Growth & Development
Historic Chesterfield landmark to be demolished
The Nunnally Oak, a 212-year-old tree planted in 1814 beside the Chesterfield Historic Courthouse, will be removed in November 2026 due to fungal decay and structural deterioration.
Dutch Gap Park Expansion Prompts Henricus Park Closure
Chesterfield County Parks and Recreation will close Henricus Historical Park starting November 9 to accommodate bridge construction over an oxbow as part of the Dutch Gap Park expansion onto the former River's Bend golf course property.
County Considers Marijuana Retail Zoning Rules
Chesterfield County is developing zoning regulations to control where marijuana retail dispensaries can operate, with a Planning Commission decision expected in December and Board of Supervisors action needed before February 2027.
Whole Foods Market to open 37,000-square-foot store in Midlothian
Whole Foods Market will open a 37,636-square-foot store in Midlothian on November 19, becoming Chesterfield's first location and the region's third.
200-Acre Nunnally Village Project Wins Planning Commission Endorsement
The Chesterfield County Planning Commission unanimously endorsed the 200-acre Nunnally Village mixed-use development at Hull Street and Otterdale roads, moving the project closer to Board of Supervisors approval.
Village Square Parkway closes for pipe replacement project
A section of Village Square Parkway in Chesterfield County will close October 20-21 for pipe replacement work, with detour routes available.
Real estate veteran develops retail center in Moseley
A Better Homes and Gardens brokerage owner is developing a 15,000-square-foot retail center in Moseley on a 3-acre site.
Chesterfield balances school capacity amid enrollment growth
The Chesterfield School Board is distributing student enrollment more evenly between newer and established schools to manage anticipated growth.
School Board Set to Vote on West Ridge Redistricting Plan
The Chesterfield County School Board will vote Oct. 13 on which neighborhoods to assign to West Ridge High School when it opens in 2027, shifting students from overcrowded Cosby and Midlothian high schools.
Chesterfield Board Again Blocks Data Center Permit Challenge
The Chesterfield Board of Zoning Appeals voted 4-0 to reject WestDulles Properties' appeal of the county's new conditional use permit requirement for data center projects, marking the second such denial this year.
Downtown Chesterfield Project Shifts to Single-Family Villas
A development project in Downtown Chesterfield is changing its housing design from multi-family apartments to single-family villas.
Chesterfield Considers Public Hearing for Route 60 Improvements
Chesterfield County offers to hold a public hearing on Route 60 intersection improvements between Boulders Parkway and Arcadia Street if concerns cannot be resolved otherwise.
Stadium Coming to Harry G. Daniel Park by Year's End
Field 8 at Harry G. Daniel Park will become a stadium with covered spectator seating by December 2026.
Historic Point of Rocks Park Improvements Begin This Fall
Chesterfield Parks is beginning infrastructure improvements at Historic Point of Rocks Park this fall to make the restored Strachan House accessible to visitors.
Fall Line Trail Groundbreaking Launches Regional Path Project
Groundbreaking ceremony on October 7 officially launched construction of the Fall Line Trail's southern section, a 9.5-mile shared-use path connecting Petersburg, Colonial Heights, and Chesterfield County.
Chesterfield joins multi-county opposition to Valley Link transmission project
Valley Link Transmission proposes a high-voltage transmission line through six counties, and local governments are coordinating resistance to the project.
Kids Shape Ficke Park's New Nature Play Area
Chesterfield Parks & Recreation is inviting children 5-12 and caregivers to register for free nature-themed activities at Ficke Park to help design a new natural play area.
Bon Secours Breaks Ground on Chesterfield Emergency Center
Bon Secours is building a new stand-alone emergency center near Iron Bridge Road to serve fast-growing areas of Chesterfield County.
State regulators cite Google data center for sediment runoff violations
Virginia regulators cited Google's Peanut data center in Chesterfield for seven sediment runoff violations that affected waterways and wetlands between December 2025 and August 2026.
French-Asian Bakery Chain Opening Second Chesterfield Location
Tous Les Jours, a French-Asian bakery chain, is opening two Chesterfield locations: one under construction at Midlothian Turnpike and another planned near Brandermill.
County Hosts Meeting on Hopkins Road Improvements
Chesterfield County will host a public meeting October 13 to discuss planned improvements to Hopkins Road and its interchange with Route 150.
Google Complex Gets $237 Million in Building Permits
Google has received three building permits totaling $237 million for a new complex in Chesterfield County.
County Employees Create Meditation Garden for Wellness
Chesterfield County employees completed a meditation garden at the Eanes-Pittman Public Safety Training Center using volunteer labor, creating a dedicated wellness space for county workers.
School Board Reviews Boundaries for New West Ridge High School
Chesterfield County School Board will vote October 13 on which of three boundary options to use for West Ridge High School, opening August 2027.
Federal Funding Backs Bailey Bridge Road Two-Lane Connector
Federal funding will support construction of a new two-lane road connecting Brad McNeer Parkway to Bailey Bridge Road as part of the Streamline 360/288 project.
Chesterfield Hosts Data Center Forum Oct. 27
Chesterfield County will host a public forum on October 27 to discuss data center development, featuring representatives from Google, Chirisa, and Dominion Energy.
Planning Staff Open Office Hours for Comprehensive Plan Feedback
Chesterfield County planning staff are offering expanded office hours at library locations from late September through October to gather resident feedback on proposed comprehensive plan changes before a Planning Commission public hearing Oct. 20.
Mystery Donor's $1 Million Offer to Help Chesterfield Prepare for Growth
An anonymous donor has offered $1 million to help Chesterfield County prepare for anticipated growth in the Midlothian area.
VDOT maintains paving push despite rising diesel costs
VDOT is spending $120 million on 2026 paving projects in the Richmond District despite diesel prices jumping 55 percent since the Iran war.
7 Brew planning expansion into Chesterfield
7 Brew, a national drive-thru coffee chain, is planning a new location at Iron Bridge Road in Chesterfield as part of regional expansion.
New DVD Store Opens at Chesterfield Towne Center
Blue Rose Video & More, a new DVD and collectibles retailer operated by Wayne Marshall, opened in September at Chesterfield Towne Center.
Bon Secours Purchases Chesterfield Site for Future ER
Bon Secours Health System has purchased a 20-acre Chesterfield County property for $8.9 million to build a $33.7 million freestanding emergency room on the former site of an Ukrop's grocery store.
Data Center Timeline Creates Mismatch with School Capital Needs
Chesterfield County schools need to fund construction and renovations starting in 2027, but Google's three data center campuses won't generate meaningful property tax revenue until after 2035, forcing the county to rely on a sales tax referendum rather than data center revenue for near-term school capital needs.
County Weighs Midlothian Middle School Sites Amid Data Center Concerns
Chesterfield County supervisors and school officials are weighing two proposed sites to replace the century-old Midlothian Middle School, with one location drawing parent concerns due to its proximity to Google's planned data center campus.
KidStrong opens third local kids fitness center near Hull Street
A franchised kids fitness and development center is expanding to a third location near Publix on Hull Street Road.
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.
Chesterfield Expands Tax Relief for Seniors and Disabled Residents
The county expanded its real estate tax relief program to help more seniors and disabled residents starting next year.
Virginia bars local solar bans, so Chesterfield needs its own rules
Virginia law no longer lets localities ban solar development outright, which means every county, Chesterfield included, needs rules for how it will handle solar proposals.
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.
Powhite Parkway Extension Construction to Begin This Winter
Chesterfield County officials announced that construction on the $565 million Powhite Parkway extension will begin this winter, with the nine-mile project slated for completion in 2034.
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.
Pocahontas State Park launches kayak rental kiosks
Pocahontas State Park now offers year-round kayak and paddleboard rentals through automated self-serve kiosks.
Chesterfield Schools Redraw Boundaries for New West Ridge High School
Chesterfield County Schools is redrawing high school attendance boundaries ahead of West Ridge High School's opening in August 2027, with the board weighing three proposals that would shift student enrollment across the district.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Chesterfield Delays Data Center Plan to Cut Car Taxes
Chesterfield County supervisors postponed a vote until September 23 to consider cutting car taxes nearly in half using projected revenue from three Google data center projects, after residents criticized the lack of notice and aired concerns about the developments.
Duval Road Improvements Construction Begins; Detours Now in Effect
Construction on Duval Road improvements has begun, with traffic detours now in place.
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 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.
Board Approves Spring Run 199-Home Development
The Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors approved a 199-home residential development near Spring Run and Hensley roads Wednesday, with modifications to address connectivity and telecommunications concerns.
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.
County Will Brief Supervisors on Data Centers Aug. 26. Two Ways to Weigh In, and One Deadline Is Sooner.
Chesterfield staff will brief the Board of Supervisors on data center development during the evening portion of the board's meeting on Wednesday, Aug. 26. Residents can submit written questions first, but that form closes at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 25, the day before. The Data Center Defiance Coalition plans a rally in the courtyard at 5:30 p.m. on the 26th.
CTC @ Hull Expands Space for New Career Trade Programs
Chesterfield County's Career and Technical Center at Hull completed a $9.5 million expansion adding 42,000 square feet to nearly double classroom capacity and support growing demand for trade and technical education.
Federal RAISE Grant Advances Chippenham Parkway-Hopkins Road Improvements
Chesterfield County has secured a federal RAISE planning grant to fund design of improvements at the Chippenham Parkway/Hopkins Road interchange and conceptual plans for a road diet on Hopkins Road.
Federal Funds Finance Roundabout at Old Bermuda Hundred and Ramblewood
Chesterfield County is planning a federally-funded roundabout at Old Bermuda Hundred Road and Ramblewood Drive, with construction slated to begin in late 2027.
County Funds Dual Left Turns at Genito-Woolridge
Chesterfield County has allocated local funding to add dual left turn lanes at the Genito and Woolridge intersection, with construction expected in 2029.
VDOT Studies Phase 2 of Powhite Parkway Extension
VDOT is conducting an environmental impact study for Phase 2 of the Powhite Parkway Extension, which would extend 8 miles from Woolridge Road to Route 360 in Chesterfield County.
VDOT, County Plan Dundas Road Bridge Replacement
Chesterfield County and VDOT have completed a $12.8 million replacement of the aging Dundas Road bridge over G Road, adding pedestrian accommodations between Meadowdale Boulevard and Strathmore Road.
VDOT Approves Pedestrian Crosswalk at Spring Run and Alysheba
VDOT has approved a new pedestrian crosswalk with safety beacons at the Spring Run Road and Alysheba Lane intersection, with Chesterfield County now pursuing permitting for construction.
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.
Study evaluates Fox Club-Village Square intersection options
Chesterfield County is studying intersection design options at Fox Club Parkway and Village Square Parkway, moving beyond an initial roundabout proposal to evaluate alternative solutions after community feedback.
Route 360/Courthouse Road Intersection Gets Pedestrian Improvements
Chesterfield County and VDOT are advancing a redesign of the Route 360/Courthouse Road intersection to improve pedestrian safety and reduce traffic conflicts, with construction anticipated in 2030.
Roundabout Coming to Chester Road and Hamlin Creek Parkway
Chesterfield County plans to build a roundabout at Chester Road and Hamlin Creek Parkway, with preliminary engineering starting fall 2026 and construction in 2030.
County Studies Beach-Winterpock Intersection for Growth
Chesterfield County launched a feasibility study in late March 2026 to evaluate improvements at the Beach Road and Winterpock Road intersection, examining both near-term and long-term alternatives to accommodate future traffic growth.
County Funds Sidewalk on Coalfield Road
Chesterfield County is building a new sidewalk on Coalfield Road between Bristol Village Drive and Woolridge Road using Community Connectivity Sidewalk Funds.
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.
Buford Road Speed Study Launched to Review Limits
Chesterfield County launched a pedestrian and speed study on Buford Road between Huguenot Road and West Pinetta Drive in February 2026 to evaluate potential speed limit reductions and safety improvements.
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.
Virginia Secures $50M in Rail Funding, $2.3M for Chesterfield Crossings
Chesterfield County is receiving $2.3 million in federal rail funding for safety improvements at two crossings, as Virginia secures $50 million for statewide passenger rail upgrades.
VDOT to Repair Woodlake Pedestrian Tunnels
VDOT has completed cementitious liners on three pedestrian tunnels in Woodlake and is preparing to construct concrete headwalls, with Fiddlers Ridge headwall work starting in mid-September.
Otterdale Road Roundabouts Getting LED Safety Lights
Chesterfield County is installing LED lights at two Otterdale Road roundabouts to improve safety and visibility during low-light conditions.
New Traffic Signal and Path Planned for Willis and Coach Roads
Chesterfield County is planning a new traffic signal at the Willis Road and Coach Road intersection along with a shared-use path crossing the railroad to improve connectivity for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians, with construction expected to begin in 2029.
Federal Funding to Build Bike Path on Enon Church Road
Federal funding will support a new shared-use path for bicycles and pedestrians along Enon Church Road between Dodd Park and Perch Point Road in Chesterfield County.
CVTA Funds Route 10 Traffic Weaving Mitigation Project
The Central Virginia Transportation Authority is funding a safety improvement project on Route 10 at Route 288 to address a hazardous traffic weaving problem, with construction anticipated to begin in spring 2027.
County to Build Drainage Culvert on Belmont Road
Chesterfield County plans to build a larger drainage culvert and realign a curve on Belmont Road between Whitepine Road and Corcoran Drive to address chronic flooding.
Chesterfield Schools Say They Need $850M Over Next Decade
Chesterfield County Public Schools released a capital needs assessment identifying $850 million in required facility improvements over the next decade, with the district seeking voter approval of a 1% sales tax increase in November to help fund the work.
Chesterfield County to Build Sidewalk on River Road
Chesterfield County will construct a new concrete sidewalk along eastbound River Road from Hickory Road to Attucks Drive, with construction expected to begin in late August 2026.
Chesterfield advances Fordham Road sidewalk project in Phase E
Chesterfield County is constructing a new sidewalk on Fordham Road from Country Spring Lane to Gregory Drive as Phase E of a multi-phase pedestrian corridor project.
Summer Fun, Civic Input Mark Final Week Before School
Chesterfield County residents make the most of the final summer week with recreation and parks, while transportation meetings address road improvements and a planned roundabout before school resumes Monday.
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.
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.
Chesterfield Plans Phase 2 Expansion at Irvin G. Horner Park
Chesterfield Parks plans to open Phase 2 of Irvin G. Horner Park in summer 2027 with new recreation facilities including a splash pad, pickleball courts, disc golf, archery range, and playground.
Chesterfield Draft Plan Reduces Density, Boosts Housing Affordability
Chesterfield County released a draft comprehensive plan update that reduces residential density by nearly 10% and introduces housing affordability strategies including accessory dwelling units, inclusionary zoning, and expanded support programs.
County Launches Road Safety Assessment on Riverway Road
Chesterfield County will hold a public hearing August 18 to present a completed Road Safety Assessment on Riverway Road, which has been identified as having elevated crash risk.
Two New Elementary Schools Open in Chesterfield
Chesterfield County opened two new elementary schools - Deep Creek and Bensley - in early August 2026, both funded by the county's 2022 Bond Referendum.
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.
Speeks Drive Closing August 10-12 for Pipe Work
VDOT will close Speeks Drive in Chesterfield County August 10-12 for pipe replacement work, with detours available for traffic.
Federal Funds Support New Route 1 Pedestrian Crossing
Chesterfield County will construct a new pedestrian crossing on Route 1 south of Sherbourne Road, with construction anticipated to begin in 2029 and supported by federal funding.
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.
County to Fund Drainage Work at Otterdale Road Crossings
Chesterfield County will fund a $47 million drainage and bridge project at two Swift Creek crossings on Otterdale Road to eliminate chronic flooding, with construction expected to start fall 2026.
County Holds Hearing on Forest Hill Avenue Sidewalk Plan
Chesterfield County is holding a public hearing on a planned sidewalk project on Forest Hill Avenue to gather resident input before construction begins in 2028.
PlanMod proposes density cuts to ease county road pressure
Chesterfield County's comprehensive plan update, known as PlanMod, significantly reduces residential and commercial density to align with infrastructure capacity and community concerns about traffic.
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.
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.
VDOT to Close Part of Old Centralia Road for Pipe Replacement
VDOT will close part of Old Centralia Road daily from August 10 to 12 for underground pipe replacement, after moving the work off its original August 3 to 5 dates to avoid disrupting a nearby early voting location.
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.
Public Hearing on Alverser Drive Roundabout Project Set for August
Chesterfield County Transportation will hold a public hearing Aug. 18 on plans for a roundabout at Alverser Drive and Old Buckingham Road, with written feedback accepted through Aug. 31.
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.
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.
Proposed 199-home development raises traffic, school concerns near Spring Run
East West Communities' proposal to build 199 homes on 102 acres near Spring Run Road has won planning commission approval and now heads to the Board of Supervisors, with residents expressing concerns about traffic and school capacity.
Dual Left Turn Lanes Coming to Lewis Road at Route 10
Chesterfield County is constructing dual left turn lanes on Lewis Road at Route 10 westbound, with right-of-way acquisition beginning in fall 2026.
County Welcomes 16 Summer Interns to Departments
Chesterfield County is hosting 16 college interns across 14 county departments for its 2026 Summer Internship Program, which runs May 26 through July 30.
Midlothian cosplay designer heads to Comic-Con
Midlothian cosplay designer Lauren Wilkinson will showcase a DC-inspired design at San Diego Comic-Con 2026 in the Her Universe Fashion Show.
Lifelong Sports Passion Shapes Chesterfield Events Leader
Matt Mullen, Chesterfield County's assistant director for sports and events, draws on his lifelong sports passion and six years of experience in sports tourism to shape the county's athletic programs and attract major events.
Chesterfield's 2022 Bond Projects Now Taking Shape
Four years after voters approved Chesterfield's $540 million bond referendum, schools, public safety facilities, libraries, and parks across the county are now under construction or completed, with over $320 million already spent.
Subdivision Rezoning, Sawmill Station Bonds Head to Chesterfield Votes
Chesterfield County is advancing a residential subdivision rezoning, bond financing for the 860-home Sawmill Station development, and a school sales-tax referendum toward votes this week.
Dominion Transmission Project to Reduce Chesterfield Backyards
Dominion Energy's new transmission line project approved to run through western Chesterfield will require property line adjustments affecting Hallsley and other residents, with construction slated to begin in February 2027.
Sidewalk construction begins next month on Midlothian Turnpike
Chesterfield County will begin construction in August 2026 on a $4.7 million sidewalk project along Midlothian Turnpike from Ruthers Road to Karl Linn Drive.
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 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.
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.
New Boat Launch Coming to Falling Creek
Chesterfield County Parks will build a new boat launch and parking facility at Falling Creek on the James River, replacing the current launch at Dutch Gap, with completion expected in summer 2028.
Chesterfield Schools Hand Out Free Books in El Librotazo Event
Chesterfield County Public Schools' free El Librotazo book party lets children select books to build home libraries with community support.
Blood Program Expands Beyond Chesterfield County
A whole blood program launched in Chesterfield County in 2023 is expanding to Hanover, Dinwiddie, Buckingham, and Goochland counties, allowing first responders to administer life-saving transfusions at injury scenes before patients reach trauma centers.
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.
Chesterfield Reaffirms Top Quad-AAA Bond Rating
Chesterfield County reaffirmed its Quad-AAA bond rating from all four major rating agencies, positioning it to borrow at the lowest interest rates for capital projects like schools and infrastructure.
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.
West Ridge High School Reaches Construction Milestone
Chesterfield County celebrated the structural completion of West Ridge High School, its first new high school in 20 years, with a topping-off ceremony on June 16, 2026.
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.
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.
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.
Chesterfield Dedicates Historical Marker for Dupuy Elementary
Chesterfield County unveiled a historical marker on June 29 honoring Dupuy Elementary School, a 1962 school built for Black students that later became a hub for desegregation efforts, with its former site now home to affordable housing.
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.
Chesterfield reviews Marlbank Farms neighborhood development
Chesterfield County is reviewing a proposal to develop 309 homes on farmland near Matoaca Middle School, with community meetings addressing resident concerns about density and rural character.
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.
Parks and Recreation Presents Annual Update to Board
Chesterfield County Parks and Recreation Director Neil Luther and Assistant Director Marlie Smith presented an annual update to the Board of Supervisors highlighting 700+ seasonal programs, 12 athletic facilities across 67 parks, and multiple capital projects nearing completion in 2026.
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.
County Appoints Donohoe as New Planning Director
Chesterfield County has appointed Stephen Donohoe, the assistant planning director since 2021, to lead the Planning Department beginning in July 2026, replacing retiring director Andrew Gillies.
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 Couple Graduates from VCU at 65 and 58
After nearly a decade of study while working full time, Chesterfield County couple Wanda and Tony Reynolds graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University with bachelor's degrees in psychology at ages 65 and 58.
Chesterfield breaks ground on new fire station in Chester
Chesterfield County broke ground on a $12.3 million replacement Fire Station 1 in Chester to address the area's rapid growth and the aging 64-year-old original facility.
Supervisor Hylton Discusses 2026 County Priorities, Dale District Projects
Interim Dale District Supervisor Dr. LeQuan Hylton discusses the county's 2026 priorities, emphasizing education investment, infrastructure development, and public safety in the context of major school construction projects underway in his district.
West Ridge High School reaches construction milestone
Chesterfield County celebrated a major construction milestone at West Ridge High School on Duval Road, marking the progression toward the opening of the county's first new high school in over two decades.
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.
New Trail and Parking at Winterpock Area Park Coming This Fall
Chesterfield County Parks is opening a new 10-space parking lot, 1.5-mile wooded trail loop, and paved pedestrian path at Winterpock Area Park in fall 2026.
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.
Driver Seriously Injured in Crash on Route 288
A driver was seriously injured when their vehicle overturned on Route 288 north of Courthouse Road in Chesterfield County on June 11.
Chesterfield Advances Plans for New Falling Creek Police Station
Chesterfield County is advancing construction of its first permanent police precinct in Falling Creek, a $8.8 million facility expected to open in early 2027 as part of a voter-approved $39.1 million public safety bond.
Chesterfield Planning Commission Meets June 16
Chesterfield County Planning Commission will hold a public meeting on June 16 where residents can submit comments online, by phone, or in person on cases and development proposals.
Chesterfield County Celebrates New Emergency Room
HCA Virginia opened a $16.4 million freestanding emergency room in Chesterfield County on June 10, 2026, marking the expansion of emergency medical services for the region's fast-growing population.
Upcoming Planning Community Meetings
Chesterfield County is hosting six development proposal community meetings in June 2026, where applicants will present rezoning and modification requests to nearby residents ahead of formal Planning Commission hearings.
Turner Road at Jessup Road Roundabout
Chesterfield County plans to build a roundabout at Turner Road and Jessup Road by 2029 as part of its regional traffic safety initiative.
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.
Powhite Parkway Tolls Coming to an End
Virginia's Powhite Parkway will become toll-free in December 2026 after 38 years of tolling, once construction bonds are fully repaid.
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.