Board approves conditional rezoning for proposed 192-unit North Wind Lane apartments
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Summary
The Rockbridge County Board of Supervisors adopted an ordinance approving a conditional rezoning to allow a 192‑unit apartment project on a 12.44‑acre portion of the Fix property off North Lee Highway; supervisors and residents debated fire flow, access, screening and infrastructure before the motion passed.
The Rockbridge County Board of Supervisors adopted a conditional rezoning March 23 that will allow RP Fralin (contract purchaser) to develop a 192‑unit apartment complex on 12.44 acres of the Fix property off North Lee Highway (Route 11).
County staff opened the public hearing by summarizing the property’s history and the planning commission’s recommendation to approve the amendment with proffers. Planner/board staff detailed that the application would rezone the parcel from R‑1 (with conditions) to a residential mixed R‑2 district with proffers tied to a concept plan and architectural exhibits.
Developer representatives presented the concept and design. Robert Fralin, the applicant, described phased construction and said the firm intends to build multiple unit types and install screening and stormwater controls in conformance with code. Winover Street, RP Fralin representative, introduced the engineer, Andrew Folsom of Engineering Concepts, who answered technical questions.
Board members and staff focused on infrastructure: fire flow and hydrant capacity, sprinkler systems, water and sewer connections, stormwater management, ingress/egress via North Wind Lane (a private road), and buffer/screen placement adjacent to utility easements. The applicant said the buildings would be sprinkled and that water and sewer extensions and stormwater controls would be designed to meet state and local code; the applicant estimated the investment at roughly $25 million.
Several nearby residents spoke during the public hearing objecting to the rezoning on the ground that a large single‑site development could worsen vacant‑home issues and harm rural character. Marina Williams and Ben Williams urged the board to favor small‑scale, incremental housing consistent with the comprehensive plan and local housing studies.
After deliberation and technical clarifications, a motion to adopt the ordinance was moved and seconded. The transcript records supervisors announcing their votes — the chair recorded a majority vote — and the board recorded the ordinance as adopted.
The rezoning will move into the county’s administrative steps for permit review and proffer implementation; staff and the developer will coordinate required plan reviews, utility modeling and any fire‑flow or driveway modifications required by VDOT or fire officials.
