The Henrico County Board of Supervisors held a regular meeting Tuesday, Oct. 13. An agenda and video of the meeting are available on the board’s webpage. Highlights included:
Down Syndrome Awareness Month Recognition
In a work session prior to the regular meeting, the Board recognized October as Down Syndrome Awareness Month. Thomas Gardner, who has Down syndrome and is a client of Hermitage Enterprises, a program of Henrico Area Mental Health & Developmental Services, as well as an advocate for the Down syndrome community, was invited by Deputy County Manager for Administration Brandon Hinton to talk about the topic. Gardner said he felt like he was “a part of Henrico.”
Manager’s Comments
County Manager John A. Vithoulkas honored the legacy of James Edward “Jim” Ukrop, the former CEO of Ukrop’s Markets, who passed away Sept. 25 at 89. Vithoulkas highlighted the entrepreneur and philanthropist’s accomplishments and contributions to the region. Ukrop was known for supporting public education, uplifting teachers and students, empowering other business leaders and for his involvement in community initiatives like the Richmond Folk Festival.
“Jim’s legacy offers an important lesson for all of us in public service: Leadership is not measured solely by what we accomplish individually, but also by the opportunities we create for others and the lasting difference we make in the lives of those around us,” Vithoulkas said.
Fairfield District Supervisor and Board Chair Roscoe D. Cooper III and Brookland District Supervisor Dan J. Schmitt also honored Ukrop and recognized his contributions to the community. Cooper said the Ukrop’s supermarket on Brook Road provided his first job and noted he worked there his entire academic career.
Public Hearings for PUP, rezoning cases
The Board approved multiple requests for rezoning and provisional use permits (PUP).
A description of the cases and related reports by staff are available from the Planning Department. Presentations of the cases, including discussion by Board members and public comments, are available beginning at the 07:37 mark of the meeting video.
Board Approves Condemnation Proceedings
The Board authorized the county attorney to move forward with condemnation proceedings for property needed in construction projects.
In the Brookland District, the county needs land on Staples Mill Road to complete the East Parham Road and Staples Mill Road Intersection Improvements project.
In the Fairfield District, the county is acquiring easements on Mount Olive Avenue for a realignment project.
The county will continue to work with the current owners to acquire the properties.
Lease Approved for BP Seafood
The county previously acquired a property on Old Parham Road where BP Seafood LLC operates. Because the county doesn’t have an immediate need for the land and the seafood market wants to continue operating from its current location, the Board authorized a one-year lease agreement, beginning Nov.1.
Contract Awarded for Elevator Modernization
The Board awarded a $1.2 million contract to Virtexco Corp. for improvements to four elevators at the courthouse and Jail West. The project is anticipated to begin in January and be completed within a year.
Contract Awarded for Fruehauf Road Relief Sewer Project
The Board awarded a $1.7 million contract to J. Sanders Construction Co. to install approximately 850 linear feet of 8-inch and 12-inch gravity sewer lines along Fruehauf Road, replace sewer laterals and perform other work. Work is expected to start in November and take about eight months to complete.
Contract Awarded for Libbie Avenue Road Diet
The Board awarded a $3.7 million contract to Sagres Construction Corp. for the Libbie Avenue Road Diet project, where a shared-use path will be constructed. The path will be about 725 feet long and 10 feet wide and will extend from the intersection of Libbie Avenue and West Broad Street to Libbie’s intersection with Libbie Mill West Boulevard.
The project also consists of 1,580 feet of two-way bike lanes on Libbie, a rapid flashing beacon, a section for parallel parking, ADA-compliant ramps and crosswalks and a new storm sewer.
Construction is expected to start in November and be completed by January 2028.
Contract Awarded for Fall Line Trail Section in Lakeside
The Board awarded an approximately $1 million contract to Webb Development for the Lakeside Community Trail Phase 1 project. The first phase of the project includes the construction of a 3,500-foot-long trail stretching from Spring Park to the intersection of Dumbarton Road and Gillespie Avenue. The multiuse path will have drainage, pavement markings and signage.
Construction is expected to start in November and be complete in about a year.
When the entire Lakeside Community Trail is complete, it will be approximately 2 miles long and 12 feet wide, with several pedestrian bridges over a tributary to Upham Brook. The trail is part of the Fall Line Trail, which is planned to extend between Ashland and Petersburg.
Contract Awarded for Laburnum Avenue Sidewalk Project
The Board awarded a nearly $2 million contract to M&F Concrete for the Laburnum Avenue – North and South Sidewalk project, which will add 2,500 linear feet of sidewalk along the north side of Laburnum Avenue between Audubon Drive and Williamsburg Road, as well as 4,200 feet of sidewalk along the south side of Laburnum. The project includes pedestrian and ADA curb ramps along the project corridor.
Work is expected to begin in December and finish in about a year.