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.
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.
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.
Opioid abatement funding
The Board was scheduled to review grants from the Opioid Abatement Authority, which fund opioid response and recovery efforts in the county.
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.
Accessory dwelling units in Tuckahoe and Brookland
Two separate homeowners asked the Board for conditional use permits to add accessory dwelling units — one detached in Varina, one inside an existing home in Three Chopt. These cases touch on growing interest in additional housing options on existing residential lots.
Backyard hens in Winterberry
A resident of Keelwood Court asked to keep two hens in the rear yard of an R-3C zoned home, a use requiring a conditional use permit.
Setback and lot-area variances countywide
A Tuckahoe lot with zero public street frontage needed a 50-foot variance before a single-family house could be built at 8701 September Drive — a question of whether landlocked parcels can be developed.
OP Holdings Osborne Turnpike event space and outdoor recreation
Whitehead & Chiocca Properties wants a permit for an indoor event venue on Nine Mile Road in Varina, with conditions meant to protect nearby uses.
Residential development proposals in Brookland district
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.
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.
Surveillance Technology
Richmond is dropping its controversial Flock surveillance cameras once the current contract expires, though the incoming mayor is already eyeing alternative tech replacements. If you care about privacy versus public safety on city streets, you'll want to watch what kind of tracking tools they bring in next.
AED program update
The county's automated external defibrillator program was set for an update — relevant to sudden cardiac emergency response in public spaces.
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.
Road project condemnation resolutions
The County needs easements at 8800 Trolley Lane for a road realignment but can't get clear title from the Jones estates' heirs, so it asked to start condemnation while still pursuing a voluntary deal.
Constituent Meeting
Henrico County's Fairfield District is hosting an upcoming community meeting on October 15. It's a quick way to learn about older adult resources, register to vote, and figure out where your tax dollars actually go.
Community Forum
Henrico County is hosting a one-stop community forum where residents can learn about the local budget, register to vote, and check out senior resources. It’s an easy, all-in-one spot to get your civic questions answered and plug into what's happening locally.
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.
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.
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.