Board approves Montessori SUP and marina lease, denies Arlington Island tourist home

The James City County Board of Supervisors approved several land‑use and contract items in a single session: a three‑year lease renewal for Hampton Marine Services at 2054 Jamestown Road, and a special‑use permit to convert an existing church building into a Williamsburg Montessori School campus for up to 25 students in grades 7–8. Both items passed after staff presentations and limited public comment.

By contrast, the board denied a special‑use permit for a one‑bedroom tourist home at 724 Arlington Island Road. County staff had recommended denial because the proposal conflicted with the comprehensive plan guidance for short‑term rentals and the Planning Commission had produced no recommendation after a 3–3 tie. Applicant Corey Pignon acknowledged operating the property as a short‑term rental earlier in 2024 without a completed local permit, said he has since delisted the property and restarted the application process, and offered to pay fines if required. Neighbors raised concerns about traffic, absence of onsite ownership, and use of an easement to a nearby boat landing. A supervisor abstained due to proximity; the motion to deny carried.

Hampton Marine Services’ three‑year renewal was presented by staff with terms of $513.75 monthly, a 3% annual increase and an expected $18,965 in rent over the lease term. The board adopted the lease after a brief public comment asking whether the rent reflected market value.

The Montessori SUP received staff recommendation for approval with a Planning Commission 5–0 endorsement and one amendment: the planning commission requested that a condition be changed to extend the expiration clause from 1 year to 2 years in case of closure. Chris Henderson and others offered supportive public comment emphasizing traffic considerations and use of the county’s Design Review Committee if desired.