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Board approves Worsham Hamlet rezoning after hours of public comment and an added sidewalk proffer
Summary
After several hours of public comment opposing density and traffic impacts, the Powhatan Board of Supervisors approved the Worsham Hamlet rezoning (VCPD) for ~64 homes and ~9.7 acres of commercial land, accepting amended proffers including six lots for an affordable housing mechanism and Route 13 sidewalk frontage.
Director of Planning (staff presenter) introduced Case 26‑01‑REZ, a request to rezone 34.5 acres from AG‑10 to Village Center Plan Development for a mixed‑use project called Worsham Hamlet. The application proposed up to 64 detached single‑family homes, 9.7 acres of commercial land bays, public roads with sidewalks, buffers, and six lots proffered to a community land trust for long‑term affordability.
Anne Miller of Westwood Professional Services, speaking for the applicant and property owners, said the plan includes enhanced open space, architectural standards, phased construction, and transportation improvements including turn lanes and a possible roundabout at Rocky Ford Road. She said the proposal is designed to connect with the existing village area and extend pedestrian and vehicular connectivity.
During public comment dozens of residents spoke — many strongly opposed — citing traffic safety on Route 60, loss of rural character, questions about sewer and utilities capacity, and the density and lot sizes proposed. Several speakers urged the board to follow the 2021 comprehensive plan’s future‑land‑use designation. Habitat for Humanity (Christy Whitford) urged the board to accept the proffered lots and described ways to make the six units affordable through Habitat or a statewide community land trust.
Board members debated competing priorities: aligning with the board’s 2025–28 strategic plan (including housing and an 85/15 commercial/residential target) and preserving the community’s character. Vice Chair Kinney reiterated his earlier opposition to taking the revised consultant route on the comprehensive plan but focused comments on process rather than the rezoning specifics. At the applicant’s offer, the board accepted an amendment to the proffers requiring sidewalk on the property’s Route 13 frontage.
On a roll‑call vote the board adopted the ordinance rezoning the property to Village Center Plan Development with the amended proffers; the motion passed 5–0.
