Planning Commission sets November public hearing on Comprehensive Plan update

The King & Queen County Planning Commission voted Oct. 7 to schedule a public hearing on proposed updates to the county Comprehensive Plan for its Nov. 4, 2024 meeting.

Donna Elliott Sprouse, director of community development, told the commission she had completed revisions from a checklist circulated at the August meeting and had reviewed proposed changes throughout the plan and corresponding appendix updates. Sprouse said the Economic Development Authority may submit additional changes after its meeting this month.

"We should move this forward so the Board of Supervisors can consider it before budget season becomes busy," Sprouse said, arguing for scheduling a hearing rather than delaying consideration.

Commissioner Michael Fleming moved to set the public hearing for November; Commissioner Barry Allen seconded. The roll call vote recorded commissioners Massey, Wilson, Fleming, Coleman, Bradley, Jackson and Allen in favor and Campbell voting to abstain; the motion carried.

The hearing is intended to allow public input on the proposed revisions and to generate a final draft for the Board of Supervisors to consider. Staff also noted a citizen has indicated plans to file a text-amendment application related to aquaculture; no application details or timing were provided in the minutes.

Mrs. Sprouse provided commissioners with two handouts from the Virginia Association of Zoning Officials fall conference, including a 2024 legislative presentation by James City County attorney Adam Kinsman and a news article about skill games in Virginia. She also said she will attend the Rural Planners Caucus in Giles County mid-month and was asked to speak on zoning enforcement.

The commission closed the agenda item after recording the hearing date and related staff updates. The commission is scheduled to meet Nov. 4, 2024, at 6 p.m., when the public hearing will be held.