BON AIR, Va. (WRIC) — The Bon Air community faces a unique challenge; how does it progress with the times while keeping its historic identity?
Chesterfield County leaders are in the process of fine tuning a plan for Bon Air’s development. However, some residents are concerned too much development would take away from Bon Air’s quaint personality and they have made it known they do not want their community to be similar to the Short Pump community in Henrico County.
Long time Bon Air resident Craig Wyman said he feels the excitement of Short Pump will be short lived.
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”Retail stores last ten years, then they’re done, restaurants ten years, then they’re done, that’s the way they base their business on,” said Wyman.
However, Chesterfield County Planner Joanne Simmelink said it was never the county’s intention to be another Short Pump.
“We did that hear that concern at the public hearing and that was not the intent of the plan or the goal of the plan. The plan is to allow Bon Air to continue to be a walkable village environment,” said Simmelink.
In fact, county planners said they have revised the Bon Air plan to maintain single family housing.
In the meantime, Wyman said county planners have to walk a fine line to move the neighborhood forward while keeping its quaint personality.
“There’s a lot of history here in Bon Air — that’s for sure. There is always room for some growth if they can balance it out. I think it would keep everyone happy,” said Wyman. “There’s got to be a sense of balance there’s too much history out here.”
People concerned about the future of Bon Air can voice their views at the next public planning meeting on Tuesday, September 15 at 6 p.m.
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Clik here to view.
Image may be NSFW.Clik here to view.
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Image may be NSFW.Clik here to view.
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