Council hears rezoning petition for 10‑unit development on Wards Ferry Road; parking and VDOT roundabout cited as concerns

Planning staff briefed council on a petition to rezone two properties at the corner of Harvard Street and Wards Ferry Road (1701 and 1703) from R‑3 (medium‑density residential) to R‑4 (high‑density residential) to permit construction of a 10‑unit townhouse‑style apartment project. The properties currently contain two duplexes (four units total) on parcels annexed in 1976; staff said the proposed 10 units would be below the future land‑use map’s upper threshold for medium density but would represent an increase in units on that site.

Staff said the petitioner proposes 17 parking spaces for 10 two‑bedroom units; the city’s zoning ordinance requires one space per dwelling unit (10 minimum). Councilmembers questioned whether the parking ratio is adequate, noting nearby examples where insufficient parking led to overflow parking on neighborhood lawns and shoulders. Several councilmembers said the proposal appeared to target students because of its proximity to Central Virginia Community College (CVCC), and they urged staff to relay parking concerns to the petitioner.

Councilmembers also raised transportation and safety concerns because VDOT is designing a roundabout at the nearby intersection; staff said VDOT is in the design phase, plans to advertise in March, receive bids in April and select a contractor in June, and anticipates construction beginning in 2026 with an estimated 18‑month build period. Staff noted VDOT has already done right‑of‑way acquisition. The Planning Commission recommended approval on Oct. 8 by a 4–2 vote; the council was told the item will return for a Nov. 12 public hearing and that staff will coordinate further with the petitioner and VDOT on access, drainage and pedestrian accommodations.