DELIVER TO: Postal Patron Mechanicsville, VA 23111
Vol. 31, No. 43 | Richmond Suburban News | February 25, 2015
STOPS AT EVERY HOME IN TOWN
ELECTION 2015
Fowler plans to seek re-election
Big Oak project on hold for now
Contributed Report news@mechlocal.com
By Jim Ridolphi for The Mechanicsville Local
Del. Hyland F. “Buddy” Fowler Jr. has announced his plans to seek re-election to the 55th District seat in the House of Delegates. A Republican, he represents parts of Hanover, Caroline and Spotsylvania counties. In his first campaign in 2013, he said he primarily focused on what he believed to be critical issues: jobs/ economy, public education reform, ethics reform, mental health reform and opposition to Medicaid expansion. Since taking office, Fowler said he “held true to my word.” He said his worker with jobs and the econFOWLER omy have been recognized by the Virginia Chamber of Commerce with an A+ Rating and their “Champion of Free Enterprise Award.”
MECHANICSVILLE — Facing a long list of concerns raised by Hanover County’s planning staff and concerned neighbors, the developer of a proposed mixed use project off Pole Green Road opted for a deferral at last week’s Planning Commission meeting. The applicant, Big Oak Development Company, requested that 40 acres be rezoned to RM, multifamily residential district with conditions, and an additional 23 acres to
light industrial. The land is currently zoned A1 or agricultural. Preliminary plans call for 354 dwelling units on the RM portion of the property, resulting in a density of 8.7 units per acre. About 220 units are apartments with 27 single-family homes and 111 townhouses The Big Oak project has raised concerns among neighbors citing increased traffic and noise, a lack of compliance
Snow day fun!
Stephanie Riccardino shared this photo of Charlie and Gigi whose enjoyment in the snow is obvious by the looks of delight on their faces. For more scenes from last week’s snow, go to www.facebook.com/mechlocal.
see BIG OAK, pg. 22
School officials reject issue with book By Jim Ridolphi for The Mechanicsville Local
see FOWLER, pg. 4 Metro Creative Graphics
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ASHLAND — A parent of a Lee-Davis High School student took advantage of the Hanover County Public Schools’ controversial subjects objection policy and filed a formal complaint against an offering in the school library. After considering the complaint, a panel of
Lee-Davis officials ruled the book, “13 Reasons Why” by Jay Asher, would remain on the shelves available to ninth through 12th grade students. In a complaint last September, the parent cited numerous objections to the book and requested the book be banned from the school division’s middle and high school libraries. see BOOK, pg. 4
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