Near East End Meet Near West End
A developer’s plan to turn a 531-acre farm on the James River in eastern Henrico County into an urban village took a step forward last night.
The Henrico Planning Commission voted 5-0 to endorse plans to turn Tree Hill Farm into the Town of Tree Hill., The Times Dispatch reports.
I know this is the Near West End News, but, I’ve had my eye on the Near East End for quite sometime….and I wonder if maybe I’m not alone. My husband and I love the East End along the River, we’ve thought about trying to buy a farm close in…you know, right next to the Tree Hill Farm where they just go approval to build an entire town, 10 minutes from downtown, right on the James River.
We opted for the Near West End instead, mainly because of the schools. But one day, when our kids have graduated, we’ll be looking again at the East End near the water and hope we can still afford something. And, we better hope that it still has some of the unspoiled country charm we love too, but I guess that will be asking too much.
Other developments appear to be coming down the line with a mix of secrecy and lack of detail include Curles Neck Farm, which 3 investors bought last year for 22.5 million, and HHHunt’s plan for Wilton at the 895 interchange. All of these developments are prime real estate, right on the river, and no farther from downtown than Short Pump. The question is, can Varina handle it? And, do they even want to?
I have a prayer for these three developments: May they plan the area more carefully than Short Pump was planned. May the traffic be better, may they take in to account the people who already live there, the nature and the river that will be affected and please, please, please don’t build more houses than infrastructure can support. Build the schools the roads, and the sewer, with much care, anticipating all of the people it will bring, and make the developers pay their fare share.
Wishful Thinking indeed.
See also: Tree Hill Farm (RIP soon enough…)
The farms along the James River are full of history from the very beginning of our nation. They should not be turned into urban developments, or new “Short Pumps”. The whole idea makes me sick.
I know this is not the right forum for this, but we have moved into our home built by HHHunt in Feb in Twin Hickory area and after moving in are finding a lot of imprefections – the kitchen counter top and sink – not a good job by HHHunt – infact very shabby and quick fix type of work. Unfortunately can;t go back to the builder or the previous owner…the kitchen sink is dropping down and the granite countertop is loose. Any recommendations for a person who can come and repair it? thanks
Instead of praying, you might consider joining the Sierra Club Falls of the James group’s Conservation Committee or the Partnership for Smarter Growth.
Good essay on Short Pump by a former resident in Style this week http://styleweekly.com/article.asp?idarticle=17627 .
I’ve always found that I visit my friends in east henrico more often than those living in the westend because the drive is enjoyable -beautiful fields and old houses still standing. Short Pump is suburban sprawl at it’s worst.