What might a village in Goochland look like? That’s the question posed April 27 at the last of three forums put on by the Partnership for Smarter Growth at the Centerville Firehouse.

Three guest speakers addressed the crowd of about 75, and Goochland’s Principal Planner Tom Coleman gave an overview of the existing comprehensive plan.

Evie Scott, Goochland resident and PSG member, welcomed the attendees, reminding the crowd that the newly mandated UDAs were only part of the discussion.But on the subject of UDAs, Goochland County Administrator Rebecca Dickson said “The state is forcing us to have this dialogue,” before Coleman dived into the comp plan.

Perhaps the most interesting presentation came from Dan Holmes, Director of State Policy for the Piedmont Environmental Council.

“As a county you really have to find out what your vision is,” said Holmes, who said there is “nothing more detrimental to a growth center than an inappropriately designed growth center,” citing Frederick County, where a voluntarily designated UDA was adopted which proved too large Holmes stressed making sure that villages be the right size.

“A village can be four blocks,” said Holmes.

Former Director of Planning and Development for the City of Richmond Rachel Flynn gave an informative presentation on the growth of the city, demonstrating how the rise of the automobile changed housing and commercial patterns, giving rise to the suburbs and shopping malls outside the city limits.

“My hope for Goochland is that you think about what you value,” said Flynn.

Several speakers questioned the need for UDAs in the county.

“I don’t understand why we can’t let growth happen organically,” said Pat Hendy.

Holmes countered that UDAs don’t have to be huge.”

Dickson urged that the UDA mandate be looked at as an opportunity.

“Rather than wring our hands about UDAs let’s turn it around and use it,” she said.

“You can dictate exactly what you want,” said Doug Elliot of Enzo’s. “You’ll never lose control if you stay active,” he said.

A meeting the night before at the courthouse on a proposed UDA in that area convinced planner Tom Coleman that the county should concentrate on Centerville and West Creek, he said last week.

“Some don’t think the courthouse is appropriate for a UDA,” he said.

Coleman said the earliest the supervisors could consider a new ordinance for UDAs would be in September.