New Kent Charles City Chronicle

News for New Kent County and Charles City County, Virginia | March 19, 2024

Favorable recommendation by commissioners sets up possible rezoning to bring grocery-style Dollar General to Charles City

By Andre Jones | August 27, 2021 6:24 am

A box at the northeast intersection of Roxbury Road and Wayside Road in Charles City signifies the area that is being considered for rezoning to bring a grocery-style Dollar General to the county.

Google Maps image

On Oct. 27, 2019, Dollar General became the first name-brand store to open its doors in Charles City County. Two years later, another one may be headed to the county but with a much-needed amenity.

Members of Charles City County’s Planning Commission unanimously approved sending a favorable recommendation for the rezoning of property from agricultural (A1) to business (B1) to county leaders at the Aug. 26 regular meeting.

Rhetson Companies approached the county about rezoning 3.8 acres of land located on the northeast corner of the intersection of Route 106 (Roxbury Road) and Route 607 (Wayside Road) in the western part of the county. The change would pave a way for a new Dollar General to be constructed across the street from the current Colonial Mart store.

But what really caught the attention of Charles City’s Planning Commission is the company’s plan to have a grocery section in the store. According to Rhetson representative John Parker, the store will add sections that will have fresh meat, dairy, and produce.

“Dollar General is moving into the direction with these new prototypes of stores,” Parker commented. “With the nearest grocery store more than ten miles away, this is why we looked at that spot.

“When we had a community meeting, we got the same impression and received positive feedback,” the representative continued. “It is definitely a need for this community, and I know that Dollar General has been listening more to the communities they are entering into.”

The prototype store would be bigger than Charles City’s current one located on Courthouse Road as well. While the current operating one comes in at 9,100 square feet, the proposed building would be 10,640 square feet.

One of the concerns raised by commissioners revolved around the dangerous intersection. There have been approximately five accidents in the past few years, resulting in at least one fatality.

“We understand the concerns and we are going to work closely with VDOT (Virginia’s Department of Transportation) on the issue,” Parker commented. “As you can see, our preliminary study from a traffic count dictated placing the entrance on Wayside Road.

“That has been a terrible and dangerous intersection,” responded Charles City planning commission chairman Ed Baber. “I hope that when you do a site plan and propose it that VDOT will work with you all to address the issue.”

Commissioners praised the concept of the new model Dollar General store, something District 1 supervisor Gilbert Smith echoed at the meeting.

“This is something this county definitely needs,” he said. “I like the concept and the way it looks. I’m glad that Dollar General is considering Charles City County.”

Commissioners voted 6-0 to send a favorable recommendation to county leaders for the rezoning of the property. Supervisors are expected to take a vote on the proposal at their September monthly meeting.