Culpeper County's Planning Commission meeting on November 13, 2024, highlighted significant developments in the Clevenger Village project, which aims to transform the area into a vibrant commercial hub. The project, initially acquired by a family-owned business in February 2018, has undergone extensive reengineering to address previous challenges and is now poised for growth.

The developers emphasized their commitment to creating a community-focused commercial center, which will serve the residential areas nearby. They have already begun construction on the commercial site, fulfilling promises made during earlier meetings. A key point of discussion was the removal of proposed data centers from the project, with assurances that the development will comply with the newly adopted Planned Unit Development (PUD) ordinance, which restricts such facilities.

The developers also announced plans to replace a previously proposed residential component with a hotel, citing the impracticality of including apartments in a commercial setting. They are focused on attracting smaller businesses and local entrepreneurs, shifting away from large anchor stores that have become less viable in the current market climate. This strategic pivot is in response to changing consumer behaviors and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on retail.

The presentation included details about the layout of the commercial center, which will feature a grocery store and various retail spaces designed to enhance community engagement. The developers are currently in discussions with potential tenants, including smaller grocery chains, to fill the retail spaces.

In conclusion, the Clevenger Village project is set to evolve into a key commercial area for Culpeper County, with a focus on sustainability and community needs. The developers are optimistic about meeting their goal of delivering 144,000 square feet of retail space, emphasizing the importance of flexibility and adaptation in the face of ongoing economic challenges. The Planning Commission's support will be crucial as the project moves forward, promising to bring new services and opportunities to the region.