April 2010

April 26, 2010

CONTACT: Karen Carter, County Agent

PHONE: 501-5160

Henrico Extension's 'Tree Smarts' seminar series continues May 4-6

The Henrico County Extension Office and Henrico County Master Gardeners will offer the third installment of the "Tree Smarts" seminar series May 4-6 with a program on raising a healthy tree. The seminar is scheduled for 7-8:30 p.m. each night at the following locations (each session will feature the same information): Tuesday, May 4, Twin Hickory Area Library, 5001 Twin Hickory Road; Wednesday, May 5, Sandston Branch Library, 23 E. Williamsburg Road; and Thursday, May 6, Tuckahoe Area Library, 1901 Starling Drive.

"Raising a Healthy Tree" will highlight the importance of proper planting and early care for the successful growth of a young tree. The seminar will provide information about watering, fertilizing, mulching, pruning and protecting young trees from insects, diseases and other stresses.

The Tree Smarts seminar series is designed to increase understanding of trees, the role they play in the community's landscape and how homeowners and others can enhance their care of them. The sessions are free and open to the public.

Participants can pre-register by calling Henrico Extension at 501-5160. Additional information is available online at www.co.henrico.va.us/extension.

April 23, 2010

CONTACT: Mike Jennings, Traffic Engineer

PHONE: 501-4229

Henrico Public Works advises motorists to plan for heavy traffic for NASCAR

In preparation for the upcoming Bubba Burger 250 and Crown Royal Presents The Heath Calhoun 400 NASCAR events at Richmond International Raceway (RIR), the Henrico County Department of Public Works will modify traffic patterns on major routes to the raceway on Friday, April 30 and Saturday, May 1. The temporary changes should help minimize traffic congestion during the races.

Motorists should expect extremely heavy traffic and delays all day Friday and Saturday in the raceway area, especially from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. before the races and from 10:15 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. after the races.

The Henrico Division of Police will have officers on duty to direct traffic around the area before and after the races. Police encourage race fans and other motorists to consult message boards on interstate highways and roadways approaching RIR for traffic information. WRVA 1140 AM will broadcast traffic reports as well.

The following traffic patterns will be in effect May 1 during peak hours:

• Carolina Avenue between Laburnum and Azalea avenues will be one-way inbound before the race and one-way outbound after the race. Access to businesses along Carolina Avenue will be maintained from Laburnum Avenue.
• Meadowbridge Road between the Henrico/Hanover county line and Azalea Avenue will be one-way southbound beginning at approximately 9 a.m. and continuing until the race starts.
• Meadowbridge Road north of Azalea Avenue will close to northbound traffic; however, in Hanover County it will remain a two-way road at all times.
• After the race, Laburnum Avenue between Carolina Avenue and Mechanicsville Turnpike will be one-way eastbound. Two-way traffic will be maintained westbound from Carolina Avenue.
• After the race, Meadowbridge Road north of Azalea Avenue will be one-way northbound between Azalea Avenue and Atlee Road, beginning at approximately 10 p.m. and continuing until race traffic is dispersed.
• After the race, three lanes on Azalea Avenue between Richmond-Henrico Turnpike and Henrico High School will be routed westbound and one lane eastbound. This change will require all median crossovers on Azalea Avenue between Richmond-Henrico Turnpike and Henrico High School to close at approximately 10 p.m. until race traffic is dispersed. Police will assist motorists turning from Azalea Avenue to Thrush Lane and Pony Farm Drive.
• After the race, eastbound Laburnum Avenue between Richmond-Henrico Turnpike and Carolina Avenue will be closed until race traffic disperses.

While these traffic patterns are in effect, median crossovers on Laburnum Avenue will be closed between North Avenue and Mechanicsville Turnpike, except at Pilots Lane and Austin Avenue. Only right turns will be permitted to and from Laburnum Avenue. Police will be positioned at these intersections before and after the race to assist motorists turning onto or crossing Laburnum Avenue.

On-street parking on major routes to RIR is prohibited each day. Additional parking will be available May 1 at the Richmond Coliseum parking deck on North Seventh Street for $6. Free shuttle bus service to and from RIR will be provided beginning at 1 p.m. Parking also will be available at the Showplace on Mechanicsville Turnpike beginning at 11 a.m., $5 per car and $25 per recreational vehicle; free shuttle bus service to RIR will be provided.

The Henrico Division of Police has recommended the following routes for traffic approaching the raceway April 30-May 1:

• From the east (Hampton Roads area) -- Follow Interstate 64 west to Interstate 295 north (Exit 200). Follow Interstate 295 north and exit onto Mechanicsville Turnpike west (Exit 37B). Follow Mechanicsville Turnpike to Laburnum Avenue. Turn right and proceed to the raceway.
• From the east (Route 360) - Approach Richmond on Route 360 west (Mechanicsville Turnpike), cross Interstate 295, and continue west to Laburnum Avenue. Turn right and proceed to the raceway.
• From the east (local traffic) - Follow Interstate 64 west and take the Laburnum Avenue exit (Exit 195). Turn right and proceed to the raceway.
• From the north - Follow Interstate 95 south to the Interstate 295 east interchange (marked "To Norfolk - Williamsburg"). Follow Interstate 295 east and exit onto Meadowbridge Road west (Exit 38B). Follow Meadowbridge Road (Richmond-Henrico Turnpike) and proceed to the raceway.
• From the north (local traffic) - Use Route 1 (Brook Road) to Azalea Avenue. Turn left onto Azalea Avenue and proceed to the raceway.
• From the west - Follow Interstate 64 east to the Interstate 295 south interchange (Exit 177). Follow Interstate 295 south and exit onto Meadowbridge Road west (Exit 38B). Follow Meadowbridge Road (Richmond-Henrico Turnpike) and proceed to the raceway.
• From the west (local traffic) - Follow Interstate 64 east to the Powhite Parkway/Laburnum Avenue exit. Take the Laburnum Avenue exit, turn left and proceed to the raceway.
• From the south - Follow Interstate 95 north to the interchange with Interstate 295 south of Petersburg. Follow Interstate 295 north and exit onto Mechanicsville Turnpike (Exit 37B). Follow Mechanicsville Turnpike to Laburnum Avenue. Turn right and proceed to the raceway.
• From the south (local traffic) - Follow Interstate 95 north to the Interstate 64 east interchange (Exit 75). Follow Interstate 64 to Route 360 east (Mechanicsville Turnpike). Follow Route 360 east to Laburnum Avenue. Turn left and proceed to the raceway.

April 22, 2010

CONTACT: Jean Moore, Assistant Director, Planning

PHONE: 501-4229

Henrico sets community meeting on draft Innsbrook Area Study for May 4

The Henrico County Planning Department will hold an open-house format community meeting to present the draft Innsbrook Area Study (IAS) and solicit public input on Tuesday, May 4, from 5 to 7 p.m. in the atrium of the Highwoods One building, 10900 Nuckols Road.

Requested by the Board of Supervisors in September 2009, the IAS is the largest such study undertaken by the Planning Department, encompassing 1,185 acres and 8.7 million square feet of office and commercial space. The study considers a more flexible land-use framework and provides planning guidance to help the area -- first developed in the early 1980s -- adapt to changing economic conditions and development trends. The Innsbrook area has strong potential for more efficient, mixed-use development that takes advantage of existing infrastructure and population, according to the study.

The community meeting will feature a series of stations highlighting the study's individual topics, including land use and transportation. Staff will be on hand to explain information and answer questions. Participants will be encouraged to provide written feedback.

Meeting notices have been mailed to property owners, residents, businesses and stakeholders in the Innsbrook area; other interested parties are welcome to attend as well. The draft study is available online at www.co.henrico.va.us/planning.

For more information, call the Planning Department at 501-4602 or e-mail InnsbrookAreaStudy@co.henrico.va.us.

April 21, 2010

CONTACT: Mark Strickler, Director, Community Revitalization

PHONE: 501-7610

Henrico launches new home-improvement guidebook

Henrico County announces the release of "Homeowner's Enhancement Guide: Updates for Today's Lifestyle," a comprehensive handbook that offers ideas, direction and resources for homeowners and prospective homebuyers looking to modernize an older home.

The guide is the newest tool in Henrico's ongoing effort to preserve and revitalize its mature neighborhoods, said Community Revitalization Director Mark Strickler. He noted that approximately 40 percent of the county's single-family homes were constructed between 1945 and 1975.

"Most of these houses are well-built with quality materials and are conveniently located," Strickler said. "But because of their age and design, they may need renovations or other updates to make them more comfortable or help them better compete with more modern housing."

The Homeowner's Enhancement Guide offers a variety of ideas for improving a home, such as boosting its curb appeal, making it more energy efficient and planning an addition. Individual chapters provide suggestions specific to the architectural style of the home, including ranch, Cape Cod and split level. The guide also gives tips on enhancing a property's landscape, incorporating universal design and navigating the permit process for a renovation project. The 138-page handbook features illustrations, diagrams, checklists and additional resources.

The Homeowner's Enhancement Guide is available free of charge online at www.co.henrico.va.us/revit and can be checked out at all Henrico libraries. It also can be purchased for $10 at the Department of Community Revitalization, 4062 Crockett Street, and at The Permit Center locations at the Government Center and Eastern Government Center.

For more information, log on to the Web site or contact Community Revitalization at 501-7616.

April 19, 2010

CONTACT: Linda Leigh, Executive Assistant, Board of Supervisors

PHONE: 501-4208

Tuckahoe town meeting to examine Henrico's 'Reinvest' program

The next town meeting of Henrico County Board of Supervisors Chairman and Tuckahoe District Supervisor Patricia S. O'Bannon will provide information about "Reinvest," Henrico's new residential tax-abatement program. The meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 28 at Tuckahoe Area Library, 1901 Starling Drive.

Reinvest (Residential Investment Tax Abatement) is a partial tax-exemption program designed to encourage improvements and rehabilitation of qualifying homes -- those 40 years and older with an assessed value of $200,000 or less. Eligible homes are not taxed for seven years on renovations, additions and similar projects meeting program criteria. Henrico's real estate division manager Tom Little will be on hand to explain the program and will join O'Bannon for a question-and-answer period as well.

Tuckahoe town meetings are open to the public. For more information, call 501-4208 or log on to www.patobannon.com.

April 16, 2010

CONTACT: Steve Knockemus, Senior Public Relations Specialist

PHONE: 501-4476

Dozens of Henrico students participate in Student Government Day

More than 150 high school seniors took the reins of Henrico County's general government and public schools administrations Thursday when they assumed the roles of elected officials and top administrators for the 53rd annual Student Government Day.

Designed to give students a firsthand view of the operations of their local government, Student Government Day paired student leaders from nine Henrico high schools with key county officials, including the county manager, school superintendent, police and fire chiefs, Circuit Court judges and members of the School Board and Board of Supervisors.

"The decisions and actions of local government have an immediate impact on our residents, whether they're turning on a faucet, driving through an intersection or looking at homes in a new residential development," County Manager Virgil R. Hazelett, P.E. said. "Student Government Day gives us the chance to show our young people how these decisions are made and how they affect their daily lives."

Students shadowed their government counterparts throughout the day, gaining insight into some of the processes and details of local governance; they also had the opportunity to register to vote and tour the county jail. The day culminated with a student-led Board of Supervisors meeting, in which they held a lively debate on several items, including amending the boundaries of the Henrico Enterprise Zone; authorizing a land-use study of the Innsbrook Area; and awarding a contract for Phase II of construction of the John Rolfe Parkway.

"Today is your reality show," Board Chairman and Tuckahoe District Supervisor Patricia S. O'Bannon told the students. "Local government is where the rubber meets the road. You've gotten a glimpse of how things work in the real world."

Student Government Day is sponsored by the Kiwanis clubs of North Richmond, Tuckahoe and North Central Richmond.

Before taking the reins of local government, 32 students took the oath of office at an investiture ceremony April 14 at Hermitage High School. Pictured from left are the student counterparts for the Board of Supervisors: Dreon Owens, Highland Springs High School, Varina District; Elizabeth Binns, Deep Run High School, Three Chopt District; Edna Turay, Hermitage High School, Brookland District; Kiana Grant, Henrico High School, Fairfield District; and Adair Wallerstein, Freeman High School, Tuckahoe District. The students were sworn in by Henrico Circuit Court Chief Judge Daniel T. Balfour.

Student Government Day activities ended with a student-run Board of Supervisors meeting. Here, County Manager Virgil R. Hazelett, P.E., offers guidance to his student counterpart, Chad Seese of Tucker High School.

April 12, 2010

CONTACT: Karen Carter, County Agent, Extension Office

PHONE: 501-5160

Henrico Extension, Keep Henrico Beautiful will teach worm composting April 22

The Henrico County Extension Office and Keep Henrico Beautiful will offer a workshop on vermicomposting -- using worms to produce compost -- on Thursday, April 22, from 7-8:30 p.m. at Belmont Recreation Center, 1600 Hilliard Road. Participants must register by Monday, April 19.

Like traditional composting, vermicomposting converts organic material such as yard waste and kitchen scraps into nutrient-rich humus that can be added to soil. Composting with worms offers several advantages over the traditional method, however: it speeds the process, produces a richer product, requires less space and can be done indoors.

Workshop participants will learn how to train their own red wiggler worms. In addition to the worms, participants will receive a vermicompost bin and book.

The cost of the workshop is $10. To register or to obtain additional information, contact Henrico Extension at 501-5160.

April 12, 2010

CONTACT: Veta Herbaugh, Executive Assistant, Board of Supervisors

PHONE: 501-4208

Varina town meeting to feature General Assembly members, new USO center

Varina residents can meet their district's representatives in the Virginia General Assembly at the next town meeting of Varina District Supervisor Jim Donati. The meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Monday, April 19 at the Henrico Theatre, 305 E. Nine Mile Road.

Invited to attend are Sen. Donald McEachin and Dels. Riley Ingram, Delores McQuinn, Joseph Morrissey and Christopher Peace. Attending legislators will join Donati for discussion and a question-and-answer session.

In addition, the meeting will feature an update on the new Richmond USO Center planned for Richmond International Airport. Center Director Pat Jordan will be on hand to provide information and answer questions.

Varina town meetings are open to the public. Call 501-4208 for more information.

April 6, 2010

CONTACT: Barry Lawrence, Clerk, Board of Supervisors

PHONE: 501-4318

Henrico Board sets public hearing on budget for April 13

The Henrico County Board of Supervisors will begin its next regularly scheduled meeting one hour early, at 6 p.m., on Tuesday, April 13, for a public hearing regarding the proposed Operating and Capital Annual Fiscal Plan for Fiscal Year 2010-11.

The board regularly meets at 7 p.m. on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month. Meetings are open to the public and are held in the Government Center Board Room, located at 4301 E. Parham Road. Call 501-4318 for more information.

April 5, 2010

CONTACT: Barb Strohman, Education/Administrative Coordinator, Henricopolis Soil and Water Conservation District

PHONE: 501-5175

Water conservation district to offer rain barrel workshops

Area residents can learn to build and use a rain barrel at workshops offered by the Henricopolis Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) from 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday, April 13 and Wednesday, May 12 at the Human Services Building, 8600 Dixon Powers Drive.

The SWCD workshops will provide materials and hands-on instruction to help participants construct their barrels, which can help homeowners conserve water by maintaining a supply of fresh water for outdoor use. Built from recycled food-grade plastic, the rain barrels also divert runoff from storm drains, protecting the water quality of the Chesapeake Bay and its watershed.

The workshops cost $45, including materials. Pre-registration is required. To register or for more information, contact Henricopolis SWCD at 501-5175.

April 2, 2010

CONTACT: Teddy Martin, Extension Horticulture Technician

PHONE: 501-5160

Henrico Extension to discuss SMART Lawns program April 13-15

The Henrico County Extension Office will continue its 2010 lawn-care seminar series April 13-15 with a session on its SMART Lawns program. The seminars are scheduled for 7-8:30 p.m. at the following locations (each seminar will feature the same program): Tuesday, April 13, Sandston Branch Library, 23 E. Williamsburg Road; Wednesday, April 14, Tuckahoe Area Library, 1901 Starling Drive; and Thursday, April 15, Twin Hickory Area Library, 5001 Twin Hickory Road.

"Make Your Lawn a SMART Lawn" will cover a variety of general lawn-care topics, including irrigation, fertilization, soil acidity and weed control. In addition, participants can learn about SMART Lawns -- a seasonal, comprehensive program that teaches a step-by-step approach to growing a healthy lawn. SMART Lawns, which teaches environmentally friendly practices, provides participants a plan tailored to fit their specific lawn-care needs.

"Make Your Lawn a SMART Lawn" is free and open to the public. Each session will be led by an Extension staff member or a Henrico master gardener. Participants should pre-register by calling 501-5160. Additional information is available online at www.co.henrico.va.us/extension.

April 1, 2010

CONTACT: Megan Brown, Executive Coordinator, Keep Henrico Beautiful

PHONE: 501-7277

Keep Henrico Beautiful seeks nominations for best-maintained properties

The Keep Henrico Beautiful (KHB) Committee is seeking outstanding residential and commercial properties for the 2010 Land Lover and Clean Business awards. Nominations for exemplary homes and businesses from each of the five magisterial districts will be accepted through Friday, April 30.

To be considered for the award, properties should be attractively landscaped, well-maintained and litter-free. Homeowners should perform their own landscaping and lawn-care work. In addition, property owners must participate in an ongoing recycling program, such as composting, curbside pickup or drop-off service.

Winners will have an award sign posted on their property during June and will be recognized at a Board of Supervisors meeting.

Henrico residents and business owners may nominate their own properties as well as others. Forms and criteria can be accessed online at www.co.henrico.va.us/utility/khbeautiful or by calling KHB at 501-4502; nominations can be submitted online or by mail.

The Land Lover and Clean Business awards have been presented annually since 1995. Contact Keep Henrico Beautiful for more information.