Board postpones vote on Next Level Career Development Academy special exception after questions on traffic, security and operations

Prince George County supervisors postponed action Feb. 25 on a special-exception application to allow a private vocational training academy with dormitories at a former motel on Parkdale Road, after the board, staff and residents raised questions about traffic, security and utility capacity.

Planner Jack Greensine presented Special Exception SC-2411, describing a proposed vocational campus and dormitory on about 6.56 acres at 16905 Parkdale Road. He said the applicant proposed up to 50 dual-occupancy dorm rooms, four 12-week semesters per year, and a maximum enrollment of 150 students with up to 100 boarding on campus and roughly 50 commuting. Greensine said the planning commission had recommended approval subject to conditions, including a 50-room dormitory cap and a maximum 150-student enrollment.

Chris Winslow, representing Next Level Career Development Academy, told supervisors the school will teach “in-demand careers” such as automotive, culinary and logistics and that the program will combine technical skills with soft-skills training. Winslow said the applicant accepts the planning commission’s recommended conditions. "This school will also offer behavioral support, GED preparation and academic counsel," he said.

Two local residents spoke in favor during the public hearing. Gloria Broom, a near-lifetime county resident, said, "I support this project," and described it as an opportunity to expand training and economic options in the community. Eddie Jones, who said he is a plumber by trade, also urged approval, saying vocational training helps people get good-paying work.

Board members pressed the applicant and staff on operational details. Supervisor Webb asked about liability and whether Hopewell's plant could accept flow; staff said the property has its own on-site well and wastewater treatment plant and that Hopewell has told county staff it could accept 2 MGD only with upgrades (Hopewell’s position was discussed during a separate county report). Concerns were voiced about students walking to nearby businesses across Route 35, the proximity of a mobile home park, local emergency-response times, and whether the site would have security and after-hours controls.

Winslow and owner Steve Parsons said the operation will include resident advisors, plans for meal service and programming, and intentions to partner with local businesses and schools for apprenticeships and staffing. Parsons said the property already has an on-site wastewater treatment system and wells, and that dorms and instruction could begin while the applicant works through permitting and licensing.

Supervisor Cox pressed the applicant on likely commuter patterns and the planned 11,000-square-foot shop building, while Supervisor Wymack raised safety and water-resource questions. Several supervisors asked for a written student handbook, a construction timeline for the proposed shop, and clearer security protocols and parking/traffic plans.

After discussion the board voted to postpone consideration and re-advertise for a public hearing at the board's first regular April meeting to allow time for the applicant to provide additional information and for staff to prepare any recommended conditions. The postponement motion was made and seconded; roll call recorded all five supervisors voting yes (Pugh, Webb, Brown, Wymack, Cox). "So am I right, Ms. Aron, we would have to re-advertise if we postpone?" the chair asked; staff confirmed a new advertisement and public hearing will be needed.

Ending: The board did not deny the special exception but delayed a decision to the April meeting, asking the applicant for more detailed traffic, security, operational and construction-timing information and telling staff to prepare recommended conditions for tracking enrollment, on-site security, parking and the dormitory operation.