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Board rezones Chickahominy Haven Marina to allow restaurant, store and restored marina operations
Summary
After unanimous planning commission support, the board rezoned and granted a special‑use permit for the privately owned Chickahominy Haven Marina so owners can reestablish a store, restaurant and boat service operations. New owners said they will restore shoreline and dock facilities and comply with RPA protections.
James City County supervisors approved a rezoning to A‑1 and a special‑use permit to legalize and restore a long‑standing but now nonconforming commercial marina use at Chickahominy Haven.
Background: The property historically operated as a marina and associated commercial uses; over time, some of those uses lapsed and lost legally nonconforming status. The new owners asked to rezone from R‑2 (residential) to A‑1 (agricultural) and to receive an SUP allowing marina operations, wet slips, docks, a general store, boat storage and a restaurant.
Staff and commission findings: Staff recommended approval with proffers and conditions to avoid expansion into resource protection areas and to address unpermitted parking and stormwater issues. The applicant provided a delineation showing the storage area was outside the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act Resource Protection Area (RPA). At its April meeting the planning commission voted 6‑0 to recommend approval.
Applicant testimony: Steven Barone, who identified himself as the owner, said the team has heard many neighborhood stories about the site and wants to restore the marina to community use. He and other owners said they plan shoreline stabilization and improved docks and supports for environmental protection.
Board action and votes: The board voted to approve the rezoning and SUP, with conditions that limit expansion into sensitive areas and require stormwater and parking corrections. The action brings current operations into zoning compliance and sets conditions to mitigate environmental risks.
Ending: Supervisors and the new owners called the approval a step toward restoring a local amenity while protecting reservoir buffers and addressing long‑standing site issues.
