The Bensley Agrihood project, a proposed affordable housing development centered around an organic farm and wellness center in Chesterfield County’s Bensley neighborhood, continues to move forward despite recent zoning setbacks.

Duron Chavis, executive director of Happily Natural Day said he remains committed to realizing the Agrihood vision in Bensley, even as he expresses his concerns about perceived discrimination from county officials.

“We won’t let racism or racist white conservative thoughts and personas in public office block us from our work for self-determination for Black and brown people,” Chavis said

After nearly 600 days and four deferrals by the planning commission, the organizers of Bensley Agrihood — Maggie Walker Community Land Trust, Happily Natural Day and Girls For A Change — pulled their zoning proposal last month. But work at the site continues.

“We’re still building the farm on the land,” Chavis said. “[The land owner] wants to continue working with us … She understands that sometimes you get obstacles in the way that kind of — not stop the process — but slow it down.”

In an effort to maintain momentum and engage the community, the backers of Bensley Agrihood will be holding a Community Day on Sunday, July 21. The event will offer a variety of activities focused on land stewardship and agroforestry — a form of agriculture focused on the cultivation and conservation of trees.

Chavis said the event is a day for community members of all ages to come out and learn more about the Bensley Agrihood project while enjoying food and outdoor activities.

“There will be activities for young people, there will be surveys that people can take in relationship to the project, there will be food. So, it’s going to just be a nice outdoor activity day for folks to learn more about everything that we’ve been working toward in the development of the Bensley Agrihood,” Chavis said.

A select number of attendees also will have the chance to earn a prize. A $25 Visa gift card will be given to the first 30 attendees who RSVP and take a survey offered at the event.

Chesterfield County officials said there has been no new action since the three nonprofits backing the project withdrew their proposal. Meanwhile, the Bensley Agrihood team continues their work on the ground.

The Community Day will be held July 21 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 2600 Swineford Road.