The Coalition for Hanover’s Future (CHF) will host a citizens educational forum this Wednesday, November 4th at 7 p.m. at the Providence Baptist Church in Ashland. The forum will provide citizens an opportunity to engage with elected officials, planners, and a national expert on land use and transportation reform regarding the high density developments proposed east of Ashland along Route 54.

The proposed Mixed Use (MX) developments include: “East Ashland,” “Providence Creek.” “East Ashland” and “Providence Creek” combined will bring 1,290 more residential units and 1,093,400 square feet of office, retail and commercial space to the area just east of Exit 92 of the I-95 offramp. Think Short Pump-size growth (Shortpump is 1.2 million square feet of retail et. al.)

Without a new and improved I-95 interchange, how will traffic volumes be managed and controlled? How many more traffic lights are planned? Will historic Providence Church Road be closed and thus force folks to drive through “Providence Creek” development to reach their church? A traffic impact study indicates seven traffic lights on Rt. 54 and a plan to close access to historic Providence Church Road from Route 54 (East) and reroute it. Traffic volume is estimated at 33,216 car trips during weekdayss and 35,216 car trips on Saturdays.

Will Hanover County’s school system be able to handle increases in student enrollemnt. How much will all of this excessive growth, in terms of infrastructure and public services cost the taxpayer? When does green-lighting development become wreckless and irresponsible? How do all of these proposed developments preserve the quality of life for existing and future residents? How will these developments make quality of life better?

Along with “East Ashland and Providence Creek” Short-Pump size growth, add “Woodside Estates.” “Woodside Estates,” now underway, will bring 158 new homes.

“CHF is providing this forum so citizens will acquire the big picture regarding the impact of these large scale developments on their overall quality of life. The dramatic growth will bring a surge in traffic volume and congestion, and a significant increase in light pollution and impervious surfaces. The amount of infrastructure required, such as sewer and water, roads, schools and public safety, will increase and the cost is passed on to us as taxpayers,” said Pattie Bland, chair of CHF.

The Wednesday night forum will be moderated by Sheila Sheppard, coordinator of Partnership for Smarter Growth. Presentations regarding the size and scope of the proposed developments will be made by planning staff from the Town of Ashland and Hanover County. Jurisdictions in which the developments will grow will be represented by Ashland’s Mayor and a Hanover County Supervisor.

Trip Pollard, a nationally recognized land use and transportation reform expert from the Southern Environmental Law Center, will provide insight about the development and their impacts.

Citizens will be able to ask questions or raise concerns with panel members following presentations.

WHAT: CHF Educational Forum for Citizens
WHEN: Wednesday, November 4th , 7 p.m.
WHERE: Providence Baptist Church, 9491 Providence Church Road, Ashland.
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