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Big plan could change the look, feel of little Bon Air

Posted at 10:41 AM, Jul 23, 2015
and last updated 2015-07-23 10:41:27-04

BON AIR, Va. -- A plan is in the works that would give the village of Bon Air, a quaint community near the Richmond-Chesterfield line, a face-life. A comprehensive redevelopment plan for the community will be presented to the Chesterfield Planning Commission Thursday night.

The plan calls for the construction of two new shopping areas near the village center (Forest Hill Avenue and Buford Road), new bike paths and sidewalks throughout the community, and a new community park near Bon Air Elementary School; along with other projects.

"This plan seeks to protect and enhance the existing residential neighborhoods while promoting limited, neighborhood-scale redevelopment of aging structures within the commercial core," read a June report by the Bon Air Special Area Plan committee.

The report stated some of their recommendations may be "constrained" by available public funds.  The committee suggested private partnerships, grant funding, and tax incentives to help fund their proposal. You can examine the full report here: Bon Air Draft June - CPC

The charm and tranquility of Bon Air has been a selling point since it was founded in 1877.  A group of wealthy Richmond businessmen established the community as a summer resort to escape the hustle and bustle of downtown Richmond, according to county leaders. Planners said they want to maintain that tradition while enhancing the quality of life for current residents.

The proposal will be presented to the Planning Commission at 6pm at the Chesterfield County Government Complex, 10001 Iron Bridge Rd.  No action will be taken until both the Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors review and vote on the proposal.