Williamsburg Notebook: PC Approves Mixed-Use Development Request

By Amber Lester Kennedy Friday, August 19, 2011

The Williamsburg Planning Commission approved a plan Wednesday for a mixed-use development on land between Second Street and Penniman Road. On Monday, the Northeast Triangle Focus Group will meet to talk about its vision. And in September, the Board of Zoning Appeals will consider a special exception request to add a shower to an outbuilding. Read the details below.

Planning Commission Approves Plan for 29 Condos

The Williamsburg Planning Commission unanimously approved a special use permit request for a mixed-use development at 301 Second Street and 320 Penniman Road.

Carlton Holdings, LLC requested the permit to construct a one-story 13,250-square-foot commercial building and 29 townhouse-style condominiums. The existing building occupied by The Velvet Shoestring will remain. In accordance with the zoning ordinance, 90 commercial parking spaces will be allotted and the condominiums will have 66 parking spaces.

The site has most recently been used as an auto repair, maintenance and detailing facility for the Williamsburg Ford Lincoln Mercury dealership nearby. ECS, LLC was hired to evaluate potential impacts of past land use on the soil and groundwater beneath the site. Based on observations on a test pit, ECS recommended the removal of the top 3 to 4 feet of fill materials on the project site. ECS also noted it appears piles can be installed to support building foundations if the top 3 to 4 feet of fill is removed. No hazardous material has been found on the site.

The speed limit on the road was a concern for the commission, which asked that City Manager Jack Tuttle consider checking to see if the limit can be lowered from 35 mph to 25 mph.

Resident Kyra Cook, who lives across from the proposed development, said she supported the project because more affordable residential housing is needed. She confirmed, however, that accidents are frequent late at night, adding that many cars are able to “limp away” from the scene before reporting the accidents to the police.

Learn more about the proposal here.

The Planning Commission will next meet at 4 p.m. Aug. 24 to discuss goals for the development of Williamsburg. They’ll also discuss the vision of the Beautification committee.

Northeast Triangle Focus Group Meets Monday

The Northeast Triangle Focus Group is back from its July break, and will meet at 2 p.m. at the Quarterpath Recreation Center.

The group has been tasked with coming up with a shared vision for the Northeast area of the city, encompassed by Capitol Landing Road, Merrimac Trail, Second Street and Penniman Road. Learn more about the discussion and background here.

BZA Reviews Request for Shower in Accessory Building

The Board of Zoning Appeals will review a Special Exception request for allowing a shower in an accessory building at 405 Yorkshire Drive at its Sept. 6 meeting.

The meeting will begin at 4 p.m. in the third floor meeting room in the Municipal Building. The addition is planned for the owner’s backyard, but will not be connected to the home. The owner of the Yorkshire of Williamsburg home planned to add a full bath, which requires a special exception so that a shower/tub can be included.

The addition is not planned to serve as a permanent or temporary residence, but as a support structure for pool and bonus room activities. It would not qualify as a dwelling unit because it will have no cooking facility.