Board approves 50‑lot age‑restricted subdivision despite residents' traffic and service concerns

The Board of Supervisors approved rezoning case RZ250006 to allow up to 50 age‑restricted single‑family lots on about 16.7 acres, following a public hearing that featured both opposition and support. Planning staff told the board the Planning Commission had recommended approval (6–0), and the applicant proffered commitments including a $1,500 per‑unit cash proffer, private road built to VDOT standards and HOA maintenance of common elements.

Developer Justin Noblin, a lifetime Prince George resident, said he had market interest and argued a 55+ community would not add schoolchildren and would generate tax revenue. "We've had 8,294 views as of today" on outreach posts and "we had 1,302 views from people 65 and up," Noblin said, offering this as evidence of local demand. Several residents opposed the project, citing a single entrance, the lack of existing county water and concerns about fire/EMS response and traffic on Route 156. A nearby fire chief and community commenters said private well and tank systems supporting hydrants can be unreliable if not correctly engineered.

Board members debated ordinance thresholds (an existing special‑exception rule lists a 50‑acre minimum for adult communities) and infrastructure tradeoffs. Staff described fallback utility options — a private well and storage/tank with capacity to support fire apparatus until public water is available — and said VDOT and health department approvals and any needed turn lanes would be required during permitting. After discussion Mr. Webb moved to approve the rezoning; the motion carried on roll call with a majority in favor.