Last night, in a tightly contested 4-3 vote, the Hanover County Planning Commission voted to recommend approval of the Ashcake Road Landfill proposal.

(Meeting recording available here)

While we are deeply disappointed by the outcome, we want to be clear: this fight is far from over. The final decision rests with the Board of Supervisors, who will vote on the proposal at their meeting in April. That’s where the real battle will be—and we need to be louder, stronger, and more united than ever.

Despite the result, last night’s meeting was an incredible show of strength from our community. Dozens of residents from different nearby neighborhoods packed the room. Many stood up to share powerful, heartfelt stories—about raising their families here, about the health risks tied to landfill pollution, and about the clear, undeniable facts that make this proposal completely incompatible with the Hanover County Comprehensive Plan.

To those of you who spoke, showed up, or stood in solidarity: thank you. Your voices were courageous, clear, and deeply moving.

And to the three Planning Commission members who voted against the landfill—we see you, and we thank you. Your willingness to view us as people, not just parcels on a map, gave us hope. You listened. You led with conscience, not convenience. You reminded us that true public service still exists.

We move forward from here—not discouraged, but even more determined. The Board of Supervisors must now decide if they will protect the health, safety, and future of this community—or side with something that puts all of that at risk.

April is coming. Let’s get ready.

#StopTheLandfill #ProtectHanover #NoLandfillsNearOurHomes