Prince George Board Denies 206-Unit Townhouse Rezoning After Public Opposition

The Prince George County Board of Supervisors on Nov. 25 voted to deny rezoning application RZ250005, a proposal to rezone roughly 27 acres from industrial and business districts to residential townhouses that would have allowed up to 206 units.

The decision followed a staff presentation and a developer pitch, extensive public comment and a motion by Supervisor Cox to deny the request. Planner Jack Greenstein described the application as a conditional rezoning with proffers including unit size minimums, phased certificates of occupancy and a cash proffer; the Planning Commission had recommended denial by a 5–1 vote citing inconsistency with the comprehensive plan. The applicant’s attorney, Will Shumack, argued the project met the intent of the plan and would provide housing to support nearby economic development.

Residents at the public hearing urged denial. Diane Hanslick, who owns adjacent farm property, told the board she feared nuisance complaints, pesticide and fertilizer drift, light pollution and increased stormwater runoff if townhouses replaced farmland. Other speakers cited traffic hazards at nearby intersections and strained public services. Board members ultimately moved to deny the rezoning, and the motion carried on roll call.

The denial leaves the property zoned for its existing industrial and business uses. Staff noted the parcel is currently shown for industrial uses on the county’s future land use map, which factored into the Planning Commission’s recommendation and the supervisors’ decision.

The board did not adopt an alternative development plan for the site during the meeting. The applicant may seek alternative options consistent with the comprehensive plan or return with revised proposals in the future.