Pocahontas Square Apartments

What has the County been doing to tackle your hot topics?

Throughout the process of updating the 2009 Comprehensive Plan - Historic Past, Sustainable Future - the County heard from thousands of citizens at community meetings and through surveys, e-mails, letters and telephone calls.  Some comments were new, such as interconnectivity and energy efficiency.  However, the majority of the concerns dealt with four areas of concern that have existed in James City County for years - growth, open space, housing and economic development. 

James City County has listened and implemented changes to help address the hot topics.

GROWTH. The County has several requirements in place to help the Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors assess the impacts of development proposals and identify where developers can contribute to reducing those impacts. 

1. The Adequate Public Schools Facilities Test has been in place since 1998 and studies whether there is enough capacity in the school system to handle additional school children generated by developments. 
2. Traffic, schools and other public facilities, environmental, archaeological, and fiscal impact studies are submitted for rezoning and special use permits to help decision-makers balance new development with capacities of existing and planned infrastructure and facilities.
3. To help plan for parks, libraries, public buildings and other facilities, the Capital Improvements Program (CIP) is reviewed annually to align recommended service guidelines in the Comprehensive Plan, the community’s needs, and fiscal capacity.

The draft Comprehensive Plan maintains and expands existing strategies by clarifying guidelines, revising the CIP, and more.

OPEN SPACE. The County has numerous existing programs and requirements to help protect open space and community character.

1. The Purchase of Development Rights Program (PDR), established in 2001, is a voluntary program that pays landowners to permanently protect the cultural and natural resources of their property.  As of 2008, the PDR program has secured protection for 469 acres, and more properties are continuously under negotiation.
2. Dedication of conservation and open space areas is required for many new developments and incentives are provided to developments that cluster houses to create larger connected open space areas.

The draft Comprehensive Plan supports the County’s existing open space preservation programs and examines new mechanisms, such as the transfer of development rights, to add to the preservation toolkit.

HOUSING. The County has several programs to provide affordable and attractive housing within the community.

1. Neighborhood revitalization projects in Ironbound Square provide affordable/workforce housing, including the low-income elderly at Parker View Apartments.
2. Between November 2000 and March 2008, 661 affordable houses were proffered throughout several new developments.  Approximately 400 of these houses have been built.
3. Elevations and design guidelines are reviewed for projects in certain areas to ensure character is retained.  

Historic Past, Sustainable Future supports diversity in house type and universal design, which encourages all buildings to be as usable as possible by everyone, regardless of age or ability.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.  The County works to attract businesses and training opportunities that will benefit the community and add to the quality of life. 

1. The Business Climate Task Force studied ways to make the County more business-friendly while retaining the community’s unique character. The findings of this report, including creation of a business facilitator position to guide small businesses through the development process, are being implemented across County departments.
2. The Thomas Nelson Community College Historic Triangle Campus opened this fall and features classes to promote local workforce training.
3. Qualifying new businesses and industries can request their project be fast-tracked through the expedited review process, leading to quicker permitting, construction, and operation of new facilities.

In addition to encouraging the redevelopment of vacant buildings and the diversification of the County’s tax base, the draft Comprehensive Plan continues to support existing programs that create a strong economic community.

The Planning Commission (PC) and Board of Supervisors have held work sessions to discuss the Historic Past, Sustainable Future. A PC public hearing is scheduled for September 30 at 6:30 p.m. The final schedule will be posted on www.jccplans.org and all meetings will be in Building F of the JCC Government Complex, 101 Mounts Bay Road.  The draft plan, agendas, and other materials are available on www.jccplans.org.