Middlesex authorizes RFP to explore public-private development of county's Lattimore parcel

The Middlesex Board of Supervisors unanimously authorized staff Aug. 5 to issue a solicited public-private partnership RFP for the county-owned Lattimore property near Saluda to test developer interest in mixed-use, housing and infrastructure options.

Staff described the site's history (acquired 2006; adjacent parcel bought 2022), zoning (Village Community) and topography, and warned that water and sewer extensions would be lengthy and expensive: a water main from Cook's Corner to the site was estimated in staff discussion at roughly $1,000,000 for pipe extension alone. Hampton Roads Sanitation District noted Saluda treatment capacity is limited and any sewer solution likely means coordination and possibly a long-range connection plan.

The approved RFP is solicited under the county's PPEA approach; staff proposed a pre-proposal meeting and outreach (pre-proposal meeting planned Aug. 20) to collect developer feedback on feasibility, desired incentives and required public participation. County and EDA staff framed the RFP as an exploratory step to learn what private partners might finance or require, including whether off-site capacity upgrades, septic alternatives or innovative on-site treatment might be proposed.

Board members emphasized preserving tree cover and protecting taxpayers from open-ended capital obligations; they asked staff to include clear expectations on required developer-funded infrastructure extensions and potential credits against connection fees. The Board will review proposals and consider next steps.