Is there another sign controversy on Goochland’s horizon?

Probably not.

The Goochland Planning Commission considered a measure last week that would allow limited electronic signage in the county.

There seemed little support for the new ordinance, and commissioners agreed to take the matter up again in 60 days.

Goochland’s Director of Planning Bob Hammond told the planning board that neighboring counties have differing views on the limitations of the evolving electronic signage trend.

Most rural areas do not allow scrolling of messages and most have “static” time requirements, meaning messages must remain in place for a certain amount of time.

Acceptable light intensity levels of these signs prompted a great deal of discussion on the board.

And recent studies have indicated the electronic signs might detract drivers’ attention on the highway. 

The commission first considered the matter of electronic signs in June, but decided to appoint a two-person committee, comprised of Bill Neal and Courtney Hyers to study the matter.

Then the ordinance change was drafted.

Hammond said the goal of the change was twofold: First, the measure would consolidate all of the existing sign regulations in the county. Second, it would allow limited use of electronic signage in certain zoning districts.

Members of the public expressed their concerns with the proposed ordinance change.

John Lewis objected to the announcement regarding the public hearing, stating it should have included all districts impacted by the change.

Lewis also suggested a deferral to allow for more public input.

Leighton Powell, executive director of Scenic Virginia, said the signs would detract from the natural beauty of the county.

“You don’t need these signs that scream at you,” Powell said. “It is visual clutter and distracting to drivers.”

Commissioner Bob Rich suggested the panel vote on the consolidation of ordinances but defer action on the electronic sign issue until a more in-depth study can be completed.

Rich said he would spearhead the effort to organize a workshop where all members of the planning commission could study the measure and gather more input from the public.

The proposal to consolidate the county’s sign ordinances gained the panel’s recommendation, but the electronic sign discussion will continue for at least another 60 days.

HCA set to build new hospital in September

The commission also approved a tentative plat review for a new 97-bed hospital located on 60 acres in West Creek Business Park, on the east side of Route 288.

HCA officials said they planned to begin moving dirt in September for the first phase of the project, an emergency medical center.

Construction could be finished in as little as 12 months.

Phase II would follow with the construction of a medical office building followed by Phase III, the opening of a 97-bed hospital.

All members presented voted to recommend approval of the application to the Board of Supervisors.

Landfill request on hold for 30 days

Plans to expand the 623 Landfill and open a material recovery facility on the site didn’t attract many comments from Goochland citizens, but Planning Commissioners got an earful from Henrico County residents affected by the project.

Republic Services Inc., the company seeking the expansion, operates a construction and demolition debris landfill and owns more than 300 acres in the northeastern portion of the county.

Republic Services requested action by the planning commission on seven applications, including two rezoning requests, four conditional-use permit applications and one ordinance amendment. The package expands the current landfill site, initiates a borrow pit operation and requests permission to open a Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) on 89 acres on the eastern portion of the property.

Henrico residents who live near the site say the operation is not properly buffered and will represent a huge intrusion on their lifestyles.

Goochland Principal Planner Tom Coleman recommended a 350-foot zone with heavy plantings.

Republic Services suggested a 185-foot buffer that included a berm to inhibit sound and offer visual separation from the residences.

“As it stands right now, simply reducing it from 350 feet and installing a berm in this area does not provide sufficient buffer protection for the adjacent property owners,” Coleman said.

Andrew Condlin, an attorney representing Republic Services, said the berm would provide both sound and visual protection for the residents, with plantings on top of a 15 to 35 foot elevation.

Condlin also said that the borrow operation was necessary to provide dirt to cover the landfill as it progresses on a lifespan he estimated at 15 years.

Due to its location in the Tuckahoe Creek Service District, the proposed borrow site could be converted to a business park when the landfill eventually closes.

The 623 Landfill currently contributes $116,000 annually to the TCSD in taxes and user fees, said Condlin.

Condlin added that the expansion, MRF and borrow operation are appropriate uses.

“We are in an industrial area, not only with the landfills but with three quarries, an asphalt plant and an M-2 industrial park just north of the H.H. Hunt property in Henrico County,” said Condlin.

Steve Matthews, a resident of the West Ridge neighborhood, said he can see the landfill operations from his front porch.

“This is not a neighborhood where you don’t sell simply to upgrade,” Matthews said. “It’s a place you want to stay forever.”

“An M-2 zoning threatens the very reason we moved here,” the 20-year resident added.

Darvin Satterwhite represented several of the affected homeowners and said the request to zone the property M-2 is a denial of the Comprehensive Plan’s vision for the county.

“Heavy industrial uses are clearly prohibited in flexible zoning areas,” Satterwhite said. “It’s a violation, pure and simple.”

Condlin suggested the panel defer the matter for 30 days.

The commission will consider the matter at its next meeting.