According to the Citizens for a Better Eastern Shore, the public has been shut out of the Comprehensive Plan Development process by the County Planning Commission. CBES claim that the proposed changes, all being made without citizen input, are putting neighborhoods, homes, wetlands and coastal environments at risk:
-Town Edge District ELIMINATED The current district contains criteria for residential density and neighborhood-oriented commercial development—a 2015 county/towns meeting confirmed all towns supported the Town Edge District as written
-Potential Development Areas [PDAs] now proposed around the towns—no residential density limit is stated, and “large-scale commercial/industrial development” would be permitted
24 Hamlets become Villages: Meaning? Residential density will double, and commercial, industrial and institutional uses will be permitted in what are now small, mostly single-family residential Hamlets (Wardtown, Weirwood, Cherrystone Landing, Franktown, Sylvan Scene, etc)
-Public Sewer Expansion County citizens have not been supportive, yet the Northern and Southern sewer projects are back in play with the Public Service Authority [PSA] being charged with identifying areas for expansion.
-ELIMINATED Oyster and Willis Wharf Village Visions. Both communities’ plans for their collective futures have been removed.
-ELIMINATED County’s Sensitive Natural Resource Areas Report & Recommendations
-Hundreds of new building lots possible, with county population projected to decrease
-Affordable Housing: Code required strategies to provide are ignored
-These are only a portion of changes to the current Comprehensive Plan.
Planning Commission’s Timeline:
September 25—Deadline for all written public comment to the Planning Commission
Planning Commission finalizes Plan Draft
Planning Commission holds Public Hearing
Planning Commission recommends Final Draft to the Board of Supervisors
The Board has 90 days to hold a Public Hearing, and either adopt, amend or disapprove the Plan and return it to the Planning Commission with a written reason
The Planning Commission then has 60 days to reconsider the Plan and resubmit it to the Board
A detailed article on the Comprehensive Plan draft and process will appear in the CBES October ShoreLine.
About the Author
Well, so far, I am the only comment to this article here. Somewhat enlightening to see, but distressing to realize many readers to this site, either due to lack of interest or a misunderstanding of what is taking place here. Quick synopsis of what I see and read here: First…higher taxes are in your future. Additional growth of a future Public Sewerage Expansion means payment by whom? The collective of course. I am not against infrastructure, especially when it comes to waste and sanitation. However, the people must be able to afford it first hand and secondly want and need it. This does not seem to be the case. Other “nefarious” schemes being forged seem to be in re-creating the ability to build more structures. What type structures and for whom…these don’t seem to be in the forecasts. This goes hand in hand with re-designation of the Natural Resource Areas or the appearance as such. A mighty big bite to take on the Planning Commissions part. These are intrinsically placed by State and Federal guidelines and once removed place a larger danger on habitat and environmental concerns.
This article (to me) appears to have stated quite clearly…The Citizens for a Better Eastern Shore have stumbled into a room filled with gas cans and a three-year old holding a lighted match. Not good. Not good at all. Please do not take your eyes off of this situation. The fragility of the Eastern Shore’s environment cannot be overstated.
Written PUBLIC COMMENT deadline is Sept. 25! It is imperative that Northampton citizens add their voices! Even if you don’t comment on specifics of the Plan, you can submit your desire for the public to be included in this important process–so that you can learn more. Public input has been woefully inadequate. Please send a comment to klewis@co.northampton.va.us by September 25.
There is also a feedback form accessible online: http://www.co.northampton.va.us/comments/index.html
Your comment to the Planning Department is essential for a balanced Plan to be adopted.