Editor: After the megasite was withdrawn by the Chesterfield Economic Development Authority in 2018, Chesterfield Citizens United and Bermuda Advocates for Responsible Development asked for a statewide investigation by the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (the Legislature’s watchdog) into the practices of EDAs. State Sen. Amanda Chase’s bill was killed (unfunded) in committee. Legislators, don’t you think it’s time? In regard to a proposed mixed-use development at Route 10 and Courthouse Road (Courthouse Landing), citizens are concerned that the case is being “double advertised” so it can be heard at the Planning Commission next month and at the Board…

Editor: When looking to move closer to work, we found the lovely community of Bel Arbor in 2000. We noticed the Shoosmith sign as we turned onto Iron Bridge Road, but never gave it a thought. Those who would become our neighbors didn’t mention the foul-smelling early morning and evening air. We would not realize there was a problem until after we moved in. Over the years, in spite of community complaints, the problem has only gotten worse. There have been petitions (change.org under “landfill odor elimination”) and participation at community meetings to explain how the odors are affecting our…

Editor: Chester United Methodist Church has done it again! This past weekend they cut down “The Village Oak,” which had stood on the side of Harrowgate Road for hundreds of years and was listed on the National Register of Famous and Historic Trees. This tree was examined by an arborist (not to be confused with a tree-cutting service the church relied on) and by the current county extension agent and other experts who all agreed the tree did not need to be cut. Trees can survive many years with a hollow spot. Chester UMC in recent years also unnecessarily cut…

To the editor: As a result of the recent megasite proposal, the Shoosmith landfill expansion application, other zoning cases and school issues, the leadership of Bermuda Advocates for Responsible Development realizes there is a need for a county-wide citizen advocacy group. Our experience with the county Economic Development Authority’s lack of transparency, communication, processes and timelines has led us to believe that a coalition of Chesterfield County citizens and community groups would benefit the citizens, county staff and our elected officials. The purpose of this group, first and foremost, will be to communicate with and connect all interested groups and…

By BeKura W. Shabazz On May 30 at KinderCare in Chester, children gathered all around a big colorful alphabet carpet to learn their first lessons about climate change, why it is important to take care of the earth and what are some of the things that they can do to help keep our planet healthy. Most of them acknowledged that they did not want a big stinky earth and that their parents make them clean up their messes at home, so why is this such a big problem for us adults to grasp hold to? Maybe we should look to…

The Stoney Glen South Homeowners Association surveyed our members in April of 2018 regarding their support of, or opposition to, the proposed Matoaca Megasite. The community voted overwhelmingly against the proposed heavy industrial megasite. The elected board of the Stoney Glen South Homeowners Association is firmly taking a stand against the megasite and the proposed north-south connector. The proposed heavy industrial site is in conflict with the county’s comprehensive plan and is incompatible with the established residential communities located in the area. Chesterfield County zoning states that an I-3 industrial area should not be located next to areas zoned residential.…

To the Editor: I attended the Chesterfield Cabinet informational breakfast on megasites on March 22 at John Tyler Community College. This was sponsored by ChamberRVA and I paid a fee to attend. I was very disappointed to learn that this was a pep rally in support of the megasite project. For an “informational” meeting, I only heard the pro’s and not the con’s, so it was very one-sided. This breakfast was meant to show unity between the county, the EDA and VEDP, and their intent tomove forward with the Matoaca Megasite project, despite great opposition from their residents. I attend…