The Planning Department, in partnership with design firm Able City, is launching a public design process for the Best Products Reimagined site and the adjacent Brook Road corridor. We invite all community members to participate and share their ideas to help shape the future of these areas. Your input will play a key role in guiding decisions that affect the development and character of our neighborhoods. The feedback and ideas collected during this process will be incorporated into the HenricoNEXT comprehensive plan update and inform future zoning ordinance changes, including the creation of a Form-Based Alternative Overlay (FBA-O) district.
The project area encompasses both the Best Products site, located at the southeast corner of I-295 and I-95, and the Brook Road corridor includes the primary business section of Brook Road from Magellan Parkway in the north to approximately Hilliard Road in the south.
PROJECT TIMELINE
WINTER 2026 – Project Kickoff
March 23, 2026 – Community Charrette Kick-Off Event
Location: Massey Library Technology Center, Reynolds Community College Parham Road Campus (campus map)
Time: 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
At the kick-off event, following a short presentation, join your neighbors and local experts at table maps to share your big ideas. Everyone is encouraged to participate—no design experience is needed. Come ready to contribute and make your ideas part of the planning process!
March 24 – 26, 2026 – Studio Sessions
Location: Burnette Hall, Reynolds Community College Parham Road Campus (campus map)
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
We will hold studio sessions from March 24th through Thursday, March 26th to further refine ideas. To join, please contact us using the information below; your participation will help influence decisions on topics and properties that matter most to you.
SUMMER 2026 – Open House to discuss Draft Vision
WHAT IS A FORM-BASED ALTERNATIVE OVERLAY?
A Form-Based Alternative Overlay (FBA-O) is a zoning approach that focuses on the design and appearance of buildings—rather than just how land is used. Instead of only asking “What can be built here?” it asks “How will it look and feel for the people who live, work, and visit?”
The goal of an FBA-O is to create vibrant, walkable neighborhoods where homes, shops, and public spaces work together in harmony. These overlays encourage mixed-use development, meaning places where you can live, shop, and enjoy community spaces all within a short walk.
When applied as an overlay to existing zoning, form-based districts give communities more flexibility and creativity in shaping their future—helping ensure that growth feels connected, attractive, and people-friendly.
Benefits for Residents and Businesses
Form-Based Alternative Overlays offer advantages that go beyond aesthetics—they create stronger, more livable communities and thriving local economies:
For Residents
- Walkable Neighborhoods: Enjoy easy access to shops, parks, and services without relying on a car.
- Community Character: Design standards help maintain a cohesive, attractive look that reflects local identity.
- Public Spaces: More inviting streets and gathering areas encourage social interaction and a sense of belonging.
- Quality of Life: Mixed-use areas bring convenience and vibrancy to everyday living.
For Businesses
- Increased Foot Traffic: Walkable, mixed-use areas attract more visitors and customers.
- Flexible Development Options: Overlay zoning allows for creative building designs and adaptive reuse of spaces.
- Thriving Local Economy: Attractive, well-planned districts encourage investment and long-term growth.
- Community Connection: Businesses become part of a neighborhood fabric, fostering loyalty and engagement.
WHAT IS A CHARRETTE?
A charrette is an engaging, collaborative workshop that brings together designers, planners, and community members to shape ideas for a project or initiative. This hands-on session is fast-paced and highly interactive, encouraging participants to share perspectives, brainstorm creative solutions, and work collectively toward a common vision.
Charrettes are often used in planning and design projects to ensure that community voices are heard and incorporated into the decision-making process. By gathering diverse stakeholders in one space, charrettes foster transparency, creativity, and consensus-building—helping transform ideas into actionable plans.
WHY HOLD A CHARRETTE?
Charrettes are more than just brainstorming sessions; they are a powerful tool for community engagement. Here’s why they make a difference:
- Inclusive Participation: They give everyone a seat at the table, ensuring that local voices and ideas shape the outcome.
- Collaborative Problem-Solving: By combining professional expertise with community insight, charrettes produce solutions that are practical and widely supported.
- Transparency and Trust: Open dialogue builds trust between planners and residents, creating a sense of shared ownership.
- Faster Results: The focused, time-bound nature of charrettes accelerates decision-making and moves projects forward efficiently.
- Better Outcomes: When communities are involved from the start, projects reflect real needs and values, leading to long-term success.
WHY JOIN IN?
Because your voice matters! Community projects thrive when everyone contributes their ideas and perspectives. By participating, you help shape plans that reflect real needs and create a future we can all be proud of.
When you join a charrette, you’re not just attending a meeting—you’re becoming part of a creative team. Together, we can turn good ideas into great solutions that benefit the entire community. Your input ensures that decisions are inclusive, transparent, and truly represent the people who live, work, and play here.
CAN I SUBMIT WRITTEN FEEDBACK?
Absolutely! You’re welcome to send your comments or questions about this project by emailing [email protected]. Once we receive your message, we’ll send you a confirmation and make sure your feedback is shared with the project team.
NEED MORE DETAILS?
Please reach out to Neha Shinde at [email protected] | (804) 501-4284 or Seth Humphreys at [email protected] | (804) 501-4427 in the Comprehensive Planning Division.