Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2023

Board of Supervisors Appropriates $67.1 Million in Federal, State Transportation Funding

Following a public hearing at its meeting last Wednesday, the Chesterfield Board of Supervisors appropriated $67.1 million in federal and state funds and authorized staff to proceed with a series of transportation infrastructure improvements.

More than half of the funding, $34.9 million, is earmarked for four projects that will bring relief to the heavily traveled western Route 360 corridor:

• $12.4 million for a Continuous Green-T intersection at Route 360 and Brad McNeer Parkway 
• $10 million for the Bailey Bridge Connector
• $9.3 million for access management improvements and a roundabout on Brad McNeer Parkway 
• $3.2 million for triple left turn lanes on Woodlake Village Parkway at Route 360

Chesterfield obtained another $13 million through Virginia’s Smart Scale transportation funding system for improvements to the Route 60 intersection at Stonebridge and Boulders Parkway, which will help accommodate traffic generated by ongoing redevelopment in the county’s eastern gateway area.

Read about other actions taken by the board last week in the Chesterfield On Point blog. 

Chesterfield Breaks Ground on First Phase

of Springline at District 60 Project

A gathering of government, business and community leaders attended a groundbreaking event last Thursday for the highly anticipated Springline at District 60, a mixed-use redevelopment project at the intersection of Midlothian Turnpike and Chippenham Parkway.

Springline at District 60 is being developed on the 42-acre site of the former Spring Rock Green shopping center, which was acquired by the Chesterfield Economic Development Authority in 2021.

The project will take shape over the next few years, with part of Phase I called The James at Springline to include 298 apartment units and 28,000 square feet of ground-level retail. The investment for this portion of the project is over $80 million and is scheduled to be completed in 2025.

Phase I will also include a 150,000 square-foot office building, a festival-like common area, a sports entertainment and tournament venue, a specialty market and a structured parking garage.

The master plan for the site envisions an urban village with abundant green space, convenient bike and walking paths, and wide streetscapes. At its center will be a large open space perfect for concerts, farmer’s markets, festivals and other events.

Learn more about the project by watching the video below.

Scenes from the Third Annual Community Cup

The third annual Community Cup took place last Saturday at River City Sportsplex. The event brings together first responders and multicultural communities across the Richmond region on the soccer field. It is a partnership between Chesterfield and Henrico counties, the City of Richmond and the Virginia State Police.

In addition to the soccer tournament, activities included food trucks, entertainment, a kids zone, first responders’ vehicle viewings and informational booths.

View a series of great photos from the Community Cup in the Chesterfield On Point blog.

Federal Agencies Conducting Nationwide

IPAWS Test This Wednesday

In coordination with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will conduct a nationwide test of the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) starting at 2:20 p.m. this Wednesday, Oct. 4.

The test will include the Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) and the Emergency Alerting System (EAS). This means residents should receive a WEA message on their mobile device, as well as an EAS message on television and radios.

Unlike Chesterfield Alert, where you receive local emergency alerts based on the addresses associated with a registered account, IPAWS is an alerting system that allows the federal government and approved local and state government agencies to send warning messages to people who are physically within a geographical area without registering. These alerts are issued when there is extreme danger in a geographical area and officials need as many people as possible in that space to take protective action. Some IPAWS alerts you may be familiar with are Amber Alerts and weather alerts from the National Weather Service.

Chesterfield is an authorized alerting authority. The county has sent WEA messages twice in the past year. Most recently, it sent a message to the surrounding areas of where a missing juvenile was last seen. While WEA alerts are useful, Chesterfield will use Chesterfield Alert for most types of emergency messaging, so please opt in at www.ChesterfieldAlert.com. You can enter multiple address points in your Chesterfield Alert account as well as choose multiple notification methods.

Chesterfield will use IPAWS when there is extreme danger and immediate action must be taken by as many people as possible in a geographical area. To ensure you are receiving IPAWS alerts, please go to the settings of your mobile device and verify that the your wireless emergency alerts (WEA) are enabled. WEA alerts should override your phone’s do not disturb function.

Learn more about the scheduled IPAWS test by visiting FEMA's website.

In a new article posted to the Chesterfield On Point blog, you can learn more about a study conducted by Virginia's Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC), which concluded the state government underfunded Chesterfield's public school system by $226.7 million during fiscal year 2023.

The findings from the General Assembly's watchdog agency came as no surprise to county leaders, who have long contended that the state's funding formula for K-12 education significantly understates what it actually costs to operate a high-quality school division.

For that reason, the local government fully funds about 900 classroom positions for Chesterfield County Public Schools, including salaries and benefits. That represents an annual expenditure of about $105 million to $110 million more than required by the Local Composite Index, a calculation that determines each locality’s ability to pay for its public schools.

The release of the 163-page report was the culmination of an 18-month study initiated by both chambers of the General Assembly in 2021.

Early Voting Under Way for

November's General Election

In-person early voting has begun at the Chesterfield Registrar's Office for the November general election.

Early voting is available from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at the General Registrar’s office, 9848 Lori Road. The office will also be open on the two Saturdays (Oct. 28 and Nov. 4) preceding the general election from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Early voting ends on Saturday, Nov. 4 at 5 p.m. The general election will take place Tuesday, Nov. 7.

To find more information about the 2023 general election in Chesterfield, including sample ballots and candidate information, visit www.promotethevotecfield.org. 

Voters Must Adhere To New State Law Before Casting Absentee Ballot 

Registered Chesterfield voters planning to cast an absentee ballot need to meet new requirements before returning their ballot either by mail or in a dropbox (located at all open polling locations),

Recent legislation (HB1948) removed the witness requirement for absentee ballots. Voters are now required to provide the last four digits of their social security number and their year of birth on the ballot envelope.

As stated on the Ballot Return Envelope, your ballot will not be counted if you do not fill in the Statement of Voter on the envelope completely.

Absentee ballots requested by registered Chesterfield County voters are currently being mailed to their respective residences.

The deadline to request an absentee ballot for the Nov. 7 General election is Oct. 27.

View more information about changes to absentee ballot return, and other information regarding the November General Election, at the Chesterfield General Registrar’s webpage. 

Final 'First Saturdays in the Garden'

of 2023 Season Takes Place This Saturday

Interested in learning more about gardening? Join the Chesterfield Master Gardeners at First Saturdays in the Garden, where you can learn about seeding, small space gardening, watering techniques and much more!

This Saturday is the final event of the 2023 season, so you don't want to miss it!

First Saturdays in the Garden takes place at 10 a.m. in the Extension Demonstration Garden, 9501 Lori Road.

To register, visit www.chesterfield.gov/extension.

FRIDAY

Thomas Dale at Matoaca, 7

Clover Hill at Monacan, 7

Huguenot at Manchester, 7

Prince George at Meadowbrook, 7

Powhatan at Cosby, 7

Richmond City School of the Arts at Midlothian, 7

Light Up the Night Against Crime 5-K

is Saturday at White Bank Park

Chesterfield/Colonial Heights Crime Solvers is holding the Light Up the Night Against Crime 5-K Fun Run/Walk & Public Safety Challenge this Saturday, Oct. 7 at White Bank Park, 400 White Bank Road, Colonial Heights.

Pre-race registration is from 5:30-6:45 p.m. The event begins at 7 p.m. and will take place on a partially lighted course.

Registration is $35 and proceeds benefit the Chesterfield/Colonial Heights Crime Solvers program.

Get more information and register at the event website.

Register for CASA's Superhero 5K

Sunday at Westchester Commons

Chesterfield's Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program is proud to announce the return of the Superhero 5K on Sunday, Oct. 8 at Westchester Commons.

It starts at 8:30 a.m. and includes a 5K run, a kids 1K run and a Family Fun event. Gather your family and friends to run or walk -- costumes are optional but encouraged!

Proceeds from registration fees benefit Chesterfield CASA, whose mission is to promote safe, permanent homes for abused and neglected children by providing trained volunteers to advocate for them throughout their involvement in the juvenile court process.

Register by visiting the event website.

Fire/EMS Seeking Community's Input

For its FY2025-30 Strategic Plan

Chesterfield Fire and EMS is in the process of developing its FY2025-FY2030 Strategic Plan and the department wants your input.

Your opinions are extremely important to them. This survey will give them the ability to use your individual feedback to forecast the strategic direction for Fire and EMS. It only takes about 15 minutes to complete the survey and it provides the opportunity for your personal comments.

Chesterfield Receives Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for 38th Consecutive Year

For the 38th consecutive year, Chesterfield has been recognized by the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) with the group’s Distinguished Budget Presentation Award. 

The award represents a significant achievement by the county’s Budget and Management Department. It reflects the commitment of a governing body and its staff in meeting the highest principles of governmental budgeting. In order to receive the award, an entity has to satisfy nationally-recognized guidelines for effective budget presentation. 

These guidelines are designed to assess how well an entity's budget serves as:

• a policy document
• a financial plan
• an operations guide
• a communications device

Budget documents must be rated "proficient" in all four categories, and in the 14 mandatory criteria within those categories, to receive the award.

On the latest episode of Chesterfield Behind the Mic, which drops tomorrow, we take stock of the ongoing high school football season around the county and see where things stand for our 10 teams midway through the 2023 fall campaign. 

Come Out to Fire Prevention Week Event, Meet Sparky and Maybe Even Win a Pumpkin

In observance of Fire Protection Week, Chesterfield Fire and EMS is holding a community event next Thursday, Oct. 12 at Beulah Recreation Center, 6901 Hopkins Road.

The event runs from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and includes the Fire and Life Safety House, fire truck tours, games and fun, as well as an opportunity to meet Sparky the Fire Dog. You'll even have a chance to win a pumpkin!

Mark your calendars and come out to meet Sparky and friends!

Movie Night at the Chesterfield County Airport Features Showing of 'Top Gun: Maverick'

Join us for Movie Night at the Airport, featuring a free showing of "Top Gun: Maverick," next Saturday, Oct. 14 at the Chesterfield County Airport, 7511 Airfield Drive.

Gates open at 5:30 p.m. Visit an open house with aircraft and displays prior to the show, which will begin at 7:30 p.m. You can purchase items from food trucks on site.

Please feel free to bring chairs or blankets to sit on; however, no pets or outside food or beverages are permitted.

In case of rain, the movie will be postponed.

Enjoy an Afternoon of Golf on Oct. 23

and Support the Christmas Mother

Share the magic of Christmas! Register today to play in the Merry Links Golf Classic and support the Chesterfield-Colonial Heights Christmas Mother Program.

The event takes place Monday, Oct. 23 at The Country Club at The Highlands, 8136 Highland Glen Drive. Registration starts at 10 a.m. and golf begins with a shotgun start at noon.

The cost is $125 for an individual, which includes range balls, boxed lunch, 18 holes of golf with cart, two beverages and a post-round banquet with dinner and awards.

Not playing golf? You can still register for the dinner and bid on great auction items. Do some Christmas shopping and help provide Christmas for our neighbors in need.

For more information and to register, visit the event website.

Meet Chicago!

He is a 4-year-old male black lab mix weighing 65 lbs. Chicago is extremely energetic and loves playing with toys. Chicago did well with meeting other dogs, although he does come on a bit strong with his playfulness.

He would do best in a home with an active lifestyle as he loves to run and play outdoors. He also knows a few tricks, such as sit and shake.

If you are interested in meeting this pet, please contact Chesterfield County Animal Services at 804-748-1683, option "2," to schedule an appointment. Office staff are available by phone 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday, and 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays. Our shelter is located at 9300 Public Works Road.

Chesterfield Opens Seven New

Community Recycling Centers

Chesterfield residents are now able to drop off recyclable materials free of charge at Community Recycling Centers located in seven different county parks.

The new centers at Harry G. Daniel Park at Iron Bridge, R. Garland Dodd Park at Point of Rocks, Ettrick Park, Goyne Park, Irvin G. Horner Park, Huguenot Park and Rockwood Park accept drop-off recycling from dawn to dusk when the parks are open.

These sites, which were chosen in order to maximize geographic coverage and bring drop-off locations closer to residents’ homes, accept glass, paper, and plastic as a single stream of recycling, meaning users won’t have to separate the materials. That work is performed by staff at a privately-owned material recovery facility, which continues to process all recyclables collected in Chesterfield.

The opening of these seven Community Recycling Centers coincides with the restoration of seven-day operations at the county’s northern and southern convenience centers planned for this fall.

Visit Chesterfield's website for more information about recycling.

Adopt-A-Spot Provides Opportunities

to Keep Chesterfield Beautiful

Invited to the White House

Chesterfield Recovery Academy was front and center at a White House summit on recovery in September.

During a panel discussion with Coordinator Justin Savoy, students Zakiya and Michael shared their stories, including how the Chesterfield Recovery Academy has changed their lives and put them on paths to successful futures. After graduating, Zakiya plans to attend law school and Michael will enter the military.

You can see video of the event here.

Begin with the

end in mind

On their first day of high school, every Chesterfield County ninth-grader poses for a cap-and-gown photo. It's a visual reminder that graduation is the goal. This video shows the class of 2027 trying on their graduation garb.