JoanneOur April 5 Speaker was Joanne Simmelink with the Chesterfield County Planning Department. She had spoken to us previously regarding the Special Area Plan for Bon Air, which was adopted. She was here in April to discuss the Midlothian Community Special Area Plan.

Joanne said that the Midlothian Community Special Area Plan is the 4th plan the department has undertaken.  It covers approximately 6 square miles, and will build upon the foundation laid by Moving Forward – The Comprehensive Plan for Chesterfield County, adopted by the Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors in 2012.

The comprehensive plan provides the framework for guiding land use and development decisions on a countywide basis, while special area plans focus on the needs of specific communities.

The Midlothian Community Special Area Plan will replace the current Midlothian Area Community Plan that was adopted by the county in 1989. The Midlothian Community Special Area Plan will include recommendations to complement the countywide comprehensive plan while reflecting the community’s needs, desires and overall vision for the future of the community.

The plan will bring base land use recommendations within the plan geography into conformance with the countywide land use plan, while recognizing the unique qualities of the area that must be addressed through additional recommendations and tools. The plan will provide a road map for the future of Midlothian, guiding growth, development and infrastructure decisions.

Joanne explained the steps involved:
• Existing trends and conditions research!
• Public outreach!
• Draft the plan!
• Post to the Web for public comment!
• Citizen meetings!
• Final draft!
• Commission and Board Review!
• Adoption of the plan!

They are currently seeking feedback from organizations and she opened the floor to comments on what things we like about Midlothian and what things could use improvement.