The Henrico County Board of Supervisors held a regular meeting Tuesday, Sept. 22. An agenda and video of the meeting are available on the board’s webpage. Highlights included:
Henrico salutes contributions of Hispanic community
County Manager John A. Vithoulkas noted the county’s recognition of Hispanic and Latino Heritage Month, which continues through Oct. 15.
“We are grateful for the Hispanic and Latino residents, leaders, organizations and families who help strengthen and enrich our community each day,” he said. “Their traditions, perspectives and contributions continue to make Henrico a more welcoming, vibrant and connected place for all.”
Resident Yuriko Ota, a native of Peru, graduate of My Henrico Academy and founder of the Silk and Sol bakery in Glen Allen, said she is grateful to be part of the Henrico community.
“I have seen how powerful it is when people can share their heritage and feel that their culture is genuinely welcomed,” she said.
County manager, Fire official highlight work of Fire Marshal’s Office
Deputy Fire Chief Scott Sutton used the Division of Fire’s response to fires at Darby House Senior Apartments and the SwimRVA-North pool house — significant fires that occurred within a week of each other in early July — to illustrate the complex and often time-consuming investigative work that is performed by the division’s Fire Marshal’s Office.
Sutton noted that investigations to determine the cause of a fire can involve steps including collection of evidence, review of surveillance video, conducting interviews, performing laboratory analysis, seeking court orders, coordinating with partner agencies and insurance companies, and more.
“Each of those steps matters,” he said. “Significant fire investigations can take time. Our goal is not to provide the fastest answer. Our responsibility is to provide the most accurate answer that can be supported by the totality of the evidence.”
Sutton said an investigation determined the cause of the SwimRVA-North fire to be accidental. The investigation into the Darby House Senior Apartments fire remains active, he said.
The county manager noted that while questions linger in the community about the length of the investigation into the Darby House fire, the county’s priority is to investigate the fire completely.
“The reason [for the length of the investigation] is we’re very careful before we come out with an outcome,” Vithoulkas said. “I want to thank everyone in the Fire Marshal’s Office for the work they do.”
Nelson applauds start of Rebuild Henrico initiative
Varina District Supervisor Tyrone E. Nelson noted that the county had launched Rebuild Henrico, an initiative designed to spur reinvestment and redevelopment in community facilities, infrastructure, commercial corridors and other targeted areas.
In a news conference earlier Tuesday, officials announced the county’s acquisition of two vacant commercial properties on Williamsburg Road as first steps for the initiative. Nelson said the properties will be razed, cleared and marketed for redevelopment.
“It is my hope that other property owners and investors will see similar opportunities along the Williamsburg Road corridor and will work with us to help position this area for the future,” he said. “There is great potential here.”
Nelson added that the corridor is known as the “front door” to Richmond International Airport and the Sandston community. He thanked the Henrico Economic Development Authority and Richmond International Airport for their partnership in the initiative.
Board recognizes Fire Prevention Week
The Board approved a proclamation designating Oct. 4-10 as Fire Prevention Week, pointing to the dedication of Henrico firefighters to limit the occurrence of home fires through public education and to the role of residents to learn preventive measures to enhance the fire safety of their homes. Modern homes burn faster than ever, according to Fire officials, and improperly charged lithium-ion batteries can pose a heightened risk.
Brookland District Supervisor Dan J. Schmitt presented the proclamation.
Active Aging Week recognized
The Board also approved a proclamation for Active Aging Week, highlighting Oct. 5-11 as a time to celebrate community engagement, volunteerism and healthy aging among residents 50 and older. The county offers a range of programs and services for older residents through the Outreach & Engagement Agency, the Division of Recreation & Parks and other departments.
Tuckahoe District Supervisor Jody K. Rogish presented the proclamation.
Amendments to budget approved
Following a public hearing, the Board approved about $32.5 million in amendments to the county’s 2026-27 budget, including appropriations of $6 million in state transportation maintenance funds for paving projects, $6.5 million in state funding for construction of a roundabout at New Market and Doran roads and $3.2 million for the Division of Fire’s apparatus replacement program.
A line-item listing of the budget amendments is available from the Finance Department.
County to apply for state funds for stream projects
The Board authorized the Department of Public Works to seek funding from the Virginia Stormwater Local Assistance Fund to support stream restoration efforts at Three Lakes Park and Reynolds Community College, which are estimated to cost $2.2 million and $800,000, respectively.
If the projects are approved, the state fund is expected to cover 50% of their cost.