Planning commission advances Cardinal Point Section 8 concept plan after public concerns over schools, traffic and disclosure

The Berkeley County Planning Commission voted unanimously to advance the Cardinal Point Section 8 concept plan to the detailed site plan stage after public comment raised concerns about school capacity, traffic impacts and developer disclosure to lot buyers.

Panhandle Homes’ concept proposes 442 residential units on about 128 acres — 184 single‑family homes, 72 villas and 186 townhouses — to be served by public water and sewer. County staff said County Engineer Doug Smith deemed the concept compliant with the subdivision ordinance and recommended advancement.

Public comments highlighted several substantive concerns: - Robert Fitzpatrick said he paid a $10,000 premium for a lot he was told would not have houses behind it and asked what recourse he had after learning new development is planned. Planning staff and the applicant said the commission cannot compel private sellers to honor informal promises made at sale and suggested the homeowner consult private counsel or developers for remedies. - Pamela Burness Lamboi asked whether new schools are planned, saying local schools are “rubbing at the seams.” Staff said school construction and capacity are the responsibility of the Berkeley County Board of Education and the state; staff noted the board has proposed new schools in the Marlowe area and that impact fees are planned to help fund school needs. - Gregory Hudgins and others raised long‑term traffic and safety concerns at the Saint Andrews Drive intersection. The developer provided select pages from a traffic study submitted to the West Virginia Division of Highways showing a recommended contribution toward further study and noting a roundabout as a potential mitigation.

Developer Allen Henry of Panhandle Homes said the firm owns the land in question and that some concerns raised by residents (for example, past representations by other builders) are not controlled by the current applicant. Engineer Steve Sianovich provided traffic study excerpts and said the Division of Highways is reviewing the materials; Sianovich said the traffic study proposes a roundabout and a DOH contribution for future improvements.

A planning commission member also addressed a question about recusal: Commissioner Gant recused himself from the Cardinal Point discussion because of his involvement in excavation/consulting work that could create the appearance of a conflict; the chair explained the recusal was appropriate and voluntary.

Action: Commissioner Lewis moved and Commissioner Goff seconded approval to advance the concept plan to detailed site plan; the commission carried the motion unanimously.

Next steps: Panhandle Homes will proceed to prepare detailed site plans; Division of Highways review of traffic recommendations will continue and the Board of Education will review school capacity independently. Planning staff said impact fee revenue and school board bonds are potential funding sources for school construction.