Midlothian Projects on Ballot; Amazon Hosts Drone Delivery Meeting
TL;DR: The Chesterfield Board of Supervisors will vote Wednesday on two Midlothian development projects: an age-restricted housing community and a hotel near Robious Road.
Quick facts
- Who: Chesterfield Board of Supervisors; applicants Stanley Martin Homes and Mike Sanford
- What: Votes on Walton Station age-restricted development and Microtel Inn & Suites hotel project in Midlothian
- When: Wednesday, August 28, 2026
- Where: Midlothian area (Coalfield Road and Robious Road/Mall Drive)
The story
The Chesterfield Board of Supervisors will vote on two Midlothian development projects this Wednesday.
Walton Station, a proposal by Stanley Martin Homes, would bring an age-restricted residential community to 40 acres at Coalfield Road. The project calls for up to 157 single-family homes and townhouses. The Planning Commission denied the proposal in a split decision, recommending instead a family-oriented residential project. Commissioners noted the site's proximity to two county schools, suggesting age-restricted housing was a poor fit for the location. The property has also been previously considered by Chesterfield for a middle school site.
The second vote concerns an 81-room Microtel Inn & Suites hotel near the intersection of Robious Road and Mall Drive. Developer Mike Sanford is seeking a zoning change from Agricultural (A) to Corridor Commercial (CC) for the project, estimated to cost $14 million to $18 million. The four-story hotel is designed to serve business travelers on weekday visits and weekend sports teams. The Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval in May.
Both projects have been under review since earlier this year and now move to the full board for final decision Wednesday.
Key players
- Chesterfield Board of Supervisors: voting body
- Stanley Martin Homes: Walton Station developer
- Mike Sanford: Microtel hotel applicant
- Chesterfield Planning Commission: provided recommendations on both projects
Key dates
- 2026-08-28: Chesterfield Board of Supervisors votes on Walton Station and Microtel projects
The case for
Rezoning allows needed commercial development in growth corridors; the Microtel addresses demand for mid-market lodging and could generate jobs and tax revenue in Midlothian.
The case against
Age-restricted housing conflicts with the county's comprehensive plan and the site's proximity to schools; rezoning agricultural land for commercial use creates sprawl and changes the rural character of Midlothian.
Why it matters: Both votes will shape future growth and character in Midlothian. Residents affected by zoning changes and increased development activity have a final chance to weigh in before the board's decision.
Places
Development timeline
- 2026-05-01Planning Commission unanimously approves Microtel zoning recommendation: Four-story hotel project near Robious Road advances with commission support [source]
- 2026-08-28Board of Supervisors votes on both Midlothian projects: Final decisions on age-restricted housing at Walton Station and Microtel hotel near Mall Drive [source]
Related links
Read the original at Richmond BizSense →
Sources
- The Agenda: Local government briefs for 8.24.26
- Developer changes course from apartments to 81-room Microtel on Robious parcel in Midlo