Henrico County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Henrico County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Three Chopt Road improvements
A $45.5 million contract with Shirley Contracting was scheduled for consideration to improve Three Chopt Road, one of the county's biggest road investments on the agenda.
Fall Line Trail Longdale Phase easement acquisition
The County asked to condemn right-of-way at 1574 Mountain Road to build the Longdale Phase of the Fall Line Trail.
Marijuana sales tax and public-use restrictions
The commission was to discuss drafting zoning rules to implement Virginia's Cannabis Control Act and to clarify Form Based Overlay standards — rules that will shape where cannabis businesses can operate countywide.
OP Holdings Osborne Turnpike event space and outdoor recreation
A 35.82-acre Varina site was proposed for indoor event space and outdoor recreation, though a deferral to October 15 was requested. The land is recommended for environmental protection and open space in the comprehensive plan, so its future is a live neighborhood issue.
Residential development proposals in Brookland district
A provisional use permit would let Spy Rock Real Estate Group build a mixed-use development with apartments at Westmoreland and Jacque Streets, land now zoned light industrial. It brings new housing and commercial services to the Westwood Redevelopment Overlay area, though the comprehensive plan designates the site for heavy industry.
Board Meeting Recap
Henrico County's latest board meeting was all about community and connectivity, celebrating Down Syndrome Awareness Month and greenlighting a contract to build the new Lakeside Community Trail.
Single-family rezone in Varina
A 2.5-acre parcel at Willson and Messer Roads would shift from agricultural to conditional single-family residential, within the Airport Safety Overlay District.
Zoning and Subdivision Ordinance Overhaul
The commission was to discuss drafting zoning rules to implement Virginia's Cannabis Control Act and to clarify Form Based Overlay standards — rules that will shape where cannabis businesses can operate countywide.
Surveillance Technology Policy
Henrico County is ditching its Flock traffic cameras after residents raised serious privacy red flags. If you care about who's tracking your daily commute, this is a major win for local data privacy.
Surveillance Technology Contract
Henrico County pulled the plug on its Flock Safety contract after privacy backlash, meaning those controversial license plate-reading cameras are officially getting removed. If you care about who's tracking your daily commute, this is a major win for local data privacy.
Police Surveillance Technology
Henrico Police just cut ties with Flock Safety cameras due to data privacy concerns, taking away a major tool used to track vehicles across the county. While privacy advocates are celebrating, law enforcement is now operating without a prominent surveillance system they previously relied on.
Stormwater Grant Applications for Stream Restoration
A contract with Harbor Dredge and Pumping was on the agenda to restore a stormwater pond and stream along Ridgefield Parkway in Three Chopt District.
Industrial rezoning on Pocahontas Parkway (Ace Investments)
A 73.6-acre site near Monahan Road could become conditional general industrial with outdoor storage and office uses, in the Airport Safety Overlay District. It affects nearby residents concerned about traffic and land use along the parkway corridor.
PFAS Discharge Monitoring and Sewer Investment
Ordinance 194-26 updates the county's sewer-use rules with new maximum discharge limits and, for the first time, PFAS (so-called 'forever chemicals') discharge monitoring. It affects industrial and commercial users connected to county sewer.
SAFE High Speed Driving Program
The Board was scheduled to get an afternoon briefing on the SAFE High Speed Driving Program, aimed at curbing dangerous street racing and high-speed driving.
Westwood mixed-use development with multifamily housing
Spy Rock Real Estate Group's permit request would bring multifamily housing and mixed uses to a light-industrial parcel near Westmoreland and Jacque streets, in the Westwood Redevelopment Overlay.
Photo speed cameras in school zones
Ordinance 200-26 would let Henrico use photo speed monitoring devices in school crossing zones. That could mean automated speeding tickets near schools — a change many families would notice in daily school runs.
Affordable housing easement at 3900 Nine Mile Road
The Board was asked to sign an easement agreement supporting Richmond Affordable Housing on Nine Mile Road in Varina.
Adoption of 2045 HenricoNext Comprehensive Plan
The county's new long-range land-use plan was up for public hearing and possible adoption. It guides what can be built where for the next 20 years.
Townhomes on Pouncey Tract Road (REZ-2025-103169)
Bacova Development wants to rezone nearly 10 acres for townhomes near Kain Road, adding housing density in the Three Chopt District after a May deferral.
Salary Increases for HCPS Employees
A resolution would appropriate funding for salary increases for all Henrico County Public Schools employees in the FY2026-27 budget.
Draft 2045 Comprehensive Plan
The county's long-range blueprint for growth, land use and infrastructure got a full hour of Board attention. It shapes what can be built where for years to come.
Sand and gravel extraction on Strath Road, Varina
J. E. Liesfeld Contractor sought permission to mine sand and gravel on agricultural land at 8951 Strath Road. Neighbors would care about truck traffic, dust, noise, and what the land looks like afterward.
Liesfeld Farm Drive extension right-of-way
The biggest ticket on the agenda: an $8.68 million contract with J. R. Caskey, Inc. to build roughly 800 feet of the Liesfeld Farm Drive Extension in the Three Chopt District.
Enhanced hazardous duty benefits for EMTs
The county was set to vote on enhanced hazardous duty benefits for emergency medical technicians — a workforce and compensation matter for EMS personnel.