Council approves Heron Point rezoning for 30.8-acre Western Branch site

The Chesapeake City Council approved PLNREZ2023-018, a conditional rezoning of roughly 30.8 acres on Jolliff Road in the Western Branch planning area, by a 9-0 vote. Planning staff recommended approval with proffers, saying the proposal would create an amenitized, walkable community that preserves natural features and follows smart-growth principles. The clerk read the application description and the planning director confirmed staff recommended approval with proffers dated 07/17/2024.

Applicant representative Grady Palmer described design changes made after planning-commission review, including neo-traditional design elements, rear-load townhouse configurations and left-turn lanes at both entrances to improve traffic flow. "These are all be for sale, housing… the attached product that'll be in the $400,000 range, and the detached… will be in the 500s," Palmer told council. An opponent, Gary Symansky of Bowers Hill, urged rejection on compatibility and school-capacity grounds, citing nearby school utilization figures and arguing the proposed multifamily pattern differs from adjacent neighborhoods.

School impacts cited in the staff packet and read into the record indicated projected levels of service: the elementary (Chatham) at about 91.9%, Jolliffe Middle at about 69.5% and Western Branch High at about 97% based on preliminary approved site plans. Council moved to approve the rezoning with proffers; the motion passed by a recorded vote 9-0.

What it means: The approval allows the developer to proceed with site work and brings the project forward under the proffered conditions; staff said proffers address architecture, access and preservation elements. Council discussion emphasized traffic mitigations and integration with Smart Growth design principles.