Residential rezoning cases, bond issuance, vape shops on Henrico Board of Supervisors' Aug. 12 agenda

During an Aug. 12 meeting at 6 p.m., the Henrico Board of Supervisors is set to vote on two rezoning cases that would allow developers to build as many as 72 new single-family homes in the Three Chopt District and 49 single-family homes in the Varina District.

In 2022, the Henrico Planning Commission approved a request to conditionally rezone about 46 acres in the Three Chopt District southwest of the intersection between Pouncey Tract Road and Wyndham West Drive from agricultural use to general residential use. The request would allow up to 72 single-family units to be built.

The developer has requested the board’s vote to be deferred to the next meeting on Sept. 9, which the board has neither approved nor denied at the time of this article’s publication.

With nearby schools Short Pump Middle at 87% capacity and Deep Run High at 102% capacity, measures such as trailers, added building space, or redistricting would need to be taken if the development is approved, according to a planning staff report.

The board is also set to vote on a request to conditionally rezone about 36 acres in the Varina District northeast of the intersection between North Airport Drive and North Washington Street, changing the zoning from agricultural and conservation uses to general residential and conservation uses.

The request would allow up to 49 single-family homes to be built while preserving about 19 acres of open space in the area. Nearby Highland Springs High School, which is at 91% capacity, could need measures such as trailers, added building space, or redistricting if the development is approved, planners wrote in a report.

The board also will consider authorizing the issuance of general obligation bonds totaling $88 million, which would help fund several school rebuild and renovation projects, a new animal adoption center, and other projects; and consider authorizing the issuance of Economic Development Authority bonds totaling $45 million, which would help construct a new Social Services building and replace the county’s financial system.

Board members also are scheduled to vote on an ordinance that would remove vape shops from the list of developments that the county can fund through the Henrico Investment Program and expand HIP areas in the county.

In addition, the board is slated to vote on whether the county can participate in proposed settlements of opioid-related claims against the Sackler family and other parties, which are anticipated to provide about $2 million in funding to Henrico during a 15-year period to help address the damage caused by the opioid epidemic. 

During the July 22 board meeting, county officials said the $2 million would be used solely for opioid prevention and treatment initiatives.

At a 3:45 p.m. special meeting on Aug. 12, the board will also hear updates about the new countywide Henrico CARES mental health initiative, the county’s emergency medical services, the upcoming bond issuance, and the Belmont Advisory Group.

For details or to watch or participate in the Henrico Board of Supervisors meeting Aug. 12, click here.

Liana Hardy is the Citizen’s government and education reporter. Support her work and articles like this one by making a contribution to the Citizen.