The City Council this week rezoned 1,420 acres of farmland near the North Carolina border hoping to secure funding to aid in the development of a so-called industrial mega-site.
The property is part of a larger tract owned by Virginia Beach’s Frank T. Williams, who began assembling properties near the state line in the 1970s. Over the past few years, city officials have eyed that portion of the farm as a unique economic development opportunity, with past considerations to develop a solar farm or mixed-use developments. It’s now been dubbed the Coastal Virginia Commerce Park, with city leaders hoping it’ll attract larger commercial and industrial projects once the site has been primed for development.
The City Council approved the rezoning Tuesday after hearing from more than a dozen speakers who expressed a mixed bag of concerns and support for the project. Councilwoman Susan Vitale was absent, and Vice Mayor John de Triquet was the only member who voted against the measure.
Supporters described the project as transformational, including Hampton Roads Alliance CEO Doug Smith, who said Chesapeake could “lead the region forward” in economic growth for decades to come. They also cited the benefit of the project’s location near a major port as a gateway into the commonwealth.
But most of those in opposition noted concerns about the potential environmental impacts and contended that such a project would destroy the agricultural and rural nature of the southern portion of the city. The mega-site would be nestled between the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge and Northwest River Natural Area Preserve.
“This project is really out of place,” said Jeff Staples of Save the Dismal organization. “It belongs nowhere near where it plans to be.”
More than 500 residents signed a petition, started by someone identified only as M. Thomas, calling on the city to deny the project and stop urbanizing rural Chesapeake.
Some criticized the council’s transparency — or lack thereof — and said the public didn’t have enough time or opportunity to weigh in before the project was rushed through the Planning Commission and City Council. City leaders said they are moving quickly because they’re competing for a state grant expected to be given out by the end of the calendar year.
The grant would help get the site “shovel-ready” for future projects. No development proposals have been made at this time. City Manager Christopher Price told council members Tuesday the public will have opportunities for comment when development plans are presented.
A variety of improvements are planned for the site: a forest buffer, trees and plants along medians and rights-of-way, open and communal spaces and a potential connection to the Dismal Swamp trail.
The property will still need internet service and utilities such as natural gas.
Following public comment, Mayor Rick West said he wanted to challenge the notion many speakers expressed that only developers and business leaders stand to benefit financially from the project.
He also pushed back on remarks from residents who claim their children are leaving the city because it no longer embraces the rural, agricultural way of life. West said he believes young people are leaving to find better jobs.
Councilwoman Debbie Ritter, who voted in support, said it was a difficult decision given the level of concern expressed from residents. She added the city should remove its symbolism of farming in its motto and city seal, for example, because the city “no longer does enough of it.”
Natalie Anderson, 757-732-1133, natalie.anderson@virginiamedia.com
