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Developer wins planning commission recommendation for 251-unit Farmhouse project despite neighbor opposition
Summary
Bonaventure-backed BH Farmhouse LLC won Planning Commission approval to rezone 8.5 acres for a 251-unit mixed residential project that preserves a historic farmhouse and reserves 18 affordable units for 10 years; neighbors raised concerns about traffic, schools, tree removal, stormwater and privacy.
Bonaventure’s BH Farmhouse LLC presented a conditional rezoning and subdivision variance on July 8 to redevelop an 8.5‑acre site near Kempsville Road into a 251-unit multifamily community that retains the Wood family’s historic farmhouse as a public amenity.
The proposal: Staff described two 4‑story residential buildings, 388 on‑site parking spaces (a reduction from a typical 463‑space standard based on a parking study), a new multi‑use trail along Kemptsville Road and a 15‑foot buffer to adjacent neighborhoods. The developer also proffered 7 percent of units (18 units) as affordable at or below 100 percent of area median income for 10 years. Circulation improvements and a stormwater strategy using on‑site detention were presented; staff recommended the rezoning and variance subject to conditions.
Neighbors’ concerns: Dozens of residents asked commissioners to reject or modify the project, citing existing congestion at the Kempsville–Centerville corridor, school capacity, potential stormwater and drainage effects, tree removal and loss of privacy from four‑story buildings adjacent to one‑ and two‑story homes. Several civic‑league speakers urged reduced height, additional tree preservation and independent pedestrian and traffic studies; others supported the developer, saying outreach led to meaningful project changes and that the development would add needed housing.
Commission action: After extensive public comment and questioning about drainage, pedestrian crossings and parking assumptions, the commission recommended approval (recorded vote 11–0) and forwarded the application to City Council with conditions for site‑plan review and further coordination on stormwater, pedestrian access and tree preservation.
What’s next: The recommendation now goes to City Council. Staff and the applicant said they will continue to refine the stormwater strategy, work on pedestrian crossing warrants for nearby shopping centers, and preserve or supplement mature trees where feasible.
