Economic Development Authority members and Board of Supervisors members discussed whether to pursue water and sewer expansion north of Gloucester Courthouse, and how that infrastructure decision ties to the county's comprehensive plan, the Page site and potential redevelopment at Gloucester Point.

An EDA presenter told the group that lack of water and sewer north of the courthouse discourages larger new development and said most interested properties are "within a mile of where the hospital is." The presenter added that many available properties north of the courthouse are small infill parcels and said expanding utility service would be necessary to attract larger employers.

County staff clarified existing service: "So the water goes to Spring Hill Farm Road on the east side...and the sewer stops at basically the Food Lion," a staff member said, noting that the comprehensive plan shows a developed area beyond the current Hampton Roads Sanitation District boundary and that extending the sanitation district would require a request to HRSD.

Board members and EDA participants discussed options and constraints: potential comp plan changes to designate areas for future business development, the need to refine zoning before encouraging commercial development in areas where single-family homes are appearing, and the costs associated with extending utilities. One supervisor said the EDA should identify how far north service would need to be extended; an EDA member recommended prioritizing the first mile north of the hospital to cover the majority of developer interest.

The Page site (a county marketing parcel) was discussed as a candidate for renewed marketing. EDA staff said they will produce improved marketing materials (video, demographic packets and brochures) for Page site and other targeted parcels. The group also discussed Gloucester Point: EDA staff reported that a motel there is for sale and that the EDA has been speaking with owners and brokers; staff said a new, larger hotel at the gateway into the county would be desirable.

Participants also raised regional context: several speakers predicted increased interest in Gloucester after the Coleman Bridge tolls are removed, and one board member warned that current Planning Commission votes and zoning posture may limit growth unless the board provides clearer direction on whether to welcome development.

No formal motions or votes on extending water or sewer, on acquiring property, or on changing the comp plan were recorded at the meeting. Supervisors repeatedly urged staff and the EDA to return with more specific proposals and cost estimates.