Colonial Williamsburg is the subject of several items on the City Council agenda this week, from food trucks to a new-build home on historic lands.
City Council is set to meet at 2 p.m. Thursday in the Stryker Center, at 412 North Boundary St.
There are four public hearings on the agenda, three of which pertain to Colonial Williamsburg.
Further down the agenda is some “unfinished business,” including a resolution approving the fiscal year 2020 budget, a resolution authorizing the Williamsburg Economic Development Authority to participate in the Virginia Main Street commercial district affiliate program, and more.
Here’s the rundown on the agenda items:
Converting historic area land to residential
The first scheduled public hearing Thursday involves a rezoning request by Julius Dell on behalf of the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation.
Dell, who is under contract to buy historic land from the foundation, is asking to amend the comprehensive plan designation for a 10,089-square-foot parcel on 320 Scotland St. to medium-density single-family detached residential.
Dell is also asking to rezone a portion of 320 and 316 Scotland St. to single-family dwelling district.
RELATED STORY: Colonial Williamsburg historic area lands could become residential property
The changes would allow Dell to subdivide the two lots into lots of different sizes and widths to build a single-family dwelling at 320 Scotland St., according to agenda documents.
The lot’s history traces back to 1716 when the deed was issued to its original owner. Some records show there were large gardens on the property, which were the subject of an archaeological investigation in the 1990s.
The Williamsburg Planning Commission voted against recommending approval of the application April 17, according to video meeting archives.
Food truck allowances
Colonial Williamsburg is also asking the city to amend the zoning ordinance for the museum support district to allow for food trucks.
Colonial Williamsburg would like to have the ability to have food trucks at some events they host, such as the Summer Breeze concerts, according to agenda documents.
In January, City Council voted to expand its food truck policies to allow the trucks to operate in more areas of the city. Some food truck owners said the previous existing policies were restrictive.
If the museum support district zoning is amended, the new policies adopted in January would be applicable, meaning a food truck looking to operate in the district would need to park at least 100 feet away from an existing restaurant when serving outside of private events, unless 75 percent of restaurant owners in the district agree the food truck can be inside the buffer.
To operate within the district, the food trucks would still need to get a special use permit.
The Planning Commission voted 6-0 with one member abstaining to approve the amendment at its April 17 meeting.
RELATED STORY: Council expands opportunities for food trucks within Williamsburg city limits
Summer Breeze concerts
The foundation is requesting a special use permit to have its annual Summer Breeze concerts on the lawn of the Dewitt Wallace Decorative Art Museum, at 326 West Francis St. through 2023, according to agenda documents.
A special use permit is also requested to allow food trucks for the event on the Allee Garden through 2023.
The concert setup will use the same tents, stage and fencing as the 2018 season.
The Planning Commission voted 6-0 with one member abstaining to approve the special use permit at its April 17 meeting.
Other business
- Approval or denial or a resolution authorizing the Williamsburg Economic Development Authority’s participation in the Virginia Main Street commercial district affiliate program.
- Consideration and adoption of the 2019 Economic Development Plan.
- Consideration and approval of a new WATA Lease Agreement for the Transportation Center.
- Consideration and approval of resolution recommending the circuit court reappoint Charles Young to the Board of Equalization.
