09/18/2013

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DELIVER TO: Postal Patron Mechanicsville, VA 23111

PRSRT. STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE PAID Mechanicsville, VA Permit No.141

Vol. 30, No. 20 | Richmond Suburban Newspapers | September 18, 2013

STOPS AT EVERY HOME IN TOWN

Movie theater permit on hold for now By Jim Ridolphi for The Mechanicsville Local

Jim Ridolphi for The Local

Numerous residents expressed their thoughts on posters they waved during the public hearing.

Most Hanover County citizens agree that the county needs a movie theater. Where to locate that complex is the subject of much more controversy. The Hanover County Board Supervisors also were left scratching their heads following a three-hour public hearing that revealed a large number of residents opposed to the project. Citing the lack of a traffic study and the numerous objections raised by nearby residents, the supervisors voted to defer

action on the controversial project until that study could be completed and scheduled the matter for their Oct. 23 meeting. After gaining approval from the Planning Commission, a plan to construct a 12-movie muti-plex theater in the Hanover Village Shopping Center near Brandy Creek Drive in Mechanicsville moved to a public hearing at last Wednesday’s Board of Supervisors meeting. Citizens packed the supervisors’ meeting room for the opportunity to present their views on the proposed project.

Sulser claims inequity in enrollment figures By Jim Ridolphi for The Mechanicsville Local Hanover County School Board member Norman Sulser has his sights set on remedying what he considers an inequity when it comes to enrollment numbers at Hanover County Public Schools.

He was ready last month to suggest a study be conducted to examine capacities at several county schools. That discussion was tabled due to the absence of two board members at the August meeting. Sulser, who represents the Cold Harbor District, expanded that request at last week’s meet-

ing, moving for a system-wide study of enrollments, physical conditions and capacities. A preliminary investigation of 2012 numbers reveals that there are discrepancies in the student enrollments and schools that seem — on the surface — the most suited to handle additional students are actually recording

some of their lowest percentage of capacity attendance figures. Sulser said he thinks it’s time for an examination of current capacities to see if enrollments can be more closely aligned. Enrollment figures from 2012 reveal that while Hanover High see SULSER, pg. 4

Planning director David Maloney said buffers between the theater building and the adjacent homes is between 160 and 275 feet, with vegetation and a small pond. Maloney pointed out that many other uses are allowed in the shopping center setting, some of which could impact neighbors more than a movie theatre. He also noted that the Conditional Use process offers county officials more control of what takes place at the site, see THEATER, pg. 28 Jim Ridolphi for The Local

Hanover County School Board member Norman Sulser, shown at left, made a motion for a capacity and enrollment study of all Hanover County Public Schools at last week’s regular meeting. Sulser represents the Cold Harbor District on the School Board.

ShortTerm. HighYield.

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*Annual Percentage Yield, accurate as of September 16, 2013. Virginia and Maryland depositors only. Minimum deposit required to open: $500.00. Penalty for early withdrawal.


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