Prince William initiates comprehensive-plan amendment for Sadler Place, board votes 5-1

The Board of County Supervisors voted 5-1 to initiate a comprehensive-plan amendment study for a proposed redevelopment called Sadler Place in the Brentsville district.

Planning staff said the request would change about 5 acres of long-range land use from industrial (I3) to mixed use (MU3) and would be accompanied by a rezoning application to planned mixed residential. Ahmed Bezat of the county planning office told the board the rezoning application included approximately 181 dwelling units.

Staff recommendation and limitations: The planning office recommended initiation of the CPA to allow a focused, in-depth analysis and to determine whether additional study is needed. Planning staff emphasized that initiation "does not result in any outcome; it just allows us to further study the application and also process the rezoning application."

Community concerns and staff response: Supervisors relayed constituent concerns that changing the long-range land-use designation could affect proposed Dominion transmission-line routes. David McGettigan of the planning office replied that a land-use designation change would not alter Dominion Energy—hoices about transmission routes.

Board action: Supervisor Gordy moved to initiate the CPA for Sadler Place; after discussion the board approved the initiation motion 5-1, with Supervisor Stewart recorded as voting no. Chair Jefferson noted that if the board moves forward staff will conduct a more detailed study and return with findings before any rezoning decision.

Next steps: Initiation permits staff to complete a focused analysis of traffic, land-use transitions and buffers with adjacent industrial parcels, and to recommend whether additional study or broader plan amendments are warranted. Any rezoning or project approvals would require later public hearings and separate votes.