Local Business
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.
Google Proposes Filling Chesterfield Creek; Comments Due Tuesday
Google's proposed data center projects in Chesterfield County would impact streams and wetlands, prompting environmental concerns, though claims about creek filling remain unverified.
Google Proposes Data Center Campuses in Chesterfield County
Google plans three data center campuses totaling over 1,500 acres in Chesterfield County as part of a $9 billion Virginia investment through 2026.
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.
Data centers expand in Chesterfield County
Google is building three massive data center campuses across Chesterfield County as part of a $9 billion Virginia investment, sparking resident concerns over water usage, energy costs, environmental impact, and lack of transparency.
Chesterfield's Data Center Bid Ranks Second to Last in State Study
A claim that Chesterfield County's data center proposal ranked second to last in a Virginia state evaluation of 11 proposals could not be verified from official sources or news coverage.
Chesterfield County Launches Data Center Information Website
Chesterfield County has launched a dedicated website providing residents and businesses with information about data center projects underway in the county.
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.
Google data centers arrive as board resists expansion
Google data center construction has begun in Chesterfield County as the board of supervisors signals it will reject future expansion beyond the company's three planned campuses.
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 more than 1,500 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 will impact over 20 acres of wetlands and 8,000 feet of streams.
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 1,500 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.