JCC Holds First Public Hearing on Mid County Park

Wednesday, May 04, 2011

James City County’s Planning Commission will hold a public hearing Wednesday about the proposed changes to Mid County Park.

Mid County Park, home to Kidsburg playground, has been having problems with parking, safety, and proximity of amenities to each other. Staff has created a proposed $1.8 million renovation that would remove the baseball fields, move the volleyball field, move and rebuild the playground, expand parking and improve shelter facilities and the on-site building. Read a previous story on the change here.

Staff recently held two public meetings to gather input on the plan from the community. More than 75 residents gave feedback that included a desire to keep a playground, add more open space, and create an onsite environmental education garden.

The Board of Supervisors is tentatively scheduled to consider the issue on June 14.

The planning commission will meet Wednesday at 7 p.m. in Building F of the county government complex on Mounts Bay Road.

Other Business

The planning commission will also consider how the county will handle the mandate to designate Urban Development Areas.

These UDAs were established through a state mandate for rapidly growing localities. They are meant to target areas appropriate for high density development and areas which should be receiving zones for Transfer of Development Rights programs, among other criteria. During the most recent Comprehensive Plan update a consultant hired by the county suggested waiting for more information on the mandate before proceeding.

The county can comply by amending the Comprehensive Plan to incorporate one or more UDAs or it can adopt a resolution outlining how growth is accommodated in a way that is consistent with the legislation.

Staff suggests the county certify that the current Comprehensive Plan meets the UDA requirements.

The county has until 2013 to comply with the mandate.