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Friends and Supporters,
Henrico County is working on a new comprehensive plan and the community is interested in being more walkable, bike and transit friendly. Yet, two projects have popped up that would fuel further car dependency and sprawl, rather than a more sustainable future.
A Sheetz at an Amtrak station?
Henrico’s planning commission is considering a proposal to rezone 8 acres of land along Staples Mill Road for a massive Sheetz gas station – directly across from the Amtrak station and in an area where the county wants to see a mixed-use, walkable community. The property is currently zoned for single-family dwellings, townhomes, mid-sized offices, and compatible commercial uses.
A gas station right outside the Amtrak station sends the message that cars are still the dominant way to get around Henrico and the region. It would add more cars and traffic, increasing the risk to people walking and biking. Staples Mill Road is also a key corridor for future dedicated lane bus rapid transit, and instead of a Sheetz, we should be prioritizing frequent and reliable bus service and walkable development around the station.
This decision was already deferred once at the October planning committee meeting due to numerous resident concerns, including health and environmental impacts, increased traffic and accidents, and a lack of sidewalks.
We join the residents in opposing the project and hope you will share your opinion at the planning commission meeting on November 10 at 7 pm or by emailing your representative on the commission here.
Planning Commission:
Brookland
Robert H. Witte, Jr. (Vice Chair)
Phone: (804) 501-4602
Email: [email protected]
Fairfield
C. (Chris) W. Archer, C.P.C.
Phone: (804) 218-0549
Email: [email protected]
Three Chopt
Melissa L. Thornton (Chair)
(804) 501-4602
Email: [email protected]
Tuckahoe
Gregory R. Baka
Phone: (804) 501-4602
Email: [email protected]
Varina
William M. Mackey, Jr.
Phone: (804) 501-4602
Email: [email protected]
The cost for Short Pump keeps rising
We’ve heard that when Short Pump first proposed VDOT warned that it would cost a lot in terms of the roads needed to support it. The bills keep coming. Adding the I-64/295 interchange back in 2006 cost $49.1 million. Other projects have included widening I-64, widening Broad Street, and building the Route 288 outer beltway.
Henrico County is now proposing a new interchange off I-64 at North Gayton Road. In part, it is proposed to reduce backups on Broad Street at the I-64 interchange. But it’s also likely to be a can opener to development north of I-64 in Henrico and even into western Hanover. This in turn will require even more taxpayer funded infrastructure and generate yet more traffic.
We propose a compromise – an I-64 eastbound exit into Short Pump at North Gayton Road and an eastbound I-64 entrance at that location as well, but no overpass or connection to the north side of I-64. This will reduce some of the cars trying to enter/exit I-64 at Broad Street.
In addition, the funding priority should be dedicated lane bus rapid transit – extending the Pulse to Short Pump.
The County is currently preparing an Interchange Justification report for VDOT. If you agree with our design compromise and support bus rapid transit for funding, please email your supervisor here.
Board of Supervisors:
Brookland
Daniel J. Schmitt, Supervisor
Office (804) 501-4208
Cell (804) 516-6501
[email protected]
Fairfield
Frank J. Thornton, Vice-Chairman
Office – (804) 501-4208
Home – (804) 264-5363
[email protected]
Three Chopt
Thomas M. Branin, Supervisor
Office – (804) 501-4208
[email protected]
Tuckahoe
Patricia S. O’Bannon, Chairman
Office (804) 501-4208
Home (804) 288-5451
[email protected]
Varina
Tyrone E. Nelson, Supervisor
Office – (804) 501-4208
[email protected]
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