Richmond Times Dispatch
Friday, June 9, 2006

Some western Chesterfield County residents and county officials yesterday looked at plans for a 2,000-acre mixed-use community for that part of the county.

Developers of the Roseland project -- named for an 1800s home on the property that would be preserved for community use -- expect to apply for rezoning of about 1,400 acres by the end of summer. Yesterday's gathering was the third of three this week soliciting comments from residents and officials. Developers said about 100 people had showed up for the three meetings combined.

Project manager Casey Sowers said the project would take 15 to 20 years from the time of rezoning to be fully built.

He said details of the project are fluid, but as envisioned it would have a pedestrian-friendly residential core for as many as 5,000 residential units, park and recreation facilities, plus office and retail properties -- a virtual small town within the county.

Reaction yesterday ranged from approval of the style of development to apprehension about the residential density.

As she looked at a scale model of part of the project, Brandermill resident Andrea Epps seemed taken aback by the number of residential units, but she said, "I'm glad to see them preserve the open space and actually have a plan."

The land for the project is generally south and west of where Woolridge Road and state Route 288 meet. The site is between two other projects:

the corporate and light industrial park approved for the 800-plus acre Watkins Centre project at state Route 288 and Midlothian Turnpike; and
the 600-plus acre CenterPointe Office Park at state Route 288 and Powhite Parkway.
Deputy County Administrator Millard D. "Pete" Stith Jr. said county staff members are aware of the proposal, but he declined to comment further until a zoning application is submitted.

According to county real estate records, much of the land involved in the Roseland project -- more than 1,100 acres valued at $10.7 million -- is controlled by companies connected to real estate investor George B. "Buddy" Sowers Jr., father of Casey Sowers.

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