Henrico Supervisors Frank Thornton of Fairfield District and Jim Donati of Varina District met with East Henrico citizens on October 27, 2003. The meeting was sponsored by the East Henrico Community Action Committee. This is thought to be a very encouraging sign that the county is serious about building a
Community Center in East Henrico. With both Donati and Thornton in favor of the center, they might combine their funding.
Most of the meeting was concerned with the search for an available ten acres minimum of land. Mr. Thorton when asked if the project had been approved responded that it had been approved by the Henrico Board of Supervisors. Mr. Donati said that they were in the final stages of approving the After Planning Study. The Planning Study developed by Guernsey Tingle Architects of Williamsburg included floor plans of 25,000 square feet.
Many sites were mentioned. It was noted that the tract behind Newbridge School
- an early favorite of the CAC - is now being developed into apartments. A seller has offered a building with a gymnasium which is being considered. No specifics were given as to its location. Other sites were mentioned where offers were made to sellers who then raised their prices beyond reach. It was suggested that a portion of the Meadow View Park tract off Cedar Fork Road be used as a possible site.
When asked about the time frame of the project, Mr. Donati said the key element is the acquisition of a location. Once the property is purchased a year or two is needed to finalize plans.
Mr. Donati asked if the CAC had in mind any specific limits on the location. It was pointed out that the old CAC target which included the Nine Mile Road corridor bounded by Laburnum on the east, Airport Drive on the west, the railroad tracks on the south and Creighton Road on the north has been expanded to include Williamsburg Road.
The discussion then centered around the Nine Mile Corridor. Mr. Donati talked about an Enterprise Zone that addresses Henrico's new status of "large urban county." Nine Mile Road from Dabbs House to the railroad tracks has been designated by Henrico County and the Virginia Legislature as an Enterprise Zone where businesses can recieve 30% backing on the renovation of certain properties. Additional tax credits and job credits also apply.
Mr. Thornton mentioned that a corporate sponsor such as Nabisco, Infinion, or Coca Cola might help finance the project. It would help if an individual might approach one of these major companies who would recieve in return certain tax credits.