Commission approves special‑use permit for Forest Heights senior independent living
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Summary
The planning commission approved SUP‑25‑0012 for a 50‑unit Forest Heights senior independent living facility at 6015 Richmond Road with conditions; staff said layout remains consistent with a previously approved plan, stormwater BMP maintenance will be shared between HOAs, and partners (including Bay Aging) continue to refine affordability targets.
James City County planning commissioners voted to recommend approval of a special‑use permit (SUP‑25‑0012) for a 50‑unit Forest Heights senior independent living facility at 6015 Richmond Road.
Staff presentation and project context
Staff said the proposed senior independent living component is consistent with the previously approved master plan and that COVID‑era delays affected the project timeline. The tentatively approved site plan reflects final watershed boundaries and special stormwater management requirements; staff said stormwater maintenance for a shared best management practice (BMP) will be the responsibility of two homeowners associations associated with the townhome and senior living components.
Partners, affordability and development progress
An unidentified Bay Aging representative described the nonprofit’s partnership with James City County and the project’s early stage, saying shifting government funding and policy cycles have influenced timing. "Because of our partnerships...discussions with the property owner as we move forward on the project," the representative said, and added that affordability targets were still being refined.
The developer’s representative said streets and much of the site infrastructure are in place and asked the commission to allow the project to proceed after the pandemic caused delays. The developer noted townhome construction is underway and that the senior living component remains aligned with the master plan.
Public comment and access concerns
Speakers included a nearby resident who said a dirt road he maintains could be affected by the development; staff replied that the concern was outside the parcel under consideration but said staff have worked previously with the resident on encroachment issues and will continue to do so.
Vote and conditions
A commissioner moved approval of SUP‑25‑0012 with the conditions recommended by staff. The transcript records the vote call as "Aye. Motion carries." The minutes excerpt does not include a roll‑call tally or detail the motion maker.
What happens next
Staff will work with the applicant and partner agencies as project financing and affordability details are finalized and will oversee implementation of the required stormwater measures and BMP maintenance arrangements.