Comp Plan public input opportunities next week

Hanover County is working with residents, businesses, landowners and other community members to update its Comprehensive Plan. Called “Envision Hanover”, the Plan is the County’s long-range vision of Hanover over the next 25 years, addressing land use, housing, economic development, and natural resources. Next week, there will be two in-person public participation events to introduce some preliminary ideas about key concepts related to land use, economic development and historic resources: Monday, January 23, from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Atlee Library; and Thursday, January 26, from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Montpelier Center for Arts & Education.

Ryan Jensen, CEO of Henrico Doctors' Hospital, and Stephen Chandler, COO were among those speaking Tuesday night.

Community meeting held on hospital

Citizens had the opportunity to ask questions about the proposed Henrico Doctors’ Hospital proposed Ashland Hospital at a community meeting held Tuesday night at Chickahominy Middle School. Answering questions were Ryan Jensen, Chief Executive Officer; Stephen Chandler, Chief Operating Officer; and John A. Budesky, Hanover County Administrator. The hospital under its parent organization, HCA Healthcare, has filed a Certificate of Public Need (COPN) with the State Health Commissioner to build the 60-bed hospital off Sliding Hill Road at the Atlee-Elmont interchange. The hospital also will have to file land use requests with Hanover County, which is a separate process. Hospital officials did not know when the State would reach a decision regarding the COPN request. The time frame for land use considerations once those submissions are filed with the County are likely to be about 6 months. Even if approved, the hospital is years away from construction. Residents had questions about the location, traffic impacts, services that would be offered at the facility and the labor pool.

Hanover seeking nominations for "Spirit of Volunteerism" awards

Hanover County is seeking nominations for the annual Spirit of Volunteerism awards, which recognize volunteers who have helped to transform lives, build social connectedness, foster active citizenship and create resilient communities. The nomination deadline is Friday, March 10. Nomination forms and information are available here. Who is your outstanding volunteer?