Controversial Goochland quarry expansion project unanimously approved

GOOCHLAND COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — They say “love thy neighbor,” but a disagreement between Goochland County and Henrico County is putting that to the test.

On Tuesday, the Goochland County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the expansion of a Luck Stone quarry, despite fierce opposition from residents and officials in neighboring Henrico.

Misty Whitehead of the Henrico County Board of Supervisors has been a vocal opponent of the project since day one.

“That is always the most dangerous feeling… when folks start to feel like their voice doesn’t matter,” Whitehead said.

Whitehead has attended multiple meetings in Goochland where the proposal has been discussed — including Tuesday’s session, which lasted more than four hours.

“I think the biggest reaction is just disappointment,” Whitehead said. “It certainly gave me the impression that the decision was made beforehand.”

Luck Stone has had a facility in the Rockville area of Goochland for years, but the company plans to expand it closer to the county’s border with Henrico.

Goochland’s Deputy County Administrator Josh Gillespie said the area is planned for “flexible use,” which includes “light industrial use.” He added that he feels the county has been transparent since day one — they held the first community meeting on the topic in May and sent out multiple notices about the discussions.

“We feel pretty strongly that people had a chance to know what was going on,” Gillespie said.

Henrico residents opposed to the expansion are concerned about worsening pollution and displacement of wildlife — as well as a 12-story berm which would be located as close as 50 feet from some Henrico homes.

Gillespie said that developers and organizers will follow all required rules and guidelines and — despite the barrier being located 50 feet from some homes — actual stone processing work will take place at least around 650 feet of homes.

“The berm itself forms a barrier, both for sound and for views,” Gillespie explained.

But for some Henrico neighbors, the view of the berm itself is the concern. Regardless, the Goochland board members made up their minds with Tuesday’s decision. Whitehead said this has become about more than a quarry.

“This is about knowing that, when an issue arises that touches upon residents of various localities, we can have good faith discussions and work together to come up with solutions that make sense and aren’t about just appeasing one corporate entity,” said Whitehead.

Gillespie agreed that it’s crucial the two localities continue to work together.

“We value regional cooperation and communication,” he said. “I know that [Henrico County is] interested in continuing to be good neighbors.”

In an email, Luck Companies told 8News it will work with residents in both counties and is in the process of scheduling a follow-up meeting.

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