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Virginia Space files rezoning requests for two sites near Wallops totaling about 167 acres; planning commission review expected
Summary
County staff reported Virginia Space submitted rezoning applications to change roughly 167 acres from agricultural to industrial and a separate 55-acre site for aerospace-support uses; staff anticipates Planning Commission review in October and recommended a work session in late September.
Accomack County staff told the Wallace Research Park Leadership Council on Sept. 8 that Virginia Space has submitted rezoning applications for two properties to support manufacturing and other facilities tied to the aerospace cluster near Wallops.
The primary application covers four parcels totaling about 167 acres currently zoned agricultural; staff said the parcels would be rezoned to industrial to accommodate manufacturing and support facilities. A second application covers a roughly 55-acre former seafood/clam-plant parcel under consideration for similar industrial uses. County staff said the total acreage Virginia Space holds in the area is closer to 500 acres.
Lee Pambitt, Deputy County Administrator for Community and Economic Development, said staff has received proffers from Virginia Space and is recommending that the Planning Commission hold a work session on the two rezoning items at the end of September, with formal Planning Commission hearings anticipated in October.
Pambitt said one of the sites (the former clam plant) contains a large interior footprint suitable for temporary operations and storage, while the other site near Walshe Island Road and the taxiway would support industrial uses close to the launch and assembly facilities. Pambitt also identified local attorney John Custis as Virginia Space’s counsel and noted coordination with Virginia Space representatives, including Deborah Bryant.
Staff said Virginia Space indicated its preference to keep remaining land as farmland for the time being; any future expansion beyond the submitted parcels would require additional review.
No formal council action was recorded on the rezoning items at the Sept. 8 meeting; staff will continue administrative review and carry the items to the Planning Commission schedule.
