Citizens spoke in opposition of an application to rezone an area of Jamestown Beach from business use to public lands at Wednesday’s James City County Planning Commission meeting.
A Master Plan for Jamestown Beach Campground, Jamestown Yacht Basin and Chickahominy Riverfront Park was adopted by the Board of Supervisors in June 2009, which outlined need for various improvements at the three locations. The rezoning application and a special use permit for a community recreation facility were sought from the Planning Commission to start the improvements.
“The beach is a great place and I don’t know the full scope of the plan but I do know what works right now,” said James City County resident Kelly Mihalcoe at the public hearing. “I don’t think now is the time to move forward.”
Improvements planned for the Jamestown Beach Campground outlined in the Shaping Our Shores master plan include:
- Restoration of the Vermillion house and outbuildings, though the buildings would remain in the current state. The systems in the building would be updated for future event or office use. “No alterations will be made that would jeopardize the house’s eligibility for listing on the National Register of Historic Places,” the plan reads.
- Event tents to be used for weddings, receptions, small concerts and other events. The tent would be located near the garden and within the Vermillion house’s proximity. The tent would either have its own restroom and catering space or would be supported by the house or outbuildings.
- Formal gardens around the Vermillion house would be restored and enhanced.
- A “Greate Road” interpretive area would include a bridge constructed over the 1607 road to interpret the history of the site without disturbing the road. An environmental education area and Mainland Farm interpretive area provide more educational experiences.
- Events parking would be constructed to include a 110-space lot using pavers and a green parking lot with structured grass or permeable paving would provide overflow parking.
- The maintenance center located off the main entrance road would provide parking for 20 vehicles and could provide storage for materials, a shop, an office and restrooms. The center could develop into the park office with a service counter.
- Beach access would be brought close to the beach and would include a cul de sac for drop off.
- Beach pavilions would include restrooms and vending machines and might include concession stands.
- Playground areas located near the restrooms would range from small areas with benches to larger areas with multiple structures for different age groups.
- Shoreline stabilization and beach re-nourishment to create a stable shoreline.
- A great lawn for special events and athletics and a performance venue with a raised stage would allow opportunities for festivals, reenactments and fairs.
- Secondary beach access with additional parking, a non-motorized boat launch, picnic shelters, a fishing pier and a ropes course.
- Small rental cabins would generate revenue.
The plan is a multi-stage effort and would take several years to complete. The first stage would include shoreline restoration, additional parking, access to trails and a handicap drop off loop. A permanent bathroom is in the plans for the next 12 to 18 months.
Three other residents spoke in opposition of the rezoning application. All were concerned about the cost of the overall project and where funds would come from.
Deputy County Attorney Adam Kinsman said the commission would evaluate only the land use and the Board of Supervisors would look at the monetary side of the proposal.
“Please leave the zoning as-is,” said resident Sue Sadler.
Rosanne Reddin was concerned about the number of recreation areas in the county.
“I think that Williamsburg is becoming a park rather than a residential place,” she said.
The planning commission voted unanimously to recommend approval of the rezoning application and special-use permit to the Board of Supervisors.
The full Shaping Our Shores master plan is available on the county’s website.
Read a previous article on the Shaping Our Shores master plan here.
