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Planning Commission recommends approval of Powhatan Terrace master plan amendment reducing 36-unit townhouse plan to four single-family lots
Summary
The Planning Commission voted to recommend approval of MP240004Z2400010, an amendment to the Powhatan Terrace master plan and proffers that replaces a planned 36-unit townhouse development with four single-family lots, preserves roughly 8.85 acres of open space, and includes proffered buffers and a sidewalk along Jamestown Road.
The James City County Planning Commission on Nov. 6 recommended approval of a master-plan and proffer amendment for a 15.42-acre parcel at 1676 Jamestown Road that replaces a previously approved 36-unit townhouse plan with four single-family lots. The application, MP240004Z2400010, was submitted by JTR Properties LLC and presented by attorney Greg Davis on behalf of the Wise family.
Staff told the commission the parcel is zoned R-2 (general residential) and designated low-density residential in the county’s comprehensive plan; staff found the amendment compatible with surrounding zoning and recommended approval to the Board of Supervisors. Davis said the revised plan retains the previously proffered 50-foot community-character corridor, adds a 150-foot vegetated buffer, proffers a 5-foot sidewalk on Jamestown Road and preserves about 8.85 acres of open space. “There will be no less open space,” Davis said, adding the change would reduce traffic and environmental impacts compared with the townhouse plan.
During discussion, an engineer for the applicant described a micro-bioretention measure to stabilize an existing eroded outfall and slow runoff into adjacent Powhatan Creek. Commissioner Rogers disclosed a personal acquaintance with property owner Scott Wise but said the disclosure would not affect his judgment; several commissioners cited the lower density and reduced impervious cover as reasons to support the amendment. One commissioner voiced disappointment at the loss of 36 workforce and affordable units but acknowledged the site’s environmental sensitivity.
A motion to approve the master-plan and proffer amendment “with the conditions that were submitted” passed on roll call, with ayes recorded from Haldeman, Polster, Rogers, Everson, May, Dr. Alderman and Chair O’Connor. The Planning Commission’s recommendation will go to the Board of Supervisors for final action.
The commission’s file for the case includes proffers requiring the buffer and sidewalk; staff’s recommendation memorandum and the applicant’s drainage and open-space analyses were presented at the hearing.
