Growth & Development
West Ridge High School, $60M road project on pace for 2025
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 Data Center Campuses in Chesterfield County
Google is proposing multiple data center campuses in Chesterfield County.
Two VDOT contractors killed in Route 1 shooting
Two VDOT contractors were killed in a domestic-related shooting at a staging area near Route 1 and Route 288 in Chesterfield County on July 24, 2026.
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.
Matoaca District Capital Improvement Projects Updated
Supervisor Kevin P. Carroll provided updates on capital improvement projects in Chesterfield County's Matoaca District, though specific project details from the video source could not be verified.
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.
Parents Raise Concerns on Google Data Center Near School
Parents and residents in Chesterfield County are raising concerns about Google data center projects, though specific connections to individual schools cannot be independently verified from accessible sources.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
County Plans Shoosmith Landfill Closure, Seeks Resident Input
Chesterfield County is working with state and federal officials on closure and remediation plans for the bankrupt Shoosmith Landfill and has launched a web portal for resident questions ahead of a July 22 Board of Supervisors update.
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 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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 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 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.
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.
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.