Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
Available On Air Stations

Plans for a Suburban 'Downtown' in Chesterfield County Gets a No Go From Planning Commission

Sample Housing Picture
Plans by the developer call for multi-family housing, such as what's pictured here. (Photo: Crixell Matthews/VPM)

Chesterfield’s Planning Commission denied a rezoning request Tuesday that would create a new “walkable” downtown off Route 288 -- at the corners of Iron Bridge and Courthouse Roads.

Dubbed “Courthouse Landing” the developers hope to build a mixed-use development. It would include a hotel, retail and office space as well as more than 600 mutli-family homes.

However, commissioners said the developers of the over 100-acre-plan failed to fully address the impacts to the surrounding area, including nearby Chesterfield Airport.

Some residents at the meeting were looking forward to the project because of the money it could bring the county. Others, like resident Michael Conner, were concerned about increased traffic.

“The Courthouse and Route 10 junction is designed for 16,000 cars additional. However, this development is 22,00 cars.”

Conner says he’s not against development of the land but thinks the developers should reduce the number of units to help offset any future traffic issues. 

The Board of Supervisors are expected to review the proposal next month. 

 

 

Ian M. Stewart is the transportation reporter and fill-in anchor for VPM News. He also produces and hosts the World Music Show for VPM Music — now in its 16th season. You can often find him riding his bike around Chesterfield County or on Virginia's Capital Trail. Stewart has won multiple Regional Edward R. Murrow and Virginia's AP Broadcasters awards for reporting and sound editing. He graduated from San Francisco State University with degrees in journalism and creative writing.