Henrico residents to shape future development plans: What do you want the county to look like in 2045?

HENRICO COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- What will Henrico County look like in the year 2045? County residents can participate in a series of open house-style meetings from mid-April to early May to view the comprehensive plan for the county on maps.

According to a press release from the county, HenricoNext's Suggestion Sessions -- hosted by the Department of Planning -- aim to give the general public a chance to review drafts of maps to show "potential land use designations for properties in the county."

The county said that these categories include suburban residential, office, open space/recreation and urban mixed-use -- and may be from a pre-existing plan adopted in 2009, which is now known as the Henrico County Vision 2026 Comprehensive Plan. Planners added that they aim to update the plan to imagine the county in 2045.

“We strongly encourage residents and other stakeholders to attend one of the upcoming community meetings, ask questions and provide feedback on the draft land use maps,” said Joe Emerson, director of the Department of Planning. “These maps and the recommendations associated with them will help form the foundation of Henrico’s next comprehensive plan. They also will help guide decisions on everything from zoning to county investments in facilities and infrastructure for the next 20 years.”

One suggestion meeting, which will all provide the same information to residents, will be held in each magisterial district from 5 to 7 p.m. on the following dates:

• Monday, April 14, Deep Run High School, located at 4801 Twin Hickory Rd.
• Wednesday, April 16, Freeman High School, located at 8701 Three Chopt Rd.
• Monday, April 21, Hermitage High School, located at 8301 Hungary Spring Rd.
• Monday, April 28, Henrico High School, located at 302 Azalea Ave.
• Monday, May 5, Highland Springs High School, located at 200 S. Airport Dr.

(Photo Courtesy: Henrico County)

Planning staff will be present to show Henrico residents maps for properties or neighborhoods, and will also be available to explain zoning, answer questions and collect feedback. Residents are encouraged to bring a device to place their suggestions.

The draft land use maps will be available at HenricoNext's website beginning the afternoon of Monday, April 14.