The Chesterfield County Economic Development Authority (EDA) has taken heat from citizens over past few weeks and months regarding a controversial “megasite” proposal and the rezoning of nearly 1,700 acres in the county. Recently, two Republican state lawmakers have officially announced their opposition to the plan, originally spearheaded by former Governor Terry McAuliffe.
Speaker of the House of Delegates Kirk Cox (R-Colonial Heights) sent a letter to his constituents last week regarding his opposition to the megasite. He explained that his stance stems from widespread community resentment, according to the Richmond Times-Dispatch.
The letter reads:
“While I believe industrial site development in general is merited, it is clear the Chesterfield location does not have the community support necessary for such a significant project to succeed. I hear from constituents regularly who have not been satisfied with the handling of this project and do not approve of building a mega site in Chesterfield. Given the lack of community support for the Matoaca Mega Site, I cannot support the continued progress of this project. I have shared this news with Chesterfield County officials, encouraging them to consider a different approach.”
Over the weekend, State Senator Amanda Chase (R-Chesterfield), who also opposes the megasite, took to Facebook to give her remarks:
“One of the issues that concern constituents is the Matoaca Mega Site. The name itself is somewhat misleading – the site is located in the Bermuda district, and should bear that name. Furthermore, I stand with the thousands of homeowners who bought their properties under the current residential zoning and under the Comprehensive plan at the time of purchasing their home.
Beyond this one project, an overarching concern exists. Economic Development Authorities are comprised of non- elected members who are not held accountable to the people they represent. This is a core reason as to why I could not support the Mega Site, or economic development authorities in general. I introduced SB 714 during the 2018 Legislative Session in order to increase budgetary accountability and oversight of economic development authorities.”
The Matoaca and Bermuda district borders come together in southern Chesterfield. However, the megasite is located completely in the Bermuda District – three miles west of Interstate 95 and two miles south of Iron Bridge Road.
As the Bermuda Advocates for Responsible Development (BARD) broadened their efforts with more meetings and more concerned citizens donning “no megasite” T-shirts, Chase became more skeptical about the role of local EDAs.
Chase’s legislation, Senate Bill 714, read:
“Provides that any local economic development expenditure shall be first approved by the local governing body.”
The bill would have taken away power from local EDAs and would have given more transparency to citizens. Although the Senate Local Government Committee continued the legislation to 2019, the committee did ask for a statewide study of EDAs.
Opposition from both Cox and Chase comes just as the megasite plan is making its first major steps in the local review process from county administrators. As that has unfolded, officials have faced growing numbers of protests outside the Chesterfield County government complex. Furthermore, hundreds-strong community meetings have been held, along with thousands of signatures on petitions against the project.
Chesterfield’s EDA is seeking to purchase almost 1,700 acres of land to attract a large industrial company. Although no prospective business has yet to be identified, officials claim the proximity to rail infrastructure and highways can be used to recruit an automotive or aerospace manufacturer.
Before the 2008 economic recession, the Chesterfield Board of Supervisors approved the rezoning of the aforementioned property for it to become a 5,000-home development, but failed to materialize. Therefore, for the megasite project to move forward, the supervisors would have to approve a rezoning of the property from residential use to heavy industrial.
According to the Chesterfield Observer, Clover Hill District Supervisor Chris Winslow announced his support on Sunday for a sweeping review of Chesterfield’s EDA, citing the vast contentions from the public.
