From left, Norma Corbin of Bensley, Pete Fundinger, and Paula Nachman examine current comprehensive plan maps during last week’s comp plan open house.

What will Chesterfield look like in the future? Will it be overcrowded and lacking in transportation options or business opportunities, or will it be a shining example of smart growth, exemplary quality of life, and thriving commercial trade? That’s up to its citizens and how they form a new plan for the future.

Last week, Chesterfield’s planners kicked off their new countywide comprehensive plan effort, which will, over the next year and a half, explore the wants and needs of county residents and business owners. A four-hour open house was held to help citizens get acquainted with the process. About 100 county residents made their way to stations, which presented maps of current land uses, communities, and the transportation thoroughfare plan. County staff were on hand to discuss issues that attendees wanted to see addressed in the new plan.

Pete Fundinger, who lives near Pocahontas Park, said the plan is the “politically correct thing to do. Whether it’s followed is another story.”  

Tracey Papiernik, whose children Stephen and Kathleen colored county maps while she visited the work stations, said she hoped that the new plan would have some teeth so future Boards of Supervisors would stick to what citizens say that want.

At least 25 more meeting will be held around the county to give county residents and business owners a chance to weigh in on the new plan. The Board of Supervisors, Planning Commission, and the School Board will attend a joint meeting on Wednesday at 1 p.m. to see an overview of the plan, and the 32-member Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee will meet for the second time on Thursday, July 23 beginning at 4 p.m.

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