Brookland

Daniel J. Schmitt

Supervisor Dan Schmitt

Brookland District

Vehicle crashes with pedestrians, bicyclists on the rise

Man crossing the street on a crosswalk
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Vehicle crashes involving pedestrians and bicyclists are increasing across Henrico County, just as they are throughout Virginia and the United States. To reverse the trend, Henrico is responding with messages discouraging cellphone use and other distractions, targeted enforcement of traffic laws and a review of crosswalks, lighting or other design features that may be beneficial in certain areas. Continue reading Vehicle crashes with pedestrians, bicyclists on the rise

Paving crews working to cover lost ground in 2019

3 steam rollers on new pavement
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2018 was one of the wettest years in Henrico County since the 1880s. The rain significantly impacted road paving and repairs. “We lost almost half a year of production due to wet weather,” said Department of Public Works (DPW) Director Steve Yob. Road crews missed approximately 200 days of production in 2018, so this year they hope to make up lost ground. Crews will work weekends and nights to get the job done. Continue reading Paving crews working to cover lost ground in 2019

Housing Advisory Committee to serve as ‘think tank’ on housing issues

Brick house with boarded up windows
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Henrico is tapping local expertise as it expands and sharpens its focus on improving the county’s housing stock, its affordability and neighborhoods. The Board of Supervisors in April established the Housing Advisory Committee and appointed its first nine members, who will serve staggered terms through 2020 or 2021. The members offer broad experience in housing issues, including for-profit and nonprofit development, home building and sales, commercial lending and law. Continue reading Housing Advisory Committee to serve as ‘think tank’ on housing issues

Region confronts opioid epidemic with Opioid Solutions RVA

Graphic of number of opioid overdoses by county
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With a website and messages on social media, radio, television and billboards, Henrico County and its neighboring localities are working to stem the alarming rise of opioid overdoses and deaths. Henrico, Chesterfield County, Hanover County and the city of Richmond have united as Opioid Solutions RVA to raise awareness of the epidemic and to promote resources and support to aid recovery. Continue reading Region confronts opioid epidemic with Opioid Solutions RVA

Extension Office offers tips on growing lush, green landscape

Green grass with dew
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When the yellow dusting of pollen hits, you know spring is in full season. It’s the perfect time to prepare your lawn and garden for a delightful summer. The Henrico Extension Office offers a variety of services to help Henrico homeowners create a lush landscape that will be the envy of the neighborhood. The SMART Lawns program provides homeowners with a plan tailored to fit their specific lawn-care needs. “A Master Gardener volunteer will come to your home to evaluate your lawn,” said Extension Agent for Agriculture and Natural Resources – Horticulture Ed Olsen. Continue reading Extension Office offers tips on growing lush, green landscape

Board of Supervisors adopts $1.3 billion budget for fiscal 2019-20

Pie graph of general fund categories
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The Henrico County Board of Supervisors has unanimously approved a budget for the next fiscal year that retains the current real estate tax rate, emphasizes funding for schools and public safety, provides the largest one-year total for capital projects and establishes Sunday hours for two libraries.

The budget for fiscal 2019-20 totals $1.3 billion across all operating funds, which represents an increase of 5.7% from the current year’s plan. Continue reading Board of Supervisors adopts $1.3 billion budget for fiscal 2019-20

Welcome to HenricoNews!

Man behind TV camera looking at a speaker at a podium
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HenricoNews is the county’s multimedia platform for news about Henrico County general government initiatives, services, programs, events and more.

The news page is designed to offer county residents and other users helpful information in a variety of formats, including short videos, podcasts and traditional print stories. It also incorporates the county’s principal Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Instagram accounts.

“There are many ways to tell the Henrico County story,” said Ben Sheppard, director of Public Relations and Media Services. “HenricoNews will serve as the central location where all of our original content intersects, helping us to provide information to residents in a form that is convenient and easy to digest.” Continue reading Welcome to HenricoNews!

Water and sewer line maintenance: What’s the homeowner’s responsibility?

Two gloved hands holding a sewer pipe in the dirt
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One of the most frequently asked questions of the Henrico County Department of Public Utilities (DPU) is who’s responsible for water and sewer lines. “The county maintains all of the water and sewer pipes from the street to the property line,” said DPU Wastewater Collection Engineer Ricky Blunt. “Anything from the property line back toward the house — and within the house — is the homeowner’s responsibility.” If residents encounter problems with their sewage or water lines, DPU Assistant Director Bentley Chan maintained they should call DPU first. “If it’s an issue related to your water or sewer service, then please give us a call. We’re here to help,” he said. Continue reading Water and sewer line maintenance: What’s the homeowner’s responsibility?