DELIVER TO: Postal Patron Mechanicsville, VA 23111
STOPS AT EVERY HOME IN TOWN
Residents: Plans for Wegmans are not a done deal By Jim Ridolphi for The Mechanicsville Local MECHANICSVILLE Few issues have received more public scrutiny than the Hanover County Board of Supervisors’ recent decision to allow construction of a Wegman’s Distribution Center near the intersection of Sliding Hill and Ashcake Roads. Since Wegmans announced its decision late last year to locate a 1.7 million-squarefoot distribution center near the Hanover Airport, some local residents have assumed an active role in opposing the 24-hour operation. The proposed site is located adjacent to several established Hanover neighbor-
hoods, including Fox Head and Somerset, and many of those residents have mounted an organized effort to force the project to another location. Many said they didn’t object to its location in Hanover County, but objected to the increased truck traffic, noise concerns and other issues associated with the project at that site. Citizens are waging a twopronged attack in their opposition to the project. Five citizens have filed a lawsuit that questions the legitimacy of the board’s decision to grant proffer adjustments for the project, and lists a number of issues associated with the recent decision. The plaintiffs who reside
Prsrt. Standard U.S. POSTAGE PAID Mechanicsville, VA Permit No.141
Vol. 37, No. 5 | Richmond Suburban News | June 24, 2020
Juneteenth march in Mechanicsville
Jim Ridolphi/The Local
Thunder, lightning and a torrential rainstorm couldn’t deter hundreds of citizens from attending an NAACP-sponsored rally and march held Friday afternoon in Mechanicsville. The Juneteenth Celebration featured several speakers, including Hanover NAACP president Robert Barnette who voiced a list of demands for HCPS officials, including the changing of two school names in Hanover County. The group marched from the Mechanicsville Library to Lee-Davis High School and Stonewall Jackson Middle School chanting and displaying signs demanding change. For more on the march, turn to page 17.
see WEGMANS, pg. 12
Commonwealth’s Attorney offers summary of new laws
CHALKLEY
(Editor’s note: The following was submitted by R.E. “Trip” Chalkley III, the Commonwealth’s Attorney for Hanover County. He provides an overview of all new laws every year to provide a better understanding for citizens. We appreciate him and his office for sharing this valuable information.) As always, July 1 will see new statutes and amendments to existing statutes take effect in Virginia and there were many
new laws and amendments passed by the General Assembly. This article is not intended to address all changes. It is merely a summary of those changes to the criminal law that I believe may be of interest to my fellow citizens. Please note that this summary is based upon what I have received in advance of actual receipt of the complete Code of Virginia. Any questions about new statutes or amendments, whether
herein noted or not, may be directed to me at 804-365-6186. Any person convicted of violating a hunting, fishing or trapping law may be prohibited by a court from engaging in those activities for a period from 1 to 5 years. Maliciously placing a dead animal within any church or on church property is a Class 1 misdemeanor (up to 12 months in jail and/or a fine of up to $2,500). The outdoor tethering of an animal is
not “adequate shelter” (a) if the animal is not safe from predators or well suited or equipped to tolerate its environment, (b) during a hurricane warning or tropical storm warning, or (c) during a heat advisory, when it is 85 degrees or higher or 32 degrees or lower, during a severe weather warning. The amendment to “adequate space” allows for an animal control officer, after inspection, to determine that a see LAWS, pg. 11