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Vol. 4 No. 18 | Richmond Suburban News | January 16, 2019
Regional plan targets affordability issues By Jim Ridolphi for Ashland-Hanover Local
H
ANOVER -- The mention of affordable housing conjures a variety of images and responses, some of them not as complimentary as others, but the problem is real and growing in the Commonwealth and across the nation. According to recent statistics, around 35 percent of metro Richmond residents are considered “costburdened,” paying more than 30 percent of their income for housing. Last week, Elizabeth Greenfield, Partnership for Housing Affordability director, and Laura Lafayette, Richmond Association of Realtors president, presented a vision for a comprehensive regional plan that
would address the problem in a variety of ways. “Fifteen percent are severely cost-burdened, paying more than 50 percent of their income on housing,” Greenfield told the Hanover County Board of Supervisors. The affected residents are evenly divided among renters GREENFIELD and home buyers. Senior citizens also compile a large majority of affected cost-burdened homeowners. While the homes in which they currently reside may be paid for with equity available, the cost of transitioning to senior living can be expensive. Many of those seniors own homes valued at less
that $200,000. “The cost of a new construction in a 55 and over community is about $340,000,” Greenfield said. About 27 percent of Hanover households are considered cost-burdened, according to Greenfield. It’s apparent that programs LAFAYETTE that might assist in downtown Richmond may not work well in Hanover County, but some county programs like the accessory dwelling unit provision allows older parents to construct small units on lots already occupied by family members. see REGIONAL, pg. 8
School district eyes methods to better prepare students MAP awards Nick Liberante for The Local
April Pruitt, Market Ashland Partnership (MAP) president for the past two years, encouraged members to give 1% of one day to MAP. "MAP has enriched my life personally and professionally," she told the group gathered Thursday evening for the organization’s Membership Dinner at the Hanover Country Club. Story on page 10.
By Jim Ridolphi for Ashland-Hanover Local ASHLAND -- Educators are constantly seeking new and innovative methods to teach traditional subjects or searching for new methodology that better prepares students for the future. Hanover County School Board members learned last week how two programs in Hanover County Public Schools are utilizing creative and non-traditional methods
to teach English and mathematics. Some Geometry/Algebra students at Patrick Henry High School are exposed to new ways of thinking regarding problem-solving and some changes in the classroom that might buck some “old school” thinking. Mathematics curriculum specialist Ian Shenk outlined a program called Mathematics Workshop. “In short, the mathematics
Jim Ridolphi for The Local
Curriculum specialists Ian Shenk and Tami Slater joined Hanover Center for Trades and Technology principal Justin Roerink for a special presentation to the Hanover County School Board regarding innovative programs in Hanover schools.
workshop model takes an innovative approach to the traditional math sequence,” he said. Instead of a teacher beginning class by solving prob-
lems or a lecture, students are presented with problems that require creative thinking and problem-solving skills. “Unlike traditional classsee HCPS, pg. 8
Hines seeks re-election as sheriff Contributed Report news@mechlocal.com HANOVER – For 35 years, David R. Hines has been serving the citizens of Hanover County as a member of the Sheriff ’s Office. In September 2010, he moved into the role of sheriff with the title of colonel. In announcing his candidacy for re-election, he said he is “continually appreciative of the outpouring of love and support we receive from our community. I am HINES extremely proud of our record of excellent service, being internationally as well as state accredited, being fiscally responsible, and being committed to the safety of our citizens.” Hines acknowledged the past leadership of his predecessor, Col. V. Stuart Cook “The foundation of our crime prevention strategy has been, and always will be, the trust and support of those we serve,” he said. Hines continues to attribute his department’s success through strong partnerships, which have see HINES, pg. 2