Local Business
Draft Land Use Map Proposes Lower Residential Density Across County
Chesterfield County's draft updated comprehensive plan proposes roughly 10 percent less residential density and 7.5 percent less commercial density countywide, with the biggest reductions in Bermuda and Matoaca districts south and west of Route 288.
Publix to Open New Store in Midlothian
Publix Super Markets announced it will open a 50,000-square-foot store in Midlothian's Shoppes at Old Hundred, creating approximately 140 jobs.
Publix to open new Midlothian store, bringing 140 jobs
Publix supermarket is opening a new location in Midlothian with plans to hire around 140 employees.
Region's First Waters Edge Winery Bistro Opens in Chesterfield
Waters Edge Winery Midlothian, the region's first location of a California-based franchise, opened mid-August at 2201 Chartermark Drive in Chesterfield's Midlothian area.
Construction Could Begin on Powhite Parkway Extension by 2026
Chesterfield is moving forward with construction on the long-awaited Powhite Parkway Extension, with work potentially starting by late 2026 on two segments.
Swift Creek Mill Theatre seeks funds for holiday reopening
Swift Creek Mill Theatre, closed since May 2026 after years of financial strain, is seeking $250,000 by the end of September to reopen in December with a scaled-down seasonal model centered on its popular holiday show.
New Virginia tobacco foundation opens grant pathway for Chesterfield
A Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission foundation launched in May helps local organizations and governments apply for state, federal, and philanthropic grants.
Capriotti's and Cheba Hut Plan Second Locations in Area
Two national sandwich chains, Capriotti's and Cheba Hut, are expanding their second Virginia locations in the Chesterfield and Colonial Heights area following early success.
County Covers Weight-Loss Drugs to Manage Rising Health Insurance Costs
Chesterfield County is covering GLP-1 weight-loss medications for about 8% of its employees as a long-term cost-management strategy, citing the drugs' potential to prevent more expensive chronic health conditions.
Judge Dismisses All Charges in Shamrock Pub Shooting Case
A Chesterfield County judge dismissed all charges against a man accused of shooting inside Shamrock Pub after finding his right to a speedy trial was violated.
Foxtail Coffee to open third location near Brandermill
Foxtail Coffee is expanding with a new location near Brandermill, marking its third outpost in the Richmond area.
Chesterfield County Fair launches heat-relief measures for visitors
The Chesterfield County Fair is implementing steps to help attendees cope with hot weather during the event.
Second CareNow Urgent Care Location Opens in Chesterfield
CareNow has opened a second urgent care location in Chesterfield County, expanding HCA Virginia's footprint in the region.
Goodwill Plans Retail Outpost in Chester
Goodwill of Central and Coastal Virginia plans to open its first new Chesterfield County store in more than a decade at 2600 Weir Place in Chester in the fourth quarter of 2026.
Fair, School Meetings, Farmers Market Fill Chesterfield Week
Chesterfield residents can visit the county fair through Saturday, attend the first community meeting about a proposed sales tax for schools Monday evening, and continue farmers market shopping this week.
Chesterfield Swears In New County Administrator
Dr. Kevin A. Catlin was sworn in on August 24, 2026, as Chesterfield County's new county administrator, becoming the county's first Black county administrator.
Manchester QB Leads Lancers to Season-Opening Victory
Manchester High School's sophomore quarterback led the Lancers to a season-opening win, continuing the school's tradition of quarterback success.
County Halts New Data Center Proposals While Google Projects Advance
Chesterfield County tightened zoning rules in 2026 to require conditional use permits and public hearings for new data centers, effectively halting additional proposals while three previously approved Google projects continue, with one already under construction.
Chesterfield proposes cutting car taxes with data center revenue
Chesterfield County's Board of Supervisors deferred a vote on using Google data center tax revenue to cut the car tax rate nearly in half, pushing the decision to September 23.
Chesterfield leaders detail Google data center financial impact
Chesterfield leaders outlined the financial consequences of Google's data center expansion projects for the county.
Bonaventure breaks ground on 344-unit housing project
Bonaventure has broken ground on Attain at Swift Creek, a 344-unit apartment complex on Greenyard Road expected to open its first units in early 2028.
Board Defers Vote on Data Center Car Tax Cut Plan
The Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors postponed a vote Wednesday on a proposed amendment that would dedicate data center tax revenues to cutting the county car tax nearly in half, saying board members need more time for public input.
Midlothian Housing and Hotel Projects on Ballot
The Chesterfield Board of Supervisors will vote Wednesday on two Midlothian development projects: an age-restricted housing community and a hotel near Robious Road.
Ride On Cannon Foundation Gives 250+ Backpacks at 6th Annual Event
The Ride On Cannon Foundation distributed more than 250 backpacks at its sixth annual back-to-school giveaway in Chesterfield County on August 22, drawing strong community turnout with 65 walk-in bags claimed in the first 30 minutes.
Midlothian resident hands out gift cards for back-to-school costs
CBS 6 reporter Rob Cardwell distributed $50 gift cards to shoppers at a Target in Midlothian on Aug. 20 as part of a Virginia Credit Union-sponsored effort to help families manage back-to-school costs.
VDOT Approves Pedestrian Crossing at Gateway Centre Parkway
Chesterfield County received VDOT approval in April 2026 to install a pedestrian crosswalk at Gateway Centre Parkway following a study conducted in September 2025.
Construction progresses on The Mondelle hotel at Springline
Construction continues on The Mondelle, a $160 million Hilton hotel and conference center at Chesterfield's Springline development, expected to open in 2028.
Chesterfield Apartment Complex Receives $26 Million in Building Permits
An apartment complex in Chesterfield County has received building permits valued at more than $26 million.
Avenues Recovery Opens 120-Bed Treatment Facility in Chesterfield
Avenues Recovery opened a 120-bed addiction and mental health treatment facility in Chesterfield, offering medically supervised detoxification and residential programs to the community.
OSHA Proposes $40K Fine Against Chesterfield Company for Safety Violations
Virginia regulators proposed a $40,000 fine against Condair Group's Chesterfield facility for failing to protect workers from formaldehyde exposure.
Richmond Ice Box Opens New Rink in Chesterfield
Richmond Ice Box, a new 49,000-square-foot ice hockey facility operated by Chesterfield Sports Enterprises, opened in July 2026 at 13100 Tredegar Lake Parkway in Chesterfield, offering youth and adult hockey programs and skating.
Chesterfield Board signals end to data center approvals
Chesterfield Board signals shift toward blocking new data center projects, with one supervisor open to a formal moratorium as the county grapples with resident opposition and Google's expansion plans.
Person injured in shooting at Chesterfield County business
One person was injured in a shooting at a business on Boisseau Street and Third Avenue in Chesterfield County early Tuesday morning; police are investigating.
Kids 'R' Kids childcare franchise opens in Chester
A husband-and-wife team will open Kids 'R' Kids Learning Academy of Iron Bridge, the first location of the Georgia-based childcare franchise in the Richmond region, with construction underway for a spring 2027 opening.
Hope for Learning hosts annual golf fundraiser for families in need
Hope for Learning hosts its fourth annual golf fundraiser Monday at Brandermill Country Club to raise funds for families in Central Virginia facing financial hardship.
Police investigate commercial robbery on Route 1
Chesterfield County Police are investigating a robbery on Route 1 where a male suspect assaulted an employee and fled with cash on Wednesday, Aug. 5.
Beer-focused Barrel House to open first Virginia location in Chesterfield
Four Chesterfield-area friends are bringing Barrel House, an Iowa-based beer-focused restaurant chain, to the region with an opening planned for late 2026 at Stonehenge Village Shopping Center in Midlothian.
Spanberger Restores Voting Rights to 60,000 Virginians
Governor Spanberger has restored voting and civil rights to 66,085 formerly incarcerated Virginians since taking office in January, reversing her predecessor's more restrictive process.
NoVa Padel Firm Buys Midlothian Tennis Club, Plans Court Conversions
Epic Padel, an Arlington-based racquet sports company, has purchased Midlothian Tennis Club in Chesterfield and will rebrand it as Epic Athletic Club while converting some courts from tennis to padel.
Hockey Benefit Game Raises $10,200 for Injured Officers
A community hockey benefit game raised $10,200 for Officers Jacob Clark and Jacob Wells of the Chesterfield County Police Department, who were injured in a shooting on May 31.
Car Crashes Into Chester Animal Clinic
A vehicle crashed into Chester Animal Clinic off Route 10 on Friday, creating a hole in the clinic's wall; no injuries were reported.
Nuclear Fusion Plant Planned for Chesterfield County
Commonwealth Fusion Systems, an MIT-born startup, secured $1 billion in capital on July 30, 2026, to advance development of what could be the world's first commercial nuclear fusion power plant in Chesterfield County, with operations targeted for the early 2030s.
Chesterfield launches data center website amid transparency demands
Chesterfield County launched a data center informational website on July 23, 2026, to address months of resident demands for transparency about Google's proposed $9 billion investment in multiple hyperscale data center campuses across the county.
Board Approves $44.3M Dutch Gap Parkway Bridge Project
Chesterfield's Board of Supervisors approved a $44.3 million contract to build a bridge and roadway across the James River to maintain public access to Henricus Historical Park during Dominion Energy's coal ash removal project.
Chesterfield Residents Press for Google Data Center Transparency
Chesterfield County residents are pressing Google and county officials for greater transparency on three planned data center projects totaling about 1,540 acres and $9 billion investment, citing concerns about water and energy use and a 2018 non-disclosure agreement that kept Google's identity secret until August 2025.
Workers Sue Subcontractor at Lego's Chesterfield Plant Over Unpaid Overtime
Workers at Lego's under-construction Chesterfield manufacturing plant have sued subcontractors United Contractor Services and ILC Builders Construction, alleging they were denied overtime pay over the past three years.
Slay Burgers Opens in Chester with Richmond Artist's Mural
Slay Burgers, a World of Warcraft-themed smashed burger restaurant, has opened its second location at 12519 Route 1 in Chester, Chesterfield County, featuring custom interior artwork.
West Ridge High School, $60M road project on pace for 2027
West Ridge High School and a $60 million north-south road connector in western Chesterfield County are both scheduled to open in August 2027.
New Rock N Roll Sushi location opens in Chesterfield
Rock N Roll Sushi, a Florida-based chain, opened its first Virginia location on July 20, 2026, at a Midlothian venue featuring guitar-themed decor and rock-themed sushi rolls.
11-Year-Old Voices Opposition to Data Centers at County Meeting
An 11-year-old Chesterfield resident drew a standing ovation at a Board of Supervisors meeting on July 23 after opposing Google's three proposed data center campuses, citing concerns about scale and water consumption.
Shooting Suspect Arrested After Threatening Wendy's Staff with Rifle
Chesterfield police arrested a suspect wanted in a Richmond shooting after he threatened staff with a rifle at a Wendy's on Iron Bridge Road.
County Board Authorizes School Capital Sales Tax for November Ballot
Chesterfield Board of Supervisors voted unanimously on July 23 to place a 1% sales tax referendum on the November ballot to fund school capital projects, potentially raising $65-70 million annually over 20 years.
Chesterfield Taps Data Centers to Diversify Tax Base, Ease Homeowner Burden
Chesterfield County is pursuing data centers, particularly Google's $3 billion-plus investment, to shift the tax burden from homeowners to businesses and diversify its historically residential-heavy tax base.
Chesterfield Pauses Data Center Expansion
Chesterfield County's Board of Supervisors signaled they will not approve new data center projects beyond Google's three approved campuses, citing infrastructure constraints and community concerns.
Rock N' Roll Sushi Opens First Virginia Location in Midlothian
Rock N' Roll Sushi, an Alabama-based concept with 78 locations nationwide, opens its first Virginia restaurant in Midlothian on July 20.
Bankrupt Landfill Faces New Setback From Richmond Violation
Richmond issued a violation notice to the private wastewater company treating Chesterfield's bankrupt landfill's leachate, threatening the facility's operations and straining efforts to prevent toxic discharge into waterways.
Senior Living Facility Launches ASL Program for Deaf Resident
Commonwealth Senior Living at Chesterfield has launched an American Sign Language program in partnership with Care Advantage to provide accessibility for a deaf resident.
Google Proposes 11 Data Centers Across Chesterfield County
Google is proposing to build 11 hyperscale data centers across three campuses totaling about 1,540 acres in Chesterfield County, with residents raising concerns about water usage, noise, and energy costs at ongoing community meetings.
Chesterfield Asked to Conserve Water Amid Dry Conditions
Chesterfield County residents and businesses are asked to voluntarily reduce water consumption as drought conditions lower the James River, which supplies water to six regional counties.
Plenty Waives Option on Meadowville Tech Park Expansion
California-based indoor farming firm Plenty has waived its option to expand at Meadowville Tech Park, scaling back its post-bankruptcy campus plans in Chesterfield County.
Richmond Halts Improper Wastewater Discharge from Chesterfield Landfill
Richmond has directed a waste treatment company to cease improper discharge of landfill leachate-derived wastewater into the city's treatment system, citing permit violations.
County data center project halted amid legal challenges
Chesterfield County's proposed data center project near I-95 is on hold after the county's Board of Zoning Appeals rejected the developer's vesting rights claim on June 3, 2026, forcing the dispute to circuit court.
Teenager Hospitalized After Car Crashes Into Chesterfield Business
A teenager was hospitalized Wednesday evening after a car crashed into a convenience store on Robious Road in Chesterfield County.
AG's Office Investigates Shoosmith Landfill Owners
The Virginia Attorney General's office is investigating actions by the owners of the bankrupt Shoosmith Landfill in Chesterfield County amid a toxic leachate crisis that could cost taxpayers over $170 million to remediate.
Jury Trial Set in County Widening Project Dispute
Chesterfield County faces a jury trial set for September 2027 in a dispute with contractor Branscome Operating LLC over $2.5 million in additional costs for the Iron Bridge Road widening project, one of three lawsuits totaling nearly $20 million against the county.
River City Card Shop Opens in Midlothian
River City Card Shop held its grand opening at 13540 Waterford Place in Midlothian on July 4-5, filling a gap in the local retail landscape for sports and trading card collectors.
Chesterfield firefighter hospitalized battling commercial fire
A Chesterfield County firefighter was hospitalized for heat exhaustion while battling a commercial fire on Reymet Road during extreme heat on July 3.
JoAnn closes Chesterfield store in Chapter 11 bankruptcy
National fabric and craft retailer JoAnn filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in January 2026 and liquidated all stores, including its Chesterfield location, eliminating a major shopping destination for local crafters.
County Urges Voluntary Water Conservation Starting Today
Chesterfield County and five surrounding jurisdictions are asking residents and businesses to voluntarily reduce outdoor water use starting July 1 as extreme drought lowers James River levels.
37 Data Centers Strain Schools' Power Budgets
Henrico County's 37 data centers are driving a 25% electricity rate increase, prompting county officials to ask school staff and employees to dim lights and conserve power starting July 1, 2026.
USACE Provides Update on Google's $9B Data Center Project
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has updated information on Google's Project Skye data center campus in Chesterfield County, Virginia, which would impact nearly 18 acres of forested wetlands and 8,115 linear feet of stream channel.
Regency Menswear Opens Second Location at Chesterfield Towne Center
Family-owned R.S. Milan Menswear opens a second location at Chesterfield Towne Center as its original Regency Mall home faces decline from major department store closures.
Fourth-Annual Earth Day Festival Set for April 11
Chesterfield County's fourth-annual Earth Day Festival returns April 11 at the county fairgrounds with free family activities, environmental education, and a new document shredding program.
Developer files third proposal for Genito Crossing
D.R. Horton has filed a third proposal for the Genito Crossing residential project on a 14-acre former cinema site in Chesterfield, following a nine-month gap after withdrawing a scaled-down plan before the Board of Supervisors could vote.
Suspect arrested in Chesterfield bank robbery
Keith Patterson, 49, was arrested on Laprade Street after a robbery at C&F Bank in Chesterfield on June 29, 2026.
County Administrator Casey Reflects on Chesterfield's Shifting Demographics
Retiring County Administrator Joe Casey describes a dramatic demographic shift in Chesterfield County, where households with school-aged children have fallen from roughly 70 percent to 27 percent in a generation, driven by aging population and attraction of young professionals without families.
Chesterfield restaurant collects donations for Venezuela earthquake relief
Chamo's Arepa House in North Chesterfield joined the Richmond-area Venezuelan diaspora in a rapid relief mobilization for earthquake survivors, collecting donations and coordinating shipments within days of the June 24 disaster.
Chesterfield Names New Administrator, Opens River City Sportsplex Park
Chesterfield County supervisors named Dr. Kevin Catlin, the county's first Black county administrator, and officially opened a $17 million park at River City Sportsplex featuring a splash pad, accessible playground, and multi-generational amenities.
New Chesterfield Administrator Catlin Discusses Data Centers, Housing
New county administrator Kevin Catlin takes the helm of Chesterfield amid competing demands around Google's multi-billion-dollar data center expansion, rising housing costs, and fluctuating tax revenue.
County Bonds Earn Top AAA Credit Rating
Chesterfield County earned AAA credit ratings from all four major bond rating agencies in 2025 and 2026, becoming the first Virginia locality to achieve a Quad-AAA rating and among only three in the nation, reflecting decades of strong fiscal management and conservative budgeting.
Developer to Begin Phillips Landing Subdivision Work
Developer Rogers-Chenault won rezoning approval in May 2026 for Phillips Landing, its first Chesterfield County subdivision south of the James River, and will start infrastructure work next year on the 50-lot, 337-acre project.
Chesterfield Water System Declared Lead-Free
Chesterfield County Utilities completed a comprehensive water service line inventory and declared the entire system lead-free following EPA-required testing completed in September 2024.
Chesterfield Residents Seek Clarity on Data Center Expansion Plans
Chesterfield County residents packed a June 24 board meeting to demand transparency and answers about three massive Google data center projects worth $9 billion, citing concerns over energy demand, water usage, and utility costs.
Lindsey Food Group Planning Restaurant Revivals in Chesterfield
Lindsey Food Group is revamping multiple restaurant locations across the Richmond area, converting a cupcake shop into a sandwich spot in Short Pump and eyeing reopenings at Chesterfield Towne Center.
Armed Robbery Suspect Sought in Chesterfield
Chesterfield County police are searching for a Black male suspect who robbed a business at gunpoint on Buford Court on the evening of June 23, 2026.
Midlothian Wig Salon Launches Program for Women with Medical Hair Loss
Bombshell Wigs Galore, a Midlothian salon owned by Lemeisha Weatherspoon, launched the Bombshell Strong Initiative to support women experiencing hair loss from cancer treatment and other medical conditions.
Local Contractor Steps In to Help Chesterfield Couple
A Chesterfield contractor volunteered his services at no cost to help a retired couple after a policy change left them struggling with overgrowth from a VDOT right-of-way encroaching on their property.
Google to Invest $9B in Three Chesterfield Data Center Campuses
Google announced a $9 billion investment in three data center campuses spanning about 1,540 acres across Chesterfield County, representing one of the largest corporate infrastructure projects in Virginia's history.
Chesterfield Planning Commission member steps down to return to school
Tommy Owens, chairman of the Chesterfield Planning Commission for six and a half years, has resigned to pursue a remote PhD in business administration starting in August 2026.
Chesterfield private landfill files for bankruptcy
Shoosmith Landfill in Chesterfield County has filed for bankruptcy, leaving an estimated $173 million environmental cleanup burden and raising questions about financial responsibility and water safety.
State Senator Lucas Pushes Data Center Regulations in Chesterfield
State Senator L. Louise Lucas is pushing to eliminate or heavily tax Virginia's data center tax exemption, citing $1.6 billion annual cost and unfair burden on taxpayers amid rapid facility expansion in Chesterfield County.
Planning Commission approves master plan for Southside Speedway revival
Chesterfield County Planning Commission approved a master plan for reviving Southside Speedway, clearing the way for a phased reopening of the historic racetrack by late 2027.
Chesterfield Opens Comprehensive Plan Review, Seeks Development Site Ideas
Chesterfield County is inviting public input on where future development should occur as part of its comprehensive plan modernization, with a July draft set for community review.
Chesterfield Approves 1,500-Home Development in Western County
Chesterfield County supervisors approved zoning changes in May 2026 for two adjacent residential projects totaling 1,537 homes in western Chesterfield near Magnolia Green Golf Club.
Chesterfield Avenue Getting Streetscape Improvements at Ettrick Village Park
Chesterfield County is improving Chesterfield Avenue at Ettrick Village Park with decorative paving, new seating, and landscaping, opening spring 2027.
Restaurant fire in Chesterfield contained, no injuries reported
Chesterfield County firefighters contained a cooking-related grease fire at Yen Ching Chinese Restaurant on Hull Street Road in less than 20 minutes with no injuries reported.
Chesterfield restaurant hosts fundraiser for wounded officers, honors K-9 Knight
Charred Swift Creek restaurant in Midlothian held a fundraiser for two wounded Chesterfield County police officers and dedicated its new dog-friendly patio to K-9 Knight, a police dog killed in the same May 31 shooting.
3 hospitalized in Chesterfield shopping center crash
A vehicle crashed into a shopping center on Midlothian Turnpike in Chesterfield County on June 8, injuring three people.
Chesterfield County Strengthens Cybersecurity Infrastructure
Chesterfield County dedicates $1.68 million in annual service increases and $4.95 million in capital programs to strengthen cybersecurity infrastructure, citing emerging threats from artificial intelligence and quantum computing.
School Board Meeting Materials Now Available Online
Chesterfield County Public Schools now makes School Board meeting materials, indexed videos, and comprehensive information available online through a centralized portal for public access.
Chesterfield County Unemployment Rate: Current Numbers
Chesterfield County's unemployment rate stood at 3.3% in April 2026, up slightly from 2.9% a year earlier, reflecting moderate growth in what remains a strong regional job market.
State approves hospital expansion doubling Chesterfield facilities
Virginia approved $672 million in hospital expansion across three healthcare systems in Chesterfield County, adding 166 beds and doubling the county's hospital capacity by 2030.
VCU Health Reaches Structural Milestone on Chesterfield Medical Complex
VCU Health marked structural completion of a $90 million ambulatory surgery center and medical office building in Chesterfield on March 4, 2026, advancing toward a 2027 opening that will bring surgical and specialty care to the county.
Advanced Materials Firm Investing $220M in Chesterfield Manufacturing
Solstice Advanced Materials, the newly spun-off Honeywell unit, announced a $220 million expansion at its Colonial Heights manufacturing facility that will create 100 new jobs and strengthen Chesterfield County's advanced manufacturing sector.
Google Advances Chesterfield Data Center Despite Resident Concerns
Google advances plans for a 307-acre data center campus in Chesterfield County despite resident and researcher concerns about water usage, environmental impacts, and inadequate disclosure of project details.