that the 2010 Land Use Plan. Along with the proposed Future Land Use maps, county has afforded to the Camp Holly Aquifer that feeds the Camp staff has posted all of the draft chapters on our website and continues to Holly and the Diamond Springs. In that regard, and taking into solicit input on the information. account the actual and potential explosive growth in the Varina District, Mr. Dowdy, as I am sure does the County, wishes to insure The Planning Department has reviewed your request and included that continued protection into the future. information on Camp Holly Springs and Diamond Springs in Chapter 8, Natural Resources, of the Draft 2026 Comprehensive Plan. In addition As has been well documented at the numerous hearings before the to appearing in the description of County surface and groundwater BZA and the Planning Commission concerning the Aquifer, the Camp withdrawals, a specific policy regarding the Camp Holly Aquifer has Holly Aquifer is (1) quite shallow and, therefore, quite susceptible to been carried over from the existing 2010 Land Use Plan. polluting land uses placed over the Aquifer; and (2) a valuable and irreplaceable natural resource for the citizens of Henrico County and I encourage you to visit the Planning Department's website for updates beyond for several States. on the Comprehensive Plan. You can find more information about the Comprehensive Plan update at the following website: Accordingly, it is imperative that the Environmental Element portion of http://www.co.henrico.va.us/planning/2026plan.htm. the Henrico County 2026 Plan: (1) address the vulnerability of the Camp Holly Aquifer to polluting land uses placed above and or in the Thank you for taking the time to contact us and providing your input. We vicinity of the Aquifer, and (2) the care that needs to be taken to need input such as yours for the process to work as intended. If you protect the Camp Holly Aquifer from pollution. Our engineers are have any questions or need additional information about the available at your beckoned call to share all of the engineering data Comprehensive Plan Update process, please contact me at 501-4488. establishing the extent of the limits of the Camp Holly Aquifer that serves the Springs and, therefore, that needs protection. Sincerely, Rosemary D. Deemer Sincerely, John Deal

Monday, November 03, 2008 38 General Comments/Questions Submittal Type: Mail Name: Phillis Blackwell Comment Response Please add our organization to your list of people to notify of The respondent's name and contact information was added to the workshops, seminars, meetings, etc. regarding the Comprehensive Comprehensive Plan notification list. Plan and any other planning/zoning matters.

Submittal Type: Web Name: Ralph & Mary Johns Comment Response We own parcel 27-A1-15 located on the Northwest corner of Sent mailing address to R. Gary & Mary B. Johns Laburnum Ave. and State Route 5. I wish to send my comments regarding the DRAFT Future Land Use Plan. These comments will far exceed the 500 characters allowed here. Please provide a mailing address and contact name to whom I may provide our comments. Submittal Type: E-mail Name: Lynn Wilson Comment Response Hi. As a Varina resident I am particularly interested in the 2026 plan Mrs. Wilson: and am requesting this plan be made available on reserve in the public libraries, as well as on disk, for a small fee if necessary. The We are in the process of making revisions to the Draft 2026 Plan at this document, especially the maps, is difficult to work with online, time. Upon completion, our latest updates will be posted on our website. especially for those of us in rural Varina who may still be on dial up or We have been looking into various ways to make the Draft Plan for our senior citizens who do not use the Internet. Since this is such available to more citizens and have begun exploring the libraries as a an important plan, I think it reasonable to request that even the early venue. drafts be made available in this fashion. I would appreciate hearing back from you on this. Thank you. Thank you for your suggestions.

Sincerely, Rosemary D. Deemer

Monday, November 03, 2008 39 Land Use Submittal Type: E-mail Name: Gatewood Stoneman Comment Response Wants her property to be designated TND. Mr. Randall R. Silber, the Planning Director at the time, had a lengthy discussion with Ms. Stoneman about the Draft 2026 Comprehensive Plan. She now understands the 1,000 foot setback distance from the James River as discussed in the Draft Plan. In regards to the Draft Future Land Use Plan Map, she preferred her property to be shown as SR2 and TND instead of Rural Residential/Prime Agriculture. Submittal Type: E-mail Name: Byron Miles Comment Response Our property is at 1551 Darbytown Rd. What is the 2026 plan for this A staff member in the Comprehensive Planning division contacted the parcel? respondent with the information requested. Submittal Type: E-mail Name: Lynn Wilson Comment Response Dominion has right of way by eminent domain for electricity Comments provided to the Draft 2026 Comprehensive Plan website transmission not celluar communications. We do not object to the were provided with an automated response. In addition, the respondent concept but to the taking. If cell towers are to be added in the attended the Fairfield community open house and was able to discuss transmission corridors landowners will need to be compensated her concerns with a representative from the Department of Planning. accordingly. Submittal Type: E-mail Name: Barbara Walters Comment Response 1.When will this project start? Ms. Walters:

2.Will it affect Bradley Acres sub-division next to Meadow Road & The 2026 Comprehensive Plan would be a guide to future development. Woodview Drive? Currently we are holding community open houses where the public can view the draft of the plan. Additionally, this draft can be viewed online at 3.Will there be another outlet in & out of Bradley Acres? How much www.co.henrico.va.us/planning/2026plan.htm. land will be with each home? In the Draft 2026 Plan the recommended land use for the Bradley Acres 4.How many house are they planning to build? area is Rural Residential, which is the same recommendation that is in the existing 2010 Plan. The Rural Residential classification carries a Monday, November 03, 2008 40 5.The 6 lane Highway is that on the side of the road where Echo is recommendation for detached single-family homes with a minimum lot located? size of 1 acre. At this time there are no actual plans for development in the immediate vicinity of your subdivision. If a developer wished to Thanks ! develop land in your area they would need to go through the rezoning or subdivision process. If this happens, notifications would be sent Barbara Walters consistent with the existing procedures for these processes.

The Major Thoroughfare Plan is part of the Comprehensive Plan and outlines the future classifications of existing and future major roads based on the recommended land uses. Currently, the only future connection shown for your subdivision would extend Dilworth Circle to Meadow Road.

I am not sure what six lane highway you are referring to. The only six lane highways I am aware of that exist or would be planned in your area would be Interstates 64 and 295.

If you have further questions feel free to contact me using the information below.

Sincerely, Seth D. Humphreys Submittal Type: Web Name: Lynn Wilson Comment Response Planners: Need to let you know that our family is in the process of Comments provided to the Draft 2026 Comprehensive Plan website strongly considering placing a conservation easement on our farm off were provided with an automated response. Also, see response on page Meadow Road. We have spoken with the Outdoors Foundation, 65. Department of Forestry and Historic Resources --all are interested. The 2026 plan proposes a new road that cuts through this property ownership: Irvine and Lynn Wilson, 36 acres Martha Wilson Trust or Joseph Wilson 250 acres . We would be most relieved and grateful to see that road removed from the plan. Our basis for the easement includes archaeological evidence listed with DHR, globally rare plant community per Division of Natural Heritage, plus open space scenic river forestland. Needless to say we intend to keep Indian Springs Farm intact for future generations and respectfully request that the County honor our wishes. We will follow this comment with a letter Monday, November 03, 2008 41 this week. Many thanks. Submittal Type: E-mail Name: Ashley Goodwin Comment Response I was dismayed to see the following post (see staff files) concerning a Ms. Goodwin: meeting about eastern Henrico County Planning which took place on January 23, 2008. Seeing that the posting referred further questions I am responding on behalf of Ms. Mikki Knight and Ms. Tamra McKinney to Ms. McKnight, I found no way to contact her by email within the to your email of January 31, 2008. I am sorry that you missed Fairfield Board of Supervisors web-pages. As it has been difficult to get any District Supervisor Frank Thorton’s constituent meeting held on January response from Supervisors in the past, it would be helpful if Ms. 23, 2008 at the Eastern Government Center. McKnight’s email address was listed on the Board website. The members of the Henrico County Board of Supervisors often host Information about the “upcoming” meetings concerning the 2026 Plan constituent meetings throughout the year. They are planned by the are very difficult to find, and as there is great interest among the individual board member and various county agencies and departments citizenry concerning the plan, I hope that further listings of meetings are requested to attend to share information on topics identified by the related to Henrico County Planning are made on the page which the board member. The purpose of the January 23rd meeting was to share Planning Department has made available for that specific purpose. information with Fairfield residents on the revised County flood plain ordinance, recent residential construction and the progress of the Shops If public meetings are not properly publicized, they will remain difficult at White Oak shopping center. for residents to attend. County Planning staff attended the meeting in order to provide residents with an update on the status of development plans for the recently approved Shops at White Oak, the expansion of RIR, the revitalization efforts at Laburnum Avenue and Nine Mile Road and several residential developments, including Hillcrest Farm, Kensington Meadows, Kings Ridge and Steeple Chase. Staff also explained the rezoning and development review process and the importance of public input.

At the end of the presentation, planning staff informed attendees of the Draft 2026 Comprehensive Plan update and encouraged them to visit the department’s website for further information. Beyond this mention, the Comprehensive Plan update was not discussed further.

As the project manager of the Comprehensive Plan update, I want to assure you that you have not missed any of our meetings. We anticipate Community Meetings to be held sometime this Spring and we will be advertising in many different ways. Once the meetings are scheduled we will post the information on the County website, as well as Monday, November 03, 2008 42 the Planning Department’s dedicated site. We also anticipate information will be disseminated through the newspaper, on the County’s Channel 17 cable station and in various other forms of media.

In checking my notification database of Draft 2026 Comprehensive Plan public input, I’ve noted that I have your name and email address entered. I believe Mr. Donati, Varina District Supervisor, forwarded me your email comments as they related to the Associated Residents of Historic Marion Hill. Because of your expressed interests I added you to the list of citizens who will be individually notified of the Community Meetings once we have established their dates, times and locations.

I appreciate your participation in the public input process of the 2026 Comprehensive Plan update and applaud your efforts of keeping informed on the status. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at 501-4488.

Sincerely, Rosemary D. Deemer Submittal Type: Mail Name: Edmond Massie Comment Response Centrally located in the middle of the several proposed large mixed- Dear Mr. Massie: use developments, including “Wilton” and “Curls Neck” and “ Tree Hill Farm”, with its interstate exposure and access off of Route 5, the I am responding on behalf of Mr. Donati to your December 21, 2006 Haskins property is accurately shown on the existing Henrico County letter regarding the designation of the Haskins property on the Draft Comprehensive Plan as Commercial Concentration. 2026 Comprehensive Plan’s Land Use Map. The subject property is located at the southeast intersection of I-295 and New Market Road Because of the above-mentioned attributes, this property represents (Route 5). a phenomenal opportunity for Henrico County to capture additional commercial tax a base for the benefit of all the taxpayers of Henrico As you are aware, the Planning Department is currently in the process of County. By controlling the quality of the development, it will become a updating the County’s existing 2010 Land Use Plan. In reviewing the significant source of tax revenue for Henrico County. future land use for the County, an error was made in mapping the suggested classification of Ms. Haskins’ property. As your letter noted, Unfortunately, the draft of the proposed Comprehensive Plan shifts the property is currently reflected as Semi-Public on the Draft 2026 Land the use of this property from Commercial Concentration to Semi- Use Map; staff’s intent was to designate the Haskins’ property as Public. On behalf of our client, Ms. Florence Haskins, we would like to Office/Service. object to the downgrading of her property to “semi-public”. Monday, November 03, 2008 43 Thank you for taking the time to review the draft land use maps, we That classification is not in the best interest of either the county of need input such as yours for the process to work as intended. The next Henrico from a tax base perspective, nor my client, Ms. Haskins. time our draft maps are revised we will edit the information and make Therefore, our hope is that when the proposed Comprehensive Plan this correction. If you have any questions or need additional information is brought before the Board of Supervisors of Henrico County you will about the Comprehensive Plan Update process, please contact me at appropriately return it to a designation of Commercial Concentration. 501-4605.

At your earliest convenience I would welcome the opportunity of a Sincerely, conversation at which time we can exchange thoughts in greater Rosemary D. Deemer detail if you feel that that is appropriate. Until the pleasure of talking with you in the future, I remain, Ed Massie. NOTE: The redesignation request was discussed with the Board and Planning Commission members from Varina in March 2008. It was determined that the original Draft 2026 Future Land Use Plan map contained a mapping error and the revised map designated this property as Commercial Concentration. Submittal Type: E-mail Name: Alexander Forti Comment Response Dear Sir, Mr. Forti:

I am writing to encourage you to poll your constituents in the eastern I am responding on behalf of James B. Donati, Jr., Supervisor, Varina part of the county (Along Route 5 more specifically) on their feelings Magisterial District, to your July 21, 2007 email concerning open space about the growth of suburbs along the Route 5 corridor. As a native and historic resources along New Market Road (Virginia State Route 5). Virginian, it troubles me that there are not more efforts to preserve the Thank you for taking the time to offer your suggestions, as we need open space along this route. Although growth is inevitable in our area, input such as yours for the planning process to work as intended. the fact of the matter is that eventually, it will look like Midlothian Turnpike if left unchecked. And that tax base that is so eagerly buying We appreciate your interest in the Varina area as was noted in your up these hastily constructed homes now, will leave, etc, etc. email as well as your previous email in February 2006. The protection of open space and historic resources are carefully considered when the I am certain that you have a vested interest in seeing this area, not County reviews all development proposals. just bits and pieces, preserved for future enjoyment. There are some who would argue that all of the historic places are safe from being As you know, the County is in the process of updating our overtaken by development, I would argue that all of Route 5 is Comprehensive Plan. Citizen input is a very important part of the historic; it is also very scenic (That's one of the reasons why my process and does and continues to include public comment. We will grandparents didn't return to Italy, as originally planned, 80 years place your comments in our files and take them into consideration as we ago) which is a major reason people come to our Great continue to draft the Comprehensive Plan. Commonwealth in the first place, and why many stay. The bottom line is, the suburban lifestyle is not sustainable in its current form and Additionally, we encourage you to visit the Planning Department's Monday, November 03, 2008 44 building more house on spots of land that are still relatively cheap is website for updates on the Comprehensive Plan and Citizen Input not the answer. Meetings that will happen in the future. You can find more information about the Comprehensive Plan update at the following website Please take what I have said into consideration when making policy http://www.co.henrico.va.us/planning/2026plan. with regard to the above mentioned area. I have spoken many other residents who share my concern and feel like they are powerless to Thank you for sharing your concerns with County officials and staff. Your halt this encroachment onto what they view as sacred ground. input is very valuable. If you have any questions or need any additional information, please Thank you for your time. contact me or my staff at 501-4602.

Sincerely, Randall R. Silber Submittal Type: E-mail Name: Kirk Lacy Comment Response I am a land owner in Henrico and it has come to my attention that the Mr. Lacy: 2026 Comprehensive Plan extends the commercial zone on Rt. 60 (Williamsburg Rd.) to the east of its current line. I understand that the Your email was forwarded to me as project manager of the Draft 2026 commercial zone will stop somewhere near Old Williamsburg Rd. and Henrico County Comprehensive Plan Update. I’d like to take this will continue to the New Kent county border as either R-1 or A-1. As a opportunity to thank you for taking the time to provide us with your input. Henrico citizen I feel the commercial zone should be continued to the New Kent border. I think the traffic in this stretch of Rt. 60 is a little too The area you have described, Williamsburg Road (Route 60) east to the dangerous for residential; and eliminating the housing through this New Kent county line, is identified on the Draft 2026 Future Land Use area (between Old Williamsburg and New Kent) would lower the risk Map as having several land use designations. In addition to Suburban of someone's child, over even an adult, or pet, accidentally stepping Residential 1 (1.0 to 2.4 net units per acre), parcels in the area are also or falling onto Rt. 60. There is already a large number of road tractors designated Office, Office/Service, Commercial, Government, and Semi- that use Rt. 60 as an alternative to I-64. By introducing more Public. These designations reflect the same land use categories that commercial zones to this area along with New Kent's "Bottoms Bridge are recommended on the County’s current 2010 Land Use Plan and area" having a high growth in commercial rezoning you will be making have subsequently been carried over to the Draft Plan. The residential that small stretch of Rt. 60 prone to an even higher traffic flow in a designations reflect the current pattern of larger lot, single family highly dangerous living area. I personally do live on Rt. 60 in the residential subdivisions that have been developed under the existing referred area and can say I will be moving either way, but if this is the Agricultural zoning. type of choices Henrico's Planning Department will be making I will leave Henrico all together. I can't count the times I have pulled out of We appreciate your interest in the Comprehensive Planning process my driveway in the morning and some idiot that is running late for and will take your comments into consideration as we continue work on work decides to use the middle turning lane for passing, or I have to the Draft Plan. Additionally, I encourage you to visit the Planning sit at the end of my driveway for 10-15 minutes waiting for a break in Department website for updates on the Draft Plan and future meeting traffic so I can pull out. I hope this brings this problem to your schedules. You can find more information about the Comprehensive Monday, November 03, 2008 45 attention and something is corrected for the future use. Please if Plan updates at the following website: anything is changed or if there is a county meeting I can go to please http://www.co.henrico.va.us/planning/2026plan.htm. let me know. If you have any questions or need additional information about the Draft 2026 Comprehensive Plan update process, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely, Rosemary D. Deemer Submittal Type: Mail Name: Ronald Sutton Comment Response I am writing to you directly since I have repeatedly been unable to get Dear Mr. Sutton: any answers going through the normal channels on the proposed schedule and completion dates for the 2026 Future Land Use Plan. I am responding on behalf of Mr. Virgil Hazelett, County Manager, to Please provide this information at your earliest convenience. your recent letter concerning the proposed rezoning of your property on Strath Road and the 2026 Comprehensive Plan. My two sisters and I own approximately 73 acres of land on Strath Road in Varina for which we signed a contract with WWLP The Planning Department is currently working on an update to the 2010 Development, LLC on 9/26/2005 to purchase the property subject to Land Use Plan. A work session with the Board of Supervisors to discuss an application for rezoning approval by the County. the timeline for the 2026 Comprehensive Plan is scheduled for January 22, 2008. A tentative public meeting schedule may be determined, at We were told by the County Planning Staff that a 2026 that time. It is anticipated that Citizen Input Meetings will be held in late Comprehensive Plan was being developed which was anticipated to Spring of this year, with public hearings before the Planning Commission be completed in late 2006 or early 2007. The date of the last and Board of Supervisors in late Fall. information on the county web site for this planning process is dated 8/31/2006. The Planning Staff, when contacted, continues to state The Planning Department's website at that they have no information from the Administration on when this http://www.co.henrico.va.us/planning/2026plan.htm will be updated as process will be continued and completed. more information becomes available. Because of your interest, we will also include your name on our mailing list to be notified when the Citizen The buyer, WWLP Development, LLC, and I have met twice with Input Meetings have been scheduled. Varina Supervisor James B. Donati, Jr, who has reviewed the proposed development and told us to work with the planning staff on Thank you for sharing your concerns with County officials and staff. If a proposal. Supervisor Donati indicated that he relies heavily on the you have any questions or need any additional information about the advice of the planning staff. The planning staff members have Comprehensive Plan process, please contact Ms. Rosemary Deemer, unofficially told us that they think the best idea would be to wait until County Planner, at (804) 501-4488. the 2026 Comprehensive Plan is approved before any new zoning is approved. Citizens in Varina also indicated it would be preferable to Sincerely, Monday, November 03, 2008 46 have the updated Land Use Plan before any more rezoning is R. Joseph Emerson, Jr. approved.

The buyer has completed an application for rezoning, but has twice asked for a deferral so that the updated Land Use Plan would be approved before rezoning is considered.

Since I will be 72 years old in February 2008, you can understand that time is of the essence and this information is critical for all the parties involved. Submittal Type: Mail Name: Glenn Moore Comment Response RE: Request for Change of Land Use Designations on the Future Dear Mr. Moore: Land Use Plan for Vision 2026 I am responding on behalf of Joe Emerson to your August 15, 2007 Our office represents the owners of a 1.919 acre parcel of property at letter regarding the designation of two parcels on the Draft 2026 the southeast corner of Turner Road and Charles City Road (part of Comprehensive Plan’s Land Use Map. The subject properties (Tax Tax Parcel 830-699-7521) and an approximate 35.828 acre parcel Parcel 830-698-9520 and part of parcel 830-699-7521) are located at immediately adjacent thereto, identified as Tax Parcel 830-698-9520. the southeast intersection of Turner and Charles City Roads. The current designation for future land use of the subject parcels under the County’s Land Use Plan is for office development. Under As you are aware, the Planning Department is currently in the process of the draft vision 2026 Update, the properties have been designated for updating the County’s existing 2010 Land Use Plan. Along with the rural residential development. proposed Future Land Use maps staff has posted several of the draft chapters on our website and are soliciting input on the information. Under the current Land Use Plan, property across Charles City Road to the north of the two parcels is designated for Planned Industrial I have filed your letter with other similar requests. The next time our draft Development. The draft Vision 2026 Update indicates that such maps are revised staff will review your request in conjunction with the property should be developed for Light Industrial Use. The subject information you provided. Additionally, I encourage you to continue parcels are at the intersection of two significant roadways, Turner visiting the Planning Department's website for updates on the Road and Charles City Road, almost immediately adjacent to an exit Comprehensive Plan and Citizen Input Meetings that will happen in the ramp for Pocahontas Parkway from I-295. We suggest that there is future. You can find more information about the Comprehensive Plan no reason to change the recommended office use currently shown in update at the following website: the County’s Land Use Plan. Based on the roadway network and http://www.co.henrico.va.us/planning/2026plan.htm land use recommendation for property immediately across Charles City Road, the property is well situated for eventual non-residential Thank you for taking the time to review the draft land use maps; we development. We are unaware of changes which have occurred in need input such as yours for the process to work as intended. If you the area that would support the designation of the parcels from future have any questions or need additional information about the Monday, November 03, 2008 47 office use to future rural residential development. Comprehensive Plan Update process, please contact me at 501-4488.

Please let me know whether your office can support retaining the Sincerely, current designation of the property for future development for office Rosemary D. Deemer purposes. Additionally, I would appreciate being advised of future meetings where the land use designation of the subject parcels might NOTE: The redesignation request was discussed with the Board and be subject to consideration. Planning Commission members from Varina in March 2008. It was determined that the original Draft 2026 Future Land Use Plan Map Thanks you for your attention to this matter. contained a mapping error and the revised map designated this property as Office. Submittal Type: Mail Name: Ralph Axselle Comment Response I am working with Berkshire Development that is a contract purchaser Dear Mr. Axselle: of about 63 acres located in the southwest corner of I-295 and New Market Road. This is not that entire quadrant, but a substantial portion I verified your copy of the DRAFT 2026 Land Use is correct in showing of it, with the bulk of the frontage on Route 5 and, we believe, access Commercial Arterial and Suburban Residential 1 for the property to Buffin Road. While they are in their due diligence period, the plan is referenced below. During staff’s internal review of the 2010 Land Use for development consistent with the Commercial Arterial designation Plan, we changed the designation from Office and Office/Service. Much in the 2026 draft Comprehensive Plan. Two questions have arisen on consideration was given to the size of the proposed CA area to ensure which I would appreciate some information so I can properly advise compatibility with adjacent planned and existing uses and to also contain my client. 1. You will note that the Commercial Arterial designation commercial development thereby limiting the “stripping” of adjacent does not apply to all of the property in that quadrant. In fact, it does roadways, especially along Route 5. not, we believe, apply to even all of those 63 acres that I am told go over to Buffin Road. What is the thinking of not including all of the It is anticipated that we will be going out for public comment on the 2026 property with frontage on Route 5 and for a distance down Buffin Plan in Spring, 2008. We will also be re-reviewing the proposed land use Road in the Comprehensive Plan? We are under the impression that designations in the next few months and we will consider the information the Plan does not follow the property lines. Having made that inquiry, requested below during this process. Please do not hesitate to call if you we do understand that there will be need for special sensitivity to have additional questions. I’d be happy to assist. Buffin Road as it relates to setbacks, landscaping and access. (Obviously, there will need to be the same sensitivity to Route 5). Sincerely, Simply put, I would like to inquire about the possibility of extending Jean Moore the Comprehensive Plan designation of Commercial Arterial to all of the 63 acres with the knowledge that special treatment is going to have to be made for Buffin Road. 2. The property to the south of the 63 acres and still within the same quadrant is not designated for Commercial Arterial. This property is owned by the Pruitt family. While we have not spoken to Tommy, it would seem to be logical to extend Monday, November 03, 2008 48 such designation further back to Route 295. Would it be possible for one of you to give me a call to discuss. We can do this by phone. As we proceed, obviously, we will want to chat with you about what are your expectations regarding the development of this Commercial Arterial property. Submittal Type: Memo Name: Henry Nelson Comment Response The Varina Beautification Committee Ideas For The Upcoming Land The respondent attended the Varina community open house and was Use Plan able to discuss his concerns with representatives from the Planning Department. We feel that in order to have a meaningful Land Use Plan that there is a need to master-plan a critical core of the Varina Community. Based on extensive study and countless discussions we feel that the following elements should be included in the future land use plans for the Varina community.

1. The development of a River-District between the Osborne Turnpike and the James River to extend from the city limits to the Wilton Community.

2. The development of a Scenic-Parkway to extend from the city limits to the Wilton Community to provide the potential for controlled growth that would include clustered-multi-use development sensitive to forests, natural areas, scenic views, and wildlife habitat. The parkway should have scenic pull-off areas similar to the Blue-Ridge Parkway.

3. The development of a conservation park to include the wetland areas south of the proposed parkway along the James River from the city limits to the Wilton Community. The park should include but not be limited to: trails for people, bikes and horses.

4. The development of a special interest corridor to extend for the entire length of Route 5 in Henrico County (from the city limits to the boundary with Charles City County). Plans for the corridor should also outline the proposed bike lane which will extend from Jamestown to Richmond along Route 5. Guidelines should also be developed to shape the architecture and landscape plans for all future commercial Monday, November 03, 2008 49 growth that will take place within the corridor of Route 5.

5. The development of a Varina Village Plan to be located at the intersection of Route 5 and Strath roads to extend to Buffin Road to the east and Mill Road to the west.

6. The development of a large conservation Park to be located along the western boundary of Turkey Island Creek -south of Route 5- to extend to the intersection of the creek with the James River and along the bank of the James River in a westerly direction to include as much undeveloped land as possible. The park should also include the 1771 Flood Marker due to it's historical significance to the county, state and nation.

Submitted by : Henry Nelson Submittal Type: Mail Name: Nelda Snyder Comment Response As residents of the Varina Riverfront Corridor, we thank you for Dear Mrs. Snyder: representing the unique assets and needs of our district during the creation of the County's Comprehensive Plan. In particular we Thank you for your recent letter to James B. Donati, Jr., Vice Chairman, appreciate the uncommon and invaluable use of outside experts to Board of Supervisors, concerning the update of the County’s help guide our community's growth. Comprehensive Plan. As you have outlined several points concerning future growth in the Varina area, Mr. Donati shared your letter with the There can be no question that Varina is poised for significant change. Planning Department staff. Our goal is the same as yours; to ensure that this change is done thoughtfully and in a way that maximizes the economic and social Our update is more than a revision to the County’s Land Use Plan. Our benefits to Varina constituents and the County at large. plan will have a Major Thoroughfare Plan, a Community Facilities Plan, a Public Utilities Plan and a Fiscal Impact Model. Your suggestions have Rushing ahead with a more-house-on-more-land approach would be been forwarded to staff working on the project and they will be taken into short-sighted and fiscally irresponsible. The wise move is to capitalize consideration as the Plan is drafted. on the district's almost priceless desirability -unique history, open space, and river access within a 15 minute drive to downtown County staff, along with the County’s consultant will continue to assess Richmond -through the establishment of an Overlay District or Special all of the options for guiding future development in the entire County. Interest Corridor for the section of Varina that lies between Route 5 This includes planning for the impacts of new development and the and the James. facilities, which will be needed to accommodate new growth.

Though this plan requires imagination and foresight, patience and The County staff will be holding public meetings regarding the 2026 Monday, November 03, 2008 50 planning, the investment of money and planning will be more than Comprehensive Plan beginning in mid-September. I would encourage recouped through the creation of a lucrative tax-base. The resultant you and other concerned citizens to attend one of these meetings to funds will benefit every Henrico County resident. further express your views regarding the future development of the County. Additionally, as draft documents are completed, they will be The Board of Supervisors is in the enviable position of being able to placed on-line for review and comment by the public. Please visit the please all. The next step, therefore, is to ensure that the new Planning Department’s website at Comprehensive Plan includes the following elements: http://www.co.henrico.va.us/planning/2026plan.htm for updated information on the public meetings and draft text. 1. A Corridor Plan with carefully planned development that includes larger minimum acreage, clustering, mandatory green space and Again, thank you for your letter and interest concerning future open spaces, tree lined roads and setbacks, a conservation park development in the County. Please fee free to contact Jean Moore of my along the river, incentives for good environmental practices, staff, at 501-4229 if you have further questions or concerns. incorporation of Rural Design (Randall Arendt) principles, and a commitment to retaining rural character. Sincerely, Randall R. Silber 2. A Transportation Plan including: a. a divided landscaped Historic Route 5 Byway; b. the preservation of Osborne Turnpike as a two-lane “rural” road; c. a new Riverfront Parkway from Rocketts Landing to Wilton; d. a grid system of crossroads, essential for connectivity and to help dissipate congestion as population increases; e. an overpass for Osborne over Wilton Parkway to avoid the dangerous traffic problems of on-grade intersection; and f. the inclusion of pedestrian/bike/horse trails as well as tree planting and landscaping along new and renovated roadways whenever possible to enhance the area’s luxury appeal.

3. A Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) program which will simultaneously protect open space and enable current landowners in unserviced, less dense areas to preserve their farms and woodlands.

As you know, Varina recorded history dates from 1611. Considering that our nation is preparing to celebrate its 400th anniversary and Monday, November 03, 2008 51 Virginia is investing close to $14 million each year in history-driven tourism, it would be inexcusably foolish for Henrico County to pave over farms and woodlands that contain countless historic sites, civil war trails and relics.

We are ready to work with our elected officials and Henrico's knowledgeable Planning Staff to create this corridor to the benefit of all of Henrico. Submittal Type: Mail Name: Baker & Mary Davenport Comment Response As residents of the Varina Riverfront Corridor, we thank you for Dear Mr. and Mrs. Davenport: representing the unique assets and needs of our district during the creation of the County's Comprehensive Plan. In particular we Thank you for your recent letter to James B. Donati, Jr., Vice Chairman, appreciate the uncommon and invaluable use of outside experts to Board of Supervisors, concerning the update of the County’s help guide our community's growth. Comprehensive Plan. As you have outlined several points concerning future growth in the Varina area, Mr. Donati shared your letter with the There can be no question that Varina is poised for significant change. Planning Department staff. Our goal is the same as yours; to ensure that this change is done thoughtfully and in a way that maximizes the economic and social Our update is more than a revision to the County’s Land Use Plan. Our benefits to Varina constituents and the County at large. plan will have a Major Thoroughfare Plan, a Community Facilities Plan, a Public Utilities Plan and a Fiscal Impact Model. Your suggestions have Rushing ahead with a more-house-on-more-land approach would be been forwarded to staff working on the project and they will be taken into short-sighted and fiscally irresponsible. The wise move is to capitalize consideration as the Plan is drafted. on the district's almost priceless desirability -unique history, open space, and river access within a 15 minute drive to downtown County staff, along with the County’s consultant will continue to assess Richmond -through the establishment of an Overlay District or Special all of the options for guiding future development in the entire County. Interest Corridor for the section of Varina that lies between Route 5 This includes planning for the impacts of new development and the and the James. facilities, which will be needed to accommodate new growth.

Though this plan requires imagination and foresight, patience and The County staff will be holding public meetings regarding the 2026 planning, the investment of money and planning will be more than Comprehensive Plan beginning in mid-September. I would encourage recouped through the creation of a lucrative tax-base. The resultant you and other concerned citizens to attend one of these meetings to funds will benefit every Henrico County resident. further express your views regarding the future development of the County. Additionally, as draft documents are completed, they will be The Board of Supervisors is in the enviable position of being able to placed on-line for review and comment by the public. Please visit the please all. The next step, therefore, is to ensure that the new Planning Department’s website at Comprehensive Plan includes the following elements: http://www.co.henrico.va.us/planning/2026plan.htm for updated Monday, November 03, 2008 52 information on the public meetings and draft text. 1. A Corridor Plan with carefully planned development that includes larger minimum acreage, clustering, mandatory green space and Again, thank you for your letter and interest concerning future open spaces, tree lined roads and setbacks, a conservation park development in the County. Please fee free to contact Jean Moore of my along the river, incentives for good environmental practices, staff, at 501-4229 if you have further questions or concerns. incorporation of Rural Design (Randall Arendt) principles, and a commitment to retaining rural character. Sincerely, Randall R. Silber 2. A Transportation Plan including: a. a divided landscaped Historic Route 5 Byway; b. the preservation of Osborne Turnpike as a two-lane “rural” road; c. a new Riverfront Parkway from Rocketts Landing to Wilton; d. a grid system of crossroads, essential for connectivity and to help dissipate congestion as population increases; e. an overpass for Osborne over Wilton Parkway to avoid the dangerous traffic problems of on-grade intersection; and f. the inclusion of pedestrian/bike/horse trails as well as tree planting and landscaping along new and renovated roadways whenever possible to enhance the area’s luxury appeal.

3. A Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) program which will simultaneously protect open space and enable current landowners in unserviced, less dense areas to preserve their farms and woodlands.

As you know, Varina recorded history dates from 1611. Considering that our nation is preparing to celebrate its 400th anniversary and Virginia is investing close to $14 million each year in history-driven tourism, it would be inexcusably foolish for Henrico County to pave over farms and woodlands that contain countless historic sites, civil war trails and relics.

We are ready to work with our elected officials and Henrico's knowledgeable Planning Staff to create this corridor to the benefit of Monday, November 03, 2008 53 all of Henrico. Submittal Type: Mail Name: Nicole Ellis Comment Response As residents of the Varina Riverfront Corridor, we thank you for Dear Ms. Ellis: representing the unique assets and needs of our district during the creation of the County's Comprehensive Plan. In particular we Thank you for your recent letter to James B. Donati, Jr., Vice Chairman, appreciate the uncommon and invaluable use of outside experts to Board of Supervisors, concerning the update of the County’s help guide our community's growth. Comprehensive Plan. As you have outlined several points concerning future growth in the Varina area, Mr. Donati shared your letter with the There can be no question that Varina is poised for significant change. Planning Department staff. Our goal is the same as yours; to ensure that this change is done thoughtfully and in a way that maximizes the economic and social Our update is more than a revision to the County’s Land Use Plan. Our benefits to Varina constituents and the County at large. plan will have a Major Thoroughfare Plan, a Community Facilities Plan, a Public Utilities Plan and a Fiscal Impact Model. Your suggestions have Rushing ahead with a more-house-on-more-land approach would be been forwarded to staff working on the project and they will be taken into short-sighted and fiscally irresponsible. The wise move is to capitalize consideration as the Plan is drafted. on the district's almost priceless desirability -unique history, open space, and river access within a 15 minute drive to downtown County staff, along with the County’s consultant will continue to assess Richmond -through the establishment of an Overlay District or Special all of the options for guiding future development in the entire County. Interest Corridor for the section of Varina that lies between Route 5 This includes planning for the impacts of new development and the and the James. facilities, which will be needed to accommodate new growth.

Though this plan requires imagination and foresight, patience and The County staff will be holding public meetings regarding the 2026 planning, the investment of money and planning will be more than Comprehensive Plan beginning in mid-September. I would encourage recouped through the creation of a lucrative tax-base. The resultant you and other concerned citizens to attend one of these meetings to funds will benefit every Henrico County resident. further express your views regarding the future development of the County. Additionally, as draft documents are completed, they will be The Board of Supervisors is in the enviable position of being able to placed on-line for review and comment by the public. Please visit the please all. The next step, therefore, is to ensure that the new Planning Department’s website at Comprehensive Plan includes the following elements: http://www.co.henrico.va.us/planning/2026plan.htm for updated information on the public meetings and draft text. 1. A Corridor Plan with carefully planned development that includes larger minimum acreage, clustering, mandatory green space and Again, thank you for your letter and interest concerning future open spaces, tree lined roads and setbacks, a conservation park development in the County. Please fee free to contact Jean Moore of my along the river, incentives for good environmental practices, staff, at 501-4229 if you have further questions or concerns. incorporation of Rural Design (Randall Arendt) principles, and a commitment to retaining rural character. Sincerely, Monday, November 03, 2008 54 Randall R. Silber 2. A Transportation Plan including: a. a divided landscaped Historic Route 5 Byway; b. the preservation of Osborne Turnpike as a two-lane “rural” road; c. a new Riverfront Parkway from Rocketts Landing to Wilton; d. a grid system of crossroads, essential for connectivity and to help dissipate congestion as population increases; e. an overpass for Osborne over Wilton Parkway to avoid the dangerous traffic problems of on-grade intersection; and f. the inclusion of pedestrian/bike/horse trails as well as tree planting and landscaping along new and renovated roadways whenever possible to enhance the area’s luxury appeal.

3. A Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) program which will simultaneously protect open space and enable current landowners in unserviced, less dense areas to preserve their farms and woodlands.

As you know, Varina recorded history dates from 1611. Considering that our nation is preparing to celebrate its 400th anniversary and Virginia is investing close to $14 million each year in history-driven tourism, it would be inexcusably foolish for Henrico County to pave over farms and woodlands that contain countless historic sites, civil war trails and relics.

We are ready to work with our elected officials and Henrico's knowledgeable Planning Staff to create this corridor to the benefit of all of Henrico. Submittal Type: Mail Name: Katie Bawell Comment Response As residents of the Varina Riverfront Corridor, we thank you for Dear Ms. Bawell: representing the unique assets and needs of our district during the Monday, November 03, 2008 55 creation of the County's Comprehensive Plan. In particular we Thank you for your recent letter to James B. Donati, Jr., Vice Chairman, appreciate the uncommon and invaluable use of outside experts to Board of Supervisors, concerning the update of the County’s help guide our community's growth. Comprehensive Plan. As you have outlined several points concerning future growth in the Varina area, Mr. Donati shared your letter with the There can be no question that Varina is poised for significant change. Planning Department staff. Our goal is the same as yours; to ensure that this change is done thoughtfully and in a way that maximizes the economic and social Our update is more than a revision to the County’s Land Use Plan. Our benefits to Varina constituents and the County at large. plan will have a Major Thoroughfare Plan, a Community Facilities Plan, a Public Utilities Plan and a Fiscal Impact Model. Your suggestions have Rushing ahead with a more-house-on-more-land approach would be been forwarded to staff working on the project and they will be taken into short-sighted and fiscally irresponsible. The wise move is to capitalize consideration as the Plan is drafted. on the district's almost priceless desirability -unique history, open space, and river access within a 15 minute drive to downtown County staff, along with the County’s consultant will continue to assess Richmond -through the establishment of an Overlay District or Special all of the options for guiding future development in the entire County. Interest Corridor for the section of Varina that lies between Route 5 This includes planning for the impacts of new development and the and the James. facilities, which will be needed to accommodate new growth.

Though this plan requires imagination and foresight, patience and The County staff will be holding public meetings regarding the 2026 planning, the investment of money and planning will be more than Comprehensive Plan beginning in mid-September. I would encourage recouped through the creation of a lucrative tax-base. The resultant you and other concerned citizens to attend one of these meetings to funds will benefit every Henrico County resident. further express your views regarding the future development of the County. Additionally, as draft documents are completed, they will be The Board of Supervisors is in the enviable position of being able to placed on-line for review and comment by the public. Please visit the please all. The next step, therefore, is to ensure that the new Planning Department’s website at Comprehensive Plan includes the following elements: http://www.co.henrico.va.us/planning/2026plan.htm for updated information on the public meetings and draft text. 1. A Corridor Plan with carefully planned development that includes larger minimum acreage, clustering, mandatory green space and Again, thank you for your letter and interest concerning future open spaces, tree lined roads and setbacks, a conservation park development in the County. Please fee free to contact Jean Moore of my along the river, incentives for good environmental practices, staff, at 501-4229 if you have further questions or concerns. incorporation of Rural Design (Randall Arendt) principles, and a commitment to retaining rural character. Sincerely, Randall R. Silber 2. A Transportation Plan including: a. a divided landscaped Historic Route 5 Byway; b. the preservation of Osborne Turnpike as a two-lane “rural” road;

Monday, November 03, 2008 56 c. a new Riverfront Parkway from Rocketts Landing to Wilton; d. a grid system of crossroads, essential for connectivity and to help dissipate congestion as population increases; e. an overpass for Osborne over Wilton Parkway to avoid the dangerous traffic problems of on-grade intersection; and f. the inclusion of pedestrian/bike/horse trails as well as tree planting and landscaping along new and renovated roadways whenever possible to enhance the area’s luxury appeal.

3. A Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) program which will simultaneously protect open space and enable current landowners in unserviced, less dense areas to preserve their farms and woodlands.

As you know, Varina recorded history dates from 1611. Considering that our nation is preparing to celebrate its 400th anniversary and Virginia is investing close to $14 million each year in history-driven tourism, it would be inexcusably foolish for Henrico County to pave over farms and woodlands that contain countless historic sites, civil war trails and relics.

We are ready to work with our elected officials and Henrico's knowledgeable Planning Staff to create this corridor to the benefit of all of Henrico. Submittal Type: Mail Name: Fred Hedgecoth Comment Response As residents of the Varina Riverfront Corridor, we thank you for Dear Mr. Hedgecoth: representing the unique assets and needs of our district during the creation of the County's Comprehensive Plan. In particular we Thank you for your recent letter to James B. Donati, Jr., Vice Chairman, appreciate the uncommon and invaluable use of outside experts to Board of Supervisors, concerning the update of the County’s help guide our community's growth. Comprehensive Plan. As you have outlined several points concerning future growth in the Varina area, Mr. Donati shared your letter with the There can be no question that Varina is poised for significant change. Planning Department staff. Our goal is the same as yours; to ensure that this change is done thoughtfully and in a way that maximizes the economic and social Our update is more than a revision to the County’s Land Use Plan. Our Monday, November 03, 2008 57 benefits to Varina constituents and the County at large. plan will have a Major Thoroughfare Plan, a Community Facilities Plan, a Public Utilities Plan and a Fiscal Impact Model. Your suggestions have Rushing ahead with a more-house-on-more-land approach would be been forwarded to staff working on the project and they will be taken into short-sighted and fiscally irresponsible. The wise move is to capitalize consideration as the Plan is drafted. on the district's almost priceless desirability -unique history, open space, and river access within a 15 minute drive to downtown County staff, along with the County’s consultant will continue to assess Richmond -through the establishment of an Overlay District or Special all of the options for guiding future development in the entire County. Interest Corridor for the section of Varina that lies between Route 5 This includes planning for the impacts of new development and the and the James. facilities, which will be needed to accommodate new growth.

Though this plan requires imagination and foresight, patience and The County staff will be holding public meetings regarding the 2026 planning, the investment of money and planning will be more than Comprehensive Plan beginning in mid-September. I would encourage recouped through the creation of a lucrative tax-base. The resultant you and other concerned citizens to attend one of these meetings to funds will benefit every Henrico County resident. further express your views regarding the future development of the County. Additionally, as draft documents are completed, they will be The Board of Supervisors is in the enviable position of being able to placed on-line for review and comment by the public. Please visit the please all. The next step, therefore, is to ensure that the new Planning Department’s website at Comprehensive Plan includes the following elements: http://www.co.henrico.va.us/planning/2026plan.htm for updated information on the public meetings and draft text. 1. A Corridor Plan with carefully planned development that includes larger minimum acreage, clustering, mandatory green space and Again, thank you for your letter and interest concerning future open spaces, tree lined roads and setbacks, a conservation park development in the County. Please fee free to contact Jean Moore of my along the river, incentives for good environmental practices, staff, at 501-4229 if you have further questions or concerns. incorporation of Rural Design (Randall Arendt) principles, and a commitment to retaining rural character. Sincerely, Randall R. Silber 2. A Transportation Plan including: a. a divided landscaped Historic Route 5 Byway; b. the preservation of Osborne Turnpike as a two-lane “rural” road; c. a new Riverfront Parkway from Rocketts Landing to Wilton; d. a grid system of crossroads, essential for connectivity and to help dissipate congestion as population increases; e. an overpass for Osborne over Wilton Parkway to avoid the dangerous traffic problems of on-grade intersection; and Monday, November 03, 2008 58 f. the inclusion of pedestrian/bike/horse trails as well as tree planting and landscaping along new and renovated roadways whenever possible to enhance the area’s luxury appeal.

3. A Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) program which will simultaneously protect open space and enable current landowners in unserviced, less dense areas to preserve their farms and woodlands.

As you know, Varina recorded history dates from 1611. Considering that our nation is preparing to celebrate its 400th anniversary and Virginia is investing close to $14 million each year in history-driven tourism, it would be inexcusably foolish for Henrico County to pave over farms and woodlands that contain countless historic sites, civil war trails and relics.

We are ready to work with our elected officials and Henrico's knowledgeable Planning Staff to create this corridor to the benefit of all of Henrico. Submittal Type: Mail Name: Jane Koontz Comment Response As residents of the Varina Riverfront Corridor, we thank you for Dear Mrs. Koontz: representing the unique assets and needs of our district during the creation of the County's Comprehensive Plan. In particular we Thank you for your recent letter to James B. Donati, Jr., Vice Chairman, appreciate the uncommon and invaluable use of outside experts to Board of Supervisors, concerning the update of the County’s help guide our community's growth. Comprehensive Plan. As you have outlined several points concerning future growth in the Varina area, Mr. Donati shared your letter with the There can be no question that Varina is poised for significant change. Planning Department staff. Our goal is the same as yours; to ensure that this change is done thoughtfully and in a way that maximizes the economic and social Our update is more than a revision to the County’s Land Use Plan. Our benefits to Varina constituents and the County at large. plan will have a Major Thoroughfare Plan, a Community Facilities Plan, a Public Utilities Plan and a Fiscal Impact Model. Your suggestions have Rushing ahead with a more-house-on-more-land approach would be been forwarded to staff working on the project and they will be taken into short-sighted and fiscally irresponsible. The wise move is to capitalize consideration as the Plan is drafted. on the district's almost priceless desirability -unique history, open space, and river access within a 15 minute drive to downtown County staff, along with the County’s consultant will continue to assess Richmond -through the establishment of an Overlay District or Special all of the options for guiding future development in the entire County. Monday, November 03, 2008 59 Interest Corridor for the section of Varina that lies between Route 5 This includes planning for the impacts of new development and the and the James. facilities, which will be needed to accommodate new growth.

Though this plan requires imagination and foresight, patience and The County staff will be holding public meetings regarding the 2026 planning, the investment of money and planning will be more than Comprehensive Plan beginning in mid-September. I would encourage recouped through the creation of a lucrative tax-base. The resultant you and other concerned citizens to attend one of these meetings to funds will benefit every Henrico County resident. further express your views regarding the future development of the County. Additionally, as draft documents are completed, they will be The Board of Supervisors is in the enviable position of being able to placed on-line for review and comment by the public. Please visit the please all. The next step, therefore, is to ensure that the new Planning Department’s website at Comprehensive Plan includes the following elements: http://www.co.henrico.va.us/planning/2026plan.htm for updated information on the public meetings and draft text. 1. A Corridor Plan with carefully planned development that includes larger minimum acreage, clustering, mandatory green space and Again, thank you for your letter and interest concerning future open spaces, tree lined roads and setbacks, a conservation park development in the County. Please fee free to contact Jean Moore of my along the river, incentives for good environmental practices, staff, at 501-4229 if you have further questions or concerns. incorporation of Rural Design (Randall Arendt) principles, and a commitment to retaining rural character. Sincerely, Randall R. Silber 2. A Transportation Plan including: a. a divided landscaped Historic Route 5 Byway; b. the preservation of Osborne Turnpike as a two-lane “rural” road; c. a new Riverfront Parkway from Rocketts Landing to Wilton; d. a grid system of crossroads, essential for connectivity and to help dissipate congestion as population increases; e. an overpass for Osborne over Wilton Parkway to avoid the dangerous traffic problems of on-grade intersection; and f. the inclusion of pedestrian/bike/horse trails as well as tree planting and landscaping along new and renovated roadways whenever possible to enhance the area’s luxury appeal.

3. A Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) program which will simultaneously protect open space and enable current landowners in Monday, November 03, 2008 60 unserviced, less dense areas to preserve their farms and woodlands.

As you know, Varina recorded history dates from 1611. Considering that our nation is preparing to celebrate its 400th anniversary and Virginia is investing close to $14 million each year in history-driven tourism, it would be inexcusably foolish for Henrico County to pave over farms and woodlands that contain countless historic sites, civil war trails and relics.

We are ready to work with our elected officials and Henrico's knowledgeable Planning Staff to create this corridor to the benefit of all of Henrico. Submittal Type: Mail Name: Sue & Allen Wimett Comment Response As residents of the Varina Riverfront Corridor, we thank you for Dear Mr. and Mrs. Wimett: representing the unique assets and needs of our district during the creation of the County's Comprehensive Plan. In particular we Thank you for your recent letter to James B. Donati, Jr., Vice Chairman, appreciate the uncommon and invaluable use of outside experts to Board of Supervisors, concerning the update of the County’s help guide our community's growth. Comprehensive Plan. As you have outlined several points concerning future growth in the Varina area, Mr. Donati shared your letter with the There can be no question that Varina is poised for significant change. Planning Department staff. Our goal is the same as yours; to ensure that this change is done thoughtfully and in a way that maximizes the economic and social Our update is more than a revision to the County’s Land Use Plan. Our benefits to Varina constituents and the County at large. plan will have a Major Thoroughfare Plan, a Community Facilities Plan, a Public Utilities Plan and a Fiscal Impact Model. Your suggestions have Rushing ahead with a more-house-on-more-land approach would be been forwarded to staff working on the project and they will be taken into short-sighted and fiscally irresponsible. The wise move is to capitalize consideration as the Plan is drafted. on the district's almost priceless desirability -unique history, open space, and river access within a 15 minute drive to downtown County staff, along with the County’s consultant will continue to assess Richmond -through the establishment of an Overlay District or Special all of the options for guiding future development in the entire County. Interest Corridor for the section of Varina that lies between Route 5 This includes planning for the impacts of new development and the and the James. facilities, which will be needed to accommodate new growth.

Though this plan requires imagination and foresight, patience and The County staff will be holding public meetings regarding the 2026 planning, the investment of money and planning will be more than Comprehensive Plan beginning in mid-September. I would encourage recouped through the creation of a lucrative tax-base. The resultant you and other concerned citizens to attend one of these meetings to funds will benefit every Henrico County resident. further express your views regarding the future development of the Monday, November 03, 2008 61 County. Additionally, as draft documents are completed, they will be The Board of Supervisors is in the enviable position of being able to placed on-line for review and comment by the public. Please visit the please all. The next step, therefore, is to ensure that the new Planning Department’s website at Comprehensive Plan includes the following elements: http://www.co.henrico.va.us/planning/2026plan.htm for updated information on the public meetings and draft text. 1. A Corridor Plan with carefully planned development that includes larger minimum acreage, clustering, mandatory green space and Again, thank you for your letter and interest concerning future open spaces, tree lined roads and setbacks, a conservation park development in the County. Please fee free to contact Jean Moore of my along the river, incentives for good environmental practices, staff, at 501-4229 if you have further questions or concerns. incorporation of Rural Design (Randall Arendt) principles, and a commitment to retaining rural character. Sincerely, Randall R. Silber 2. A Transportation Plan including: a. a divided landscaped Historic Route 5 Byway; b. the preservation of Osborne Turnpike as a two-lane “rural” road; c. a new Riverfront Parkway from Rocketts Landing to Wilton; d. a grid system of crossroads, essential for connectivity and to help dissipate congestion as population increases; e. an overpass for Osborne over Wilton Parkway to avoid the dangerous traffic problems of on-grade intersection; and f. the inclusion of pedestrian/bike/horse trails as well as tree planting and landscaping along new and renovated roadways whenever possible to enhance the area’s luxury appeal.

3. A Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) program which will simultaneously protect open space and enable current landowners in unserviced, less dense areas to preserve their farms and woodlands.

As you know, Varina recorded history dates from 1611. Considering that our nation is preparing to celebrate its 400th anniversary and Virginia is investing close to $14 million each year in history-driven tourism, it would be inexcusably foolish for Henrico County to pave over farms and woodlands that contain countless historic sites, civil Monday, November 03, 2008 62 war trails and relics.

We are ready to work with our elected officials and Henrico's knowledgeable Planning Staff to create this corridor to the benefit of all of Henrico. Submittal Type: Mail Name: Joseph Cates Comment Response As residents of the Varina Riverfront Corridor, we thank you for Dear Mr. Cates: representing the unique assets and needs of our district during the creation of the County's Comprehensive Plan. In particular we Thank you for your recent letter to James B. Donati, Jr., Vice Chairman, appreciate the uncommon and invaluable use of outside experts to Board of Supervisors, concerning the update of the County’s help guide our community's growth. Comprehensive Plan. As you have outlined several points concerning future growth in the Varina area, Mr. Donati shared your letter with the There can be no question that Varina is poised for significant change. Planning Department staff. Our goal is the same as yours; to ensure that this change is done thoughtfully and in a way that maximizes the economic and social Our update is more than a revision to the County’s Land Use Plan. Our benefits to Varina constituents and the County at large. plan will have a Major Thoroughfare Plan, a Community Facilities Plan, a Public Utilities Plan and a Fiscal Impact Model. Your suggestions have Rushing ahead with a more-house-on-more-land approach would be been forwarded to staff working on the project and they will be taken into short-sighted and fiscally irresponsible. The wise move is to capitalize consideration as the Plan is drafted. on the district's almost priceless desirability -unique history, open space, and river access within a 15 minute drive to downtown County staff, along with the County’s consultant will continue to assess Richmond -through the establishment of an Overlay District or Special all of the options for guiding future development in the entire County. Interest Corridor for the section of Varina that lies between Route 5 This includes planning for the impacts of new development and the and the James. facilities, which will be needed to accommodate new growth.

Though this plan requires imagination and foresight, patience and The County staff will be holding public meetings regarding the 2026 planning, the investment of money and planning will be more than Comprehensive Plan beginning in mid-September. I would encourage recouped through the creation of a lucrative tax-base. The resultant you and other concerned citizens to attend one of these meetings to funds will benefit every Henrico County resident. further express your views regarding the future development of the County. Additionally, as draft documents are completed, they will be The Board of Supervisors is in the enviable position of being able to placed on-line for review and comment by the public. Please visit the please all. The next step, therefore, is to ensure that the new Planning Department’s website at Comprehensive Plan includes the following elements: http://www.co.henrico.va.us/planning/2026plan.htm for updated information on the public meetings and draft text. 1. A Corridor Plan with carefully planned development that includes larger minimum acreage, clustering, mandatory green space and Again, thank you for your letter and interest concerning future Monday, November 03, 2008 63 open spaces, tree lined roads and setbacks, a conservation park development in the County. Please fee free to contact Jean Moore of my along the river, incentives for good environmental practices, staff, at 501-4229 if you have further questions or concerns. incorporation of Rural Design (Randall Arendt) principles, and a commitment to retaining rural character. Sincerely, Randall R. Silber 2. A Transportation Plan including: a. a divided landscaped Historic Route 5 Byway; b. the preservation of Osborne Turnpike as a two-lane “rural” road; c. a new Riverfront Parkway from Rocketts Landing to Wilton; d. a grid system of crossroads, essential for connectivity and to help dissipate congestion as population increases; e. an overpass for Osborne over Wilton Parkway to avoid the dangerous traffic problems of on-grade intersection; and f. the inclusion of pedestrian/bike/horse trails as well as tree planting and landscaping along new and renovated roadways whenever possible to enhance the area’s luxury appeal.

3. A Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) program which will simultaneously protect open space and enable current landowners in unserviced, less dense areas to preserve their farms and woodlands.

As you know, Varina recorded history dates from 1611. Considering that our nation is preparing to celebrate its 400th anniversary and Virginia is investing close to $14 million each year in history-driven tourism, it would be inexcusably foolish for Henrico County to pave over farms and woodlands that contain countless historic sites, civil war trails and relics.

We are ready to work with our elected officials and Henrico's knowledgeable Planning Staff to create this corridor to the benefit of all of Henrico.

Monday, November 03, 2008 64 Submittal Type: Mail Name: Lynn Wilson Comment Response Dear Ms. Deemer: Dear Mrs. Wilson:

We are writing in response to the Henrico 2026 Land Use Plan and Please accept my apologies for not responding sooner to your letter following up on comments made earlier through the 2026 web site. dated March 8, 2008 regarding the Draft 2026 Comprehensive Plan. We live on our family property, long called Indian Springs Farm, in the east end of the county and are very concerned that the Major It is our policy to provide responses to inquiries on the Draft Plan in a Thoroughfare Plan shows an extension of Pin Oak Lane bisecting the timely manner. During preparations for the Plan’s Community Open farm. Houses, your letter was placed into our records file before a response was prepared and mailed. Indian Springs Farm has been in our family since the late 1940s. Currently it encompasses about 312 acres in both Henrico and New Thank you for taking the time to provide us with your thoughts on the Kent counties. Though parts of the farm have been parceled out to Draft 2026 Comprehensive Plan and meeting with staff in person. We various family members, it remains a family farm and serves as a appreciate your interest in the Varina area as was noted in your email as touchstone for far-flung relatives who convene here regularly. During well as your letter from March 2008. The protection of open space and a recent reunion, we agreed unanimously to pursue placing a historic resources are carefully considered when the County reviews all conservation easement on the farm. We believe this will help ensure development proposals. that the next generations will be able to enjoy this piece of their heritage and will help preserve a place with great historical and As staff reviews citizen input on the Draft Future Land Use and Major ecological significance of benefit to all our fellow citizens. Thoroughfare Plans, we will consider your requests. It is anticipated that Planning Department staff will meet with the Board of Supervisor and Thus far we have had on-site visits and preliminary discussions with Planning Commission member from each magisterial district during the the Virginia Outdoors Foundation, the Virginia Department of summer to review mail, email and web requests as well as comments Forestry, the Virginia Department of Historic Resources and the received during the five Community Open Houses. Archaeological Conservancy. All encourage us to pursue an easement because of this property's many conservation values. Again, my apologies for the delay in this response. If you have any These values include: questions or need additional information about the Comprehensive Plan Update process, please contact me at 501-4488. Chickahominy River. The farm has nearly a half mile of frontage on the Chickahominy River, and extensive wetlands in both Henrico and Sincerely, New Kent. The Chickahominy is designated a State Scenic River and Rosemary D. Deemer is an important water supply for communities downstream.

Globally Rare Plant Community. The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation has determined that a portion of our bottomland forms a significant and globally rare palustrine hardwood

Monday, November 03, 2008 65 forest community.

Working Forest. This property was designated as a Tree Farm in the 1960s. Four generations have actively managed the forest here, which supports the local economy, provides homes for wildlife and helps keep everyone's air and water clean. The Virginia Department of Forestry rates this property as having the "Highest Value" for protection due to the quality of the forest and impending threats to its conservation.

Native American History. Artifacts uncovered here are generating considerable interest from professional archaeologists. The Virginia Department of Historic Resources has identified two archaeological sites, one of which is possibly an Indian Village dating to the time of English settlement. (See VDHR Site Numbers 44HEI065 and 44HE0653).

Civil War History. Indian Springs Farm was the location of the Carter House and spring, used as a Federal hospital during the Civil War, as documented by J.J. Marks in "The Peninsula Campaign in Virginia: Incidents and Scenes on the Battlefields and in Richmond" (Philadelphia: Lippincott, 1864)

Needless to say, we consider this land as anything but "vacant" and ready to be part of rural residential development that, in turn, necessitates a new road. As residents, constituents and landowners, we appeal to Henrico County to honor this family's intent to protect an ecologically unique and historically significant resource. Please remove the proposed extension of Pin Oak Lane from the 2026 Major Thoroughfare Plan. For this we will be most grateful. Submittal Type: E-mail Name: Ashley Goodwin Comment Response As a future Varina (and current Tuckahoe) resident of Henrico County The Board of Supervisor member responded directly to this constituent. I appreciate your time on the phone with me recently in reference to The Planning Department was forwarded this information for our records. our new home "Edge Hill" c. 1840 in Marion Hill, and the impact thereupon by a recent variance application, as well as the plans for the proposed Ivy Hill subdivision. It is of the utmost importance for me Monday, November 03, 2008 66 to remain in contact with you in connection to the following points which need to be addressed immediately:

1. To IMMEDIATELY create a "Special Strategy Area" or "Historic District", or to gain some designation which allows the county to pass only minimum density and maximized setback buffered infill and development of undeveloped parcels to encompass Marion Hill designed outright to protect its historic resources, and outlines amendments to zoning ordinances dealing with infill and development. ARHMH members support this idea, and will be present to voice this support at upcoming meetings.

2. To support amendments to the current zoning ordinances to include ordinances distinctly supporting Zoning and Planning protective measures for Henrico County's Historic Resources, and their outlying neighborhoods.

3. To consider rezoning Marion Hill as part of a district rezoning of Varina; as there IS SUPPORT of the fact that a mistake was made when Marion Hill was rezoned R3, in consideration of the merit of the age and historic nature of the established neighborhood. There is also SUPPORT for this rezoning by residents within the ARHMH area.

4. To consider the rezoning of these lots adjacent to Edge Hill to R1.

GPIN 801-707-1459 (separated from our lot in 2002 by means of the colluded creation of an easement (proposing to gain access through what we now have support for as important archaeological remains, which if destroyed by the HC BZA’s allowance of the proposed variance ((A-28-2006) – now deferred to July 23 BZA meeting) will, according to the DHR: threaten our nomination of the State and National Landmarks Registries.

GPIN 800-707-7870 This is where the “Talley House” now sits, on the corner of Old Osborne Turnpike and Greenview Drive. In the plans for the proposed “Ivy Hill Estates” subdivision, the developers have four new Monday, November 03, 2008 67 homes planned between Edge Hill (1107 Greenview Drive) and the corner of Greenview and New Osborne. This will not occur without a real fight. Another severely impacted adjacent resident, Sheryl Pedigo, (on New Osborne siding on Greenview – is directly across from these four proposed houses, though the ink on her contract is not yet dry.

The combined cost of our two new contracts exceeds the asking price of the Talley House and five acres, and we should have some say in how the neighborhood we have JUST bought in should be developed.

Many people, even those inside the county government, have now seen the Ivy Hill plan and all say it is “WRONG” – as to density – setbacks – traffic and pedestrian safety, ingress and egress, deforestation, drainage, and that it will without a doubt, negatively affect the intersection of Greenview Drive and New Osborne Turnpike and all of Marion Hill.

As the founding member of The ARHMH (The Associated Residents of Historic Marion Hill), I am pleased to let you know that by the time you see it our petition in concern over the proposed Ivy Hill Subdivision will doubtlessly bear the signature of every member of Marion Hill, and many on adjacent streets. It has already received over 40 signatures.

I have heard the concerns of all of my neighbors, Mr. Donati, and yet I have asked them to allow me to represent them in this respect, as not to inundate you with their calls.

These issues are of utmost priority, and I appeal you to respond to me as soon as possible to schedule a meeting between us, so that we can discuss these issues which drastically impact Marion Hill. Submittal Type: E-mail Name: Ashley Goodwin Comment Response Ms. Deemer, See response of page 42.

Thank you so much for your quick and informative response. In Monday, November 03, 2008 68 writing to you today, I have Cc:ed numerous local contacts in the preservation arena.

I am encouraged to hear that you received my previous email concerning Eastern Henrico preservation forwarded to you by Mr. Donati. Because you mention him, it is pertinent to point out that the residents of Marion Hill officially submitted a petition requesting an elective historic overlay district in Marion Hill to both the Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors. I understand that during the Comprehensive Planning period is the time to request a special strategy area study concerning Marion Hill.

To add to the background given in prior emails, you will find that Marion Hill lies adjacent to State Route 5, (Old Osborne Turnpike), which is a another historic resource, which Mrs. Jean Nelson Gibbons arduously spent over a decade having nominated and accepted as a Virginia Byway. One intention of nomination of State Byways is to insure the rural character of such roadways, planning for which I have noted no mention. The county has undertaken numerous "Special Strategy Area" studies, for Sandston, the Church Road/Pump Road area, and the West Broad Street area, to name but a few, but to my knowledge none designed to consider the importance of our irreplaceable cultural and historic resources.

Route 5 is said to be the oldest known road in the United States, and existed as a Native American Trail prior to the arrival of the first explorers. Numerous buildings and sites of historic significance lie along Route 5. Its history as an early settled area dates back to the early 1600's. Historical figures linked to the area include Christopher Newport, Captain John Smith, Captain Francis West, Chief Powhatan, Pocahontas, Lord Cornwallis, Benedict Arnold, the Marquis de Lafayette, and Abraham Lincoln, to name but a few. This history, if any, warrants the distinct attention of the Henrico County Planning Commission and the Board of Supervisors.

Recent subdivision plans and PODs in the Marion Hill area have apparently received no commentary from Parks and Recreation concerning the neighborhoods historical importance, as I have noticed that not even a Phase 1 archeological study was requested in Monday, November 03, 2008 69 either of two accepted plans I have read of within this neighborhood. As a result, for example, a developer adjacent to my home sponsored a relic hunting "safari" during the early phases of land disturbance. In the field of archeology, this is called "time-crime", and the county is perpetuating this out of what seems to be the desire to aid developers to build-out all remaining open land to maximum density.

The historic, cultural, and ecological merits of our county can not be made use of only to further development, but must be preserved. All citizen input concerning this topic seems to have to date, fallen on deaf ears. Previous Henrico Planning funding has been used to retain Randall Arendt as an advisor, though no smart growth or green-space planning ordinances have been put into effect. Funds have also been used to author the Report to the Planning Commission on 'Initiatives for Evaluating Historic Preservation Zoning' (which mysteriously, amounted to naught- though questions were apparently raised internally at that time as to the legal ramifications of just such a lack of preservation on the part of the county). The resulting losses to county historic and cultural heritage have since been insurmountable.

There is language apparent within the county municipal code pertaining to the importance of 'historic preservation' and 'cultural heritage', though no ordinances exist to preserve either historic sites or structures. There are boards and committees dedicated to preservation, but they have no tools. By count, Henrico has lost over 80% of our historic sites and structures listed in Jeff O'Dell's survey, since it was published by Henrico in 1978.

The main county response to queries concerning preservation planning has been a defense based in the fact that Virginia is a "land rights state", and to constrain the action of any landowner who plans within the current zoning ordinances would be "illegal". This response is easily discounted by the existence of either Architectural Review Boards or Historic Preservation Ordinances in all of the surrounding counties and the City of Richmond.

Countless studies as well as actual preservation results have "shown that historic preservation can be a powerful community and economic development strategy. Evidence includes statistics compiled from Monday, November 03, 2008 70 annual surveys conducted by the National Trust for Historic Preservation and statewide Main Street programs, state-level tourism and economic impact studies, and studies that have analyzed the impact of specific actions such as historic designation, tax credits, and revolving loan funds."

I request a white paper be sponsored by our Varina Supervisor, James Donati, to result in a "Special Strategy Area Study" concerning Marion Hill and the Old and New Osborne Turnpike Corridors. Discounting of the need for such a study considering past overwhelming community support to preserve our historic merit, would amount to the second time this area has been ignored concerning this request.

This situation needs to be given serious attention in the Comprehensive Plan. Henrico should not be the county with the oldest history, surrounded by Chesterfield, Goochland, Hanover, New Kent, Charles City, and the City of Richmond, all of which have taken measures to preserve historic property, and yet remain the only county without any written preservation ordinances. Marion Hill would be the perfect place to start.

I appreciate your time, and look forward to reading your response.

Appreciatively,

Ashley Goodwin Submittal Type: Mail Name: Gary Johns Comment Response Gentlemen: Dear Mr. and Mrs. Johns:

We own property located on the Northwest corner of the intersection I am responding to your November 5, 2007 letter regarding the of Laburnum Avenue and State Route 5. When we purchased this designation of Tax Parcel 806-695-7001 from residential to commercial property in 1981, I was the Owner/Operator of Varina Hardware and on the Draft 2026 Comprehensive Plan. The property is generally Varina Rentals, Inc., both located at the intersection of State Route 5 located at the northwest quadrant of Laburnum Avenue and New Market and Osborne Turnpike and my wife was the Owner/Operator of Nu Road in the Varina magisterial district. Hair Fashions, Ltd. located on Gregg Road further Southwest just off Monday, November 03, 2008 71 State Route 5. The purpose of this purchase was to consolidate our As you are aware, the Planning Department is in the process of updating three community businesses at this location. However, prior to the County’s existing 2010 Land Use Plan. Along with the proposed pursuing a rezoning of this property, I had an opportunity to sell Future Land Use maps staff has posted all of the draft chapters on our Varina Hardware. After this sale, it was not prudent to pursue website and continues to solicit input on the information. development of said parcel at that time. Planning staff is currently compiling comments and proposals for land Over the following years, we had many offers to sell this property for use changes. Your request will be reviewed by staff, the Planning commercial development. In 1996, this property was selected as a Commissioner and Board member prior to finalizing the draft Future site for the proposed development of a U. S. Postal facility. This Land Use Map for public hearing. I encourage you to continue visiting development offer was pursued up to the closing day of the purchase the Planning Department's website for updates on the Comprehensive by the U. S. Postal Service and, upon request by the U. S. Postal Plan. You can find more information about the Comprehensive Plan Service for an extension of the closing date to resolve a technical update at the following website: issue regarding a wetlands directive issued nationwide by the U. S. http://www.co.henrico.va.us/planning/2026plan.htm. Postal Service, we chose to opt out of that particular sale. Thank you for taking the time to review the draft land use maps; we Since that time, we have had more than a dozen inquiries to need input such as yours for the process to work as intended. If you purchase this parcel of land, each one being for a commercial type have any questions or need additional information about the development. NOT ONCE in the past 11 years have we had an Comprehensive Plan Update process, please contact me at 501-4488. inquiry from anyone interested in utilizing this property for a residential purpose. Sincerely, Rosemary D. Deemer This property was appraised in 1996 by Joseph B. Call III, MAI as a requirement for the purchase by the U. S. Postal Service. At that time, and I quote from Mr. Call's report "I believe that an application to rezone the tract for business or commercial use today would be premature, and likely, the Planning Staff for Henrico County would be apprehensive in supporting an application for commercial or business uses. While development of the site would appear to be physically possible, maximally productive, and financially feasible, I do not believe that legal permissibility is possible immediately. As the market for such lands in the area enhances and road improvements are completed to New Market Road and Laburnum Avenue, coupled with the construction of I-895, I believe that the County would recognize the subject's site as a potential candidate for nonresidential uses and conclude that residential uses at this site would be an incompatible land use."

In 1997, when we left Varina and moved to Florida, we had a contract on this property contingent on rezoning. I had discussed the proposed Monday, November 03, 2008 72 rezoning with our elected supervisor, James B. Donati. Initially, Mr. Donati expressed his support for the proposed rezoning and, at the eleventh hour, Mr. Donati advised that he could not support the rezoning request as he felt it was "premature" and that we should wait until the I-895 corridor and connector to Laburnum Avenue was completed.

The residents of Varina say they want to preserve the historic nature of State Route 5, historically known as "New Market Road", but how many of those persons actually know the "history" of New Market Road pertaining to business use? Families, such as my maternal forbearers the Yarbrough's, who farmed the land on Kingsland Road where the Henrico County Sewerage Treatment Plant is now located, knew that New Market Road was a "Road of Commerce" between Richmond and Williamsburg and was dotted along BOTH SIDES with many local businesses (NON-RESIDENTIAL USE), from farms of commerce to locally owned and operated businesses, i.e. just a few of the businesses that I can recall since the mid 50's: The Richmond Cedar Works, The Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad Yard, a German Rubber Recycling Company, Western Sizzlin Steak House Warehouse, BMG Metals, Richmond Stancraft, Richmond Gauno Co., Dick & Mary's Diner, Southern Materials Co., Lonestar Materials, Arco Oil Co., Sunoco Oil Co., Swan Oil Co., State of Virginia Department of Transportation Maintenance Facility, Burleigh Dairies, Henrico Auto Service, New Life Baptist Church, Phillips Oil Co., Sullivan's Store, Oliver's Market, Wade's Beautyrama, Seven-Eleven Stores, Varina Cleaners, Bank of Virginia, Bland's Exxon Station, Marsha's Hair Affair, New Market Convenience Store, Signet Bank, Varina Veterinary Clinic, Antioch Baptist Church, Mistr's Farms, Alvis' Farm, Nelson's Farm and Dairy, S. D. Gardner Medical Services, Laurel Hill United Methodist Church, Carlton's Store, Dowdy's Store, Varina Bi-Rite, Pop Scott's Store, St. James Church & Child Development Center, Varina Inn, King's Store, Varina Electric Co., Varina Realty, King's Ice Cream, Cardinal Drug Store, Bradley's Convenience Store, Food Lion & Shopping Center, Varina Medical Center, Citizens and Farmers Bank, Four Mile Creek Baptist Church, Camp Holly Spring Water Co., Curles Neck Dairy and Farm, Eberly's Store, Jones' Store, and let's not forget Varina Agricultural Elementary and High School where the youth of this community were Monday, November 03, 2008 73 educated how to successfully and profitably operate a farming operation as a business and how subsidiary businesses support farming operations, from tradesmen to C.P.A.'s.

New Market Road was developed as a highway of commerce, ON BOTH SIDES OF THE ROAD. When you look at the oldest maps, you see farms (predecessor of today's businesses) along New Market Road to provide products to Richmond and Williamsburg. What do you not see on a 1700 - 1800 era map of Varina? NO SUBDIVISIONS!! Yet, we have to provide housing for those who wish to live here, either having been born here or having moved to our community. But, that development should be compatible with the commercial and business environment that has existed here since the 1600's!!

The administration in Henrico County was foresighted enough in the 60's (probably in the planning pipeline for years before) to extend one of the County's major arterial highways into Varina via Laburnum Ave. I can still hear many Varina residents saying that it would be the worst thing that ever happened to Varina. It's a good thing those individuals were not barred from using this roadway! This not only provided Varina residents with a more convenient access to the goods and services provided along the Williamsburg Road and Nine Mile Road corridor but it even provided access to the far West End and West Broad Street. I hope that these visionaries were not so short sighted to not see the opportunities for the residents of Varina whose heritage is deep in providing goods and services to not be able to make these goods and services available to the other residents of Henrico County and beyond. We have watched commercial development extend Westward along Laburnum Ave, ON BOTH SIDES OF THE ROAD, to approximately Wilson Road.

I can still remember, as a child in the early 50's, my Dad talking about a bridge across the River from Varina to Chesterfield where he would be able to commute to work at Dupont in less than the hour it took at the time! He recalled the elected representatives encouraging people to settle in Varina and endure that long commute, as MANY did to Dupont, until that bridge was built. My Dad retired from Dupont in 1976 and died in 1998 and he never had the opportunity to travel over Monday, November 03, 2008 74 the Pocahontas Parkway Bridge!

What concerns us is that, in reviewing the recently published DRAFT Future Land Use Plan, I note that our corner is indicated as Suburban Residential 2 (SR2) use. I was always taught the basic principles of Planning 101: When you merge two (or more) main arterial highways (i.e. State Route 5 and Laburnum Ave/I-895 Connector) together, how can you draw a line and say one side is suitable for business/commercial and the other side is not? I can see the logic of merging a primary highway with a secondary or tertiary roadway, but not two primary highways! The development of the properties to the South of Laburnum Avenue with access to Laburnum Avenue in the vicinity of State Route 5 will be significantly, I believe, impaired due to the proximity of Cornelieus Creek and the challenges presented in traversing a major wetland area, thus leaving the primary access of those properties to front on State Route 5, which I believe most parties wish to avoid. In turn, the properties fronting on Laburnum Avenue along the North side in the vicinity of State Route 5 have unobstructed access to Laburnum Avenue and would not require access to State Route 5, thus being more compatible in keeping "Historic State Route 5" protected from commercial access.

We would therefore urge the Planning Staff to reconsider this intersection and possibly draw that line of demarcation along Burning Tree Road to the North of Laburnum Avenue and midway Messer Road and Laburnum Avenue. I certainly hope that I will not be like my Dad and not see commercial development of our property in my lifetime!

Sincerely, R. Gary Johns & Mary B. Johns Submittal Type: Mail Name: Lynn Wilson Comment Response Dear Mr. Donati: Dear Ms. Wilson:

On behalf of our newly-formed citizens group, Envision Henrico, Thank you for your recent letter to James B. Donati, Jr., Supervisor, thank you for responding positively to the citizens’ request for an Varina Magisterial District, regarding your concerns about the Draft 2026 Monday, November 03, 2008 75 expanded public process on the proposed 2026 Comprehensive Comprehensive Plan. Your interest and active participation is Plan. We look forward to hearing from the consultants and to a appreciated. Mr. Donati discussed your concerns with me and my staff productive community discussion at your town hall meeting on and asked that we respond directly to you. September 15th. Staff appreciates the opportunity to review the submitted mission and As you may be aware, Envision Henrico is an informal and growing goals of Envision Henrico. Many of the recommendations stated in your network of Henrico residents concerned about land use and letter have been echoed by citizens across the County. I am pleased to transportation issues in the county. We have been studying the say that the majority of your suggestions are currently addressed in the proposed plan and have responded throughout the summer with draft document presented for pubic review. The following sections are individual recommendations through the planning website, individual not all inclusive of the Goals, Objectives, and Policies of the Plan correspondence, and at the open houses. addressing these issues, but are included to provide insight of shared views. Envision Henrico now submits, by way of this letter, recommendations for sustainable growth in the County. We respectfully urge your SMART GROWTH careful consideration of these guidelines as well as their incorporation Smart growth principles are embraced throughout the Draft Plan. The into the planning process. We believe that adherence to such importance of sustainable, livable, and affordable communities is standards is necessary to ensure that as Henrico County grows, we stressed in the various goals, objectives and policies contained in the do not compromise the very cultural, rural and natural heritage Plan. These goals, objectives, and policies provide for responsible resources which make our part of the world attractive for business, growth by supporting infill development, mixture of housing types, and industry, tourists and residents alike. Our recommendations, along the natural and built environment while ensuring infrastructure and with the Envision Henrico vision, mission and goals statements, are services can support future development and redevelopment. enclosed. The recommended land uses shown on the Draft 2026 Future Land Use We appreciate your consideration. Please contact me with any map reflect the implementation of many of these policies, including questions or concerns you may have regarding Envision Henrico. We recommending higher density in largely developed areas (infill), look forward to working with the County toward our mutual goal; a transitioning to more mixed use development in the western portion of better Henrico. the County, and maintaining the more rural areas. Approximately 7% of the land in the eastern area of the County is recommended for land use Sincerely, changes to accommodate growth over the next twenty years. Areas Lynn P. Wilson recommended for such change (higher density/more intensive development compared to 1 resident per acre) would be contingent Envision Henrico upon proper infrastructure and services to accommodate future growth. The Citizen Voice for Henrico’s Future Most of these areas are recommended on concentrated tracts of land to Updated July 30, 2008 absorb growth while maintaining the more rural character of surrounding properties. Vision: A county in which growth is managed to provide a healthy and Specific goals in the Draft Plan speak to these issues including the sustainable environment for all of its citizens, for future generations, provision of services and infrastructure to support growth. An example and planned to conserve its vast cultural, historic, and natural would be Infrastructure/Service Provision & Growth Coordination Goal Monday, November 03, 2008 76 resources. 3.1 states: “The County will have growth that occurs in coordination with the provision of public services and facilities.” (Chapter 4, Page 23 in the Mission: Draft Plan can be located at Envision Henrico will work to preserve and protect Henrico’s land www.co.henrico.va.us/planning/2026plan.htm.) Furthermore, upon environment, history, and quality of life, by monitoring and influencing adoption of the Plan, a Public Facilities and Utilities Handbook will be how and where we grow, and by advocating for strong public developed to assist in implementing these goals. participation in local land use and transportation decisions. In terms of utilizing green concepts for government buildings, your Goals: comment is appreciated. New county buildings scheduled to be Envision Henrico will specifically accomplish the following objectives: constructed include a high school on Staples Mill Road, West Area • Promote better models for development, guided by the principles of Middle School, and the East Area Recreation Center, all of which will be smart growth, environmental protection, community character, LEED Silver certified. It is anticipated all new government buildings will transportation alternatives, diversified economic development, continue to embrace green building concepts. recreation and parks, promotion, watershed protection and regional cooperation. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION/WATERSHED PROTECTION AND • Promote transparency in Henrico’s government. ACCESS • Promote public input as critically important and essential throughout The Vision, Goals, and Objectives Chapter of the Draft Plan (Chapter 4) the Comprehensive Plan process. also provide for protection of natural resources. As an example, Natural • Provide a forum for discussion and review of relevant growth-related Resource Goal 4.4, states: “The County will have physical development and rezoning issues. which promotes preservation and protection of air quality, noise levels, • Inform and connect interested citizens and organize community wildlife habitat, biological species, and natural processes in balance with response as necessary. vital economic growth. It is meant to be broad based, like most goals, • Coordinate presence at all Board of Supervisors and Planning and serves as an umbrella for existing and future implementation tools Commission meetings. which are more specific. • Partner with federal, state and local governments, Partnership for Smarter Growth, Virginia League of Conservation Voters, and other Implementation tools to ensure a healthy environment include organizations, to build a better Henrico together. ordinances that meet the strict guidelines of the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act, as well as additional County regulations to further Envision Henrico Platform enhance and protect streams. To provide more opportunity for Last Modified 9-10-08 preservation, and in response to citizen comments, planning staff is researching the guidelines of organizations to ensure recommended The 2026 Comprehensive Land Use Plan should evidence land uses would support and not preclude the conservation of property. commitment to principles that are important to ensure quality of life in Henrico County for years to come, including: The County has made great strides in preserving open space and protecting natural resources, especially along the James River in the SMART GROWTH: Develop land and transportation systems to eastern area of the County. The recommended land uses, including the provide a sustainable, livable, affordable, and attractive community for designation for Environmental Protection Areas, along the James River all Henrico citizens. would call for minimum open space requirements. The minimum open • Locate development near existing or planned infrastructure space provides a benchmark and in conjunction with the toolbox items Monday, November 03, 2008 77 (transportation systems that include mass transit, roadways, identified in Chapter 7, Community Character, and the vision statements water/sewer, and schools). of applicable special focus area, opportunity for more open space could • Plan land use for lower density (i.e. larger minimum lot sizes for be negotiated with development. Approximately 500 acres along the subdivisions) in outlying areas adjacent to designated historic, river have already been slated for open space and conservation areas. cultural, and open space resources. Your comment on increasing the minimum for open space is duly noted • Create livable, walkable, mixed use, higher-density centers in the and will be added to our comments and requests for revisions. inner suburban rings where appropriate to allow needs of residents to be met close to their homes. Other mechanisms, upon approval of the Draft Plan, would include • Provide incentives, such as tax abatement and enterprise zones, to special studies and assessments identified in Chapter 7 of the Draft ensure reinvestment in existing communities, to encourage infill Plan; for instance, a small area study is recommended for the James development, and to provide alternatives for developing new land in River – East Corridor to achieve the overall vision: “The James River outlying areas. Corridor-East should remain a scenic corridor in Henrico County. The • Designate more special focus areas throughout the county to assure corridor should include public and private access to the river and best practices in the use of existing structures and built-out land. development of river-based businesses, while maintaining existing trees, • Promote housing development that will provide affordable, safe, slopes, and other natural and cultural/historic features essential to the sanitary, sustainable housing opportunities for all citizens of the general welfare of the river and Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area County. ecosystems.” • Locate housing near sources of jobs accessible by public transportation and alternative networks of transportation. COMMUNITY CHARACTER • Protect water quality and reduce surface water runoff and erosion In addition to items such as infrastructure provision and growth through incorporating Low Impact Development principles and green coordination, community character is addressed in the Draft Plan. building design into county planning procedures. Community character is the combined effect of the built, natural, historic • Require all new government buildings to be LEED certified, and and social features within a community. The Draft Plan includes policies incentivize LEED and Earthcraft certification for individuals, that incorporate design and appropriateness in land development. businesses, and institutions. Details on how development should occur are provided in draft Chapter • Graceful expansion of existing suburban communities. 6, Community Character, which is a new component from previous plans. An example of this would be a rural community’s character can ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION: Protect open space, farmland, be protected by providing for context-sensitive development, such as forest, watershed, and natural resources while respecting and cluster subdivisions and meaningful open space (Chapter 6, Pages 50- considering private property rights. 52). • Conduct a survey to identify conservation, agricultural and scenic resources that the citizens wish to protect. Following the adoption of the Plan, a Design Guidelines Manual will be • Provide for the purchase and/or dedication of conservation, developed as a tool to provide direction to developers in implementing agricultural, historic, and scenic easements in order to protect the the goals and keystones identified in Chapter 6. Staff anticipates the County’s natural environment, productive land and scenic vistas. guidelines will result in neighborhoods, infrastructure, and buildings • Increase the percentage of required open space to 50% in new which contribute to the positive image of the County and promote a “mixed use” development. higher quality of life for its residents. The County, by law, cannot • Pursue state and federal designation to protect byways, scenic specifically regulate architectural standards, but these guidelines provide rivers, historic landmarks, natural areas and cultural landscapes. details of the County’s expectations in terms of character and quality of Monday, November 03, 2008 78 • Develop ordinances that minimize noise and light pollution within the development. County. • Provide incentives for conservation land use planning private In response to historic character of sites and structures, the County is in property and in new development. partnership with the Virginia Department of Historic Resources to • Continue to provide Land Use taxation rates for qualifying farm and conduct a countywide survey of properties with archeologically, forest, open space and horticultural land. architecturally and historic significance. This will serve to update the County’s Inventory of Early Architecture and Historic Sites as identified COMMUNITY CHARACTER: Protect and enhance the County’s in Chapter 12, Implementation of the Draft Plan. The Board of historic and cultural resources. Supervisors and Planning Commission are also evaluating the need for • Update an historic resource inventory for historic sites and add a small area study and potential overlay for Marion Hill per citizen viewsheds to this registry. Use the results of the inventory to guide comments regarding this area. preservation efforts. • Create a commission to develop historic ordinance. TRANSPORTATION • Modify the comprehensive land use planning process to involve the Transportation plays a vital role in how land is developed throughout the citizens of Varina District in envisioning the future of their traditionally County. One of the implementation tools recommended in the Draft Plan rural community, now facing unprecedented change. is to develop and maintain a transportation model to assist in land use • Protect historic and scenic byways through corridor studies, decisions and to ensure adequate road infrastructure. Public designation of special strategy areas and overlay districts. transportation options are addressed through the provision of GRTC • Preserve and protect the country road character of Virginia byways local, express, and specialized transportation services, as well as by eliminating the requirement for curb and gutter improvements on through the policy recommendation to continue monitoring citizen designated roads. satisfaction with GRTC service and ensuring a bus system that provides adequate service to the residents of the County (Chapter 10, Page TRANSPORTATION: Reduce dependence on automobiles by 165.) Looking to the future, consideration is given to the potential of encouraging use of alternative modes of transportation, and light rail transit service as a means to connect Short Pump and incorporating these plans in the 2026 Major Thoroughfare Plan. Downtown Richmond and the Airport. Chapter 10 (page 166) cites • Include public transportation options (mass transit, light rail) in environmental and development grounds for these recommendations. country land use planning. • Promote the development of an integrated transportation system The Board of Supervisors has received residents’ requests and through provision of pedestrian and bicycle access throughout County comments regarding bicycle lanes/paths and alternative modes of to improve transportation efficiency and to promote public health and transportation. The Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors will fitness. provide on-going guidance on this topic. The County supports the • Adopt the regional Bike-Pedestrian Plan. Capital Trail and will continue to coordinate County projects with the • Complete the Henrico portion of the Capital to Capital Bike Trail. State for planned and existing bike routes throughout the County, • Protect Bike Route 76 and its link to the Capital Trail. including Routes 1 and 76. • Seek funding for the addition of bike lanes along existing County secondary roads, incorporating historic routes whenever possible. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT The relationship between land use and economic development is ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: Recognize and promote agriculture, extremely important to the future financial stability of Henrico County. forestry and tourism. The County’s economic health affects our residents as well as the Monday, November 03, 2008 79 • Protect the agricultural and silvaculture industries through county- region. The Draft Plan maintains the objective to have a tax base ratio sponsored land conservation programs (i.e., agricultural districting. of 65% residential and 35% non-residential. One way to continue the Transfer of Development Rights, Purchase of Development Rights). County’s legacy of strong economic health is to identify and preserve • Encourage community supported agriculture (CSA) and farmers’ Prime Economic Development sites throughout the County. Identifying markets. Prime Economic Development sites provides valuable insight for • Inventory cultural and tourist resources within the Varina District to physical and financial aspects of comprehensive planning. Preserving determine their potential. these sites for non-residential uses is critical to preserving balanced • Encourage the development of eco-and agri-tourism. growth in Henrico County. (Chapter 7, Page 91.) • Enhance and market Virginia Byways, Bike Route 76, the Richmond National Battlefield Park, and Civil War Trails throughout the Varina Additionally, Special Focus Areas have been identified throughout the District. County that will require detailed studies to produce more inclusive recommendations, such as the use of the Enterprise Zone program, tax RECREATION AND PARKS: Connect neighborhoods to natural, abatement and other tools to encourage reinvestment in these areas. An historic, and recreational resources through pedestrian/equestrian example would be the Regency Square Area, which is partially in the trails, bicycle paths, and waterways. Enterprise Zone, is identified as an existing area with potential for • Develop a countywide trail and greenways system in the county revitalization and reinvestment (Chapter 7 Page 82). Reinvestment in open space plan. these targeted areas in turn will promote infill development and • Provide incentives for the creation of pedestrian, bicycle and opportunities to capture growth in already developed areas. equestrian trails. • Provide for the purchase and maintenance of public easements and RECREATION AND PARKS additional parklands. In addition to the open space and park land touched upon under the • Plan for connectivity to other regional resources, such as connecting topic Environmental Protection/Watershed Protection and Access (Page to the City of Richmond’s Canal Walk, linking Bike Route 76 to the 2 of this letter), access to recreation, parks and open space is critical to Capital Trail. continuing the high quality of life for County residents. In order to • Participate actively in the Capital Region Greenway Group to be a ensure appropriate access to these facilities, the County is using a part of a region-, state-, and nation-wide system of trails and “Level of Service” (LOS) approach to recreation and parks planning. greenways. This approach is a needs-based, facilities-driven, and land-measured technique. It focuses on identifying specific needs and, after an WATERSHED PROTECTION AND ACCESS: Increase protection of examination of existing services, determining what facilities are required and public access to waters of the Commonwealth. to fill these needs, and measuring the amount of land required to provide • Secure public access to the James River in Henrico County. the identified facilities. Using these LOS standards, surpluses or • Participate with other localities in implementing the Richmond deficiencies in the acreage of public lands devoted to park and Regional Planning District Commission’s Chickahominy River recreation facilities can be quantified and this information can then be Recreational Access Study. used to guide future acquisition and management decisions (Chapter 9, • Incentivize infill development and pervious surfaces, and concrete Page 152). versus asphalt where appropriate, to decrease storm water runoff. • Seek Virginia Scenic River designation for qualifying rivers and REGIONAL CONTEXT streams. The Draft Henrico County Vision 2026 Comprehensive Plan incorporates elements from various regional efforts and staff continues Monday, November 03, 2008 80 REGIONAL CONTEXT: Cooperate with neighboring localities in all to work with representatives of surrounding localities. Consideration has areas of public service as well as protection of natural, cultural, been given to regional transportation, recreation and parks, and historic resources. environmental studies and plans in drafting the Draft Plan. This is in • Incorporate the recommendations of the 2007 Virginia Outdoors keeping with the objectives stated in the Vision, Goals and Objectives Plan, Richmond Regional Mass Transit Study, and other regional (Chapter 4) of the Draft Plan. An example of this would be the Land Use reports into the 2026 Comprehensive Plan. and Community Character Objectives related to regional cooperation state that development should be coordinated with affected To ensure implementation of the above, Henrico County should municipalities; that the County should review development proposals in develop and implement a vibrant and open public process in which adjacent municipalities when they border Henrico County; and that the we, the citizens and residents of Henrico County, play an active role County should review the comprehensive plans and large development and continuing role in establishing a vision of our community’s future. proposals of adjacent municipalities and participate in the exchange of planning data (Chapter 4, Page 27).

The County appreciates your interest and involvement in the Comprehensive Planning process. Your comments are very insightful and we need input such as yours for the process to work as intended. The Plan Update is an on-going process and your feedback will be reviewed for inclusion in the Plan. Further opportunities for public comment will occur during pubic hearings before the Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors. Again, we appreciate your time and input.

Sincerely, R. J. Emerson, Jr.

Monday, November 03, 2008 81 Transportation Submittal Type: Web Name: Lynn Wilson Comment Response I am a landowner in the area of proposed new thoroughfare, near 14 Comments provided to the Draft 2026 Comprehensive Plan website and 91. Please explain what these numbers mean. Thank you. were provided with an automated response. In addition, the respondent attended the Fairfield Community Open House and was able to discuss her concerns with a representative from the Department of Public Works. Submittal Type: Web Name: Wesley Wilson Comment Response You should show the new road between Osborne Turnpike and the Comments provided to the Draft 2026 Comprehensive Plan website river on the land use map as a dotted line. It goes in right behind my were provided with an automated response. property I think. Please let me know when more precise information is available. Thanks. Submittal Type: Web Name: Jack & Judy Knapp Comment Response I live on Pin Oak Lane. Since the new Pin Oak Lane will not intersect Comments provided to the Draft 2026 Comprehensive Plan website with the current one I have no objection to the plan. I wonder if road were provided with an automated response. Additionally, this comment 188 and 14 can be built as projected because of the swampy area. is addressed in the "Proposals for Revisions" section of the document. We really like the no access of the Green Meadow sub-division and See page 229 for more information. hope it will stay that way. Submittal Type: Web Name: Mark Davis Comment Response I live directly on Elko Road and see that Elko Road might or will be Comments provided to the Draft 2026 Comprehensive Plan website widened. My question is will the additional land come from the were provided with an automated response. In addition, the respondent property owners or the Elko Tract? Also I see the Elko tract land is attended the Varina Community Open House and was able to discuss zoned for industry. I would oppose that land having access to Elko his concerns with a representative from the Department of Public Works. Road. Please email me any additional information that comes up with the plan.

Monday, November 03, 2008 82 Submittal Type: Web Name: Mark Davis Comment Response The Transportation plan indicates a need to widen Elko Road to 6 Comments provided to the Draft 2026 Comprehensive Plan website lanes. One that seems to be an overkill for the area even with were provided with an automated response. In addition, the respondent increased usage in the area. I do not understand why Technology attended the Varina Community Open House and was able to discuss Blvd would not be used as a major road. If this were to happen will his concerns with a representative from the Department of Public Works. the road be built on the Henrico Elko tract or does the State and Henrico County plan to widen the existing road? Submittal Type: E-mail Name: Ralph Axselle, Jr. Comment Response Jim and Ray - I represent Berkshire Development that has a contract The Planning Department was carbon copied this information and has to purchase and develop land at the southwest quadrant of Rt. 5/295. included it in this document. (See response on page 48.) We have just reached some preliminary agreement with VDOT and the Department of Public Works about access points and traffic- related issues. Access would be at a new signalized intersection on Rt. 5 opposite Four Mile Run Parkway and also a right-in/right-out access on Rt. 5. We have a conceptual site plan which we can share with you. Everything is coming together nicely. I was going to wait and get the "final" agreement from VDOT and Public Works before meeting with you. However, I need to request about 30 minutes of your time now.

The draft Comprehensive Plan has the bulk of this property in Commercial Arterial and this is appropriate. However, it has some of the rear property owned by the same parties shown as SR2. This property in the rear is planned under our site plan for best management practices and buffers for a couple of homes that face on Buffin Road. This is a short hand version of the issue.

Could I secure about 30 minutes of your time in the next week or so for us to discuss a change in the Comprehensive Plan? I will coordinate with Veta who I am sure will coordinate with Ray to whom I am faxing a copy of this email.

Thank you.

Monday, November 03, 2008 83 Submittal Type: Mail Name: Charlie Finley Comment Response The current Comprehensive Plan Revision gives a last chance to Dear Mr. Finley: shape Varina’s future development to maximize the value of its location along the James River and its other natural and historic I wanted to thank you for your interest in the future development of the assets. County. Interest by the citizens of the County is one of the aspects that make Henrico such a great place to live, work, and grow. I have To that end, the Varina Beautification Committee asks that you received a copy of your letter addressed to James B. Donati, Jr, Varina request that the up-coming draft designate a River District (from the District Supervisor and I am writing on his behalf. As you stated, the Route 5 corridor to the James River) to plan and shape the future County is currently undertaking an update of its Comprehensive Plan to growth of this area. This is essential to make the most of the area’s take the County through 2026. You have outlined several good points natural advantages, and to ensure that coming development does not concerning future growth in the Varina area of the County. The County result in continuous traffic problems. The draft plan should propose a staff recognizes with the Rocketts Landing and Wilton Farm future James River Parkway from Rocketts Landing to Wilton, and developments, there are opportunities for the riverfront in this area. should also address the long term planning needs of Route 5 and the Osborne Turnpike. While the Parkway will provide a very attractive A potential avenue for addressing these opportunities is a section of the amenity for eastern Henrico, and ultimately provide additional Comprehensive Plan highlighting areas in the County called Special capacity to serve Wilton, the main reason it needs to be included in Strategy Areas (SSAs). These areas are highlighted because of special the comprehensive plan now is to provide a planning framework as a characteristics present or because the County believes they need a guide for future development. Otherwise, development will be guided further, more detailed study. Each SSA has its own guidelines for by whoever dies first or runs out of money first among the landowners development specific to that area. The area you describe in your letter in the area. The plan should also identify the public riverfront parks as the River District could be looked at as one of the potential areas to and trails that should be coordinated with the Parkway and that need be included as an SSA in the adopted plan. to be acquired while the land is still available. The new Comprehensive Plan will also include a new Major Varina now has space. But the increasing development pressure Thoroughfare Plan (MTP), which will make recommendations for coming to Varina makes it clear that sprawl and its traffic problems improvements to existing roads and concept roads. These will soon follow unless land use decisions are modernized. More and recommendations are tied to the land use recommendations of the more progressive developers are interested in new towns where overall plan and will provide the County with a plan to alleviate traffic people can walk or bicycle to church, school or local shopping if they congestion due to future development. At this time the County’s wish, and to local amenities like parks and trails. But to avoid clogged consultant is completing their assessment of the existing road network in traffic, future development also needs to be planned so that in the the County and any new road will be considered at some point in the future it could economically support public transportation. future. Your suggestion for a parkway along the James River has been noted and will be considered at the appropriate time.

Another element of the Comprehensive Plan will be a Community Facilities Plan. This section will make recommendation regarding the

Monday, November 03, 2008 84 general placement of community facilities for the County. These facilities will include schools, parks and cultural amenities. A public riverfront has already been incorporated into the designs of the Wilton Farm and Rocketts Landing developments, and will also be considered as future proposals are made in this area of the County.

The County staff along with the County’s consultant will continue to assess all of the options for guiding future development in the entire County. This includes planning for the impacts of new development and the facilities which will be needed to accommodate this growth.

Additionally, the County staff and their consultant will be holding public meetings regarding the 2026 Comprehensive Plan beginning in late spring or early summer. I would encourage you and other concerned citizens to attend one of the meetings to further express your views regarding the future development of the County.

Thank you for letter of concern about future development in the county. Please feel free to contact me again in the future if you have any additional concerns.

Sincerely, Randall R. Silber Submittal Type: Mail Name: Webb Tyler Comment Response On behalf of our firm’s client, HHHunt, I am soliciting your support to Dear Webb: sponsor a resolution for consideration by the Board of Supervisors to amend the Major Thoroughfare Plan by including the on-site collector I am responding to your request to James B. Donati, Vice Chairman, roads and off-site Wilton Parkway to Route 5 (New Market Road). Board of Supervisiors, to sponsor a resolution to amend the Major Thoroughfare Plan to include the on-site site collector roads and off-site As per the direction of Randy Silber and Dave O’Kelly via phone Wilton Parkway to New Market Road (Route 5). conversations I have had with them, it is my understanding that in order to amend the Major Thoroughfare Plan, two supervisors must The Planning Department is in the process of updating the County’s sponsor a resolution to amend the plan. Since this roadway is within current 2010 Land Use Plan, which includes the 2010 Major your district, I felt it prudent to start with gaining your support for this Thoroughfare Plan. I am more inclined, at this time, to recommend to Mr. amendment. I seek from you the name of another Supervisor who Donati adding Wilton on the James on- and off-site collector roads to the would be willing to co-sponsor with you the resolution. 2026 Draft Major Thoroughfare Plan as part of the update process. I Monday, November 03, 2008 85 have directed Planning Department staff to review the information you Currently, our firm has obtained conditional subdivision approval of forwarded and include the roads in the 2026 Draft Major Thoroughfare the on-site collector roads as well as conditional subdivision approval Plan for future consideration. of the off-site Wilton Parkway to Route 5. Last month our client was successful in securing the status as a contract purchaser of the Please contact me at 501-4604 or Joe Emerson, Assistant Director of majority ownership interest in the Jonathan property. Thus, we filed Planning, at 501-4605. If you have any questions or need additional an amended conditional subdivision plan for the Wilton Parkway off- information about the Comprehensive Plan Update process. site road improvement that is currently pending before the Henrico County Planning Commission at their December 13, 2006 meeting. Sincerely, That revised plan eliminated the “hump” in the road alignment of Randall R. Silber Wilton Parkway between Osborne Turnpike and Route 5. This has been our desired alignment all along, and we are glad to finally straighten out that road after HHHunt has gained the majority of ownership contract interest with the 50+ heirs of the Jonathan property.

The majority of the on-site and off-site roads are four-lane divided highways with most including channelized turn lanes. We believe these roads should be placed upon the County Major Thoroughfare Plan as a result of their traffic volumes and typical sections. There is precedent for this request, namely the Wyndham and Twin Hickory developments had their major arterials and collector roads added to the Major Thoroughfare Plan via amendment to that plan after roadway locations received conditional subdivision approval.

After you have had an opportunity to review the enclosed material (see staff files), please advise me of your feelings on this matter regarding our solicitation of your support and sponsorship. In the interim, if you have any questions or need additional information, I would welcome the opportunity of providing that information to you.

Very truly yours,

Webb Tyler

Monday, November 03, 2008 86 2026 Comprehensive Plan General Comments - No District Assigned Environment Submittal Type: Web Name: Michael Czekajlo Comment Response Chapter 9 seems to address most of the concerns but is lacking in Comments provided to the Draft 2026 Comprehensive Plan website more specific solutions. It also does not address the amendment to were provided with an automated response. the Code of Virginia section 15.2-961.1 about the county's responsibility for the conservation of trees during land development. Submittal Type: E-mail Name: Tommie Herbert Comment Response I work with the Environmental Defense Fund. I am doing some The Draft Comprehensive Plan is available on the Planning research on VA counties and their policies/tools used in controlling Department’s website. The actual address of the draft is development and its environmental impacts. Online, I could not locate www.co.henrico.va.us/planning/2026plan.htm. There is also the some information necessary for Henrico County. I would love it if opportunity to comment on the draft using the website. Additionally, as somebody could help me with a few things. important dates are determined and new information becomes available it will be posted to the website. I would love to look at a comprehensive plan for Henrico. I understand that this is currently in development. Is there a draft I All inquiries regarding water and sewer issues should be directed to the could see or have sent to me electronically? I am also interested in Department of Public Utilities and all inquiries regarding stormwater what Henrico County is doing regarding water quality and supply. Is management should be directed to the Department of Public Works. there a sewer ordinance or stormwater ordinance I can look at on the These two agencies cover those issues and can best answer questions website? Also, has Henrico County developed any additional about any plans they may have and their availability. (Phone numbers documents regarding water management or conservation? In the for both departments were given) agricultural preservation zone for Henrico, what is the minimum lot size permitted? (i.e units per acre, dwellings per acre) The zoning classification that would be consistent with the Agricultural Preservation designation in the Draft Comprehensive Plan would be the It would be great if a planning and zoning officer could give me a call A-1 zone. This zoning classification allows a maximum density of 1 unit or send me an email as soon as it is possible or convenient. Thank per acre. At this time Henrico County does not have any zoning you! classifications that require lower densities than the A-1 district. Submittal Type: Mail Name: Robert Suydam Comment Response Dear Ms. Deemer: Dear Mr. Suydam:

Monday, November 03, 2008 87 Thank you for allowing the Virginia Department of Forestry (VDOF) to I apologize for the delay in responding to your letter regarding forestry comment on Henrico County’s draft 2026 comprehensive plan. As efforts in Henrico County. Work on the Comprehensive Plan continues you are aware, Henrico County is in the process of updating its and your concerns have been added to a list of items to be provided to comprehensive plan and is currently receiving public comment. the Board of Supervisors and Planning Commission members for further review. Staff is currently scheduling individual meetings with the VDOF’s mission is to “Protect and Develop Healthy, Sustainable Planning Commissioner and Board of Supervisors member for each Forest Resources for Virginians.” For 400 years, Virginia’s forests magisterial district to review comments received during community open have been and continue to be, the backbone to a strong economy houses. Staff further anticipates a joint work session between the and healthy environment. Virginia’s forest products industry provides Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors in October to discuss a vital source of income and jobs to many communities including potential changes to the Plan. The Plan may move forward to the Henrico County. However, forestland and forest management does Planning Commission for a public hearing as early as November. not appear to be discussed in the draft comprehensive plan. As a Depending upon input received at the public hearing, the Plan could be result, VDOF would like the opportunity to raise awareness of the moved forward to the Board of Supervisors in December or January. value of Henrico’s forests by offering its “Value of Forestry” presentation to County leaders. Some of the information in this Should you have any further questions, please feel free to contact me at presentation includes: 501-4488.

• The total economic impact of forestry and forest related products in Sincerely, Henrico for 2003 supports over 10,000 jobs and had a total economic Rosemary D. Deemer output of 1.5 billion dollars

• Average Henrico County timber harvest value per year is $500,000

• In Virginia, the harvesting, processing, and marketing of forest products generate more than $25.2 billion annually and accounts for nearly 184,000 jobs

• Virginia’s forests also provide a multitude of environmental benefits such as wildlife habitat, aesthetics, clean air, and clean water

• A third of Henrico County’s 170,000 acres is forestland with approximately 75% of it being privately owned

• Virginia is losing nearly 26,000 acres of forestland annually often the result of rural residential growth and forest landowners deciding that forestry is no longer the best use for their land

The VDOF continues to provide an extensive array of programs to Monday, November 03, 2008 88 assist landowners in developing healthy and sustainable forest resources. VDOF also provides assistance to localities and their citizens, to raise awareness of the benefits of working forests and the necessity of forest products. If I can be of further assistance, please feel free to contact me at 804-328-3031. Thank you.

Sincerely, Robert Suydam Forest Conservation Specialist

Monday, November 03, 2008 89 General Comments/Questions Submittal Type: E-mail Name: (No Name Provided) Comment Response Please forward me a map of the future road plans of draft 2026 Sir or Madame:

All maps associated with the Draft 2026 Comprehensive Plan are available on our Planning website at http://www.co.henrico.va.us/planning/2026plan.htm The link for the Draft Major Thoroughfare Plan Map is as follows: http://www.co.henrico.va.us/planning/2026plan/2026chp10maps(5-5- 08).pdf

Larger Major Thoroughfare Plan and Future Land Use Maps are also available for purchase at the Permit Center in the Western Government Center.

Sincerely, Seth Humphreys Submittal Type: E-mail Name: Mike Kaestner Comment Response On January 8, 2007, the Partnership for Smarter The information provided by the respondent was added to the Growth(www.psgrichmond.org) will sponsor a meeting for Henrico Comprehensive Plan database. residents concerned about the future growth of their county as a follow-up to it November 30 forum that was entitled “The Contours of Henrico County Future.” The goal of the January 8 forum is to give citizens an opportunity to learn more about the county’s proposed plans, to discuss the merits of specific elements, and to find out how to have a greater voice in the county’s decision-making about its future.

This forum, entitled “Creating a Citizen’s Vision for Henrico County: Linking Land Use and Transportation, “ will feature a presentation by Stewart Schwartz, Executive Director of the Coalition for Smarter Growth (Washington D. C. region).

Monday, November 03, 2008 90 It will be held from 6:30pm to 8:30 pm at North Park Library, located at 8508 Franconia Road off east Parham Road.

As part of his presentation, Mr. Schwartz will illustrate how the decisions that state and local officials make about future land use and transportation systems will affect the quality of life of county residents for years to come as the Richmond region grows. Maps of the county’s draft 2026 Land Use and its proposed Major Thoroughfare Plan will be displayed for examination.

The forum is free and open to all. Participants do not have to have attended the first forum to benefit from this one.

Monday, November 03, 2008 91 Land Use Submittal Type: E-mail Name: Robert Suydam Comment Response The Virginia Department of Forestry (VDOF) has historically provided See response on page 87. many forest management services for landowners ranging from outreach education to forest stewardship management plans. Recently, VDOF has begun a land conservation program in an important effort to conserve Virginia’s forest land base. VDOF has identified forested areas throughout the state that offer relatively high conservation values as related to protecting water quality, providing wildlife habitat, or the production of forest products. Many localities are also making an effort to conserve their natural resources as well as their rural character, and are setting goals in their comprehensive plans to address these needs. VDOF can work with localities to identify these valuable forest lands and focus forest conservation efforts on these areas that will provide the greatest benefits.

Land conservation can be attained through a variety of tools such as land use taxation, agriculture-forestal districts, and in special cases conservation easements. In Virginia, easements can be donated, or sometimes sold to a number of public and private entities. In addition to the Department of Forestry, other state agency conservation easement holders include the Virginia Outdoors Foundation (VOF), the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (DGIF), and the Department of Historic Resources (DHR). Easements may also be held by certain qualified nonprofit conservation organizations.

As localities revise their comprehensive plans, the VDOF would encourage this information be included so that that citizens, land owners, and local government officials are aware of the conservation resources available to them.

Monday, November 03, 2008 92 Transportation Submittal Type: E-mail Name: Robert Ivey Comment Response we need the bicycling lanes!!!! Mr. Ivey:

Your email of May 30, 2008 was forwarded to me as project manager of the Draft 2026 Henrico County Comprehensive Plan Update. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank you for taking the time to provide us with your input.

The Planning Department has recently received several comments regarding the addition of bicycling and bike facilities to the Plan. All of the comments will be compiled and reviewed as part of our citizen input update process. We will then share all of the recommendations and suggestions with the Board of Supervisors and Planning Commission.

Thank you again for your comments; we need input such as yours for the process to work as intended. If you have any questions or need additional information about the Comprehensive Plan Update process, please visit our website at www.co.henrico.va.us/planning/2026plan.htm or contact me at 501-4488.

Sincerely, Rosemary D. Deemer Submittal Type: Web Name: Walter Music Comment Response I do not see any mass transit corridors or light rail corridors. Why not? Comments provided to the Draft 2026 Comprehensive Plan website were provided with an automated response. Additionally, GRTC transit routes have been depicted on a map in Chapter 10 - Transportation. Submittal Type: E-mail Name: Henry Loving Comment Response I used to live in Henrico and certainly would think that bicycling would Mr. Loving: be in the comprehensive plan. It only makes sense. I can't believe

Monday, November 03, 2008 93 anyone hasn't pushed to include this. Your email of May 29, 2008 was forwarded to me as project manager of the Draft 2026 Henrico County Comprehensive Plan Update. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank you for taking the time to provide us with your input.

The Planning Department has recently received several comments regarding the addition of bicycling and bike facilities to the Plan. All of the comments will be compiled and reviewed as part of our citizen input update process. We will then share all of the recommendations and suggestions with the Board of Supervisors and Planning Commission.

Thank you again for your comments; we need input such as yours for the process to work as intended. If you have any questions or need additional information about the Comprehensive Plan Update process, please visit our website at www.co.henrico.va.us/planning/2026plan.htm or contact me at 501-4488.

Sincerely, Rosemary D. Deemer Submittal Type: E-mail Name: Sean Cusack Comment Response Where are the bicycles? Why can't the County encourage alternative See response on page 118. modes of transportation that encourage a healthier lifestyle, doesn't add to the air pollution problem and helps to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels? Submittal Type: Web Name: Eddie Perry Comment Response I think consideration should be given to requiring Street Lighting and Comments provided to the Draft 2026 Comprehensive Plan website Sidewalks for all newly developed land. Also,with the price of gasoline were provided with an automated response. Additionally, this continuing to rise, some consideration should be given to providing suggestion has been added to the list of concerns that will be forwarded more public transportation within the County. to the Planning Commission and the Board of Supervisors for further review.

Monday, November 03, 2008 94 Submittal Type: E-mail Name: Regina Smith Comment Response As a Henrico County citizen who enjoys biking and walking, I would Ms. Smith: be grateful if you would give great consideration in your plans for accommodations for biking and pedestrian lanes on our highways. Thank you for your comments concerning Henrico County’s Draft 2026 As our County continues to grow, this issue becomes more urgent as Comprehensive Plan. As you may know, we are currently holding a safety concern. Community Open Houses and gathering additional public input. Our remaining Community Open House will be held on Thursday, May 29th at the Henrico County Western Government Center from 4:30-7:30 p.m. should you be interested in attending.

I have added your letter to our database of comments on the Draft Plan. Once we have completed our Community Open Houses, we will compile all of the comments received and share them with the Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors.

Thank you for taking the time to review the draft plan; we need input such as yours for the process to work as intended. If you have any questions or need additional information about the Comprehensive Plan Update process, please contact me at 501-4488.

Sincerely, Rosemary D. Deemer Submittal Type: E-mail Name: Tom Norton Comment Response I’m a Henrico County resident and I’m writing to ask you to include Mr. Norton: bike lanes in the comprehensive planning effort that is currently underway. Using bicycles for daily errands reduces dependence on Your email of May 29, 2008 was forwarded to me as project manager of gasoline and makes us healthier. Please take this into consideration the Draft 2026 Henrico County Comprehensive Plan Update. I’d like to during the planning effort. Thank you. take this opportunity to thank you for taking the time to provide us with your input.

The Planning Department has recently received several comments regarding the addition of bicycling and bike facilities to the Plan. All of the comments will be compiled and reviewed as part of our citizen input update process. We will then share all of the recommendations and Monday, November 03, 2008 95 suggestions with the Board of Supervisors and Planning Commission.

Thank you again for your comments; we need input such as yours for the process to work as intended. If you have any questions or need additional information about the Comprehensive Plan Update process, please visit our website at www.co.henrico.va.us/planning/2026plan.htm or contact me at 501-4488.

Sincerely, Rosemary D. Deemer Submittal Type: E-mail Name: Michael Bem Comment Response I did not say "bicycling and bike paths." That is the same thing. I See response on page 106. said future construction should include bike lanes and sidewalks (people walk on sidewalks, and sometimes people bike on sidewalks, like little kids learning to ride). The point is that there are no safe options to driving on many county roads. Submittal Type: Web Name: Bill Perkins Comment Response You should link to the VDOT Regional Bicycling Pedestrian Plan. You Comments provided to the Draft 2026 Comprehensive Plan website should also plan greenways, bicycle and pedestrian paths located were provided with an automated response. Additionally, this away from carbon-spewing traffic connecting neighborhoods and key suggestion has been added to the list of concerns that will be forwarded destinations. These would provide a safer route for clean traffic and to the Planning Commission and the Board of Supervisors for further less distraction for cell phone users who are driving SUVs. review. Submittal Type: Web Name: David Kaulfers Comment Response I have reviewed the draft transportation plan. Why does it not show a Comments provided to the Draft 2026 Comprehensive Plan website plan to connect Ridgefield Parkway with Tuckahoe Creek Parkway. were provided with an automated response. Due to the presence of There is less than 2000 feet separating the two roads. This would wetlands and floodplains associated with Tuckahoe Creek, it is not provide an additional access to 288 with further access to I-64. This feasible to continue Ridgefield Parkway any further to the west. may also alleviate traffic working to get on I-64 at Broad Street.

Monday, November 03, 2008 96 Submittal Type: Web Name: Adam Haller Comment Response I want to see Henrico grow to continue its tradition of being a place of Comments provided to the Draft 2026 Comprehensive Plan website opportunity and success for residents. With the ever increasing cost were provided with an automated response. Additionally, this of gas the comprehensive plan should take a much more proactive suggestion has been added to the list of concerns that will be forwarded approach towards decreasing automobile dependent transportation, to the Planning Commission and the Board of Supervisors for further increasing building density, while preserving existing rural areas and review. focusing future budget dollars on sidewalks and crosswalks. Submittal Type: E-mail Name: Erik Beecroft Comment Response Bicycles should be an important part of the plan for Henrico. Many Mr. Beecroft: cities and counties around the U.S. have adopted bicycle friendly policies. We need bike lanes, bike paths, and other bike-friendly Your email of May 30, 2008 was forwarded to me as project manager of improvements. I live in Short Pump, and biking around here is the Draft 2026 Henrico County Comprehensive Plan Update. I’d like to dangerous. But other cities and counties have solved this problem, take this opportunity to thank you for taking the time to provide us with and we can too. your input.

Thank you for your time and efforts to support bicyclists. The Planning Department has recently received several comments regarding the addition of bicycling and bike facilities to the Plan. All of the comments will be compiled and reviewed as part of our citizen input update process. We will then share all of the recommendations and suggestions with the Board of Supervisors and Planning Commission.

Sincerely, Rosemary D. Deemer Submittal Type: E-mail Name: John DHuyvetters Comment Response With rising gas prices and rampant inflation it is preposterous that we Mr. Dhuyvetters: do not have bike lanes or bike friendly roads in Henrico County. Please make my tax dollars count by making available this healthy Your email of May 29, 2008 was forwarded to me as project manager of and eco friendly alternative. Let's keep the dollars in the USA instead the Draft 2026 Henrico County Comprehensive Plan Update. I’d like to of Arab countries. take this opportunity to thank you for taking the time to provide us with your input. Bike lanes make sense. If this is not in your plans then shame on Monday, November 03, 2008 97 you. Don't complain when we are paying ten dollars for a gallon of The Planning Department has recently received several comments gas. regarding the addition of bicycling and bike facilities to the Plan. All of the comments will be compiled and reviewed as part of our citizen input update process. We will then share all of the recommendations and suggestions with the Board of Supervisors and Planning Commission.

Thank you again for your comments; we need input such as yours for the process to work as intended. If you have any questions or need additional information about the Comprehensive Plan Update process, please visit our website at www.co.henrico.va.us/planning/2026plan.htm or contact me at 501-4488.

Sincerely, Rosemary D. Deemer Submittal Type: E-mail Name: Michael Plotkin Comment Response I grew up in your district (Tuckahoe) and lived there for 18+ years. Mr. Plotkin: Even though I still have my business office in Henrico, yet am a resident of the city at the moment, I am hopeful that the county will Your email of May 29, 2008 was forwarded to me as project manager of include bike friendly lanes (and/or bike paths) in the master plan. the Draft 2026 Henrico County Comprehensive Plan Update. I’d like to Cycling is a great sport, a fun leisure activity for the young and not-so- take this opportunity to thank you for taking the time to provide us with young, and is very healthy for the environment. your input.

Thank you for your time and consideration. The Planning Department has recently received several comments regarding the addition of bicycling and bike facilities to the Plan. All of the comments will be compiled and reviewed as part of our citizen input update process. We will then share all of the recommendations and suggestions with the Board of Supervisors and Planning Commission.

Thank you again for your comments; we need input such as yours for the process to work as intended. If you have any questions or need additional information about the Comprehensive Plan Update process, please visit our website at www.co.henrico.va.us/planning/2026plan.htm or contact me at 501-4488.

Sincerely, Rosemary D. Deemer Monday, November 03, 2008 98 Submittal Type: E-mail Name: Dawn DiBenedetto Comment Response Question #22 (on line survey) is the first time you even ask about the Ms. DiBenedetto: need for bikeways. Henrico is unsafe for bike useage for both adults and children. I would like to commute to work like one can do in Your email of May 29, 2008 was forwarded to me as project manager of Northern Virginia. Not only does Henrico planners not assist me, I am the Draft 2026 Henrico County Comprehensive Plan Update. I’d like to seriously afraid that I will be killed if I try. take this opportunity to thank you for taking the time to provide us with your input. Please work on this issue. This is more important than public transportation and can make us healthier too The Planning Department has recently received several comments regarding the addition of bicycling and bike facilities to the Plan. All of Thank you. the comments will be compiled and reviewed as part of our citizen input update process. We will then share all of the recommendations and suggestions with the Board of Supervisors and Planning Commission.

Sincerely, Rosemary D. Deemer Submittal Type: E-mail Name: Wood Thornton Comment Response I am a resident of the Spottswood Park neighborhood in Henrico Mr. Thornton: County. Your email of May 29, 2008 was forwarded to me as project manager of Please include bike lanes in the 2026 master plan. As traffic the Draft 2026 Henrico County Comprehensive Plan Update. I’d like to increases in Henrico County, without bike lanes or other access for take this opportunity to thank you for taking the time to provide us with cyclists, it is increasingly dangerous for cyclists to ride in Henrico your input. County whether for commuting, fitness or family fun. I believe that improved bicycle access will increase the attractiveness of Henrico to The Planning Department has recently received several comments residents and businesses and will make the County safer for regarding the addition of bicycling and bike facilities to the Plan. All of commuting and other travel by car and bicycle. the comments will be compiled and reviewed as part of our citizen input update process. We will then share all of the recommendations and Thank you for your consideration. suggestions with the Board of Supervisors and Planning Commission.

Thank you again for your comments; we need input such as yours for the process to work as intended. If you have any questions or need additional information about the Comprehensive Plan Update process,

Monday, November 03, 2008 99 please visit our website at www.co.henrico.va.us/planning/2026plan.htm or contact me at 501-4488.

Sincerely, Rosemary D. Deemer Submittal Type: E-mail Name: Chrisina Teeuwen Comment Response It would be wonderful if you could please include wide right hand Ms. Teeuwen: lanes, Class II Bicycle lanes and Share the Road signs in your comprehensive plan. Bicycling is a great way to get around. It is Your email of May 29, 2008 was forwarded to me as project manager of healthy and in Virginia we enjoy a moderate climate which is the Draft 2026 Henrico County Comprehensive Plan Update. I’d like to conducive to bicycling. Ten year olds enjoy bicycling--30 year olds take this opportunity to thank you for taking the time to provide us with enjoy bicycling--60 years olds enjoy bicycling. It is a wonderful family your input. activity. It is a wonderful way to commute. Bicycling is a wonderful form of exercise. Particularly now, with gas prices skyrocketing, we The Planning Department has recently received several comments should make it friendlier to visit the neighbor 1/2 mile down the road regarding the addition of bicycling and bike facilities to the Plan. All of by bicycle. Thanks for your time. the comments will be compiled and reviewed as part of our citizen input update process. We will then share all of the recommendations and suggestions with the Board of Supervisors and Planning Commission.

Thank you again for your comments; we need input such as yours for the process to work as intended. If you have any questions or need additional information about the Comprehensive Plan Update process, please visit our website at www.co.henrico.va.us/planning/2026plan.htm or contact me at 501-4488.

Sincerely, Rosemary D. Deemer Submittal Type: E-mail Name: Dennis Rainear Comment Response Thank you. My only other suggestion at this time is that the See response on page 110. person/people involved in assessing the bike issues be bikers. There was absolutely no understanding when I visited the Open House and the only reply I really got was “cost”. There are I suspect creative and less expensive ways to reduce vehicular congestion, avoid gas costs, Monday, November 03, 2008 100 improve safety and advocate healthy exercise and improved life styles, but these require open, inquisitive and eager minds. Those who don’t (yet) ride may not appreciate the true issues. And I don’t mean to be critical or demeaning here, just that I know from experience that non-riders don’t always have an opportunity to “get it”. Submittal Type: E-mail Name: Jim McCoig Comment Response I have lived in Henrico County for 23 years. I travel all over to find a Mr. McCoig: safe place for my family and I to ride our bikes. I can even go to Washington D.C. and ride my bike with greater safety in mind than I Your email of May 29, 2008 was forwarded to me as project manager of can in Henrico county. With oil and cost of everything increasing - we the Draft 2026 Henrico County Comprehensive Plan Update. I’d like to (Henrico) should be leads in this area of alternative methods for take this opportunity to thank you for taking the time to provide us with transportation. We definitely lack bike, pedestrian, greenway, and your input. alternative transportation methods in Henrico. If there is anything I can do to help increase this or volunteer to do to help this effort - The Planning Department has recently received several comments please let me know. This is truly a method of transportation and regarding the addition of bicycling and bike facilities to the Plan. All of recreation that people of all ages could benefit from. the comments will be compiled and reviewed as part of our citizen input update process. We will then share all of the recommendations and suggestions with the Board of Supervisors and Planning Commission.

Thank you again for your comments; we need input such as yours for the process to work as intended. If you have any questions or need additional information about the Comprehensive Plan Update process, please visit our website at www.co.henrico.va.us/planning/2026plan.htm or contact me at 501-4488.

Sincerely, Rosemary D. Deemer Submittal Type: E-mail Name: Rebecca Michelsen Comment Response I would like to urge you to include cycling in your plan for 2026. I am a Ms. Michelsen: cyclist, moved here from California, and I am appalled at the complete lack of cycling-friendliness in Henrico County. Some things that I miss Your email of May 29, 2008 was forwarded to me as project manager of from my northern California riding include: share the road signs, the Draft 2026 Henrico County Comprehensive Plan Update. I’d like to bicycle lanes, painted indicators on the road for where to put your take this opportunity to thank you for taking the time to provide us with Monday, November 03, 2008 101 bicycle to trigger the stoplight, and bicycle paths. Would you please your input. consider including these items in your long-term planning for Henrico? This is becoming increasingly important as gas prices The Planning Department has recently received several comments continue to rise. We need safe alternatives for transportation, as well regarding the addition of bicycling and bike facilities to the Plan. All of as safe places for recreational riding. I lived in Henrico 2.5 years and the comments will be compiled and reviewed as part of our citizen input commuted 15 miles several times a week by bicycle. update process. We will then share all of the recommendations and suggestions with the Board of Supervisors and Planning Commission. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Thank you again for your comments; we need input such as yours for the process to work as intended. If you have any questions or need additional information about the Comprehensive Plan Update process, please visit our website at www.co.henrico.va.us/planning/2026plan.htm or contact me at 501-4488.

Sincerely, Rosemary D. Deemer Submittal Type: E-mail Name: Sam Clavette Comment Response I am an avid cyclist who participates frequently in Richmond Area Mr. Clavette: Bicycle Association group rides. As I read emails sent via a RABA email list I have seen many comments on future City Planning Your email of May 29, 2008 was forwarded to me as project manager of proposals to build new schools, neighborhoods, and roads, to name a the Draft 2026 Henrico County Comprehensive Plan Update. I’d like to few. I own a house in Henrico County, in the Lakeside area, and take this opportunity to thank you for taking the time to provide us with would love to commute the 9ish miles to my job on the West end, your input. near Gaskins and Broad. Getting across town can be difficult, as riding on W. Broad is dangerous! Recently I've mapped a route The Planning Department has recently received several comments taking me across Staples Mill Rd, Glenside, Dumbarton, Parham, and regarding the addition of bicycling and bike facilities to the Plan. All of W. Broad. The route is not a clear or easy one and some busy the comments will be compiled and reviewed as part of our citizen input intersection crossings are unavoidable. I urge you to please consider update process. We will then share all of the recommendations and the Bicycle community when preparing the city for the future. suggestions with the Board of Supervisors and Planning Commission.

Thank you. Thank you again for your comments; we need input such as yours for the process to work as intended. If you have any questions or need additional information about the Comprehensive Plan Update process, please visit our website at www.co.henrico.va.us/planning/2026plan.htm or contact me at 501-4488.

Monday, November 03, 2008 102 Sincerely, Rosemary D. Deemer Submittal Type: E-mail Name: Marty Zeldin Comment Response I'd like to voice my opinions on the lack of bike, pedestrian, greenway, Mr. Zeldin: and alternative transportation in the current Comprehensive Plan updates. In this period of oil and gas crises, there needs to be a Thank you for your comments concerning Henrico County’s Draft 2026 concerted effort on the part of our local government (The Partnership Comprehensive Plan. As you may know, we are currently holding for Smarter Growth could help) to do what it can to help the Community Open Houses and gathering additional public input. Our community conserve energy. Little has been done to create an remaining Community Open House will be held on Thursday, May 29th environment for alternative transportation. With a lack of good public at the Henrico County Western Government Center from 4:30-7:30 p.m. transportation in the county and essentially no bike lanes, one should you be interested in attending. relatively inexpensive route to take is to provide safe roads for cyclists (for pleasure and commutation) and enact strong statutes that protect I have added your letter to our database of comments on the Draft Plan. bikers from irresponsible drivers. It's time to do it right. The elected Once we have completed our Community Open Houses, we will compile and appointed county officials need to take a stand and get it done. all of the comments received and share them with the Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors.

Thank you for taking the time to review the draft plan; we need input such as yours for the process to work as intended. If you have any questions or need additional information about the Comprehensive Plan Update process, please contact me at 501-4488.

Sincerely, Rosemary D. Deemer Submittal Type: E-mail Name: Cindy Szymonik Comment Response As a resident of Henrico county, I feel there is great room for Ms. Szymonik: improvement in the accomodation of bicycles as a form of transportation. With gas prices rising, the use of bicycles will likely Your email of May 29, 2008 was forwarded to me as project manager of increase. I live off of Springfield Road in the West End. This road is the Draft 2026 Henrico County Comprehensive Plan Update. I’d like to unbelievably dangerous for bicyclists, especially in the area of Echo take this opportunity to thank you for taking the time to provide us with Lake Park. Yet, there are a great number of bicyclists on this road your input. every day. If you live in the sub-divisions of Carrington, Springfield Farm, Lindsay Lakes, Winterberry, Summerberry or any of the other The Planning Department has recently received several comments Monday, November 03, 2008 103 quickly expanding neighborhoods in this area, it is virtually impossible regarding the addition of bicycling and bike facilities to the Plan. All of to ride a bike without spending a good amount of time on Springfield the comments will be compiled and reviewed as part of our citizen input Road. Area parks also do not provide much in the way of bike trails, update process. We will then share all of the recommendations and and there is also an absence of bike lanes which could be an option suggestions with the Board of Supervisors and Planning Commission. for safe bike riding. Your consideration in this matter as plans progress for the comprehensive plan for 2026 would be greatly Thank you again for your comments; we need input such as yours for appreciated. the process to work as intended. If you have any questions or need additional information about the Comprehensive Plan Update process, please visit our website at www.co.henrico.va.us/planning/2026plan.htm or contact me at 501-4488.

Sincerely, Rosemary D. Deemer Submittal Type: E-mail Name: Emily Harrison Comment Response I have been a Henrico County resident for over 10 years. As a Ms. Harrison: concerned Henrico Co. citizen, I reviewed the draft documents for the 2026 Plan. I was very disappointed that in the plan there is no Your email of May 29, 2008 regarding bicycle and pedestrian facilities mention of planning for bicycles as an alternative mode of was forwarded to me as project manager of the Draft 2026 Henrico transportation on county roads. I have been cycling for many years County Comprehensive Plan Update. On behalf of Mr. David A. and the lack of bike lanes, right shoulder space on rural roads and Kaechele, Chairman of the Henrico County Board of Supervisors, I'd like even "share the road" signs, is astonishing throughout the county. to take this opportunity to thank you for taking the time to provide us with your input. As a cyclist and someone who is an advocate of alternative forms of transportation (especially with the gas prices the way they are), I am When much of Henrico County developed, amenities such as sidewalks urging you to consider adding planning for bike lanes, safety signage and bike lanes were not included when road improvements were made. and even wider roads with right shoulder space. Consequently, most of our existing roadways do not have adequate right- of-way to retrofit these types of facilities. To do so on anything other than I just wanted to let my concerns known and I know I speak for the a small scale, case-by-case basis is simply not economically feasible at many cyclists in the county who depend on safe access to the roads this time. and who want to create a better environment for ourselves and future cyclists. Additionally, many of the roads in the County are maintained by the Virginia Department of Transportation and the County is constrained in Thank you for your time and consideration. creating bike paths along them. However, VDOT has adopted a policy whereby they will consider the inclusion of bicycle facilities on new projects along State-maintained roadways, where appropriate. Additionally, Henrico County now includes sidewalks in their road Monday, November 03, 2008 104 improvement projects and the Departments of Public Works and Planning encourage developers to incorporate sidewalks and bike facilities as part of their projects where feasible.

As the County continues to develop with more urban characteristics, the Departments of Planning and Public Works remain committed to working with the Virginia Department of Transportation and local developers to incorporate the safety of all citizens along the area roadways.

Sincerely, Rosemary D. Deemer Submittal Type: E-mail Name: Laurie Household Mehler Comment Response As an avid cyclist and sports & fitness enthusiast I am requesting that Ms. Household Mehler: Henrico County create some future possibilities for our environment. I am dedicating my life to serving the community in inspiring people of Your email of May 29, 2008 regarding bicycle and pedestrian facilities all walks of life to stay fit, be healthy, enjoy our awesome community was forwarded to me as project manager of the Draft 2026 Henrico and appreciate our natural resources. With our country’s current County Comprehensive Plan Update. On behalf of Mr. David A. obesity, illness, drug, crime, pollution, waste, and down right neglect Kaechele, Chairman of the Henrico County Board of Supervisors, I'd like for our bodies and natural resources it’s time to be in action about our to take this opportunity to thank you for taking the time to provide us with future. The current gas prices are a wake up call as well. your input.

We need When much of Henrico County developed, amenities such as sidewalks and bike lanes were not included when road improvements were made. 1. bike lanes Consequently, most of our existing roadways do not have adequate right- of-way to retrofit these types of facilities. To do so on anything other than 2. cycling and pedestrian signage a small scale, case-by-case basis is simply not economically feasible at this time. 3. elimination of physical barriers in our neighborhoods and communities Additionally, many of the roads in the County are maintained by the Virginia Department of Transportation and the County is constrained in 4. affordable safe alternatives to driving a car on the roads and that creating bike paths along them. However, VDOT has adopted a policy means providing safe access for bicycles, now with high gas prices, whereby they will consider the inclusion of bicycle facilities on new citizens should have free choices created by our tax dollars. projects along State-maintained roadways, where appropriate. Additionally, Henrico County now includes sidewalks in their road What does Henrico County stand for? What keeps people wanting to improvement projects and the Departments of Public Works and live here? Are we moving forward in a positive way or is it all about Planning encourage developers to incorporate sidewalks and bike Monday, November 03, 2008 105 money and developers? What is the county doing to make a facilities as part of their projects where feasible. difference? As the County continues to develop with more urban characteristics, the Departments of Planning and Public Works remain committed to working with the Virginia Department of Transportation and local developers to incorporate the safety of all citizens along the area roadways.

Sincerely, Rosemary D. Deemer Submittal Type: E-mail Name: Michael Bem Comment Response I read comments in Richmond T/D article attributed to Mr. Emerson, Mr. Bem: Director of Planning, that the process was available and open. I guess in Mr. Emerson's wonderful world, where he may eat and sleep Your email of May 29, 2008 was forwarded to me as project manager of the plan, it is available and open. For the rest of us, who don't work the Draft 2026 Henrico County Comprehensive Plan Update. I’d like to for the county, news of the plan is not very available and open. As take this opportunity to thank you for taking the time to provide us with Mr. Emerson says, if I would get to the library more often or go hang your input. out more at county offices I too would be in the know. Well I don't get to the library and have no reason to hang out at county offices. I have The Planning Department has recently received several comments a non-public job and barely find time to read the local paper. But I do regarding the addition of bicycling and bike facilities to the Plan. All of care about growth in this part of my world and agree with comments the comments will be compiled and reviewed as part of our citizen input that were made in the 5-29-08 R T/D article.. "Growth a concern..." update process. We will then share all of the recommendations and Bike lanes and sidewalks should be mandatory with any new road suggestions with the Board of Supervisors and Planning Commission. building or improvement. No new subdivision before the infrastructure is in place. Planning meetings and community input Thank you again for your comments; we need input such as yours for that are well publicized (send bulletins and reps. to community the process to work as intended. If you have any questions or need meetings, churches, bingo halls) Be active in getting participation: additional information about the Comprehensive Plan Update process, not the passive cavalier approach that has historically marked county please visit our website at www.co.henrico.va.us/planning/2026plan.htm "participation." or contact me at 501-4488.

Sincerely, Rosemary D. Deemer Submittal Type: Web Name: Barbara Anderson Comment Response I would just like to echo this statement in the transportation section of Comments provided to the Draft 2026 Comprehensive Plan website Monday, November 03, 2008 106 the 2026 plan. The 2004 Richmond Regional Bicycle and Pedestrian were provided with an automated response. Additionally, this Plan, a VDOT-funded regional study of potential bicycle and suggestion has been added to the list of concerns that will be forwarded pedestrian routes, demonstrated strong public interest in walking in to the Planning Commission and the Board of Supervisors for further Henrico County. Too many of the residential neighborhoods in review. Henrico County are virtually inaccessible except by car or other motorized vehicle. This is becoming a serious problem as 1) our population ages and our ability to drive and maintain an automobile declines, 2) the health of our population overall suffers from an increase in obesity which is enabled by an over-reliance on automotive transportation, and 3) the use of gasoline and other fossil- fuels becomes more difficult to justify financially and from a national security perspective. My husband and I have lived in Henrico County for over 25 years and we love our current home but as we near retirement we are looking seriously for opportunities to move to locations from which we can walk or bicycle to markets, post office facilities, libraries, etc. We are beginning to see our lovely subdivision as a potential trap and a threat to our lifestyle in our golden years. I believe it is critical that Henrico County begin to minimize its focus on construction of new roadways for cars and maximize its focus on the addition of sidewalks, bikeways, and public transportation alternatives. Submittal Type: E-mail Name: Joe LaCroix Comment Response It has come to my attention that we are about to adopt a Mr. LaCroix: Comprehensive Transportation plan for 2026 without any planning for alternative travel methods such as bicycling. I live in University Your email of June 2, 2008 was forwarded to me as project manager of Heights between Forest Avenue and Parham Rd and have been a the Draft 2026 Henrico County Comprehensive Plan Update. I’d like to cyclist all my life. I have lived in Richmond since 1994 and quickly take this opportunity to thank you for taking the time to provide us with discovered how poorly developed Henrico county roads are for your input. cycling and even walking. Unlike other bike friendly areas of the country I'm actually afraid to ride on our more traveled neighborhood The Planning Department has recently received several comments streets and I have been forced to pack my bike on my car just to get regarding the addition of bicycling and bike facilities to the Plan. All of somewhere to ride more safely. The streets in our County have no the comments will be compiled and reviewed as part of our citizen input shoulder and many have a lot of blind corners & hills where traffic can update process. We will then share all of the recommendations and not see you until they are right on top of you making it extremely suggestions with the Board of Supervisors and Planning Commission. hazardous to ride and frustrating to drivers. A good example is Forest Avenue from Ridge to Three Chopt where there are multiple Thank you again for your comments; we need input such as yours for Churches and an Elementary School and not even so much as a the process to work as intended. If you have any questions or need Monday, November 03, 2008 107 sidewalk forcing young kids to walk in ditches with poison ivy right additional information about the Comprehensive Plan Update process, next to heavy traffic (on the wrong side of the road with traffic at their please visit our website at www.co.henrico.va.us/planning/2026plan.htm backs) just to walk a 1/4 mile home. or contact me at 501-4488.

With the prices of everything skyrocketing and the continued growth Sincerely, of our County, the availability of safe, alternative transportation Rosemary D. Deemer methods is critical. Please take this into consideration when adopting this, or any other, transportation plan in Henrico County. Submittal Type: E-mail Name: Joel Miller Comment Response I have been a resident of Henrico County for over 6 years. I am an Mr. Miller: avid cyclist who is a member of the Richmond Area Bicycling Association and also race for Team Natures Path/3 Sports. Your email of May 29, 2008 was forwarded to me as project manager of the Draft 2026 Henrico County Comprehensive Plan Update. I’d like to I am disappointed that our county does not recognize cycling as a take this opportunity to thank you for taking the time to provide us with safe or viable means of transportation. There are more cars on the your input. roads as the population increases. It is extremely risky to ride on many of the county streets and roads with this increased automobile The Planning Department has recently received several comments traffic and shorter tempers especially when it comes to being slowed regarding the addition of bicycling and bike facilities to the Plan. All of down by a cyclist traveling legally on a road. Some motorists are in the comments will be compiled and reviewed as part of our citizen input such a hurry that they pass unsafe and illegally close to cyclists on update process. We will then share all of the recommendations and the road. Cycling could be safer in the county with adequate suggestions with the Board of Supervisors and Planning Commission. shoulders or even better, bike lanes on the streets and roads. Thank you again for your comments; we need input such as yours for I currently commute to work on my bicycle at least once per week, but the process to work as intended. If you have any questions or need it isn't under optimal biking conditions. My wife has considered additional information about the Comprehensive Plan Update process, biking to work, but feels it is much too dangerous, and I agree. A please visit our website at www.co.henrico.va.us/planning/2026plan.htm large part of her commute would be down Hungary Spring Rd which or contact me at 501-4488. has been and is currently under construction. It would be nice if the county considered incorporating a bicycle lane to promote bicycling to Sincerely, work, running errands, exercising, etc when widening or repaving Rosemary D. Deemer roads. Bicycling would ultimately decrease wear and tear on roads, decrease pollution as well as decrease the demand for fuel.

I strongly encourage everyone to consider making Henrico County a bicycle friendly community in any way possible!

Monday, November 03, 2008 108 Submittal Type: E-mail Name: Angela Brecht Comment Response I want to voice my opinion that there is a large need for bicycle lanes Ms. Brecht: on our public streets. I am in Twin Hickory and over the years, I have seen this area grow very fast. The result is that at any part of the day Your email of May 30, 2008 was forwarded to me as project manager of there are many residents running, riding, or walking along busy the Draft 2026 Henrico County Comprehensive Plan Update. I’d like to streets. Bicycle riders are forced to ride on side walks due to high take this opportunity to thank you for taking the time to provide us with traffic and this increases the risk of injury due to the amount of your input. walkers, runners and bikers, who have to dodge each other on congested sidewalks. The past months have seen a significant The Planning Department has recently received several comments increase in biker traffic. So there is a need to ensure they can ride regarding the addition of bicycling and bike facilities to the Plan. All of safely without the risk of having to use the high•traffic streets without the comments will be compiled and reviewed as part of our citizen input a bicycle lane. I have noticed the problem as an avid runner, but update process. We will then share all of the recommendations and recently, I got a road bike and have realized that riding on some of suggestions with the Board of Supervisors and Planning Commission. our congested streets is somewhat scary. I have been on rides with friends who have moved here from up north and they are surprised Thank you again for your comments; we need input such as yours for that there is no shoulder to ride on! Trying to find safe places to ride is the process to work as intended. If you have any questions or need hard and although you can try to plan around busy times, it is not additional information about the Comprehensive Plan Update process, always possible. I am requesting that you reconsider the passage of please visit our website at www.co.henrico.va.us/planning/2026plan.htm increasing bicycle lanes on our public streets. The amount of children or contact me at 501-4488. and adults trying to use congested sidewalks and roads will become a larger risk and result in increased injuries as more residents are Sincerely, taking advantage of getting outside to walk, run or bike. I would hate Rosemary D. Deemer for action to be taken after we see a continuing trend of injuries when we could prevent them by taking action before it is a "problem." There is no question our continued growth will eventually bring this to a point of action...as leaders, I ask that you not wait until you "have to" take action as that would mean we have waited until too many residents have gotten hurt. Submittal Type: E-mail Name: Greg Mathe Comment Response Dear Representatives: Mr. Mathe:

I have lived in the Richmond area going on five years since my Your email of May 29, 2008 was forwarded to me as project manager of relocation with Philip Morris USA. I’ve witnessed the remarkable the Draft 2026 Henrico County Comprehensive Plan Update. I’d like to growth and revitalization of the city and surrounding counties in my take this opportunity to thank you for taking the time to provide us with Monday, November 03, 2008 109 brief tenure in Virginia. I have also become an avid cyclist since my your input. move from New York City since the community and weather are much more accommodating. I feel that the park system in the Richmond The Planning Department has recently received several comments area has been very attune to the mountain biking community, regarding the addition of bicycling and bike facilities to the Plan. All of however, I feel that the road cyclists and bicycle commuters have the comments will be compiled and reviewed as part of our citizen input been completely left out of the thought process. Although I live in the update process. We will then share all of the recommendations and city limits, I work in Henrico and spend most of my time cycling in suggestions with the Board of Supervisors and Planning Commission. Henrico. Thank you again for your comments; we need input such as yours for It is unbelievable that with all its goals to make the Richmond area a the process to work as intended. If you have any questions or need place to move to, a place to do business, and a place that is additional information about the Comprehensive Plan Update process, respected that the city and county planners are not progressive in please visit our website at www.co.henrico.va.us/planning/2026plan.htm their efforts to make the area more environmentally friendly with or contact me at 501-4488. accommodation for alternative forms of commuting and recreation. Sincerely, I respectfully ask that you consider making accommodations for Rosemary D. Deemer cyclists and potential bicycle commuters in your planning meetings. There are numerous, obvious benefits to creating a cycling friendly road system and really no down side (less wear, lower environmental impact, safer roads accommodating both motorists and bikers). Options include: making roads wider, adding bike lanes or bike paths, and “share the road” signs, just to name the few.

I sincerely believe that bicycle commuting and travel represent a growing trend that will become very important to businesses and people when they are evaluating where they want to operate and live. Please don’t be short-sighted and put our area at a competitive disadvantage. Think about cyclists in your planning sessions!

Thank you for considering my input. Submittal Type: E-mail Name: Dennis Rainear Comment Response Dear Sirs, Mr. Rainear:

I am very interested in providing my thoughts, recommendations and Your email of May 29, 2008 was forwarded to me as project manager of requests for continued improvements in the transportation issues for the Draft 2026 Henrico County Comprehensive Plan Update. I’d like to Henrico county, particularly, western Henrico and the rapidly take this opportunity to thank you for taking the time to provide us with Monday, November 03, 2008 110 expanding Short Pump/Twin Hickory/Wyndham areas. As we all your input. know, the traffic here has increased exponentially and will take another huge jump when the new complex across from The Planning Department has recently received several comments Target/Kroger/Home Depot is completed. regarding the addition of bicycling and bike facilities to the Plan. All of the comments will be compiled and reviewed as part of our citizen input Please, please consider (1) the safety of the existing bicyclists in this update process. We will then share all of the recommendations and area, and more importantly (2) the increased number of bicyclists as suggestions with the Board of Supervisors and Planning Commission. traffic gets more congested and the price of fuel exceeds $4.00/gallon. Thank you again for your comments; we need input such as yours for I ride my bike from Gayton Road to my office down town many times the process to work as intended. If you have any questions or need per month. I enjoy the physical effort and the mental health benefits. I additional information about the Comprehensive Plan Update process, also greatly enjoy saving the miles on my vehicle, the cost of gas, please visit our website at www.co.henrico.va.us/planning/2026plan.htm reducing the traffic congestion, and avoiding the toll fees everyday. or contact me at 501-4488.

I am not unique. I am not special. Most people if not everyone can Sincerely, with minimal adjustments ride a bike to work or at least ride to Rosemary D. Deemer complete many errands. As a perfect example, we need only to look at Tokyo, look at London, look at Amsterdam, look at Munich, all places I've worked and observed the high regard to cyclist safety and efficiency.

We in Henrico planning for our future can and should look for every opportunity to reduce vehicular congestion, reduce fuel consumption, help reduce the production of green house gases, improve safety, and to promote a healthy life style for our neighbors.

One answer to all these needs is very simple: include strong support for cycling-friendly provisions in the 2026 plan. A huge start will be the construction of safe bike lanes to encourage safe, gas-saving, congestion-reducing, cost-saving cycling.

Please let me know how I can help support such an initiative. Thank you for considering my suggestions. Submittal Type: E-mail Name: Kendall Willis Sterling Comment Response I don't know if I am sending this comment to the right person or not; if Mr. /Ms. Sterling: not, please let me know where to direct comments on the proposed Monday, November 03, 2008 111 2026 plan for Henrico County. I am distressed that Henrico has no Thank you for your comments concerning Henrico County’s Draft 2026 plans to put in bicycle lanes on major roads. The current VDOT Comprehensive Plan. As you may know, we are currently holding standard is to make all newly constructed roads pedestrian and Community Open Houses and gathering additional public input. Our bicycle friendly. Aren't Henrico citizens entitled to the same standard remaining Community Open House will be held on Thursday, May 29th as citizens of other counties in Virginia? My mother lives in at the Henrico County Western Government Center from 4:30-7:30 p.m. Chesterfield County, and several years ago, when Robious Road was should you be interested in attending. widened, bicycle lanes were installed along its length; other roads in Chesterfield also have bike lanes --why not Henrico? With gas I have added your letter to our database of comments on the Draft Plan. continuing to increase and the costs of commuting going up, Henrico Once we have completed our Community Open Houses, we will compile could do much to encourage not only gas savings, but also the all of the comments received and share them with the Planning increased health of its citizens, by installing bicycle lanes on all of its Commission and Board of Supervisors. major roads (eg, Broad Street), and even on "minor" thoroughfares like, for instance, Ridgefield Parkway. More and more, access to such Thank you for taking the time to review the draft plan; we need input lanes is a determining factor for many people when they are such as yours for the process to work as intended. If you have any searching for a place to live - and in this case, Chesterfield certainly questions or need additional information about the Comprehensive Plan trumps Henrico. Henrico's roads are monstrously clogged with traffic. Update process, please contact me at 501-4488. and bike lanes really are a necessity. As a 21-year resident of the Short Pump area, I have seen traffic increase astronomically in the Sincerely, past three to four years, and the roads are increasingly unsafe for Rosemary D. Deemer cyclists, who are forced to share them with automobiles. And sadly, several cyclists have been killed because of the lack of dedicated lanes for cyclists. Henrico is woefully behind the rest of Virginia -- especially Northern Virginia, which supposedly is now our "model" for development --in its lack of access for cyclists. The fact that this backward state of affairs would continue into the 2020s and beyond is unthinkable. And in fact, it will be a reason for me to leave the county. I don't want to live elsewhere, but Henrico is becoming inhospitable for walkers and cyclists. Submittal Type: E-mail Name: Courtney Cotton Comment Response In looking over the draft comprehensive plan for Henrico County, I Ms. Cotton: noticed a lack of planning for alternative modes of transportation, quite notably, bicycling. As an avid bicyclist, I ride my road bike in and Your email of May 29, 2008 was forwarded to me as project manager of around various towns and counties throughout the Richmond area on the Draft 2026 Henrico County Comprehensive Plan Update. I’d like to a regular basis (to work, for training, to attend festivals, to visit take this opportunity to thank you for taking the time to provide us with friends), and have noticed a severe lack of infrastructure in Henrico your input. County for bicyclists to remain safe on their rides. With gas prices Monday, November 03, 2008 112 escalating and people utilizing different modes of travel for The Planning Department has recently received several comments commuting, a bike lane along the major corridors would not only regarding the addition of bicycling and bike facilities to the Plan. All of make sense but provide for safer travel for those of us are fighting to the comments will be compiled and reviewed as part of our citizen input keep our bank accounts stable. Bike lanes would also encourage update process. We will then share all of the recommendations and more outdoor participation amongst adults, families, and children. In suggestions with the Board of Supervisors and Planning Commission. an age where 60% of Americans are overweight, why not make it easier for people to get their exercise in or for the family or retired Thank you again for your comments; we need input such as yours for couple to simply enjoy a nice day out on their bikes. And what about the process to work as intended. If you have any questions or need the environmental benefits from having more bicycles and less cars additional information about the Comprehensive Plan Update process, on the roads? Why is it that bicyclists are not thought of when please visit our website at www.co.henrico.va.us/planning/2026plan.htm roadways are being updated and County Plans are being revamped or contact me at 501-4488. especially considering that the bike was the reason for roadways in the first place? The following is an excerpt taken from the website Sincerely, www.pedalinghistory.com: "The bicycle's popularity and use further Rosemary D. Deemer prompted the building all of our nation's roads long before the automobile was thought of. This also created the need for road signs, road maps, and rules of the road. Those rules were the foundation for all of the rules established later for the first automobiles." So please, when finalizing Henrico County's Comprehensive Plan, think not only of the people who have chosen to get in their cars and speed down the road, but also think of those who have chosen to get on their bicycles and pedal themselves down the roads to work, to the store, to the park, or just simply to get some fresh air. We deserve the same consideration. Submittal Type: E-mail Name: Chris Gowen Comment Response I'd like to applaud those of you charged with the formation of the Mr. Gowen: comprehensive plan for the provisions already made for bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure, and I urge you to strengthen the Thank you for your comments concerning Henrico County’s Draft 2026 commitment to this vital aspect of transportation. Although I am Comprehensive Plan. We are currently holding Community Open technically a resident of the City of Richmond, I attend a church and Houses and gathering additional public input. Our remaining frequent a variety of retailers and service providers in Henrico Community Open House will be held on Thursday, May 29th at the County. My wife and I share one car, and a bicycle is my primary Henrico County Western Government Center from 4:30-7:30 p.m. mode of transportation. My friends who are residents of the county should you be interested in attending. are often surprised to hear that I ride my bike regularly downtown, while, in fact, my wife and I both feel considerably more comfortable Sincerely, on bikes within the city of Richmond than we do in Henrico County. Rosemary D. Deemer Monday, November 03, 2008 113 One merely needs to try to reach Short Pump Town Center on foot or by bike to appreciate why this may be the case; along Broad St., at least, there are a number of intersections without walk signs and at which the light is not even timed long enough for a pedestrian to make it across. This is an immense liability for the city, and I find it very unsettling that development continues in this decade with the same unwavering allegiance to the automobile as what was seen in the 1970's.

In the current economic climate, lawmakers are tasked with the extremely difficult tasks of minimizing the pain of increased gas prices, reducing foreign oil dependence, and promoting sustainable lifestyles. Cycling is a natural fit.

I am currently pursuing a graduate degree at VCU and my wife and I are very interested in settling long-term in the Richmond area, despite neither of us growing up here. We would certainly consider relocating to Henrico County, but we are both committed to reducing the use of a car. I hope that the planning department and other lawmakers will indicate that they are prepared to develop Henrico County in a way that is people-centered rather than car-centered.

I urge you to take a look at the Bicycle Friendly Community campaign (www.bicyclefriendlycommunity.org) for ideas and inspiration for accommodating cyclists and pedestrians. It would be a beautiful thing to see that Henrico County is forward-thinking enough to receive a Bicycle Friendly Community designation.

Thanks for your work and for reading,

Chris Gowen Submittal Type: E-mail Name: Jonathan Shouse Comment Response The comprehensive Plan 2026 is a wonderful document. Very Mr. Shouse: interesting reading. I write to ask that something important be added - consideration for cyclist. I have been a resident of Henrico since Thank you for your comments concerning Henrico County’s Draft 2026 1976, and riding a bicycle on our roads and streets here for these 30+ Comprehensive Plan. As you know, we are currently holding Monday, November 03, 2008 114 years. I use a bicycle for transportation and recreation traveling many Community Open Houses and gathering additional public input. Our thousands of miles in Henrico. There are issues of safety for both the remaining Community Open House will be held on Thursday, May 29th cyclist and the motor vehicle operator who has to share the roads at the Henrico County Western Government Center from 4:30-7:30 p.m. with them. should you be interested in attending.

It appears that something is wrong in the communications or I have added your letter to our database of comments on the Draft Plan. observation systems that lead to part of our "comprehensive" plan. Once we have completed our Community Open Houses, we will compile The phrase "2004 Richmond Regional Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan" all of the comments received and share them with the Planning is used - and it is stated that in Henrico the citizens consider "walking" Commission and Board of Supervisors. to be important. But no mention is made at all of the "bicycle" even though it is in the Regional Plan name! Does that mean Henrico Thank you for taking the time to review the draft plan; we need input planning thinks cyclists exist in all the other localities but not Henrico? such as yours for the process to work as intended. If you have any I do support more sidewalks for walkers and runners (pedestrians) questions or need additional information about the Comprehensive Plan but cyclist are by VA Code vehicles and need to be part of the plan for Update process, please contact me at 501-4488. every roadway constructed or changed. Sincerely, Cyclist need to be considered when determining lane width, traffic Rosemary D. Deemer signal placement and sensors, and more. Bridge access is vital for consideration. When we cannot safely use a bridge we are literally "stuck" on one side. And we do have to use the "major arteries" because Henrico does not require developers of "neighborhoods" to plan and execute connecting roadways between each development. "Paths" between them are nice for walkers and children, but not adequate for vehicles.

Sidewalks are not involved in planning for cyclist anyway since we cannot legally ride on them in most cases, and because it is more dangerous for us on a sidewalk than when we assume our legal place on the pavement as a vehicle.

Unfortunately I learned of the Public Meetings only today and therefore cannot attend any of them. As this goes forward I and others will work to be sure the voice of cyclist are heard and considered. With the gas prices skyrocketing, more and more Henrico citizens will benefit from your inclusion of the bicycle in the county comprehensive plan. A place to start? There is one section titled "Pedestrian", and the very next section should be titled "Cyclist".

Monday, November 03, 2008 115 Thank you for your consideration. Submittal Type: E-mail Name: Heather Widener Comment Response I am writing in reference to the Henrico County 2026 Plan, which I Ms. Widener: understand is in creation at this time. As you consider all of the complex issues that face us over the next 20 years, please do not Your email of May 29, 2008 was forwarded to me as project manager of neglect the issue of transportation. Currently, we are a county with the Draft 2026 Henrico County Comprehensive Plan Update. I’d like to very few (if any) alternatives to driving privately owned cars in order to take this opportunity to thank you for taking the time to provide us with access our jobs, retail, services, amenities, etc. throughout the your input. county. With economic concerns (the cost of gas), environmental concerns (the affect of constantly building roads and adding traffic The Planning Department has recently received several comments and exhaust), human health concerns (rising obesity, and health regarding the addition of bicycling and bike facilities to the Plan. All of concerns related to environmental degradation), and cultural/societal the comments will be compiled and reviewed as part of our citizen input concerns (the need to reach out and become a 'friendlier' community update process. We will then share all of the recommendations and by connecting people), I submit this suggestion. Please consider suggestions with the Board of Supervisors and Planning Commission. extensive 'greenways,' bicycle and pedestrian trails in your proposals. Thank you again for your comments; we need input such as yours for Currently, it is a necessity for most county residents to own a car in the process to work as intended. If you have any questions or need order to work, shop, access amenities and services, etc. throughout additional information about the Comprehensive Plan Update process, the county. This is a tacit form of discrimination when an economic please visit our website at www.co.henrico.va.us/planning/2026plan.htm inability to own and maintain an automobile causes citizens to be or contact me at 501-4488. effectively denied opportunities to work or obtain services. Additionally, with a growing public health concern over obesity for Sincerely, adults and children, gas prices inflating beyond what we've seen in Rosemary D. Deemer the past, overcrowding on our county roads, and environmental effects of development that has been moving at a breakneck pace, providing alternatives to driving privately owned automobiles on overcrowded county roads is essential.

Additionally, it is worth noting that, as the county develops and becomes more 'dense,' many, if not most, Henrico County residents live relatively near places of work, retail, and county services. However, without a safe sidewalk or roadside lane to travel, it is not realistic for residents to do anything but drive around their local communities. For example, my family lives within two miles of the following: two 'strip malls' with retail and services, four churches, a public library, three county parks, two historic houses, a cultural arts Monday, November 03, 2008 116 center, two large community sports complexes, two community pools, and a post office. Because of the state of our county's infrastructure and safety concerns, we currently have to drive to access all of these. This is unacceptable.

Please take these concerns into consideration. Thank you in advance for your time and trouble. Submittal Type: E-mail Name: Edward McNelis Comment Response Dear County Manager and Supervisors: Mr. McNelis:

I have lived in Henrico County for over 15 years. I've witnessed the Your email of May 29, 2008 was forwarded to me as project manager of remarkable growth of the Short Pump area as I am a resident of the Draft 2026 Henrico County Comprehensive Plan Update. I’d like to Windsor Place, a subdivision off of Three Chopt next to the West take this opportunity to thank you for taking the time to provide us with Broad Village development. your input.

Everyone in my family is an avid cyclist. My 11 year old daughter The Planning Department has recently received several comments Mallory is the current Virginia State Champion in the girls' 10-14 regarding the addition of bicycling and bike facilities to the Plan. All of division of USA Cycling. Unfortunately, we are no longer able to ride the comments will be compiled and reviewed as part of our citizen input our bicycles as a family, at least not in the vicinity of our home. The update process. We will then share all of the recommendations and high volume of traffic along Three Chopt and Church, along with the suggestions with the Board of Supervisors and Planning Commission. absence of any shoulder on these and other county roads have made a ride from our neighborhood nothing short of a game of Russian Thank you again for your comments; we need input such as yours for Roulette on two wheels. Many of our neighbors are also cycling the process to work as intended. If you have any questions or need enthusiasts. They too decry the very dangerous roads in Western additional information about the Comprehensive Plan Update process, Henrico and how unfortunate it is, in this era of high gas prices and please visit our website at www.co.henrico.va.us/planning/2026plan.htm increased environmental concern, that our county roads have or contact me at 501-4488. become a hostile environment for cyclists. Sincerely, My two brothers live in Travis County, Texas where there are Rosemary D. Deemer extensive bike paths and lanes. Both of them commute to their jobs in downtown Austin from their suburban homes by bicycle several times per week. They are miffed when they visit our family in Henrico County and notice that there are no bike lanes or bike paths or even "share the road" signs as there are in the Austin area.

I respectfully ask that you consider making accommodations for Monday, November 03, 2008 117 cyclists and potential bicycle commuters in your 2026 plan. There are numerous, obvious benefits to creating a cycling friendly road system and really no down side. (Even the additional initial costs are eventually offset by the reduced wear and tear on the roads due to reduced motor traffic.) Just imagine how much more attractive Western Henrico would be to potential businesses if they could tell their employees that it is feasible and safe to commute to work by bicycle because the county has created an extensive bike lane/path system. If Cary, North Carolina (where my sister in law and her family reside), Fairfax County, and Travis County, Texas can accommodate and encourage cycling, I don't see why Henrico County cannot do so as well.

I sincerely believe that bicycle commuting and travel represent a growing trend that will become very important to businesses and people when they are evaluating where they want to operate and live. Please don't be short-sighted and put our county at a competitive disadvantage.

Thank you for considering my input. Submittal Type: E-mail Name: Sean Cusack Comment Response I have lived in Henrico County for over 12 years and am continuously Mr. Cusack: amazed by the growth in the Short Pump area. More retail, residential, office and light industrial development occurs on a daily Your email of May 29, 2008 was forwarded to me as project manager of basis, yet there has been little improvement to the road system the Draft 2026 Henrico County Comprehensive Plan Update. I’d like to service this area. Because of this, I am bewildered by Chapter 10 - take this opportunity to thank you for taking the time to provide us with Transportation of Henrico County Vision 2026 based on the current your input. traffic problems in this area. The introduction to Chapter 10 states, "A good transportation network plays a critical role in the ability to travel The Planning Department has recently received several comments throughout the County in a safe manner, promoting the local regarding the addition of bicycling and bike facilities to the Plan. All of economy and minimizing traffic congestion." The second paragraph the comments will be compiled and reviewed as part of our citizen input states, "This Chapter addresses travel by automobile, walking, bus, update process. We will then share all of the recommendations and train, and airplane." The traffic congestion in the western part of the suggestions with the Board of Supervisors and Planning Commission. County is already beyond belief. Adding more roads is not necessarily the right answer, ask Northern Virginia. Thank you again for your comments; we need input such as yours for the process to work as intended. If you have any questions or need Monday, November 03, 2008 118 The Governor and Virginia Legislature have made childhood obesity additional information about the Comprehensive Plan Update process, a key target for the Commonwealth. When I was growing up in please visit our website at www.co.henrico.va.us/planning/2026plan.htm Northern Virginia, I rode my bicycle everywhere. Having a bicycle or contact me at 501-4488. and someplace to ride it gave me the opportunity to get some exercise and enjoy a certain amount of freedom. Today's youth need Sincerely, this opportunity. The road system designed in Henrico County Vision Rosemary D. Deemer 2026 totally lacks any amenity for travel by bicycle. The roads in the western region of this County are already unsafe for bicycle travel. Increased population and land-use will only make this worse.

The cost of foreign oil is contributing to a recession in our economy. Yes, even Henrico County is being impacted by this. Bicycles provide an alternative mode of transportation. Many cities and counties in the United States have embraced cycling as a mode of transportation and made an investment in the future by building bike paths and bike lanes. This foresight has gained these cities much national publicity with the dramatic increase in gas prices. These Counties will benefit from this publicity made possible by their open-mindedness.

I commute by bicycle from Twin Hickory to Virginia Center Commons on a regular basis. This summer I plan on commuting by bicycle 3 or 4 days per week. It is currently not something I would suggest to someone that is not very comfortable on a bike. There are no paved shoulders or bike lanes available, I ride as close to the edge as possible but often am "buzzed" by automobiles and trucks. A network of suitable bike/walking paths throughout the County and bike lanes on secondary roads would be a benefit to the County that will pay dividends for generations. It will lead to a healthier lifestyle, it will help to reduce the growth in automobile traffic and it will attract business and commerce to the County.

This plan shapes the direction of the County for the next 18 years, please do not be blinded by the mistakes of the past and fail to see the possibilities of the future. Submittal Type: E-mail Name: Kendall Sterling Comment Response In looking over the 2026 plan, I am distressed that Henrico has no Mr./Mrs. Sterling: Monday, November 03, 2008 119 plans to put in bicycle lanes on major roads. The current VDOT standard is to make all newly constructed roads pedestrian and Your email of May 28, 2006 to Mr. Leon Johnson regarding bicycle and bicycle friendly. Aren’t Henrico citizens entitled to the same standard, pedestrian facilities was forwarded to me as project manager of the Draft and the same level of safety, as citizens of other counties in Virginia? 2026 Henrico County Comprehensive Plan Update. On behalf of the My mother lives in Chesterfield County, and several years ago, when Henrico County Board of Supervisors, I'd like to take this opportunity to Robious Road was widened, bicycle lanes were installed along its thank you for taking the time to provide us with your input. length; other roads in Chesterfield also have bike lanes – why not Henrico? When much of Henrico County developed, amenities such as sidewalks and bike lanes were not included when road improvements were made. With gas continuing to increase in price and the costs of commuting Consequently, most of our existing roadways do not have adequate right- going up, Henrico could do much to encourage not only gas savings, of-way to retrofit these types of facilities. To do so on anything other than but also the increased health AND SAFETY of its citizens, by a small scale, case-by-case basis is simply not economically feasible at installing bicycle lanes on all of its major roads (eg, Broad Street), and this time. even on “minor” thoroughfares like, for instance, Ridgefield Parkway and John Rolfe Parkway in the West End. As development in eastern Additionally, many of the roads in the County are maintained by the Henrico increases, such lanes would be beneficial there as well. Virginia Department of Transportation and the County is constrained in Many people would like to bike to work, or to places like the library or creating bike paths along them. However, VDOT has adopted a policy gym, but are afraid to do so because of the very real traffic dangers. whereby they will consider the inclusion of bicycle facilities on new Bike lanes, if installed strategically, would encourage not only projects along State-maintained roadways, where appropriate. commuting, but also greater use of Henrico’s parks – in fact, it would Additionally, Henrico County now includes sidewalks in their road be awesome if the parks could be linked together by bike lanes, as improvement projects and the Departments of Public Works and has been done in cities like Cleveland. More and more, access to Planning encourage developers to incorporate sidewalks and bike such lanes is a determining factor for many people when they are facilities as part of their projects where feasible. searching for a place to live – and in this case, Chesterfield certainly trumps Henrico. Henrico’s roads are monstrously clogged with traffic, As the County continues to develop with more urban characteristics, the and bike lanes are really a necessity now, and will be even more so in Departments of Planning and Public Works remain committed to working the future. As a cyclist and 21-year resident of the Short Pump area, I with the Virginia Department of Transportation and local developers to have seen traffic increase astronomically in the past 3 to 4 years, and incorporate the safety of all citizens along the area roadways. the roads are increasingly unsafe for cyclists, who are forced to share them with automobiles. And sadly several cyclists have been killed in Sincerely, Henrico in recent years because of the lack of dedicated lanes for Rosemary D. Deemer cyclists. Henrico is woefully behind the rest of Virginia – especially Northern Virginia, which supposedly is now our “model” for development -- in its lack of access for cyclists. The fact that this backward state of affairs could continue into the 2020s and beyond, while traffic and population both increase is unthinkable. It will also be the reason some people leave the county. I already know several people who have moved to Chesterfield because they felt Henrico had become inhospitable to walkers and cyclists. Monday, November 03, 2008 120 Please consider putting bicycle lanes into the 2026 plan. Doing so would increase Henrico’s marketability, demonstrate Henrico’s commitment to a healthy environment and active lifestyle for its citizens, increase safety on the county’s roads, and reduce automobile traffic on its roadways. There really is no reason, other than cost, NOT to install bicycle lanes – and aren’t the citizens of Henrico entitled to safe roads that meet the same accessibility standards as roads in the other counties of Virginia? Submittal Type: E-mail Name: Patrick Meyer Comment Response I was born and raised in Richmond. I grew up in the west end and Mr. Meyer: currently live in Westover Hills. While in high school, I rode on a cycling team and was quite an active cyclist. For college I headed off Your email of May 31, 2008 was forwarded to me as project manager of to VMI and then served some time in the Army before moving back to the Draft 2026 Henrico County Comprehensive Plan Update. I’d like to Richmond. take this opportunity to thank you for taking the time to provide us with your input. My personal experience in this city has been that people on bikes are given no quarter and the city has yet to embrace a more bike friendly The Planning Department has recently received several comments policy as many other cities have. I know quite a few cyclists who regarding the addition of bicycling and bike facilities to the Plan. All of actually commute to work on a bike. I personally am terrified to try to the comments will be compiled and reviewed as part of our citizen input manage the roads as they are during commuting hours. Drives can update process. We will then share all of the recommendations and be quite unsympathetic to a cyclist, and often times are just distracted suggestions with the Board of Supervisors and Planning Commission. and not looking for a cyclist on the edge of the road. Cities and counties in the western parts of the country are not the only places Thank you again for your comments; we need input such as yours for that have become very bike friendly. The Carolina's have been the process to work as intended. If you have any questions or need making quite a push for bike lanes. I visited a friend in San Antonio additional information about the Comprehensive Plan Update process, TX and was amazed at how all the new developments have built in please visit our website at www.co.henrico.va.us/planning/2026plan.htm bike lanes and the roads surrounding them had been expanded to or contact me at 501-4488. include a bike lane. Sincerely, Richmond really needs to add bike lanes to the roadways. This would Rosemary D. Deemer accomplish many things. I heard on NPR that Richmond is one of the worst quality cities in the country in terms of air quality. More commuters on bikes certainly would help there. Families in the city are under a pinch. Housing prices have grown FAR faster than incomes have, which means that the average middle income family Monday, November 03, 2008 121 can not afford the same level of lifestyle as they could 7 years ago because so much more of their incomes must go to just making the house payment. Gas prices at current levels are not helping that situation, and the option to cycle to work is just not a reasonably safe choice at this point in time. Our roads receive quite a bit of wear and tear from the volume of vehicular traffic that we have, and conditions are not getting any better. Our narrow back country roads are being converted into major arteries and any expansion of the roadways always seems to lack things like a bike lane and even sidewalks.

From a safety standpoint, adding bike lanes would help separate cyclists from the rest of traffic. This would make everyone happy. Cyclists have all the same rights to the road that motorized vehicles do. Cramped spaces make people uncomfortable and unhappy, on both sides of the equation. I have been hit by a car on my bike once, and I broke my tailbone in that incident. More times than I'd like to discuss I have had the wonderful opportunity to have people: throw things at me from their cars as the go past, had drivers intentionally cut in front of me at dangerously close proximity (that's how I got hit before), had people lean out of their cars to try to smack me as they drive by, or most often times it's just someone who seems actually insulted by my presence on a bicycle and they make that clear by making gestures and shouting curses as they pass...even from the opposite side of the road.

Quite a few of my peers left Richmond after high school. The reason is usually that Richmond just doesn't have enough things to offer to keep people here. Now, this is changing. The parks are wonderful. The James River Park System is a jewel. The fan is becoming a place to raise a family again. There are quite a few benefits to Richmond. The lack of bike lanes is such an obvious and needed addition to our community that it's time we corrected the deficiency.

Thank you for your time.

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