Concerns over a proposed nuclear reactor site dominated the Goochland County Planning Commission meeting on September 18, 2025, as residents voiced their apprehensions about safety and community impact. Speakers highlighted that over 75,000 Henrico residents, including numerous schools, live within a 10-mile radius of the reactor, emphasizing that the effects of nuclear activity do not respect county lines.

One resident pointed out that the reactor's location is near the epicenter of a recent earthquake, raising alarms about its safety. "You can't tell me that this is actually a safe site," the speaker stated, questioning the reactor's ability to withstand seismic activity. The community's concerns were further amplified by issues related to local blasting operations, which have already caused disturbances in the area.

In addition to nuclear safety, the meeting also addressed zoning regulations, particularly the parking-to-office space ratio. Lee Halverson, a local resident, urged the commission to maintain the current standard of 300 feet per parking space, arguing that changes could lead to oversized developments with insufficient oversight. "We are neighborhoods and families and people. We aren't sweet spots and grids on a spreadsheet," Halverson asserted, calling for a balance between development and community welfare.

The discussions reflect a growing tension between development ambitions and the safety and well-being of local residents. As the Planning Commission considers these issues, the implications for both Goochland and Henrico communities remain significant, with residents advocating for their voices to be heard in the decision-making process.