Last night was a late night for many Henrico county constituents as they waited their turn to speak and listen to others speak. The occasion was to address the current 2026 Comprehensive Plan in a public forum. It was the last chance for interested parties to speak up and let their thoughts and concerns be heard before the County Board of Supervisors votes to approve the plan.
Being a life-long resident (37 of my 40 years) of Henrico county (Brookland district), I can appreciate the varying needs and perspectives of the county constituents. Growing up riding my bicycle to and from school and everywhere in between, the changes to the county I've seen have been incredible. Some better than others.
As expected, the night was filled with various perspectives, opinions, and facts. It was an empowering feeling to listen to the passionate thoughts and suggestions presented by many residents of the county specifically, Varina residents, an area that is proposed to be developed.
College students, citizen advocacy groups, small-farm farmers, retired farmers, local residents, business interests, you name it. They were there, and they all had excellent points about their interests. Looking at the map of Henrico and the proposed development, I can't help but think what will happen when the land is no longer farms and open space.
Dr. Kimberly Perry spoke on behalf of Bike Walk Virginia about the need to address bike and pedestrian accommodations. Thomas Bowden also addressed critical points concerning the need to devote attention towards bike/ped needs. Additionally, Dr. Tracy Wright, pediatrician at Richmond Pediatrics Associates spoke on addressing the rising childhood health concerns when considering new community development.
If you did not make it to the meeting last night, follow the link at the top of this post and voice your concerns about this plan. There is still time to make your opinion known to the County Board of Supervisors. Thanks are in order to all that attended and facilitated the meeting. It was a late night but a great way to see our government at work.
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