Henrico Planning Commission endorses proposed Highland Springs subdivision, but not Northern Henrico gas station

At its July 10 meeting, the Henrico Planning Commission recommended approval of a proposed Highland Springs subdivision containing 49 single-family homes on North Airport Drive, east of its intersection with North Washington Street and directly next to the I-295 interchange.

The subdivision would only have one entrance, onto Airport Drive, and also would include a “pocket park” and be surrounded by open space consisting of existing environmental conservation areas.

Some neighboring residents spoke in opposition of the plans, saying that the development would eliminate existing agricultural and open space that may overlap with the Chickahominy River’s floodplain if it changes in response to climate change.

They also raised concerns about impacts to their domestic animals, increased traffic — especially with no traffic signal at the new intersection — and light pollution from the new streetlights.

One resident conceded, “I recognize that, to a certain extent, my argument must have a bit of a hollow ring to it in that I bought my six acres here a couple of years ago and, to a certain extent, I am asking you to close the door behind me.”

In response, Alessandro Ragazzi of the developer, Baker Development Resources, pointed to the many changes made to the proposal in response to resident concerns since October of last year, including reducing the number of residences by more than half, increasing the amount of open space by 60%, and shifting the location of the homes.

He also argued that more homes in the area, especially smaller homes, would help with the regional housing affordability crisis. In response to a question from Varina Commissioner William Mackey, he explained that the development would be connected to Henrico water and sewer, so it wouldn’t draw from residents’ wells or push water waste into the local acquifer.

“There’s going to be development, even in places we don’t want it. That’s a part of life,” said Mackey.

The commission also recommended approval for proposal to build a drive-through soda restaurant at the intersection of Eastridge Road and Jesse Senior Drive, right next to the intersection of Parham Road and Quioccasin Road.

Finally, the commission recommended denial for a provisional use permit that would allow a combination of gas station and convenience store to be built at the southwest corner of West Laburnum Avenue and Alma Avenue in Northern Henrico, given how close the site is to nearby residences. The developer can still build a convenience store without needing county approval.

These cases all will proceed to the Henrico Board of Supervisors for a final decision at its Aug. 12 meeting.