Planning Commission backs Belmont Bay proffer and SUP amendments with conditions after lengthy public debate

The Prince William County Planning Commission on Dec. 10 recommended approval of a proffer amendment and a special‑use permit amendment for Belmont Bay, the former golf‑course property along the Occoquan River, after an extended public hearing dominated by concerns about wildlife buffers, lighting, stormwater and traffic.

Jonelle Cameron, the applicant’s lawyer with Walsh, Colucci, Lubeley & Walsh, told the commission the proposal covers about 159 acres and would redevelop portions of Belmont Bay with 348 residential units (274 age‑restricted and 74 market‑rate), about 20,500 square feet of nonresidential space and roughly 122 acres of open space to be conserved. Cameron said the applicant removed a prior stormwater waiver, will provide level‑2 and level‑1 stormwater facilities to treat runoff, and has proffered a mixed‑use amenity building that includes a proffered 1,360‑square‑foot police field office and expanded community amenities.

The proposed site plan includes a 50‑foot perimeter buffer along parts of the property that abut the Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge; the applicant proffered invasive‑species removal and replanting within that area and coordination with refuge staff. Staff…