The James City County Board of Supervisors held a regular meeting on November 13, 2024, where key discussions centered around a Special Use Permit (SUP) application and community feedback regarding local property developments.

The meeting commenced with a strong endorsement for SUP 20-421, with a board member expressing confidence in the engineering capabilities that would support the project. The member emphasized the importance of community efforts in aligning developments with the comprehensive plan, urging fellow supervisors to vote in favor of the permit.

Public comments were then heard, with local resident Don Hazelwood sharing his personal connection to the area. Hazelwood recounted the history of his family’s property and praised the current owner, David Knight, for restoring the land and improving the surrounding environment. He highlighted the transformation of Firetow Road, which had become safer and more aesthetically pleasing under Knight's care.

Hazelwood also addressed concerns about noise from events held on Knight's property, stating that he had not experienced any disturbances despite living nearby. He expressed a broader concern about property rights and the increasing regulations that he feels limit personal freedoms. His remarks resonated with a sentiment of valuing individual property ownership and the right to manage one's land without excessive oversight.

Following the public comments, the board chair announced a brief recess before moving into discussions regarding the SUP applications. The meeting concluded with an expectation for further deliberation on the matters raised, indicating a commitment to consider community input in their decision-making process.

Overall, the meeting underscored the balance between development and community values, with a focus on maintaining the character of James City County while accommodating growth.