The Goochland County Board of Supervisors held a regular meeting on July 1, 2025, where community safety and traffic concerns dominated discussions regarding the proposed Highfield development. Residents expressed strong opposition to the plan, which includes the construction of 138 new homes, citing significant traffic increases and safety risks on Rockville Road.

During the meeting, multiple speakers highlighted that the development could add nearly 1,000 additional vehicle trips per day to Rockville Road, exacerbating existing traffic issues at the already problematic intersection with Ashland Road. Concerns were raised about the potential for increased accidents, with local fire and rescue officials noting that Rockville Road is the most dangerous road in the county, having recorded several fatal accidents in recent years.

Community members emphasized the need for responsible growth that prioritizes public safety and infrastructure improvements before any new developments are approved. They pointed out that the proposed minor improvements to Rockville Road by the developer do not adequately address the critical safety issues at the Ashland intersection, which is expected to become even more congested with the additional traffic.

Several residents referenced a letter from Fire Chief Ferguson, who opposed the development due to safety concerns, and the unanimous recommendation from the planning commission to deny the application in its current form. They urged the Board of Supervisors to delay the project until a comprehensive plan for traffic and safety improvements is established.

The meeting underscored a community commitment to ensuring that growth does not come at the expense of safety, with residents calling for a thorough evaluation of infrastructure needs before proceeding with new housing developments. The Board of Supervisors is expected to consider these concerns as they deliberate on the future of the Highfield proposal.