Board adopts New Kent 2045 comprehensive plan update after multi-year public process

The New Kent County Board of Supervisors on June 9 adopted the 2045 comprehensive plan update via Ordinance O‑02‑25, concluding a process staff and consultants said included nearly three years of public engagement.

County principal planner Patrick Silva and Todd Gordon of consultant EPR presented the final plan and noted its basis in the county’s 2021 strategic plan and public participation. Gordon said the plan is organized into 10 chapters covering demographics, economy, housing, natural resources, utilities, public facilities, transportation, land use and implementation, and includes a future land‑use map and implementation/tactics matrices.

The plan uses a 20‑year outlook to 2045 and cited Weldon Cooper Center population projections that staff referenced in the presentation. Gordon described a future land use map divided into nine place types and noted the map is not drastically different from the county’s prior plan: the plan retains a development focus near Interstate 64 interchanges and directs conservation of rural and river areas.

Public outreach included mailed postcards, in‑person meetings with mapped input, an online mapping tool (Social Pinpoint) and three phases of engagement; staff said turnout and participation were strong.

Supervisor Moyer moved to approve Ordinance O‑02‑25. The motion passed on a roll‑call vote with all members voting aye.

Staff said the plan is a guiding document—not law—but will inform zoning, capital projects and permitting decisions and noted that the state requires a five‑year review to determine whether updates are needed.