Commissioner Cites Tough Economy as Reason for Resignation

By Desiree Parker Tuesday, June 08, 2010

At-Large Planning Commissioner Chris Henderson resigned from the James City County Planning Commission effective June 4, citing a need to focus on his business interests during tough economic times.

At the June 2 planning commission meeting, Henderson recused himself from the vote and left the dais when discussions began on the Courthouse Commons development proposed for the parcel across from Settlers Market on Monticello Avenue. Henderson cited financial ties to the project, but didn’t elaborate. The developer or developers for the project, called New Town Six, chose to keep their names secret. Read that story here.

“As a result of the recent economic downturn, I find it necessary to devote my undivided attention to my business interests and am no longer in a position to dedicate the time and energy necessary to fulfill duties and responsibilities of Planning Commissioner,” Henderson wrote in his resignation letter.

“I have enjoyed my time on the Commission immensely and hope that I have been able to contribute in some small way to the betterment of our community,” he wrote.

Henderson was appointed by the board in January 2008. According to his bio on the county website, he is senior vice president and principal of commercial real estate firm CB Richard Ellis and a member of the James City County Republican Committee. Henderson also sits on various other boards in the community, including the Williamsburg Metro YMCA, the First United Church of Christ Church Council, the International Council of Shopping Centers, the National Association of Realtors, the Hampton Roads Association for Commercial Real Estate, and the Commercial Real Estate Council.

He had previously run for a seat on the county Board of Supervisors.

The county will open the application process to find a new commissioner soon, according to county attorney Leo Rogers. Applications from the last round of appointments, which happened in January, can still be considered.

The appointment of two commissioners in January to fill vacated seats was somewhat contentious, with Supervisor Jim Icenhour’s first choice to fill his district’s commission seat rejected by his Republican counterparts. Read that story here.

Anyone interested in submitting an application for the position should visit the county website http://www.jccegov.com/ and file the application with the secretary to the board.