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Council defers D.R. Horton rezoning for Simple Farm Road to allow community meeting
Summary
The council deferred action on a rezoning request by D.R. Horton for roughly 7.93 acres on Simple Farm Road after neighbors and several council members said they had not been properly engaged; staff and the developer had agreed to added fencing and other proffers. The item was deferred to Nov. 13, 2024 with a council request for a community meeting.
Mayor Tuck opened a public hearing on rezoning application 24‑0278, a request by D.R. Horton to rezone nearly 7.93 acres on Simple Farm Road from R‑11 single‑family to MD‑11 townhouse/multifamily to allow up to 67 townhome units. Senior planner Davis Pemberton told council that staff and planning commission recommended approval with 14 proffered conditions, including a minimum of 60 units, a maximum of 67 units, higher‑quality building materials, a six‑foot fence along shared boundaries, landscaping, playground amenities and EV charging stations.
The applicant’s attorney, Tim Trant, said the project would provide new-for-sale housing near major employment centers and highlighted changes made after staff and neighbors raised concerns. “We humbly submit … quality new housing stock in the immediate vicinity of some of the city’s largest employment centers,” Trant said, adding the team would honor the corridor’s aesthetic with landscaping and entrance features.
Several council members pressed staff on community engagement and whether the Montessori school’s concerns had been addressed. Pemberton said staff and the applicant met with Hampton Roads International Montessori School and that changes—including the fence—were intended to address the school’s concerns. Michelle D’Antonio, head of the Montessori school, spoke in favor of the revised application, saying the school’s issues had been addressed and urging council to support the rezoning.
But neighbors at the podium cited safety and process problems. Caris Winder and Matthew Winder described increased late‑night pedestrian activity, speeding, a lack of sidewalks, and a sense that many residents had not received adequate notice. “We as homeowners on Simple Farm Road do not feel safe,” Winder said, urging council to keep R‑11 zoning. Multiple council members, including Vice Mayor Gray, said they were not comfortable voting without holding a community meeting.
Councilman Brown moved to defer action until Nov. 13, 2024 to allow a community meeting; Vice Mayor Gray seconded the motion. The council voted unanimously to defer and the mayor announced the item is scheduled for Nov. 13 with the expectation the applicant will host a community meeting in advance.
