WILLIAMSBURG — Citizens for Responsible Spotswood Development, a group speaking out against the proposed rezoning of the former Spotswood Golf Course by Frye Properties, met Wednesday at the Williamsburg Regional Library Theater.
The meeting, led by member Fraser Hudgins, who also helped facilitate the speakers, was to allow citizens to learn more about the Spotswood development, as well as explain the basics of the zoning/density issues. It also discussed a plan of action for citizens to stay informed and have their voices heard by city council and other key decision-makers.
The group also expressed it is not against redevelopment, just the proposed rezoning. It also noted it is not against members of the city, nor is it wanting to fight the city.
One of the first concerns raised was the precedent the rezoning could set for future developers asking for special use permits allowing to double density. The proposed rezoning seeks to increase the number of allotted single-family homes from 87 to 166.
Michael Youngblood took some time during the meeting to discuss protests of adjacent property owners.
After, Randolph Chambers, director of the KECK lab at William & Mary spoke about the environmental impact — from the local wildlife to increased erosion from water runoff.
Following, Jack McKeown spoke about traffic impacts to the area, including concerns regarding the dates traffic data were collected, as well as the lack of plans to increase traffic infrastructure for safety and efficiency.
The community was urged to email local officials as well as sign a petition against the Spotswood rezoning. More meetings are planned in the future to allow discussions of other concerns as the project continues development.
For more information and to sign up for the group’s official newsletter to stay up to date, visit its official website.
