Goochland on my mind

Nuts and bolts of local government

2026-10-16T15:07:07.759-04:00

Monthly meeting agendas of the Goochland Board of Supervisors typically include many topics, and housekeeping matters that require their formal approval. October 6 was no different. Go to https://goochlandcova.portal.civicclerk.com/event/3418/media for a video of the meeting.

Following are some highlights.

Board Chair Jonathan Christy, District 1, commended the Goochland Sheriff’s Office for partnering with schools and the county to create The School Safety Task Force to ensure that our students have a safe environment in which to learn.

He invited all to attend the countywide town hall meeting on Wednesday, October 21 starting at 6:30 p.m. in the high school auditorium. The meeting, which will be livestreamed, will share updates on schools, county finances, and other topics.

County Administrator Dr. Jeremy Raley, Ed. D. announced that the Fall Festival will be held on October 24 from 11 to 2 on the “old GES field” on River Road West past the administration building. Trick or Treat will be held at the admin building on October 30 from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.

County offices will be closed on Tuesday, November 4 for election day.

The supervisors approved a resolution recognizing October 2026 as domestic violence awareness month. Representatives of GoochlandCares https://goochlandcares.org/ which offers sexual and domestic violences services, reported that in the past year, the organization handled 62 cases. Neil Spoonhower, District 2 said that he was on the GoochlandCares board when the service began and noted that, while Goochland seems to be safe place, the 62 cases are more than one per week.

New employees were introduced and welcomed to team Goochland. Among them were seven new career fire-rescue providers. Employee quarterly award winners were announced. It is nice to see the county celebrating the hard and excellent work of the people who make local government efficient, effective, and responsive.

Information technology was named team of the quarter, a well-deserved accolade. IT is responsible for the live stream and archiving of public meetings, Also, they maintain, troubleshoot and optimize all County computers, desk phones and audio-visual equipment, handle public transparency and AV operations, fulfill FOIA requests, manage our live recordings, and providing technical support for all County meetings and public town halls. Our graphic information systems or GIS team is also a part of the IT department. They manage and update GIS mapping services to support spatial data analysis, workflows and public mapping applications.

Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Andy Armstrong gave an update on the excellent work our schools are doing to help prepare our children for successful and satisfying lives. He reported, in response to a question posed at the October 4 town hall meeting, that of the 97 2026 Goochland High School graduates who earned an associate’s degree from Reynolds Community College, at least 90 are currently enrolled in bachelor’s degree programs as third year students, having completed their general education requirements, and saving two years’ worth of tuition.

During his comments, Armstrong issued an invitation to the “The Play that Goes Wrong” the latest production by the excellent high school drama department from Thursday October 15 through Sunday, October 18 at the high school. Go to https://sites.google.com/glnd.k12.va.us/goochland-drama-dept/home for details and to buy tickets.

As the budget process for FY28, which begins next July 1, is gearing up, reports by department heads will be included in board agendas.

General Services

Scott Foster, Director of General Services, began his presentation with a list of functions his department oversees. These include facilities management; convenience centers; project management; security card and key access; fuel management; vehicle replacements; renovations; street signs; pole banners; and voting machine delivery and pickup. The facilities team, consisting of 2/12 employees—one works half time on administrative tasks, responds to more than 220 work tickets a month.

Key projects facilities management is working on include renovation of the community development space; the implementation of energy management software; construction of Sandy Hook Fire-Rescue Station 8 and design of West Creek Fire-Rescue Station 7; cleaning up right of way signage; the new courthouse; and development of a safety and risk program.

Facilities management hosts several annual events, including shredding and tire amnesty—the next is scheduled for November 14—this includes agricultural tires. Foster said that the tire amnesty program would not be possible without the help of the high school’s Marine Corps Jr. ROTC cadets. Last year, the program processed more than 520 tires and 10k pounds of shredded material.

Foster said that he regularly fields citizen queries about when a convenience center in the east end will be built. This is still on the ‘wish” list.

Challenges to his department include providing workspaces for an evolving workforce and hiring staff to handle increased facilities.

Transportation

County Engineer Austin Goyne, who oversees transportation, and environmental matters in community development, gave the board un update on transportation projects in the county.

He explained that his department’s mission is to provide safe and efficient road networks, which serve all of Goochland County, to serve the businesses and the residents through road improvements funded by state, local, and federal sources. “The key thing I want to point out is that we have over $302 million in funding committed to road projects throughout the County. That is an absolutely remarkable accomplishment, and one of our recent accomplishments is in smart scale dating back to 2024.”

Spoonhower, who works with Goyne on the Central Virginia Transportation Authority (CVTA), said that until the county created a position to concentrate on roads, filled mostly by Goyne, Goochland had little success competing for these funds.

Goyne pointed out that Goochland County has been very successful in securing funding for transportation projects from various sources, which include regional gas tax, state and federal sources such as smart scale; funds that the board appropriates out of the general fund; and transportation proffers. Through June of 2026 funds totaled almost $16 million from Central Virginia Transportation Authority local: CVTA regional, a little over $67 million, and then state and federal sources just shy of $223 million.

The CVTA was created in 2020 when nine localities in the Richmond region entered into an agreement to distribute the gas funds, gas tax funds collected in the region; 50% gas taxes collected here come back to Goochland County. This translates into approximately $300,000 in revenue reported in the last fiscal year, almost $16 million since 2020. Goyne urged people to buy gas at one of the county’s 16 gas stations. About seven cents per gallon of gas purchased here comes back to Goochland.

He then explained how transportation dollars are being spent. The number one project is the Ashland Road diverging diamond over I64. This has a fixed completion date of 2029. Goyne expects “dirt to be moving” in August of 2027. He will be asking the supervisors to fund making Ashland Road four lanes from the interstate to the Amazon facility to ease congestion.

The Fairground Road extension from Sandy Hook Roud to Route 6 is expected to go to bid next spring with completion in early 2029.

Bids for the Oilville Road roundabout on the westbound I64 off ramp came in about $240k over allocated funds. VDOT is willing to split the overage 50/50 with the county. Discussions about fund allocations are underway with completion expected in 2028. The Fairground/Maidens Roads roundabout recommended by a safety study, is in very preliminary engineering studies, with completion perhaps in 2030.

The Hockett Road extension has been renamed Ashland Road and is in the process of yet another reconfiguration to address topographical issues at the entrance to the emergency vet. Completion might be in 2029.

Pedestrian connectivity—read sidewalks—in Courthouse Village to connect Swann’s Inn with the commercial hub is in process. Goyne gave no estimate of a completion date. This will be completed in phases with the goal of having sidewalks on both sides of River Road West. Securing rights of way across private property and utility easements are complicating factors.

Other transportation improvements on the radar screen include a realignment of Rockville Road, and signalization of the Broad Branch Drive/West Creek Parkway intersection as the Lilly project moves forward. Discussions with VDOT to replace three failing bridges in the county that are unable to support the weight of fire-rescue apparatus, which increases emergency response time.

Go to about the 1:50 minute mark on the video to listen to Goyne’s full presentation.

Weekend early voting begins October 18.

Early voting hours will be offered at voting at the Goochland Sports Complex, located at 1800 Sandy Hook Road, Goochland, VA 23063 on the following dates:

Sunday, October 18 from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Saturday, October 24 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Sunday, October 25 from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Saturday, October 31 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Rebuttal

2026-10-12T17:48:59.814-04:00

October 6 Board of Supervisors’ meeting. (Media for the meeting, which includes a closed caption video and transcript, is available at the “watch county meetings” tab on the county website https://www.goochlandva.us/)

The supervisors voted 4-1, Tom Winfree, District 3, recused himself from the matter, to grant a deferral, requested by applicant Virginia Sports Parks and Training Center, until February 2, 2027, for a public hearing on a conditional use permit to allow a shooting range on property near Hadensville just north of I-64.

The board also unanimously approved a resolution extending the time given to the planning commission’s consideration of proposed amendments to the comprehensive plan and zoning ordinance provisions related to the Technology Overlay District and Technology Zone to January 22, 2027. Proposed language will be shared at a community meeting before proceeding to a public hearing before the planning commission.

There will be a county-wide town hall meeting on Wednesday, October 21 beginning at 6:30 p.m. in the Goochland High School auditorium beginning at 6:30 p.m. These meetings typically share information about a wide range of local government related topics.

An opportunity for supervisors to respond to citizen comment period was added to the agenda. This was long overdue. Since the Technology overlay district and technology zone were created, citizen comment at every public meeting has been robust. The October 6 evening citizen comment period was no exception. Opponents of data centers, especially the pending conditional use permit proposal for a data center campus adjacent to Mosaic, the proposed shooting range, and sprawl caused by development, made their views known.

During the audit and finance committee meeting held earlier that afternoon, County Administrator Jeremy Raley, Ed.D. presented a snapshot of the county’s financial position that included a list of capital improvement projects totaling about half a billion dollars. Going forward, at current tax rates, the county could have an approximately $44 million dollar deficit by 2036 as expenses exceed revenue at current levels.

He also discussed the county goal of a tax revenue ratio of 30 percent residential to 70 percent commercial. Currently, the ratio is 82/18, hence the initiative to attract more significant economic development.

There have been several entreaties by vocal newcomers, about 1/28^th of the county population, to raise their taxes to cover the shortfall. The supervisors expressed opposition, contending that they want to keep those dollars in the pockets of citizens.

Board Chair Jonathan Christy, District 1, said that raising tax rates is not an easy decision, especially in District 1. He recalled “door knocking” while running for office and meeting people who were barely hanging on. He said that while some people may be able to afford higher taxes, many cannot. “There are a lot of old families in District 1 trying to hold on to their land as and you’ve seen with my stand on Valley Link; I don’t want anyone to lose their land.”

Neil Spoonhower, District 2, who welcomes citizen engagement, reflected at the district 5 town hall meeting on October 4, that “it’s frustrating to hear people spout all kinds of things that just aren’t true and us being unable to react.” He said that the 53-cent tax rate is no accident. When assessment declined 30 percent in 2008, the board didn’t raise tax rates to make up the shortfall but kept government lean and used tax dollars wisely.

Spoonhower thanked the citizens for their engagement. He reiterated that neither the VSP nor Tract proposals are done deals and that the board is working hard to be transparent despite repeated contentions to the contrary. “We do take this stuff seriously. There are no backroom conversations going on, nobody is in anybody’s pocket.”

Charlie Vaughtrs, District 4, alluded to the half billion dollars’ worth of capital projects that have been on the county radar for years and are woefully underfunded. To meet this goal all opportunities must be considered. He too opposes higher tax rates but contended that people not open to economic development possibilities make decisions difficult, and it’s important to look at all possibilities with an open mind.

Jonathan Lyle, District 5, who served as a Monacan Soil and Water Conservation District Director and is a Director for the Goochland Farm Bureau, pointed out that the land use tax rate, set by an algorithm created at Virginia Tech of $1,100 per acre may not seem like much, but is an integral part of preserving the 85 percent rural, 15 percent developed county land use goal.

“If you want to grow residential rooftops, tell a farmer that who is making maybe $300 or $400 an acre on soybeans that he's now going to pay for fair market value on his property of 50, 60, $100,000 an acre. You'll see a construction boom going on in this County, and it will be for housing that we can't support at a 53-cent tax rate,” contended Lyle.

And the beat goes on.

With a little help from my friends

2026-10-12T14:35:54.754-04:00

Friends of the Goochland Branch Library used book sale

The Goochland supervisors’ October 6 meeting approved a proclamation recognizing October 18-24 as National Friends of Libraries weeks. Board Chair Jonathan Christy, District 1, read the proclamation:

“Whereas, Friends of the Goochland Branch Library raise money that enables our library to move from good to great -- providing the resources for additional programming, much needed equipment, support for children’s summer reading, and special events throughout the year;

Whereas, the work of the Friends highlights, on an on-going basis, the fact that our library is the cornerstone of the community, providing opportunities for all to engage in the joy of life-long learning and connect with the thoughts and ideas of others from ages past to present;

Whereas, the Friends understand the critical importance of well-funded libraries and advocate to ensure that our library gets the resources it needs to provide a wide variety of services to all ages including access to print and electronic materials, along with expert assistance in research, readers’ advisory, and children’s services;

Whereas, the Friends’ gift of their time and commitment to the library sets an example for all in how volunteerism leads to positive civic engagement and the betterment of our community.”

To celebrate, the Friends will offer free cookies and coffee to visitors during the week. The celebration will conclude with a used book sale as part of the Fall Festival at the Sports Complex on October 24.

The robust advocacy of the Friends of the Goochland Library was responsible for construction of the current library, which moved from a space that it had outgrown in early 2003. Some said it would be a cold day in hell before Goochland built a new library. The community gathered on a frigid day in early 2003 to move materials from the old space to the new.

Pamunkey Regional Library (a consortium with Hanover County) cards are free to Goochland residents. In addition to the physical library, many online services are offered. Go to https://www.pamunkeylibrary.org/ for details. The Goochland Branch Library is located at 3075 River Road West in Courthouse Village.

Lace up your shoes

2026-10-12T12:11:03.054-04:00

RUN TO THE REVOLUTION

Lace up and join us for the Run to the Revolution 5K on Saturday, November 7, beginning at 9 a.m. at 1900 Sandy Hook Road in Goochland! Hosted by the Goochland County 250 Commission, this fun community race is a great way to celebrate Goochland’s connection to the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. The 5K is $35, and every participant gets a free T-shirt. There’s also a free ½-mile Kids Run beginning at 9:05 a.m.—adults and kids must be registered in advance.

Ready to run? Register here: https://runsignup.com/Race/VA/Goochland/RuntotheRevolution

A look at county finances

2026-10-10T13:27:47.288-04:00

The Goochland Audit and Finance Committee met on October 6. This body is comprised of three supervisors—Committee Chair Charlie Vaughters, District 4, Board Chair Jonathan Christy, District 1, and Board Vice Chair Tom Winfree, District 3—County Administrator Dr. Jeremy Raley, Ed. D., and Director of Finance Denise Sandlin.

Raley gave an update on the annual county audit, conducted by PBMares (https://www.pbmares.com/) for FY26, which ended on June 30. Raley commended Sandlin and her team for their exceptional work preparing for the preliminary audit in May and continuing that momentum to the final audit. This included 72 deliverables, each of which was prepared and ready for the outside auditors on time. Based on preliminary reports, no concerns, weaknesses, or deficiencies were found. He said that these results prove that upgrades to the audit and finance team in the past year are working. These efforts included enhanced communication between the county and PBMares during all phases of the audit.

Raley thanked department heads, constitutional officers, the entire finance team, schools, Department of Social Services, department heads, and everyone who touches county finances for working in concert to achieve these positive results.

Sandlin and Raley commended Assistant Director of Finance Kathleen Smith for her diligent hard work in the audit process. Sandlin reported that her department is in regular contact with PBMares to complete reports, letters, and related documentation needed to complete the audit, which will be presented to the Board of Supervisors for approval in December.

In response to citizen skepticism about the need to attract economic development with a goal of generating 30 percent of tax revenue from real estate and 70 percent from commercial—it currently is 82/18—Raley presented a forecast of county revenues and expenses. He cautioned that his remarks were a forecast, not set in stone but offered a reasonable scenario of county finances going forward, based on current conditions, which could be affected by unknowns in the future.

Since 2020 annual county revenue growth has averaged 7.1 percent, during the same period, expenses have grown 7.7 percent. If the trend continues, it could result in a $44.6 million shortfall by 2036.

Raley said that Goochland is in a strong financial position but cautioned that unfunded mandates recently handed down by state government, including parental leave, which will add $100k to next year’s county budget, and potential unionization, which has been estimated to add more than $2 million to county expenses, poses challenges.

As Goochland grows and changes, citizens have come to expect a certain level of services for core functions of local government especially education and public safety. Over time, said Raley, that has resulted in increases in operational costs to meet those expectations.

Goochland also needs to fund many capital projects in the next few years, including a career and technical addition to the high school, fire-rescue stations, and a new courthouse to replace the one that just marked 200 years of continuous operation. Raley estimated the current cost of these projects, inflation will undoubtedly rear its ugly head, at $298.3 million in the next ten years.

These projects have been on the radar screen for some time and cannot be put off any longer. “They are brick and mortar investments in our community.” Preliminary work on some of these projects, including engineering and architecture, has begun and funding decisions will need to be made soon.

Financing the new Goochland Elementary School, which opened in 2024 and was needed since 1996, was a heavy lift for the county. Our neighbors, like deep pocketed Henrico, have so many sources of tax revenue, including from at least 20 data centers, that they can build schools and fire stations with “decimal dust”.

How to pay for all of this poses a conundrum, Raley contended. While the 53 cents per $100 assessed valuation tax rate has not increased since 2008, tax bills have risen in line with assessments. Property owners in the TCSD, about five percent of county taxpayers, also pay an added 32 cents ad valorem tax. He presented a chart comparing Goochland tax rates with our neighbors. Excluding the ad valorem tax, Goochland, at 53 cents, is the lowest in the region.

The impact of economic development projects including the two Amazon facilities, Eli Lilly, and others will not affect the county’s bottom line until certificates of occupancy are issued. In the short term, the county expects to pay off the remaining TCSD debt in 2030, which will not only end the ad valorem tax, but make the approximately annual $4.7 million in revenue sharing on land values in the TCSD, which has been used to service that debt, available to fund general government operations.

Goochland is the smallest county in the nation to have earned three AAA bond ratings due to its careful fiscal policies, which include thresholds for managing debt.

Raley said that the county continues to pursue the goal of achieving a 70/30 ratio of real estate/commercial tax revenue generation, which is currently 82/18. This will take significant private investment to “move the needle”.

The discussion—no decisions were made—turned to various ways to secure funding for these projects after the $46 million remainder of the $96 million bonds—$60 million for schools, $36 million for the courthouse and public safety—authorized in the 2021 referendum, $50 million of which were issued in 2022 at a 2.3 percent rate, has been exhausted. Funds generated through general obligation bond issuance must be spent within eight years of the referendum, November 2029.

Of the remaining $46 million approved for bond issuance, $18.2 million is available for schools and the other $27.8 is available for the “bucket” of law enforcement, public safety, and courts, explained Raley. Preliminary cost estimates for Station 7 are a bit over $14 million and the CTE addition, about $30 million. Raley said that one option, there are others, for financing the CTE addition would be to use the $18.2 from the bonds and obtain the $9.2 million balance from other sources.

Vaughters put the impact of inflation in perspective by contending that $18.2 million in 2019 is approximately $24 million in today’s dollars. He advocated using realistic projections to decide how much to borrow to avoid shortfalls.

There seemed to be general agreement that incurring debt within the thresholds of the county financial policy using the “triple triple” bond rating to secure the best terms possible is the most cost-effective way to pay for these projects. There is about a six-month window between the time that bonds are authorized and issued.

However, there was disagreement about whether to hold a bond referendum or use other mechanisms administratively available to localities. There was brief discussion about “price tags” on the projects. Should estimates be pared to minimum standards to keep costs low or build for the next 60 years knowing that the costs will never be less?

As a practical matter, it may not be possible to hold a bond referendum before next November’s general election. Schools expect to put the CTE addition out to bid in the spring and will need funding before then.

GOMM was one of many people who sat outside for hours on the cold rainy election day 2021 to encourage voters to approve the bond referendum. In addition to schools the bonds were to be used to build West Creek fire-rescue station 7, whose location was chosen in 2019.

Station 7 was “paused” a few years ago in response to a lawsuit filed by homeowners near the site, which was identified before most of their homes were built. As there is a shelf life to funds generated by bond referendums, the county decided to begin construction on Sandy Hook Station 8 using the bond funds. The suit never went forward, but the delay cost the county several million dollars, and more importantly at least four years of fire-rescue protection.

The committee will meet next December to further explore the matter and perhaps present a course of action to the entire board of supervisors.

The meeting is archived with a closed-captioned video and transcript at https://goochlandcova.portal.civicclerk.com/event/4543/media

Distrct 5 town Hall October 4 2025

2026-10-06T11:01:25.638-04:00

Benedictine auditorium

At an October 4 meeting held on the beautiful campus of Benedictine Schools on River Road, District 5 Supervisor Jonathan Lyle, School Board Member Ellen Robinson, and Planning Commissioner Martin Dean shared information on a wide range of topics about Goochland other than data centers. Supervisors Neil Spoonhower, District 2, and Tom Winfree, District 3, were also there.

The attendance was not as robust as community meetings held at the high school, perhaps because the meeting was livestreamed, enabling people to watch the meeting and football games simultaneously. One unsilenced cell phone in the audience blared football theme music.

Kudos to Director of Information Technology Dan Stowers and his team for making the presentation accessible in real time and archived on the county website at https://goochlandcova.portal.civicclerk.com/event/4502/media . The meeting lasted for a bit more than three hours. Following are some highlights. Please take time to watch the meeting, the video includes closed captioning.

Lyle explained that the session was designed to share brief sketches of “nuts and bolts” of county operations.

Robinson said that Goochland Schools “are preparing out children for the future while giving them the strongest foundation possible.” She championed the reintroduction of cursive writing to elementary classrooms, which helps students hone fine motor skills, and the sensory input of placing pen to paper also helps increase information retention and critical thinking. Goochland Schools, said Robinson, are well aware of the challenges of technology and are exploring ways for tech to enhance rather than distract from the educational experience.

“I personally feel we should teach at the appropriate level how to use AI. We also teach how to think independently without those tools. How to read a physical book, be a critical thinker. Sit with a difficult problem, communicate ideas clearly, write, research question, analyze and defend their conclusions, the importance of the human brain and its capacity to learn through doing.” The ultimate goal is to make Goochland graduates tech savvy responsible digital citizens.

Dr. Jennifer Waggener, GCPS assistant superintendent for administration, shared additional information about our schools, which, she contended, measure up well against the private school option. Of last June’s graduating class of 250, 97 earned an associate’s degree from Reynolds Community College before they received their high school diploma. Goochland’s Marine Corps Junior ROTC program is the largest in the region and regularly places well in competitions.

Our career and technical education department offers a wide array of options for students to explore future careers. Ground is expected to be broken next year for a CTE addition to the high school to expand the program. (Go to https://www.goochlandschools.org/ to https:

Waggener explained the Golden Bulldog pass program where Goochland citizens 60 or older can get free admission to home games and ticket discounts for theatrical performances. Go to https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScKCSqXPxWO75nH8tvsvw3-DdXF8K6BZPmKVx2gHTm4xsTlIg/viewform for details.

She invited everyone to attend the upcoming production by the Drama Department, “The Play that goes wrong” on October 16, 17, and 18. These plays are outstanding and deserve to have every seat filled at every performance. Go to https://sites.google.com/glnd.k12.va.us/goochland-drama-dept/2025-2026-season/oklahoma?authuser=0 for details and to buy tickets.

To follow and support our Bulldog athletes in action, Go to https://www.ghsbulldogsathletics.com/schedule?year=2026-2027 .

Lyle then plunged into fiscal matters, contending that land use and the county budget are the two most important tasks of supervisors. The “big four” he concentrates on are public safety, education, roads, and free and fair elections. Once those budgetary needs have been addressed properly, he will consider other things.

He rebutted the refrain of “build houses not data centers” by explaining that a home consumes $1.25 in services for every dollar of tax revenue it generates. “Houses do not pay the bills,” said Lyle. The current tax rate of 53 cents per $100 on assessed valuation has been in place for 20 years, but tax bills have increased due to rising assessments. Real estate taxes contribute about 73 percent of the budget.

The county is in the process of retaining experts to address water issues that plague some homes in the Tuckahoe Creek Service District, especially Parkside Village and Mosaic. A vendor for this has been selected and the supervisors are expected to approve the contract for this at their November meeting.

Lyle said that the supervisors determine the level of service citizens want, things like fire-rescue stations, excellence in schools and so forth. Financing the difference can be done by bond issues, which increases the county’s indebtedness. He delved into the near-term capital needs, fire-rescue stations, the new courthouse, the CTE addition for the high school, and whether it would be prudent for the county to borrow more. Lyle believes that any added bond issuance should be approved by a referendum, like one that was overwhelmingly approved in 2021.

Lyle repeated his commitment to commercial growth in Goochland, especially West Creek. He explained that securing significant investments like the Eli Lilly facility is a long and complicated process. Non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) are an integral part of attracting business to a locality, said Lyle. When he served on the Henrico Industrial Development Authority in the 1980s, he learned how these work.

“They (NDAs) are used by companies who are exploring a decision. They haven't made a decision. And so, there's a very real reason they don't necessarily want to go out on the front page of The Wall Street Journal and say, hey, we're thinking of coming to Goochland County. And so other companies can say, well, maybe we should buy that land. Other people will say, oh, well, they're interested in it. Maybe the land price just went up $50,000 an acre. There are a lot of reasons why you want to have a conversation without saying this is a done deal. The other is that the market. Somebody says, oh, well, they're going to build a $5 billion plant in Goochland County. What's that going to do to their debt on their balance sheet? Is that going to affect their stock price? I don't do the market, but I understand you can short stock or long stock. And so, they start making plays out there based on public information on decisions that haven't yet been made.”

Lyle acknowledged that NDAs create a trust issue and explained that going forward new protocols require that supervisors will have the final say on if and when NDAs are used.

Economic development is working t grow Goochland’s commercial tax base toward a 30 percent commercial/70 percent residential ratio. It is occurring in places where the county has long desired this to occur.

Lyle touted the power of networking and asked anyone who has connections with companies who are considering expansion to recommend Goochland as a destination and contact Raley to get the ball rolling.

Dean, who is also a volunteer fire captain at Manakin Company 1, attempted to “turn down the heat” around land use matters by helping people better understand the system that operated to make sure that optimal decisions are made.

He began by explaining our system of government and comparing it to ancient Athens, the cradle of democracy. Pure democracy, where every citizen weighs in on every decision every day, a full-time job. Our founding fathers believed that a pure democracy was not a practical way to govern and build a representative democracy instead. Now we vote for representatives to “make tough calls on our behalf.”

Virginia is a Dillon Rule state, which means that localities have only those powers specifically given to them by the General Assembly. “There are a lot of things in this county that we would love to regulate, but we can’t because the state is not giving us that authority.” These include air, land water, and where power lines go.

At sone point all land went through some kind of public process. Land use decisions do not set precedent. Each parcel is unique, which is why public input in the process is so important. The county has little control over the timing of a process. All landowners have rights, including the right to a timely hearing.

When an application is on the planning commission docket, that board has 70 days to make a recommendation to the supervisors. The supervisors can slow the process down, and the applicant can slow it further.

Most of the details on a land use change are worked out after the approval during the plan of development process. This is done according to many codes.

This is a process during which many things change by design to improve an application. The process is proven and works even though the outcome may not please everyone.

Spoonhower thanked everyone for attending and their engagement. He said that going forward, following citizen comment, supervisors will have the opportunity to address those comments. “It is frustrating to hear people spouting all kinds of things that just aren’t true without giving us the opportunity to react. “

Spoonhower said that he did not vote for a data center but rather for a technology overlay district to give more protection to Readers Branch. “I voted to add requirements for data centers that are already by right. I will support the right data center. I have no concerns about 55 + community but do have specific concerns about this (Tract) proposal.”

He cares that data centers cannot be seen heard, smelled, or have an impact on people’s lives. Spoonhower said he has not seen a final plan that indicates the number, size, or location of specific data centers.

“I’m not going to vote for anything that will disturb your lives. This has to be the best damn project in the country. That’s what I’m voting for,” said Spoonhower. His remarks were greeted with applause. Go to the about 2:25 minute mark on the recording to listen.

A celebration of history

2026-09-23T11:37:35.120-04:00

Opening honors (Clerk office image)

A light breeze and comfortable temperatures blessed the 200^th birthday party for Goochland’s iconic courthouse on September 19.

Clerk of the Goochland Circuit Court, The Hon. Amanda Adams, welcomed all to the courthouse green for the event, the kickoff for the county’s 300^th anniversary celebration, which will begin next year and conclude in 2028.

The Hon. Amanda Adams welcome.

The new interactive walking trail around the Courthouse Green uses QR codes to unlock videos to help visitors discover the people, places, and stories that shaped Goochland.

A joint Goochland Sheriff’s Office/ Fire-Rescue honor guard presented the colors. The high school chorus sang the Star-Spangled Banner and Trail Life Troop: VA2019 lead the Pledge of Allegiance, a traditional opening to civic events on the green. The invocation was offered by the Rev. Emily Dunevant and benediction by the Rev. Adlai Allen.

The festive atmosphere harkened back to days when the green was a community gathering place. People visited booths set up around the green by local organizations. Important speeches were punctuated by the happy chatter of young children frolicking. Not that long ago, local children played on the green and walked along the top of its brick wall.

Robin Lind, President of the Goochland Historical Society, welcomed many dignitaries including Adams, former county sheriff James L. Agnew; current sheriff Steven Creasey; the Hon. Dale Agnew, former clerk of court; current District Court Judge Claiborne H. Stokes, Jr; former District court Judge Edward Carpenter; Juvenile and Domestic Court Judge Deborah Tinsley; the Hon. Teresa Dobbins, Powhatan Circuit Court clerk; current and former county supervisors; and Pam Johnson former Goochland Treasurer and Chair of the Electoral Board.

Robin Lind, President of the Goochland Historical Society

Lind put the time that ground was broken for the courthouse into historical perspective.

By September of 1826 America was a sovereign nation. Though many of its citizens were born well after independence from Great Britain was declared in 1776 and secured by years of war, they cherished the rule of law. Eleven weeks earlier, both Goochland native son Thomas Jefferson and John Adams, who birthed our nation, died on July 4, 1776.

Setting the cornerstone of the courthouse, a building dedicated to justice, was “a physical manifestation of dedication to an ideal, of which we have striven to keep in place every day,” said Lind of the rule of law. This was not Goochland’s first courthouse. The exact location of its predecessors remains elusive.

Former Goochland County Attorney, Darvin Satterwhite, who practiced law in the county for decades, began his remarks with a quote from comedian the late George Carlin, who once quipped that posting the Ten Commandments in a courthouse, which he contended were frequented by lawyers, judges, and politicians would create a hostile work environment.

Darvin Satterwhite

Satterwhite contended that Carlin might have changed his opinion if he knew about Goochland Courthouse.

“How could he not be impressed by its rich history.” In 1826 John Quincy Adams was president, The Last of the Mohicans was published. Dabney Cosby, the architect for the courthouse, worked with noted builder Valentine Parrish. Cosby had worked for Jefferson on buildings at the University of Virginia. As a result, he was very fond of the Roman Revival style reflected in the beautiful, majestic columns on the front of the courthouse. The brick wall around green was built in 1840 to deal with complaints by jurors about the sounds of cows mooing outside as they deliberated. The old clerk’s office was built in 1847. What is now known as The James Klopton Knibb building in 1906.

The exterior of the courthouse remained unchanged until 1954 when renovations were made to expand and renovate judge’s chambers by local builder S. Stuart Haden. The public safety and district court additions came in 1983. The Civil War monument was placed on the green in 1918 to be joined in 1998 by the Veterans’ Monument, erected by American Legion Post 215 as a tribute to the sacrifice of all American Veterans for all the wars in which we’ve been involved.

“A courthouse is made of more than brick and mortar. It’s made of the men and women who serve in the facilities to provide the kind of civic services that make not just society but a place where people can live and thrive,” he said.

Satterwhite reflected on the people he encountered during his legal career. “I worked with and against some fine attorneys but there was one that epitomizes the integrity and professionalism of what a true attorney should be. As a young lawyer I needed guidance and advice. Mr. Knibb was always there to show you the way. Although he was legally blind, he practiced law with vigor and zeal that few attorneys can match. Above all, he was a kind man, he cared for and loved people. For so many years he walked through the doors of this courthouse serving the people of Goochland as their Commonwealth’s Attorney. He was the perfect picture of a southern gentleman and model of someone who we should all strive to be.

Satterwhite singled out two of the justices that he appeared before, F. Ward Harkrader, Jr. and Timothy K. Sanner, as some of the finest judges in the Commonwealth “What a blessing they have been to the citizens and attorneys. We also need to be grateful for the circuit court clerks who have faithfully served the citizens, Louis “Doc” Parrish, Lee Turner, Dale Agnew, and Amanda Adams.”

Satterwhite listed current and past judges and clerks of General District and Juvenile and Domestic Relations courts, and Commonwealth’s Attorneys. He also commended the elected officials who guided Goochland to preserve a special bend of rural character. Many of these dedicated leaders have passed on leaving their stamp on the county.

“We couldn’t enjoy the peace and safety we have in this county without the dedicated service of our sheriffs.”

Satterwhite said that those people, and many more, are the bricks that make up Goochland Courthouse, and we should be grateful for the blessing of their dedicated service.

Reenactor Gerald Notare gave a stirring rendition of Patrick Henry’s “Give me liberty” speech.

"Patrick Henry" (Clerk Office image)

Suzanne Taylor, a teacher at Randolph Elementary School, explained how an innovative “time travel” curriculum brings Goochland history alive for fourth graders. She explained that Goochland was named for royal governor William Gooch, who never set foot in the county. The county was split off from Henrico in 1727 to accommodate westward growth.

Mining for coal, gold, and currently quartz has long been a staple of Goochland’s economy. The Kanawha canal, which paralleled the James River, was used for transportation eventually to be replaced by the railroad, whose route follows the canal towpath.

An exhibit showcased Time Travel materials.

Bringing Goochland History alive for fourth graders

A commemorative brick to mark the occasion was dedicated.

(ltr) "Patrick Henry", Amanda Adams, Sheriff Steven Creasey, District Court Clerk Jen Liptak, District Court Judge Claiborne H. Stokes, Jr., District 5 Supervisor Jonathan Lyle, District 3 Supervisor Tom Winfree, Commonwealth's Attorney John Lumpkins, Jr., District 1 Supervisor Jonathan Christy (Clerk Office Image)

Former Sheriff James L. Agnew shared sanitized versions of some sensational cases he dealt with during his tenure in office. “Goochland juries do the right thing,” he said of the outcomes of those trials.

Agnew believes that the Goochland Courthouse Green is one of, if not the most, beautiful in the Commonwealth and the nation.

Former Sheriff James L. Agnew

Agnew categorized people who appear at the courthouse: those who make mistakes; those who are unable to reform their bad habits; and those who are truly evil.

“People come here, “said Agnew gesturing to the Courthouse, “for chancery cases, divorce cases, land disputes, and civil suits of more than $10,000. They come here to get their problems redressed.”

He recalled a dispute between a man and the bank that held his mortgage, which resulted in the Sheriff’s office being ordered to evict him and the unhappy homeowner holding a demonstration with a brass band.

“There are evil, nasty, and predatory people out there and we need to deal with them,” said Agnew.

Perhaps the most famous murder case in Goochland happened in 1917 and involved brothers that began with a civil suit and ended when pieces of one brother’s body were unearthed by a local dog. The surviving brother was sentenced to prison. Fourteen years later, the majority of jurors that convicted him asked the governor to pardon him.

The building itself is beautiful, but it has some issues that cannot be fixed. In the next few years, it will be replaced and this will be used for ceremonial purposes, said Agnew. It is very hard to maintain security for the kind of people who appear in court here. “This building is not suitable for modern trials.”

“This place is rich in history, and we are lucky to have it,” said Agnew.

Adams thanked Lind for being the day’s master of ceremonies, “and reminding us of everything that happened in 1826.” She also thanked partners including American Legion Post 215; Daughters of the American Revolution: Goochland County, Parks and Rec, General Services; Grace Church; Goochland Fire-Rescue; the Sheriff’s Office; the school division including the high school chorus, culinary arts department for the wonderful event themed cookies, and elementary schools; Goochland Historical Society; Goochland’s DeWitt Clinton Masonic Lodge; Goochland Rotary Club; the Library of Virginia; and Goochland 250.

Celebratory cookies (Clerk Office image)

She singled out for, special thanks, her office; Jessica Kronberg and Paul Drumwright of county staff; Angelia Miller and Tom Cocke of Parks & Rec.; and James Richmond for the display in the old clerk’s office.

It was a glorious day to honor our courthouse and its role in county history. Thank you, Madame Clerk, for making it a day to remember and carrying on the legacy of your predecessors!

Visit the Goochland County Clerk of Circuit Court Facebook page for many more images.

Attracting visitors

2026-09-18T17:39:51.338-04:00

The "men's farm" on Rt. 6 would make a great state park

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Tourism is touted as one of the best forms of economic development. People come, enjoy the local sights, spend money, and go home to educate their children and grow old elsewhere.

Visitor spending for Goochland County reached $62.4 million in 2025, a 5.4 percent increase over 2024. According to a recent press release from the county, (https://www.goochlandva.us/m/newsflash/home/detail/1458) tourism supported 463 jobs in Goochland and generated $2.5 million in local tax revenue. (Go to http://www.exploregoochland.com/ to see all that the county has to offer.)

On September 19 farm tours (https://exploregoochland.com/192/2026-Goochland-County-Farm-Tours) provide a glimpse into local agriculture.

Our potent potable—wine, whiskey, and cider—establishments bring visitors to the county. The annual Deep Run Horse Show attracts equestrians from all over the country, as do Goochland Day, the Fall Festival, and our Fourth of July fireworks.

Event venues are another tourism-based local industry.

“Get Hitched in Goochland” (https://www.exploregoochland.com/155/Get-Hitched-in-Goochland) brings lovers to unique local settings that range from a barn to a castle and everything in between for their special day. This also gives their guests a look at Goochland.

The exquisite grounds of Rassawek Vineyard, https://rassawek.com/ offer a unique setting for events and festivals and overnight lodging in antique train cars.

Dover Hall https://www.doverhall.com/blog, The Estate at River Run https://www.theestateatriverrun.com/ and Virginia Barn Weddings at the Adams International School are other choices. These venues host other kinds of gatherings and events that bring visitors to the county.

A proposed polo facility could further enhance Goochland’s equestrian tradition.

The 2027 legislative agenda, the county’s “wish list” for help from the state, included a request by the Economic Development Authority to transfer ownership of closed Department of Corrections property, “men’s farm”, and the vacant Reynolds Community college campus, to the county along with transition funding.

The state farm property, a good part of which is in flood plain, is an ideal site for a state park along the James River. It has buildings of historical significance, which the state has left to molder, which could be restored and repurposed for community use. This might also be a suitable location for a shooting range.

The Reynolds Community College property, 90 acres of prime real estate in the center of Courthouse Village, which has been mostly empty since before Covid, could soon become a pharmaceutical manufacturing training center to complement the Eli Lilly facility coming to West Creek.

Tourism helps landowners use their property to generate revenue and resist the siren song of developers to keep 85 percent of Goochland rural.

Turn, turn, turn

2026-09-17T16:44:41.349-04:00

Green T intersection (VDOT image)

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Tract, the entity that filed a conditional use application to build a data center campus on more than 800 acres roughly between Hockett Road and West Creek in the county’s east end, held a second community meeting on September 14 to explain and discuss changes made to the initial CUP application following the first meeting held in July.

Go to https://www.youtube.com/live/YQ_zk0LHj_Y to view a recording of the meeting. Also, see https://www.tuckahoetechparkinfo.com/facts for updated details on the proposal.

Unlike the first meeting, which seemed dismissive of citizen comments, on September 14 the Tract representative, Erin Fosdick, tried to address and respond to questions and concerns. Opponents will only be satisfied if the proposal is withdrawn.

Revisions to the CUP application including more robust and binding requirements for setbacks, sound mitigation, water use, and generator testing for end users, which could be several entities that have not yet been identified, were shared. The focus was on the operational phase of data centers, years in the future.

The initial CUP pre-application—for the record any landowner in Goochland is entitled to file a pre-application to request land use changes, with no guarantee it will be approved—showed the main access point to the proposed data center campus on the north side of Rt. 6, just east of its intersection with Hockett Road. They could not have chosen a more treacherous location.

The revised CUP application moved the main access point to Hockett Road, a couple of miles north of Rt.6 for all construction and operational traffic. Something called a "green " intersection, allegedly approved by the geniuses in the VDOT—the state agency whose motto is “Oops!”—bunker somewhere under Richmond, will improve safety and traffic flow. This right in, right out configuration could require fully loaded dump and logging trucks to make U turns, should they need to go east. Fosdick said that traffic from the site would be required to travel south only, with no mechanism for enforcement.

There is no mention of any improvement to the narrow, winding section of Hockett Road to accommodate the multitude of heavy equipment needed to build the proposed data center campus. Construction would begin at 7 a.m. just in time for big trucks to mix with commuter traffic. Who will pay for the pavement damage caused by all that heavy truck traffic on Hockett Road? Fosdick seemed to indicate that there could be further discussion on this matter but did confirm that all road improvements must be complete before any data center construction starts.

Regardless of whether the data center campus is approved, at some point those 870 acres will be developed. Currently the property is heavily wooded. It seems likely that the justification for land use tax status on some of its parcels is that they are in forestal use, trees grown for commercial purposes.

Where will all those trees go after they are felled? How will the land be cleared? Fosdick touted the low floor area ratio (FAR), the percentage of land to be covered by buildings, but the actual acreage expected to be clear cut is still quite vague. The application includes open space—areas with no buildings—percentages but does not specify if that means trees removed.

The Tract application includes sound abatement measures for data center and generator operations, Fosdick contended that those same noise standards would apply to construction activity. There was no mention of enforcement of sound mitigation during construction. Are there quiet chainsaws and bull dozers?

Rather than dump heavy construction vehicles into Hockett Road traffic for the next several years, Tract should build a new, straighter, wider and safer roadway along its frontage as a show of good faith.

Never forget

2026-09-12T15:21:57.051-04:00

Evert year on September 11, Goochland Fire-Rescue sponsors events commemorating the terrorist attacks on American soil that forever changed the world.

A morning service geared to the sacrifices made by those in public safety—law enforcement, firefighters, Emergency Medical responders, animal protection—was held at Courthouse Company 5, in the shadow of Old Glory deployed from its ladder truck.

In the evening, a more general observance took place at Manakin Company 1, home to Goochland’s 911 memorial, which contains steel from the Twin Towers in New York. It included a presentation about the Freedom Flag (https://www.freedomflagfoundation.org/) that honors all who died at Ground Zero, the Pentagon, and Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

During the morning session, the names of all NYFD firefighters, EMS personnel, and law enforcement officers who were killed on that horrific day were read to make sure they are never forgotten. Some of the readers had not yet been born on 911. Vignettes about heroes who died helping others, their dedication to service, and how they ran toward danger were shared. Names of those who perished during the past year from 911 related illnesses that continue to kill, were also read.

Following fire service tradition, a bell was rung to honor the fallen.

National media was filled with stories about the fallen and images of their still grieving families. We must never forget any of the people who were killed during the 911 attacks and make sure that the millions of young people who have been born in the last 25 years know their stories.

Those who choose public safety careers are unique individuals. They train hard to learn how to run toward emergencies, bring order out of chaos, and give aid to those impacted with grace. They never know what their next shift will bring and shrug “what if?” to the back of their minds. Their families send them off, proud of their accomplishments and dedication to service, with prayers for their safe return.

The morning event concluded with the placement by members of Goochland American Legion Post 215 of a memorial wreath at the base of the Company 5 flagpole to honor the heroes of 911 near the marker honoring Michael “Tink” Sims, the was the only Goochland Fire-Rescue volunteer to die in the line of service.

Angels walk among us. They travel in Sheriff’s cars, ambulances, and fire trucks. They give us their best on our worst days and deserve our prayers for their safety.

Learn what Goochland is all about

2026-09-09T17:19:15.323-04:00

An exquisite finish to the GLE dinner with Supervisors prepared by the GHS Culinary Arts Students

Goochland Leadership Enterprise, GLE, began educating citizens about the county 30 years ago. In the intervening decades, hundreds of Goochlanders have participated in the program gaining deep insight about the workings of local government, and how to get involved with organizations that build and enrich the community. Some graduates have gone on to hold elected and appointed offices, many have and do fill leadership roles in community organizations, while others are informed citizens.

Interacting with people from all walks of life and all parts of the county that they might not otherwise encounter gives GLE participants perspective on Goochland as a whole, not just their individual “flight paths”. It also dispels incorrect preconceived notions.

Matthew Wenzel, who recently succeeded Pete Williams as GLE Planning Committee Chair, first learned about GLE after moving here in 2017, but his travel schedule made participation difficult at that time. Early encounters with “official” Goochland, which Wenzel and his wife found welcoming compared to Henrico, made him want to learn more about the place he now called home.

He signed up for the 23^rd class, which formed as the world crawled out of the pandemic, with neighbors, who carpooled to classes and had lively discussions about the sessions on the way home.

After completing GLE, Wenzel and fellow class members met with Williams to discuss ways to enhance the program. According to Wenzel, Williams’ superpower is his ability to listen and implement constructive feedback. This led to Wenzel’s increased involvement in planning GLE sessions and succeeding Williams.

The next class, the 28^th, is forming and kicks off on October 14 with orientation, a pictorial tour of the county, and its history. The program consists of twelve classes, held on Wednesday evenings from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at various locations around the county. GLE graduates, some relative newcomers, others lifelong residents, lead and organize sessions.

Topics include Goochland history; fire-rescue; Constitutional Officers; education; agriculture and natural resources; ways to get involved with local organizations; dinner with the Board of Supervisors catered by the Goochland High School Culinary Arts Department; meeting with our delegation to the state legislature in Richmond; and a graduation dinner. It’s not too late to join.

Go to https://goochland.ext.vt.edu/get-involved.html for the brochure and application. Follow Goochland Leadership Enterprise on Facebook.

Enhancing community

2026-09-08T17:24:20.385-04:00

At the start of their evening meeting on September 1, Goochland supervisors recognized two extraordinary men for their contributions to the community.

Vernon Fleming

Vern Fleming (l) Board Chair Jonathan Christy (r)

Each year, a Goochland resident is honored with inclusion on the Parks and Recreation Wall of Fame. This award recognizes a Goochland resident with longstanding humanitarian commitment to addressing community needs. It brings to light community service as an important element of the humanitarian mission, and highlights individuals whose actions are examples of social responsiveness on behalf of Goochland County. The award recipient must have demonstrated broad-based commitment to community service as reflected in a variety of programs and initiatives which are responsive to community and social needs.

Vern Fleming, whose quiet presence and hard work has influenced excellence in many community organizations in Goochland and regionally, is the 2026 inductee.

After retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel in the US Army, Fleming used his more than 30 years of professional leadership experience in roles that include President of the Board of Directors of Goochland Cares; President of the Goochland Rotary Club; President of the Board of Directors of the Louisa Historical Society; interim member of the Goochland School Board; past president of the Board of Directors of the Shady Grove Rosenwald School in Gum Spring; and secretary of the Goochland Recreation Center where he was instrumental in the installation of a historical marker.

Fleming spearheaded vital relief initiatives during the Covid 19 pandemic. He has championed local youth through the YMCA’s Bright Beginnings Program; funding scholarships and organizing Christmas Mother gifts and supplies. His exemplary hands-on commitment to volunteerism, deep compassion, and service above self, have fostered a stronger, more resilient, and united community. In short, if something good is happening in Goochland, Vern Fleming helped make it happen.

Fire Marshal Doug Davies

Doug Davies (l) Jonathan Christy (r)

Douglas H. Davies, who retired as Goochland Fire Marshal, earlier this year, was honored for his achievements in that role.

His commitment to public safety began in 1976, when as a 15-year-old, he joined the Lakeside Volunteer Rescue Squad where he held many leadership roles and earned life-member status.

Davies pursued careers in both the fire service and law enforcement. He served with both the Henrico and Richmond Sheriff’s Offices, including assignment to the FBI fugitive task force. He joined the Henrico Division of Fire in 2002, rising to assistant fire marshal.

In 2012, Davies was hired as Goochland Fire Marshal, where he rebuilt the office, which had been vacant for several years due to budget constraints, strengthening relationships with county departments, local businesses, and citizens. As Fire Marshal, Davies administered the Virginia statewide fire code through education, engineering, and enforcement.

As Fire Marshal Davies conducted more than 500 annual fire inspections, and development review process to ensure compliance with fire codes.

He conducted more than 800 fire investigations, including those with fatalities, using advanced investigative science and best practices.

Davies created and enhanced fire safety programs for adults, seniors and children, including the fourth-grade fire-safety curriculum in all county schools, scenarios, and barn fire programs. He managed the county smoke detector program and secured a children’s safety trailer for educational programs.

He managed the Knox box program, which enables first responders to access secure location during emergencies without waiting for a keyholder to arrive. As fire marshal Davies oversaw the county’s dry hydrants, which enable fire engines to draw water from ponds and streams.

David held the rank of chief officer in Goochland Fire-Rescue and is a nationally registered paramedic and maintains respected professional affiliations at both the state and federal level.

He was commended by the supervisors for having selflessly served Goochland County for 14 years as Fire Marshal, modeling servant leadership and contributing significantly to community safety.

Best wishes in your next chapter Doug!

Chatting with our Delegates

2026-09-06T15:41:02.721-04:00

Delegates Tom Garrett and May Nivar listen to Goochland officials

Virginia is Dillon’s Rule state, which means that localities like Goochland have only those powers specifically given to them by the General Assembly. Each of the 100 members of the House of Delegates represents about 85,000 people; the 40 state senators about 215,000. As Goochland’s population is approximately 29,000, we share representatives with other jurisdictions.

District boundaries are revised after each decennial U S census, the most recent in 2020. Currently, Goochland is represented in the House of Delegates by Democrat May Nivar, whose 57^th District includes parts of eastern Goochland and western Henrico; and Republican Tom Garrett, whose 56^th District includes most of Goochland and Appomattox, Buckingham, Fluvanna, Cumberland, and part of Prince Edward County.

Go to https://vga.virginia.gov/ to learn more about the General Assembly.

Each year, Goochland prepares a legislative agenda, a list of issues of concern to the county that could be negatively impacted by General Assembly actions and meets with our deletion to share insights into these matters. The 2027 Goochland Legislative Agenda is included in the September 1, 3 p.m. agenda packet available on the county website https://www.goochlandva.us/ under the “watch county meetings tab”.

On September 1, Nivar and Garrett—State Senator Luther Cifers, whose 10^th District includes Goochland, was unable to attend—met with the board of supervisors, members of the school board, Economic Development Authority, and Constructional Officers Amanda Adams Clerk of the Court and Commonwealth’s Attorney John Lumpkins, Jr. The 90-minute session was a good conversation among those who represent Goochland at various levels. Highlights follow.

The legislative agenda is broken into broad themes that include: protect and preserve local governing authority over land use, revenue collection; oppose unfunded mandates, and support Second Amendment rights; support measures to mitigate the effect of state facilities and exempt property on the local tax base and provide a detailed plan regarding removal and/or adaptive reuse of Department of Corrections installations; fully support transfer of the Reynolds Community College property in Courthouse Village to the exclusive ownership of the county for workforce education including advanced pharmaceutical manufacturing training; and support of fair and sustainable funding formulas that do not place an undue burden on localities.

Garrett lauded Goochland for holding the session, which helps him understand how specific legislation either helps or harms the county. He believes that decisions directly impacting communities should be made locally, not “by people who will never drive through your county.” He said the best he can do is fight for these decisions to be made close to home, not by the State Corporation Commission, because each locality has different needs.

Garrett cited a bill that would have determined siting of large-scale solar facilities and accompanying battery storage at the state level as an example. He also said that “very clear lines” need to be drawn around the use of Flock cameras to protect individual freedoms.

State legislators wade through thousands of bills during annual sessions that vary between 45 and 60 days. Garrett contended that Goochland is blessed to have GA representation on both sides of the aisle.

Nivar concurred that learning firsthand about issues that concern Goochland helps her evaluate bills during a session and encouraged Goochland to keep her office informed about county concerns with pending legislation. She contended that both sides of the aisle agree on many topics but have different ideas on how to achieve specific goals. Nivar contended that Virginia’s energy future is one of the most important issues currently facing the state. She has great appreciation for the work of the State Corporation Commission in the energy sphere but did not go into detail. Despite common themes, Nivar acknowledged that “one size does not fit all.”

County Administrator Dr. Jeremy Raley welcomed the delegates and gave a brief history of the Central High School Educational and Cultural Center, which was built as an African American high school before integration, served as the county middle school and was renovated for its current function as a vital county facility.

Raley echoed comments made by both Garrett and Nivar that decisions relating to Goochland are best made locally, not in Richmond.

Of major concern is pending legislation to mandate collective bargaining for government employees and the significant fiscal impact that could have locally, especially on the school budget. Pushback against the Valley Link transmission line, is another hot topic.

Jonathan Lyle, District 5 wanted to know if sales tax collected by the state for e commerce, and transient occupancy tax for Air BnBs goes to the locality that generates it. Goochland has many homes with out of county zip codes, homes in Mosaic, for instance have Richmond addresses. Lyle wants assurance that the Virginia Department of Taxation does indeed have a method to determine the exact locality in which these sales taxes are generated and remit them accordingly. “If we’re going to tax people, let’s make sure that the people who pay the tax get the benefit,” said Lyle.

He too expressed concerns about the collective bargaining issue. While collective bargaining might make sense in larger localities in Northern Virginia, it does not here. “Teachers like teaching in Goochland. I absolutely want to compensate our teachers well.” He prefers making this a local option, not a state mandate.

Lyle said that counties do not have the power to require property sellers to disclose things like the ad valorem tax levied on property in the Tuckahoe Creek Service District or details about nearby properties to enable buyers to make informed decisions before signing on the dotted line. He would like to see that removed.

Garrett opposes an initiative to allow localities to add one cent to their sales tax rate to build schools because not everyone is able to shop where they live. Indeed, many Goochlanders who shop in Short Pump or Zion Crossroads help other localities build schools.

Garret said that the money Chesterfield County would spend on collective bargaining would fund more than 300 teachers. He said that Goochland has done things right and should not be punished with another unfunded mandate. He contended that the GA understands just how onerous collective bargaining for public employees is because it carved out an exclusion for its own staff from the measure.

Nivar agreed that Goochland and Henrico are doing the right things for their employees, but not all localities are. She believes that public employees should have a seat at the table to have the ability to negotiate what fair pay is and have their voices heard. She supports the collective bargaining mandate and noted that the one percent extra sales tax levy is a local choice.

Goochland School Superintendent Dr. Andy Armstrong thanked Garrett and Nivar for being engaged with Goochland Schools. He said that school divisions where teachers are not paid well work in mold infested schools need collective bargaining; Goochland does not. Collective bargaining would cost Goochland about $1million in administrative costs.

The School Division would prefer the state move to a student-weighted funding formula for public schools that prioritizes funding based on student needs and recognizes unique characteristics of local, especially rural communities. Armstrong contended that each of Virginia’s 131 school divisions has a unique character and giving them more flexibility will enable them to better serve the unique needs of their students.

The dreaded local composite index (LCI) was a thread that wove through the discussion. LCI is the mechanism used to calculate the percentage of school and constitutional officer costs paid by the state government, essentially the ability of a county to pay its own way. It is a source of fiscal heartburn for most localities in the Commonwealth,

Goochland’s LCI is 80, which means that we pay 80 percent of local costs, the same as Alexandria and Fairfax. Henrico’s is 43. The LCI formula uses real property value, adjusted gross income, and retail sales to determine local ability to pay. It takes relatively few affluent taxpayers in a small population to make the adjusted gross income component meaningless.

“Decisions made in Richmond with all good intent are masked by the local composite index,” Raley observed.

Neil Spoonhower, District 2 expressed frustration that the LCI also impacts Contutional Offices leaving the county to make up the difference often after the local annual balanced budget is approved. “If the General Assembly decides that certain employees get a $1,000 bonus, Goochland has to come up with $800.”

Nivar, who sits on the counties, cities and towns subcommittee, said she was not familiar with the LCI and asked for help in understanding how it works for Goochland in a separate meeting.

Board Chair Jonathan Christy, District 1 expressed frustration that power hungry data centers in Northen Virginia can despoil rural land for Valley Link without any mandate requiring them to generate power closer to where it is needed.

Garrett said that the fight against Valley Link is a math game. Most GA reps, including powerful committee chairs, come from a few counties in northern Virginia, which benefit mightily from data center revenue. “It doesn’t have to be there,” he said of the proposed power line route. He contended that 80 percent of the state is getting told what to do by the other 20 percent. “Land use decisions should be made at the local level. I have opinion on lots of stuff, but it’s not my job to tell localities what to do. This is not a republican or democrat issue it’s what important to the people I serve.”

Nivar said that the voices of Goochland residents who have made it clear that they don’t want Valley Link is important. She pointed out that ultimately the Valley Link decision will be made by the SCC.

The supervisors unanimously adopted their agenda later in the day. It is included in its entirety in the September 1 board packet.

Mark your calendars

2026-09-03T09:52:38.830-04:00

Labor Day is late this year, but there’s lots going on locally in September.

· September 10- Goochland Fire-Rescue partners with Inova for a blood drive in the Sports Complex, 1800 Sandy Hook Road (behind the admin building) in Courthouse Village from noon to 5 p.m. This is the entity that supplies us with whole blood used by our EMS providers in pre-hospital emergency care. Since Goochland implemented this procedure on September 17, 2025, 12 units of low titer O+ whole blood have been administered, most recently to patients experiencing gastrointestinal bleeding. To sign up for the blood drive go to https://tinyurl.com/GCFR0910.

· September 11-Goochland will mark the 25^th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on New York, the Pentagon in Virginia, and Shanksville, Pennsylvania with two observances. The first, primarily for first responders, will be held at Courthouse Company 5 fire-rescue station beginning at 9:45 a.m. This ceremony will include reading the names of those in the public safety community who made the ultimate sacrifice on that horrible day. The second will be held at the Manakin Company 1 fire-rescue station at 180 Rover Road West in Manakin Sabot beginning at 7 p.m. This community observance will include a presentation about the Freedom Flag and the Goochland County 911 memorial built with steel from the twin towers. Both are open to the public.

· September 12- The Goochland Ag Fair will be held at “the old GES field” (please give this nice outdoor gathering space a new name) from 10-3 to celebrate our agricultural heritage. The event will include a livestock show. This is a great way to find out what “rural” is all about.

· September 19-A commemoration of the 200^th anniversary of Goochland Courthouse will be held on the Courthouse Green from 10-12. The free family friendly celebration of Goochland’s rich history will include reenactments, a historical play, a commemorative brick laying ceremony, an interactive walking trail on the green, and the opportunity to write notes for inclusion in a time capsule to be placed in the not yet built new courthouse to be opened in 100 years.

· September 19-Goochland Farm tour- several local agricultural operations will be open for tours. Go to https://www.exploregoochland.com/192/2026-Goochland-County-Farm-Tours for details.

· October 5-Fire-Rescue Show 5-9 p.m. behind Goochland High School. Free family-friendly event. There will be demonstrations, food trucks, an opportunity to meet the people who save lives and protect property in Goochland and fireworks!

Back to the drawing board

2026-08-31T16:34:53.883-04:00

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Goochland County is going back to the drawing board to revise the ordinance that created the Technology Overlay District (TOD) last November. A letter was mailed to every household in Goochland announcing the initiative and inviting residents to a community meeting on August 27.

There was no agenda for the meeting, which filled the high school auditorium and was facilitated by County Administrator Dr. Jeremy Raley. His opening remarks explained the zoning amendment process. Going forward, language amending the TOD, M-1 and M-2 zoning districts will be crafted, using input from the session and to align it with state law that recently went into effect regarding energy. The zoning amendments will allow data centers only in the TOD footprint, which he contended is the only place in the county with infrastructure to support them. Basically, no data centers west of Hockett Road.

As is required of all zoning changes, the proposed amendments, which are expected to include specific standards for data centers, will then be referred to the planning commission for its recommendation after a public hearing and then on to the supervisors for a final vote. This is why yellow “zoning action” signs have been deployed around the edges of the TOD.

The TOD was created to impose greater restrictions than in existing M-1 zoning for hi tech companies provided. Since the TOD was approved last November, citizens have repeatedly asked that strict and very specific standards for data centers be added to the ordinance.

(Two planning commissioners, Amanda Kowalski, District 2 and Jess McLaughlin, District 2, submitted their resignations after last week’s marathon meeting about a proposed shooting range in District 1. For those interested in filling these vacancies go to https://goochlandva.granicus.com/boards/w/6b9d5c7521fc8c16. Given the complicated nature of recent land use cases and the vitriol directed at planning commissioners, it’s miracle that anyone would be willing to serve.)

Citizen remarks made during more than three hours could be condensed into “prohibit data centers anywhere in Goochland County and permanently banish them to the seventh circle of hell”.

Earlier in the month, the county received a formal conditional use permit (CUP) application for TTP, a data center campus proposed on the 871 acres zoned A-2, known as “TOD west,” between Hockett Road and West Creek. Go to https://www.goochlandva.us/1480/Tuckahoe-Technology-Park. The Tuckahoe Technology Park (TTP) project has become a test case illustrating the need for clear, specific standards in the TOD.

Raley explained that while the county is obligated by state law to accept and review land use change applications, there is no guarantee that they will be approved.

The county’s response to TTP about the completeness of its submission, also available on the above link, pokes so many holes in application that it resembles a colander. At best the submittal is sloppy, at worst an insult to Goochland. Another TTP community meeting has been scheduled for Monday, September 14, hopefully to address inadequacies.

The list of deficiencies cited by the county in the initial application is nine pages long. Some seem rather basic, for instance, the correct legal name should be VALCO2. Corrected State Corporation Commission Article of Corporation and other legal documents relating to the several entities involved in the application are needed. It is unclear if the owner of one of the parcels is living or dead. Operating agreements and related documents including signing authority for the several entities involved are also needed.

Other information needed to evaluate the application include updated noise studies and modeling; the total number of generators; updated water and wastewater studies to reflect the change to an air-cooled loop system; a health impact assessment; environmental impact study; and air quality impact study, all of these must be performed by qualified professionals.

A plan for decommissioning the site when it is no longer needed was also requested.

VDOT did not approve the bizarre and treacherous citing of the main entrance on the north side of Rt. 6 in the dip east of Hockett Road but prefers that the main access point be on Hockett Road well north of Rt. 6. A condition the county could impose here would be to require TTP to widen Hockett Road from the access point to Rt. 6 and permanently signalize the intersection. As all the land is owed by the entities involved, there would be no wrangling for easements. The improved road would be built faster and cheaper than if done by VDOT. This is typically part of residential rezoning projects.

Then there is the money. There were several questions about the methodology used to arrive at revenue projections, including rollback taxes for properties currently in land use. A “more accurate estimate of real estate value should be based on our County Assessor’s assumption of $343,200,000 for 780K square feet of data center” would help clarify these projections.

The county also wants assurance that future individual operations in TTP will comply with all conditions and regulations stipulated in the CUP.

There were also questions about how construction would be managed to minimize impact on the surrounding community.

Comments in the nine-page response suggest that the TTP applicant, whoever that may be, file a new application correcting the deficiencies and start the approval process all over. Looks like this will be the focus of the September 14 meeting.

Sporting clays in Goochland

2026-08-25T15:50:42.020-04:00

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Goochland supports the Second Amendment rights of its residents. Intermittent gunfire is a familiar sound in the more rural parts of the county, but how close to homes should a shooting range be located?

At its August 20 meeting, around 3 a.m., the Goochland Planning Commission voted 3-1 to recommend denial of a conditional use permit application filed by Virginia Sports Park to build a recreational sporting clays shooting and archery range facility in western Goochland. Commissioner Amanda Kowalski District 2 was absent.

The application, which had been repeatedly deferred from the planning commission hearing at the request of VSP since January 2026, is currently scheduled to move on to the board of supervisors for final vote in October. In the interim, additional community meetings and resulting revisions to the application, including moving the site, occurred.

The location of the proposed facility is a 125-acre portion of 359 acres owned by Luck Stone, located just north of I-64 on Old Fredericksburg Road near Hadensville. Luck was granted a CUP in 1997 to operate a quarry on the site that allowed blasting from 9:30 to 3:30 Monday through Friday. The staff report indicates that Luck could submit a plan of development to the county to begin quarry operations at any time.

As presented, the proposed use is for a “Non-Profit Youth Oriented Sporting Clays and Archery facility. This facility will be open to the public with specific programs and benefits to the youth in general to include youth groups such as, Boy Scouts, 4-H, Young Life, Scholastic and Collegiate, and youth Archery groups,” which VSP contends would bring recreational opportunities and tourism revenue to the county.

During the public hearing, a wide range of comments were made both in support and opposition to the application. Noise, proximity to existing homes, traffic, and environmental threats posed by lead leaching into ground water were the main objections. The county wants the site fenced to prevent people wandering into the line of fire, but VSP contended it is not necessary.

Guy Kemmerly, District 1, said he believed that the sound studies performed to gauge the impact of the sound of shooting were flawed and that obtaining an accurate, impartial measure is complicated and difficult. Curt Pituck, District 4 observed that the repetitive shooting sound is annoying. Martin Dean, District 5 asked if an environmental cleanup bond should be included as a condition. VSP said that its lease with Luck required an environmental stewardship plan, which does not require a bond. The staff report wanted a clearly defined plan to remove lead from the site.

VSP’s sound engineer said that sound mitigation could be verified in the CUP area. He opined that distance and berms take out the lion’s share of the noise and that modeling of a specific site could provide more detail.

Hours of shooting, days when shooting is allowed, numbers of stands allowed to be built and how many of them may be in operation at one time, were also revised. As most of the shooting seems to be scheduled for daytime weekdays when kids are in school it seems contradictory that this will be youth oriented.

VSP contended that the proposed facility will boost tourism revenue for the county but gave few specifics. There are few businesses nearby. The nearest hotel is in Centerville. Food trucks, ideally Goochland based, would feed patrons of the facility. On-site restroom facilities would be built for regular attendance but would need to be supplemented with porta potties for tournaments, which could draw more than 100 participants.

It will be interesting to see what, if any, revisions VSP makes to its application on the way to the supervisors’ vote. Stay tuned.

Courthouse 200th celebration

2026-08-18T14:09:43.538-04:00

Goochland Courthouse 200 Birthday Celebration

This year marks the 200th anniversary of the Goochland Courthouse. The community is invited to join the celebration of this historic milestone on September 19 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on the Courthouse Green, located at 2938 River Road West.

The celebration will be a family-friendly community event featuring a variety of activities and opportunities for participation. Highlights include historical plays and reenactments, a commemorative brick laying ceremony, an interactive historic walking trail, and the opportunity to write notes for inclusion in a time capsule that will be placed at the new courthouse, when it is built, to be opened in 100 years.

Don’t miss this special occasion to honor Goochland’s rich history and celebrate this special occasion with residents, visitors, and community partners.

In the event of rain, the event will be moved to the sports complex gym at 1800 Sandy Hook Road.

See https://www.goochlandva.us/1468/Goochland-Courthouse-200-Birthday-Celebr

Wither Goochland

2026-08-17T13:45:22.848-04:00

Dr. Tom Epperson facilitates strategic planning retreat

On August 12, the Goochland Board of Supervisors met at the Luck Stone Studio in Manakin for a retreat to begin an update of the county’s strategic plan, which was last overhauled in 2013. Sessions where the entire board—more than three supervisors together at the same time constitutes a meeting—sit down to share their thoughts and concerns about issues facing the county are rare, due to statutory restrictions.

County Administrator Dr. Jeremy Raley said the goal of the meeting was to “zoom out” from pressing matters and take a long term look at what is important to the community, to local government as an organization, and where the county wants to be going forward. The process to revise the strategic plan will include conversations with the community and focus groups to craft a long-term road map to get everyone on the same page about the future direction of the county. Adoption is expected in the next six months or so.

The session was facilitated by Dr. Tom Epperson, Vice President of Culture at the Luck Stone Companies and a founder of the Innerwill Leadership Institute https://innerwill.org/, a philanthropic arm of Luck Companies.

Epperson explained that a strategic plan should help set goals; identify major projects and tactics going forward; and most important, to get everyone on the same page, aligned “with where we’re going” and how we’re going to get there. Ideally, this will have everyone, government and citizens, who should have a loud voice in this, moving together.

He segued into a SWOT—strength, weakness, opportunity, threat—analysis.

The following offers a few highlights. Go to the “watch county meetings” tab at goochlandva.us to view the entire session.

Goochland’s strengths are many. They include engaged citizens; current financial position; excellent schools, fire-rescue, law enforcement; a do more with less philosophy; proximity to major metro area; James River and interstate access; and lowest tax rates.

Weaknesses included underutilization of bond rating to finance capital projects; small size and scale that makes competing with large jurisdictions like Henrico difficult; thin staffing; resistance to change; need to communicate better to help citizens understand the rationale behind decisions; legal constraints on board collaboration; east west tensions; and staff lacking some tools needed to support its workload.

Opportunities include generation of flow charts for response to issues like power transmission lines; rebuild public trust; clearly define role of county government and communicate that to the citizens; find the sweet spot between costs and services; educate newcomers about rural living like sharing the road with farm equipment and hunting season, AKA the fall festival of firearms; leverage our history for tourism; limit annual population growth to certain percentage, equally across all districts; and explore additional public-private partnerships.

Threats include the cumbersome, slow, and expensive nature of working with VDOT on road projects; poaching of staff by neighboring counties; negative local impacts of state legislation; growing too fast; attracting and keeping the best teachers; need for strong revenue sources to build infrastructure; and crafting multi-year fiscal flexibility to deal with the uncertain revenue streams caused by factors outside county control.

A recurring theme in the session was frustration about statutory barriers that hobble effective and transparent communication among themselves and with citizens.

The supervisors voiced their appreciation for the opportunity to sit down face to face and talk, which is pretty much prohibited by state law. Between monthly board meetings, they have “two by two” meetings, where two supervisors meet with Raley and members of staff to discuss pending issues. Raley then shares those conversations with other board members. This hub and spokes method is cumbersome, things will “drop through the cracks” along the way. Supervisors said they would welcome more opportunities for “cross pollination” to explore in detail issues facing the county.

Erosion of public trust was identified as a major threat. This was attributed to doing a poor job of helping citizens understand rationale behind decisions. Information vacuums tend to be filled with rumors, speculation, and conspiracy theories. If people do not like or understand a decision, they assume that the supervisors are being paid under the table for “done deals”. There are very mixed attitudes about attracting more outside investment to the county. Many citizens, busy with their lives, find that local government is hard to understand and access, which complicates communication and undermines public trust.

Newcomers from other states may not realize that Goochland is governed by part-time elected officials, only has about 28,000 people, and cannot operate on the same level as say, a Henrico, whose budget is about $1.4 billion versus Goochland’s about $107 million.

Disclosure is a perennial frustration. Virginia is a caveat emptor (let the buyer beware) state, which prohibits jurisdictions from requiring realtors and developers from telling buyers about things that could discourage a sale. Goochland, for instance, was recently prohibited by state law from accepting a proffer from a developer to inform buyers in a new subdivision that the land on the opposite side of the road is zoned M-1. That was not always so. Deeds for homes in Manakin Farms, which is on the opposite side of Rt. 6 from Luck Stone, included warnings that they would be living near a large quarry.

Jonathan Lyle, District 5 contended that anyone who buys property in Districts 4 and 5 should be aware that is in proximity to an area that has been designated for high growth for decades, but there is currently no way to share that knowledge. The TCSD was created to attract commercial development, but previous boards decided to put residential development there, creating conflict, with which the current board must deal.

When there is a proposal that citizens do not like, they show up to voice their opposition. While there was acknowledgment that supervisors could do a better job of explaining their votes, they cited a philosophy expressed by former District 5 Supervisor Ken Peterson that after listening to the comments of a room full of opponents to a proposal at a public hearing, he also needed to consider the other 26,000 citizens not present.

There was acknowledgment that the board needs to do a better job of communicating with citizens, but no clear-cut way to do it was identified.

Supervisors said that rather than focusing solely on their district, each of which has distinctive characteristics, they try to base their decisions on county wide impact. However, restrictions on board internal collaboration give the perception that this is not the case.

There was some discussion, and there needs to be more going forward, on the role of local government and finding the sweet spot between too much and not enough. Seems simple in theory, in practice, not so much.

The relative inexperience of supervisors and staff was identified as a challenge, but also an opportunity. Since taking the helm of team Goochland—there will be sports analogies—14 months ago, Raley has reorganized county government and brought in many new, and well-qualified people, who got right to work but are still getting acclimated to Goochland. Raley began his tenure by meeting with a wide range of residents to learn about their view of local government. He continues to do this and welcomes citizen feedback.

The strategic plan update holds great promise to help citizens understand the role of local government, where Goochland needs to go as a county, and how to get there. This will be a challenging task; there are about 29,000 people in the county and probably almost as many opinions. Stay tuned and be engaged.

By now, every household in the county should have received a letter announcing an August 27 meeting to be held at Goochland High School beginning at 6 p.m. to discuss proposed amendments to the TOD to prohibit data centers outside of the TOD boundaries and align the ordinance with state law on high energy use facilities. Go to https://goochlandva.us/OrdUpdate for details.

Road work

2026-08-11T17:13:55.768-04:00

VDOT

Philip Frasier, Administrator of the Ashland VDOT residency began his monthly update to the Goochland Board of Supervisors at its August 4 meeting with a sobering announcement that a VDOT employee in the Hampton Roads district died after being struck and killed in a work zone on Rt. 460. Frasier urged everyone to respect VDOT construction zones and the people who work there. “They support our transportation network and deserve respect of drivers and space to do their job safely,” said Frasier. VDOT employees’ lives are endangered by people who drive distractedly with their noses in their phones and speed through work zones Some of the bravest people in the world face oncoming traffic armed only with a stop sign on a pole. Frasier asked all to respect work zones so VDOT employees can go home to their families at the end of the workday.

Frasier reported that the Oilville roundabout, at the top of the westbound I64 off ramp. will go to advertisement next week. This project expected to ease dangerous congestion on the westbound off ramp from I64 onto Oilville Road. (Go to https://www.goochlandva.us/1255/10781/Oilville-RdI-64-Westbound-Ramp-Roundabou for details)

CVTA

You’ve probably seen the “buy your gas in Goochland” messages urging us to fill our fuel tanks locally to help fund road projects and not given it much thought.

Chet Parsons, Executive Director of the Central Virginia Transportation Authority (CVTA), explained how that tax collected from local fuel sales translates into county road improvements.

He began his presentation with an overview about the CVTA, click on https://cvtava.org/ to watch the video.

In 2020, Parsons explained, the Virginia General Assembly created the CVTA, comprised of nine jurisdictions in the region—Richmond City, Town of Ashland, Henrico, Hanover, New Kent, Goochland, Chesterfield, Powhatan, and Charles City—to “fund critical transportation needs across Central Virginia. CVTA drives priority projects that improve long-term accessibility, economic development, mobility, and quality of life across Central Virginia.”

Goochland roads are built and maintained by VDOT. We compete with jurisdictions across the Commonwealth for scarce road dollars. The CVTA administers revenues generated by wholesale fuel taxes and sales and use taxes to fund transportation projects in its region that are prioritized using data driven scoring.

Since 2023, said Parsons, that revenue, about two thirds from sales and use tax, has grown from approximately $211 million to more than $229 million and continues to increase. Those dollars are divided into three buckets; 50 percent goes to the locality where is was generated. Of the remainder, 15 percent goes to GRTC (Greater Richmond Transit Company) for regional public transportation, and the other 35 to fund projects that benefit the region as a whole, including the diverging diamond project currently in the works on Ashland Road, which cannot be funded in other ways. Regionally, Parson said, 77 regional projects have been funded since 2020, supported by $862.6 million. Funds applied locally include $33,669,829 for the Ashland Road diverging diamond; $606,000 for the Oilville Road roundabout; and $7,500,000 for improvements to the Rt.288/Rt. 250 interchange.

“Goochland gets a sizable monthly check from CVTA, for use on any transportation project that has been identified by the county,” said Parsons. Since 2021, he reported that Goochland has received $15,738,482 in CVTA funds.

Since 2021, Goochland has received CVTA funding commitments for $59,267, 935, about 7 percent of the total, making the county very competitive for its size, in getting projects funded. The priority now is to get projects shovel ready, which helps move them forward.

In addition to funding projects, CVTA contributes matching funds to support “Smart Scale” applications, one of several competitive VDOT processes used to distribute transportation dollars throughout the Commonwealth. Central Virginia “has done very, very well” in the last round of Smart Scale funding, Parsons said.

The CVTA is also authorized by statute to issue bonds to fund huge regional projects beyond the typical “pay go” scope. CVTA is busily looking forward to future projects.

Tom Winfree, District 3, who currently represents Goochland on the CVTA board, commended Parsons and declared that CVTA is a government program that really works. He noted that the degree of matching and leverage of funds helps Goochland to pull off significant projects. Winfree commended Neil Spoonhower, District 2, a founding member of the CVTA board for his important work, and significant input that is still bearing fruit. Winfree also noted that County Engineer Austin Goyne’s leadership role on the Technical Advisory Committee, which does the legwork for CVTA projects, also stands Goochland in good stead on the transportation front.

Prioritizing road improvements and finding ways to pay for them is a complicated process. Kudos to all who navigate the labyrinth move us forward.

Animals

2026-08-09T14:45:53.080-04:00

During the afternoon session of their August 4 meeting, Goochland supervisors congratulated the Goochland Department of Animal Care and Protection for earning a fourth consecutive no kill award from the Best Friends Animal Society, a national nonprofit dedicated to ending the killing of dogs and cats in America’s shelters. The No-Kill award is given annually to organizations that have achieved a save rate of 90% or higher.

Deputy County Administrator for Operations Elizabeth McDonald said that the Goochland shelter achieved an outstanding 97 percent survival rate. “This is no small accomplishment and reflects the commitment, compassion, and professionalism our staff supported by volunteers and dedicated veterinary partners.”

If you’re looking to add a furry friend to your family, please visit the Goochland Animal Sheler. Go to https://www.goochlandva.us/299/Animal-Protection to learn more. Also visit https://goochlandpetlovers.com/ the site of the local non-profit that works with the shelter.

During its evening session, the Board held a public hearing on proposed animal code ordinance amendments. Job Greene, Director of Animal Protection, explained that the amendments were proposed to restore legal enforceability, decriminalize minor infractions, and maintain officer discretion when dealing with animal control issues.

Greene explained that the revisions would make the ordonnances work the way they were intended, in a clear, fair, and effective way while preserving the department’s ability to educate and work with residents. The ordinance revisions will give animal protection the tools it needs. Over the years, Green explained, ordinances as written, are difficult to enforce, inconsistent with the way that animal protection approaches compliance, or unnecessarily challenging for officers and citizens.

The first three infractions are regulatory. They are failure to inoculate dogs and cats against rabies; dogs running at large without a license fixed to their collar; and failure to pay a license tax for dogs. The proposed amendment revisions change the penalty for these infractions from a Class 4 misdemeanor, which imposes fines, but not jail time and are noted on an individual’s criminal record, to civil penalties with escalating fees for initial and subsequent violations.

The revisions would improve compliance by resolving violations quickly with civil citations; reduce demands on court and related law enforcement resources; allow enforcement resources to focus on cases involving cruelty, neglect, dangerous animals and other threats to public safety; provide penalties proportionate to offenses while maintaining accountability; and preserve criminal penalties for serious or repeat offense that warrant stronger enforcement.

Changes to chapter 3 of the animal ordinance states that “livestock, poultry, and other fowl must remain on the property of owner. It is unlawful for any person to allow or permit any livestock or fowl owned by him or her or under the control of him or her to stray to any highway, public property, or private premises of another.”

The proposed amended removes the requirement for three prior violations and makes each violation separately enforceable. Greene said that animal protection officers would continue to use discretion to issue warnings of violation depending on the individual circumstances. The change would restore enforceability of the ordinance while giving officers the flexibility to seek voluntary compliance whenever possible. Virgina law does not authorize counties to impose a civil penalty for this kind of violation, so explained Greene, retaining criminal enforcement is necessary.

Greene said that officers typically give people time to rectify a violation after issuing a warning before they return to ensure compliance.

A local fourth generation farmer said that it is important to him to own livestock and keep the community safe. He raised concerns about the timeline as most farmers must have jobs that take them away from their farms, making it difficult to immediately correct problems. He cited weather related conditions like destruction of fences that could make it hard to return the animals to their rightful place. Some farmers pasture livestock on widely separated parcels of land that make it hard to check on all of their animals in a timely manner.

Another speaker wondered if it is a per penalty. Owners of animals that damage other people’s property or cause accidents by being on a road must be held accountable. Circumstances of how animals escape might also need to be considered when determining culpability.

Greene said that an officer must see the animal out to justify a summons. “This is for us an issue of people who do not keep their animals contained, repeated negligence. We understand and make allowances for weather related incidents.”

Enforcement is complaint driven to correct problems, like a neighbor’s chickens repeatedly pooping on your porch, or someone else’s pig eating your cucumbers. Cows and horses in the middle of a road are a safety concern, but sometimes, they get out. Citations are given per incident, not per animal.

Greene said that currently animal control has no enforceable code to bring offenders into compliance and that hobby farmers tend to cause more problems than commercial farmers, who value and care for their livestock.

The supervisors took the concerns of the farmers to heart and voted unanimously to reduce all noted penalties to civil violations and encouraged animal control to have further discussions with local farmers, perhaps through Goochland Farm Bureau, to look for other ways to address the matter.

Proffers

2026-08-07T17:37:29.356-04:00

At their August 4 meeting, Goochland supervisors announced that they will hold a strategic planning retreat on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, starting at 9:00 a.m. at Luck Stone, 343 River Road, Manakin-Sabot. See the county website https://www.goochlandva.us/ for details.

Following a presentation by Principal Planner Ramzi Farhat about an update to the county’s capital impact model, which is used to determine cash proffer amounts, the board voted unanimously to deny adoption pending further analysis.

Farhat thanked all who provided input in the almost yearlong update project including department heads, staff, the county attorney, and stakeholders.

The capital impact model is used to determine the real cost burden that new residential development, as the result of rezoning, places on infrastructure including schools, roads, parks, and public safety. These costs are used to calculate impact fees, including “voluntary” cash proffers, paid by developers to offset increased need for public facilities.

Goochland adopted a cash proffer policy in 2002.This is a per home amount a developer may “volunteer” to pay to have a residential rezoning project approved. In theory the policy is voluntary.

Cash proffers are a small part of an overall funding strategy and should not be regarded as a total solution for infrastructure financing needs. Therefore, other strategies and revenue sources are needed to offset the impact on infrastructure from new homes.

Go to https://www.goochlandva.us/1463/Proffers to https:

This policy applies only to residential rezoning. Commercial rezoning applications, which do not add children to the school system, typically proffer site specific upgrades to infrastructure including roads and utilities. Impacts must be attributable to a specific development. For instance, as age restricted communities are prohibited from having residents under 19 years of age, school proffers cannot be attributed to them.

Following a 2016 change in state law, Goochland County compiled a 25 year look ahead capital improvement plan. This included projected needs for schools, fire-rescue stations, roads, parks, and items costing more than $50k with a useful life of more than five years like fire-rescue apparatus. The data in this CIP, which is periodically updated to deal with inflation, is part of the computation of the impact model.

The proposed update to the policy includes a detailed study of all the components and conditions that apply to calculation of proffers. The document begins on page 85 of the August 4 board packet.

Farhat explained that a student generation rate was used to determine residential rezoning impact on schools and that a new category for age restricted multifamily was added. As school funding is a significant part of the county budget, this is important. Age restricted communities have dramatically increased the volume of EMS response, which was underweighted in previous iterations of the impact model. A geographic component was also added to consider the differing demographic trends in each part of the county.

When land is rezoned for a subdivision, the proffer amount in effect on the date of approval becomes part of its creation ordinance and includes an escalator clause. Lots already approved are not impacted by this update. It would apply to future rezonings only.

According to Farhat, the median house price in Goochland in 2019 was $391,000, making the $23,706 average cash proffer 6.1 percent of the house price. In 2026, the median house price is $646,935 making the average cash proffer of $31,704 4.9 percent of the price.

The supervisors commended Farhat and his team for the thoroughness of the report. However, there was discussion about how proffers impact housing prices and residential growth.

Charlie Vaughters District 4 asked how jurisdictions across the country deal with the issue. Virginia explained the consultant from Tischler Bise, which was retained by the county for the study, is unique in the trigger methodology it uses to assess proffers. Other places use a similar mechanism to calculate a static impact fee schedule applied to all new construction. These are dynamic models that analyze both operational and capital expenditures needed by new development. Virginia just looks at capital impacts.

Jonathan Lyle, District 5 pointed out that a developer could decline to offer cash proffers during a rezoning action, leaving it up to the supervisors to decide whether to approve the rezoning without offering any funds for capital impact mitigation. This has never happened. He said that it is appropriate for people moving to the county to help pay for the increase in capital costs generated by their arrival but the should be as little as possible.

Vaughters contended that more detailed discussion about conflicting data on the impact of cash proffers on assessment versus escalating new home costs is needed. “At the end of the day, in my mind, this is a tax. We want to make sure that the taxes are collected appropriately and do not price people out of the market. Assessments are also an ongoing issue. There is a lot to look into. We cannot say that approval of this will solve the problem.”

He commended Farhat and staff for putting together a diverse stakeholder group of residents, developers, and businesses to provide positive meaningful feedback and analysis. He said that the capital impact model data should flow through all development discussions.

Spoonhower contended that this is not the right tool to recover costs and manage growth. “This creates a bad product in my district.”

He said that the cash proffer policy, access management, and other development fees discourage orderly development in the western part of the county. “Instead of having folks clustered together you get driveway after driveway on main thoroughfares. Ending the policy is not going to make or break Goochland’s budget. Let’s get something that ensures that the people move in here pay a fraction of the cost incurred.”

Board Chair Jonathan Christy, District 1 agreed that the capital impact model is a critical tool to analyze the true cost of residential development and the deficit that each new home creates and that the county needs to find a way to fill that hole. He said that the proffer policy does not slow residential growth but incentivizes by right development.

It seems likely that this subject will be addressed during the August 12 retreat.

The next skirmish

2026-07-29T15:13:43.678-04:00

Ad hominem—look it up—attacks in comment will not be published. The anonymous commenter who called GOMM a coward for not posting their ugly remarks might want to check the definition of irony.

So tired of the arrogant condescension of people who bought into developer fables that a townhouse in a business park is rural.

On July 23, we got some details about the pre-application filed by Tract for the Tuckahoe Technology Park (TTP) on approximately 871 acres east of Hockett Road, north of Rt. 6 and west of Mosaic, the 55+ residential enclave in west Creek, at a community meeting. This is the first step in the process to secure a conditional use permit (CUP) to build a data center campus there.

Go to https://www.tuckahoetechparkinfo.com/ for details.

It seemed like most of Mosaic and Readers Branch, attired in cute red tee shirts, turned out for the event. At a rally they contended that the county should grow tomatoes not data centers. This illustrates profound ignorance about Goochland—crops here include soybeans, corn, and wheat. There is a large dairy farm in Manakin Sabot. Cattle are raised and a meat processing plant is under construction. These keep much of the county rural, but are taxed at land use rates, a per acre amount determined at the state level; to help them stay in business so they’re not tempted to sell their land to developers.

The initiative to increase the county’s commercial to residential tax ratio from its current roughly 82/18 to 70/30 has been a goal of the supervisors for some time to pay for needed services and infrastructure without increasing tax rates. Until the more than 1,000 vacant, zoned residential lots are built out and the tax ratio is much closer to 70/30, the county needs to “pause” all residential rezoning applications. One more time for the refugees from Long Island, houses consume more in local government services than they generate in real estate taxes.

Goochland has enormous capital needs, something that data center opponents ignore or do not care about.

The July 23 session provided some, but not enough, clarity on the proposal. At least one more community meeting, ideally to share revisions made in response to community input, is needed before a formal CUP application is filed. This is how the process works. There were at least three community meetings for the Highfield subdivision over a period of several years before a final vote was taken.

Kara Bowyer, director of entitlements for Tract, said that data centers built in TTP will be air cooled, a requirement that will be part of the CUP language, making it law. She also estimated that the amount of water used during construction and ongoing operations, for things like restrooms, would be roughly the equivalent of 36 homes, using a 333 gallon per day average. All water servicing TTP will be municipally supplied by the Tuckahoe Creek Service District, which is surface water drawn from the James River. It will have no impact on groundwater. So, opponents can stop posting photos of icky water coming out of faucets on social media.

Speaking of groundwater, how is it affected by the herbicides, fungicides, insecticides, and other “cides” that maintain the sodded lawns and landscaping in the enclaves for the affluent that leach into the soil? Why is no one asking that question?

Bowyer also said that there will be no natural gas power generation on the site, which is curious given that the site is bisected by a natural gas line.

Tract, according to the presentation, is in the business of building pad ready sites for data centers. This was likened to shopping center developers who rezone land, build parking lots, road access, and structures for future tenants. The TTP, as presented in the pre app, is a “conceptual master plan” that applied the requirements of the TOD/TZ to the subject parcels, probably using software. That explains the vagueness of the “conceptual bubble plan”. The exhibits for TTP are “conceptual” in nature, which is why there are no “elevations” to illustrate future buildings or where they will be placed. Bowyer said that the floor area ratio (FAR) of buildings to land area will be low, estimated at about ten percent of the 871 acres. Even estimates for building locations would be helpful.

Bowyers explained that vertical construction will not start until a source of adequate power to the site is identified and secured, which will take at least three years. The power line extension recently approved to service the Eli Lilly facility in West Creek, is the “best guess” for the most likely connection, said Bowyer. Three power substations, each with a 300-mw capacity, would be needed to run the data centers. Potential locations for these are illustrated.

Tract will clear the site, build road access, infrastructure, and maybe pour concrete pads for buildings, whose use, construction, and precise location would be determined by end users as yet unknown. Conditions of the CUP become law. Any changes would require another full CUP process.

What happens in the meantime? If Tract clears the land, puts in roads and other infrastructure, but the demand for data center sites goes away, what will Goochland be left with? How much of the site will be clear cut? We don’t need a Motorola redux.

The zoning will not change from its current A-2. Projections for tax revenue generated by the project suggest that assessed valuation will increase when the use changes from A-2 to “commercial” after the first building is occupied. Does this mean that the county gleans little additional revenue apart from various permit fees on the land in the interim? Tax revenue projections indicate that assessed valuations will increase from the 2025 amount of $13,954 to $22.9 million in “year 1” which is the first year after a building is constructed. The most significant tax revenue will be generated by personal property tax levied on the equipment in the buildings, again with significant increases after ‘year 1” whenever that is.

No answer was available to the query about land use taxation “clawbacks” for some of the parcels. Typically, when property in land use taxation— used for agricultural or forestal purposes— is rezoned for a higher use, a “clawback” payment of the difference between land use taxation, based on a per acre rate determined at the state level, and taxes based on fair market valuation for the previous five years is due. If the CUP is approved, the “highest and best use” of the property has changed, and the assessed value should increase accordingly.

Eli Lilly recently closed on the West Creek parcel for about $38 million, an increase of about $13 million over its assessed valuation as of January 1, 2026, which should impact county tax revenue in the coming months.

When will an increase in local tax revenue for the 871 acres kick in? This information needs to be part of the calculus used in the final decision. This land has been designated for economic development for decades. It was referred to as SPEDA (southern economic development area) for decades and featured prominently in the southern infrastructure study begun in early 2023.

In response to a question about posting bonds to fund decommissioning of data centers at the end of their useful life, as is required of cell towers, the Bowyers contended said that data centers are warehouses full of computer equipment and when that equipment is removed, they can be used for other purposes.

Opponents would prefer the site to be used for office buildings, for which there is little current market demand. For example, the former Federal Reserve facility in West Creek, a beautiful turnkey headquarters, has been on the market for a while.

Serious concerns about sound, including constant humming and especially from generators were raised. The explanation was that generator use is regulated by the state, but data centers must operate 24/7, so in emergencies, generators would run continually, not for intermittent testing. More detail on this is needed. Many of the examples cited by opponents seem to be based on older facilities and those that were retrofitted from other uses.

Concerns about emissions from data centers and generators were glossed over by saying that they will dissipate in the air. Really? This reply was lame at best. The impact on air quality within perhaps a half mile of generators running for extended periods should be compared to that within the same distance from vehicle emissions on 288 during high traffic periods to put it into perspective.

Group think

2026-07-15T10:27:20.858-04:00

GOMM has been excoriated for daring to enable comment in support of data centers instead of adhering to anti-data center group think. GOMM supports robust economic development in the designated growth area, including data centers of an appropriate scale and never west of Hockett Road. Doesn’t anyone wonder where the sensational anti-data center “facts” that flood the internet comes from?

Remarks made during citizen comment period for both the afternoon and evening sessions of the Goochland Board of Supervisors’ July 7 meeting were fascinating.

Comments made during the meeting about the rise of artificial intelligence ranged from it will provide transformational improvement to every facet of our lives to that AI is devil’s work. Data center opponents presented comments supporting their viewpoint quoting information gleaned from the internet. The bullying mob even screamed “liar” at a comment that contradicted their narrative. Threats, subtle and overt, were made to the supervisors that if they dare to go against the “will of the people”, which has apparently been decided by about 2/30^th of the county population, they will be thrown out of office.

Some speakers said the quiet part out loud.

One Mosaic resident complained about water issues and contended that purchasing his home “bailed out” a failing business park. He went on to whine that there is nothing here, including schools, and said that Goochland does not even have “real” police. Sheriff Creasey and our fine deputies would be surprised to learn that. This gentleman might want to sign up for the next session of the Sheriff's Academy https://www.goochlandsheriff.com/citizens-academy-information to learn about law enforcement in Goochland.

Homes cost local governments more in services than they generate in real estate taxes. Filling West Creek with homes would make the problem worse. That’s why we need more commercial development.

Another speaker contended that Goochland is doing just fine with minimal resources so there is really no hurry to build any capital projects until revenue from the Amazon and Eli Lilly facilities kicks in. The county will finance $114 million capital projects in the next three years. This year’s operations budget could not fund many items, including 11 additional fire-rescue providers needed to keep up with increasing demand for service. When station 8, under construction, and station 7 soon to follow, go online more people will be needed to staff them 24/7. Real estate taxes, at the current rate, will not fund those.

As this was the first meeting since the announcement that a pre-application for conditional use permit had been filed to build a data center campus

( https://www.goochlandva.us/1480/Tuckahoe-Technology-Park) on more than 870 acres between Hockett Road and West Creek, it was no surprise that anti data center sentiments were plentiful and angry. Keep an eye out for updates to https://www.tuckahoetechparkinfo.com/ a site put up by the applicant. The first community meeting on this proposal will be held on July 23 beginning at 6 p.m. at Goochland High School. Ideally, it will provide specifics to help citizens understand what is really being proposed and counter hysteria with fact.

GOMM was not in favor of adding the 871 acres to the TOD/TZ. However, the stipulation that any data center there must obtain a conditional use permit is an opportunity for Goochland to prove its intention of “doing data centers right” with minimal impact on residents. The CUP process can impose site specific standards.

Bus trips to real data centers should be provided by the applicant so people, especially Mosaic residents, can see and hear what they look like instead of relying on sensational, probably AI generated, photos and articles pulled from the internet.

The application has a lot of information which could be clearer.

For instance, we need tangible local examples of existing 60- and 80-foot-high buildings to gauge their impact on the view shed. How big is a 500-foot buffer? Even using the setback of the high school from Rt. 6 would help. Will the land in question be clear cut, or will just enough trees be cleared for the structures? A graphic that clearly illustrates the topography of the parcels without the trees to illustrate if the proposed structures will be level with, higher than, or lower than Mosaic is needed. Surely, software exists to provide this.

Will the data center buildings blend into the trees like the CarMax headquarters?

Sound is a huge concern. Baffles and significant mitigation measures to contain continuous hums and noise from internal equipment and external generators must be mandated to minimize if not eliminate sound.

Does the project need eight buildings? Could it function with as few as three, no higher than 60 feet well away from Mosaic hidden in the trees?

The main access from Rt. 6 seems to be in the dip east of Hockett Road. Will log trucks use this to access the site during construction and how will traffic disruption be mitigated? The Rt. 6/Hockett Road intersection is a mess at afternoon rush hour; will the project improve this area?

Water will be provided by the Tuckahoe Creek Service District, not ground water. The applicant needs to provide a clear estimate of how much will be used.

If the project releases emissions, mitigation to prevent adverse health impacts must be mandated.

July board highlights

2026-07-11T14:44:34.388-04:00

Gary, Darcy, and Oliver Kiesinger, guardians of a witness tree that dates from 1776 with Robin Lind and Manny Alvarez (r)

Basking in the cool down—90 instead of triple digits—Goochland’s board of supervisors began its July 7 meeting with reflections about the late Susan Lascolette, who served as District 1 supervisors for 2012 to 2023.

County Administrator Dr. Jeremy Raley gave a wrap up on Goochland’s observances of the nation’s 250^th birthday. “Mother Nature was on our side as we waited and waited to shoot off the fireworks when it cooled off, to make it a very special day,” he said of the county’s exquisite pyrotechnic display. Raley recognized and thanked the Parks &Rec staff for its many hours of hard work setting up, painting the field, putting up banners, and the tear down. He commended the purchasing staff for its role in the special fireworks show and expressed profound gratitude to our public safety team, fire-rescue and the sheriff’s office for keeping people safe and handling traffic. “It was a testament to the excellence of Goochland County and how we all can come together and do something special.”

Some stats about the day. In the afternoon 120 people attended the Goochland 250 event at the sports complex gym, which included a reading of the Declaration of Independence. An estimated 6,546 people watched the fireworks in person. There were more than 22,000 combined views of the two fireworks’ livestream. More than 1,100 fireworks lit our night sky.

As is his custom, Raley recognized achievements of staff members including Scott Foster, Director of General Services who recently earned his Facility Management credential; Jon-Mikel Whalen and Ramzi Farhat for earning the certified zoning administrator credential; and Adam Barber. Raley said that these staff members have earned these credentials outside of normal working hours to further the county commitment to excellence.

The Goochland Day Foundation reported that feedback from vendors and participants was positive, indicating that the event was successful. Goochland Day cost about $40k and generated a profit of approximately $14k. That will enable the Goochland Day Foundation to fund scholarships and contribute to the Goochland Cares domestic violence response program. Most county departments participated in the success of the day, which was attended by 6,000 people. Parks & Rec and building inspection got special notice for their contributions.

Goochland Day 2027 will be on more level surfaces to deal with ADA issues, and the “old GES field”, which needs a new name, to increase enjoyment for all. It will be a lead up to the county’s 300^th anniversary and have a theme of “hometown heroes” to honor people, businesses, and entities who have made a positive impact on Goochland.

The Hon. Manuel Alvarez, chair of the Goochland 250 Commission echoes Raley’s thanks to Park& Rec, as well as Jessica Kronberg, Paul Drumwright, and Raley who read part of the Declaration. He also recognized donors including Short Pump Honda (it’s in Goochland!), PFG, Wegmans, and the Chamber of Commerce

Robin Lind, President of the Goochland Historical Society https://goochlandhistory.org/ reported on the results of the Witness Tree Challenge, started earlier in the year, to identify trees at least 250 years old. Tree nominations were evaluated by drilling a core into the center of the tree and counting rings, one for each year of growth. The “Thomas Knarr poplar” was determined to have started to grow in 1752. The “Boyle white oak” dated to 1740. The “Luke Knarr Oak” dates to 1677. The Kiesinger White oak started its life in 1776, the same year as our nation. This tree is epical, said Lind, because the family that owns this tree has loved it and created a montage of the tree in all seasons. Gary, Darcy, and Oliver Kiesinger, owners of the tree were presented with a certificate of recognition.

The supervisors approved a proclamation declaring July Parks and Recreation month. In addition to its support for special events, the department provides facilities and program to improve the health and well being of our citizens years round. In FY26, the department provided services for over 5,000 program registrants, and over 400,000 visitors. The parks & rec team under the leadership of Tom Cocke received well deserved recognition as county team of the quarter.

Rookie of the quarter was Marcello Forehand, who, on Tuesday, was assistant director of public utilities but has since been promoted to director of the department. Since joining the county in March, he has hit the ground running and pitched in to solve a tricky connection issue.

Barbra Ransome from Social Services was named employee of the quarter. Transportation Manager Patrick Longerbeam was named customer service leader of the quarter for, among other actions, his work with a local HOA to solve a traffic issue to make roads safer.

Fire-rescue battalion chief Brandon Proffitt was named leader of the quarter. Among his many accomplishments, Proffitt spearheaded installation of a new ‘burn building” at the Henley Fire-Rescue Training center.

Director of Strategic Communications Jessice Kronberg presented the newly implemented civic clerk system to provide greater access to county information including agendas. Lisa Beczkiewicz and Ashley Parker worked really hard behind the scenes collaborating with Kronberg, Dan Stowers and Treanor Oliver to bring this to fruition. Go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=evY2miOCdVA for a short video showing how to use the new system.

The consent agenda included authorization to set public hearings for August 4. These include an ordinance amendment about livestock “running at large”, an ordinance amendment for sewer connections; various budget transfers and appropriations; endorsement of applications for VDOT Smart Scale funding; and land acquisition in Crozier for a replacement for the Company 2 fire-rescue station.

Public hearings

· A conditional use application for a short-term rental at 443 Woods Acres Road in District 4 was approved

· A real estate easement across the fire-rescue training center to provide road access to a land locked parcel was granted.

· An amendment to the FY 27 budget to transfer and appropriate up to $2.7 million for architecture and engineering services and owner’s representative services for improvements to the high school middle school complex, including for career and technical education, declaring the county’s official intent to reimburse these expenditures from the proceeds of future bond issues was approved.

Closed session

The board met in closed session in the afternoon to discuss specific plans to protect public safety with legal counsel and law enforcement officials as permitted by Virginia Code § 2.2-3711(A)(19), for the purpose of discussing specific plans to protect public safety by legal counsel and law enforcement officials

The board met in closed session in the evening in accordance with the provisions of Virginia Code §§ 2.2-3711(A)(7) and 2.2-3711(A)(1), for the purpose of discussing pending litigation, and the performance and duties of the County Administrator and County Attorney.

A Goochland Fourth

2026-07-07T11:00:23.285-04:00

What July 4th is all about

Joint Sheriff's Office and Fire-Rescue honor guard

Kendall Hutchinson sang National Anthem

Taps played after volley by American Legion Post 215

Manny Alvarez (at podium) Master of Ceremonies

Hunter Wilson, Mike Wilson, Manny Alvarez, Robin Lind, Amanda Adams, Jeff Mabry, Rhonda Shannon, Bob Warwick some speakers

Blistering heat did not stop Goochland on July 4. Our celebration was wonderful, made possible by many people who worked long and hard on a holiday. Some random observations on the day.
Special gratitude, above and beyond that which they deserve every day, goes to our public safety team. Instead of marking our nation’s 250^th birthday with friends and family, our dispatchers; deputies; fire-rescue providers, both career and volunteer; and parks and rec staff worked tirelessly, many on just a few hours’ sleep, to make Goochland’s celebration our nation memorable.
The Goochland 250 Commission, lead by Manuel Alvarez, moved Independence on the Green, a celebration of the Declaration of Independence, to air-conditioned comfort in the sports complex gym with the extensive help of Parks & Rec. For Alvarez, who emigrated to our country as a teenager fleeingcommunist oppression in Cuba, the freedoms we enjoy as Americans are not an abstraction.
Thanks to the many intrepid citizens who braved the heat to attend.
A joint Sheriff’s Office Fire-Rescue honor guard presented the colors, resplendent in exquisite dress uniforms.
The Declaration of Independence, written by Goochland’s own Thomas Jefferson, was read in its entirety by members of the community: Dr. Jeremy Raley, Andrew Meiller, Ellie Creasey, and Rhonda Shannon. The deleted passage dealing with the selling of slaves, was read by Jeff Mabry, a descendant of a revolutionary war soldier. Ms. Shannon’s passionate delivery channeled the anger and frustration of the colonists with King George III.
Bob Warwick gave a simple inclusive invocation and benediction.
Reenactor Mike Wilson, in Revolutionary war uniform, spoke about Goochlanders who participated in the struggle for independence. Their names are listed in the latest issue of the Goochland County Historical Society Magazine.
Robin Lind, President of the Goochland Historical Society announced the winners of the Witness Tree Challenge, which identified three trees that have been growing in the county for at least 250 years and been witness to the history of our nation.
Clerk of the Court Amanda Adams assisted by Kendall Hutchinson, who also sang the National Anthem, read the names and rang a bell for each of the 13 original colonies at 2:50 p.m. as part of the National Bell Festival.
There was ice cream, introduced to America by Mr. Jefferson, for all at the conclusion of the program. Kudos to the GVA 250 Commission members for staging the program including many behind the scene contributions of James Richmond, Executive Director of the Goochland Historical Society.
The VA250 “America Made in Virginia” program in Williamsburg was livestreamed in the gym beginning at 8 p.m.
Saving the best for last, Goochland fireworks were shot off beginning at 9:15 p.m. The display was better than ever! Go to https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1JcTny6Wdx/ to watch.
The superb cat herding skills of our amazing deputies deftly guided fireworks watchers on their way.
It was truly a day to savor and remember.