Henrico County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Henrico County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Affordable homes through Maggie Walker Community Land Trust
A $500,000 county grant would help the land trust buy 20 Arcadia homes and sell them to buyers earning up to 115% of area median income.
Setback and lot-area variances countywide
Applicants sought variances to build a screened porch and two carports that don't meet standard setback distances. Approval would let construction proceed closer to lot lines than the zoning ordinance normally allows.
Trucking and outdoor storage facility in Varina
DRB III Trucking's rezoning would allow outdoor storage and trailer parking on 5.9 acres at Darbytown and Miller roads, in the Airport Safety Overlay.
Data Center Development
Henrico is dealing with a major surge in public pushback over new data centers, leaving city leaders struggling to figure out fair zoning rules. Residents are worried about the heavy toll these massive facilities take on local resources, making it a hot-button local issue.
Crown Castle wireless tower height increase (withdrawn)
Crown Castle sought a permit to replace and raise a wireless tower near Gaskins Road and Stoneridge Lane in a residential area. The case was headed for a possible deferral to August.
Residential development review update
An afternoon briefing on the County's residential development review process was scheduled.
Imago Dei School Rezoning
A private school wants to rezone 8.86 acres at Dill Road and Vawter Avenue from industrial to residential zoning. The Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval; a deferral to September 8 had been requested, so the Board's decision may wait.
St. Joseph Villa update
An afternoon briefing on the St. Joseph Villa property was scheduled for the Board.
Varina on the James Phase I contract
A contract award for Phase I of the Varina on the James project, a major waterfront development in eastern Henrico.
DRB III Trucking Industrial Rezoning
A trucking company sought to rezone 5.9 acres at Darbytown and Miller Roads for outdoor storage and trailer parking, in the airport safety overlay. The case was carried over from May.
Crown Castle Wireless Tower Replacement
Crown Castle sought a permit to replace and raise a wireless tower near Gaskins Road and Stoneridge Lane in a residential area. The case was headed for a possible deferral to August.
Expansion of Greater Richmond Aquatics Partnership facility
The aquatics nonprofit wants to expand its recreation facility on N Wilkinson Road and needs both a CUP amendment and a big setback variance to do it. The project sits in a one-family residential district, so neighbors had a chance to comment.
Carter Woods IV Affordable Housing Bonds
Up to $7.5 million in revenue bonds issued through the Economic Development Authority would help Better Housing Coalition's affiliate build a roughly 53-unit affordable rental complex with a community center near Nine Mile Road and Dabbs House Road — with no county financial obligation.
Federal CDBG and HOME Housing Funds
Henrico was set to submit an amended federal housing plan to HUD and sign contracts for community development grants, adding about $300,000 in carryover funds to roughly $2.95 million in total federal housing money.
County board and commission appointments
Roughly two dozen resolutions were on the agenda to fill seats on boards that shape county life — Planning Commission, Economic Development Authority, Library Advisory Board, parks, housing, sustainability, and more. These volunteers influence decisions on growth, libraries, and services.
Arena Development
Henrico's huge GreenCity arena project just locked in a major operator, meaning this eco-friendly entertainment district is actually happening. Get ready for a massive new spot for concerts and events right in our backyard.
Economic Development
Henrico County is finally breaking ground on the massive $2.3 billion GreenCity eco-development project next year, which is set to completely transform the local construction and development scene. Expect major changes to the area as this eco-friendly hub comes to life.