Changes to Hanover County's comprehensive plan - NBC12.com - Richmond, VA News

Being more business-friendly....that's the goal in Hanover as it looks ahead to the next few years. Leaders hope incentives will make it more attractive for companies to set up shop in the county, bringing dollars with them. 

Hanover County's comprehensive plan affects everything from where businesses are located to which roads get the most attention. Bucky Stanley has been on the Hanover Board of Supervisors for decades.  He says there's one thing on the county's mind as it starts updating this plan. 

"This upgrade is going to be concentrated most on economic development because of the times, because of the money situation. We would like to have more businesses in Hanover County." Stanley said. 

By law, the county has to update this plan every five years. Right now Hanover is looking at updating its business taxes and incentives to bring in more money. 

"Obviously tax bases need to be improved because money because it's needed for education, fire rescue, police and such things as that," he added. 

Stanley says tourism will be one of the areas targeted this time around - namely sports tournaments.  Board members hope this can be a new way to refill the county coffers. 

There were major fireworks last time Hanover County updated its comprehensive plan. Five years ago, thousands of people showed up for some of the public meetings. This time around, board members expect things to go a little more smoothly. 

County leaders say there could also be some tweaks to zoning regulations. Lot sizes in more urban parts of the county could shrink to fit more houses into neighborhoods already connected to water and sewer lines. 

There will be a series of public meetings as the county updates this plan. The first will be Monday, June 18 at 7:00 p.m. at Patrick Henry High School on West Patrick Henry Road in Ashland.

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