Exmore Planning Commission to Begin Review of Atlantic Town Center Development

The Exmore Planning Commission will hold what some residents are calling a pivotal meeting on Tuesday, April 7, at 6:30 p.m., marking the beginning of the formal review process for the proposed Atlantic Town Center Planned Unit Development.

According to information circulating among residents, the first phase of the proposed project would include approximately 220 homes, part of a broader development that could ultimately total more than 870 residential units.

The development is proposed for farmland located behind the Food Lion in Exmore, extending between Broadwater and Occohannock Neck Road. The property is currently agricultural and, according to critics of the project, not zoned for high-density residential development.

The Planned Unit Development (PUD) process would allow for zoning flexibility if approved, but some residents have raised concerns about how the review is being conducted.

Opponents of the proposal argue that the development should first undergo a Comprehensive Plan Compliance Review, which is typically conducted early in the process by a Zoning Administrator to determine whether the project aligns with the town’s long-term planning goals.

However, according to those raising concerns, the Town of Exmore currently does not have a Zoning Administrator, leading critics to describe the process as unconventional and raising questions about how compliance determinations will be made.

Town officials have not yet publicly commented on the procedural concerns.

Long Review Process Expected

The April 7 meeting is expected to serve as the first step in what could become a multi-month review process, including:

• Planning Commission review
• Public comment periods
• Potential revisions to project plans
• Possible recommendations to Town Council
• Final decisions by elected officials

Large developments such as Planned Unit Developments often undergo multiple meetings and revisions before any final determination is made.

Regional Impact Concerns

Some residents have expressed concerns that the scale of the proposed development could impact not only Exmore but also nearby communities, including:

• Willis Wharf
• Belle Haven
• Jamesville
• Silver Beach

Concerns raised include potential impacts to traffic, infrastructure, public services, taxes, and the rural character of the northern Northampton County area.

Residents interested in learning more or providing input are encouraged to attend the April 7 Planning Commission meeting at 6:30 p.m.. Public meetings are typically open to community members and often include opportunities for public comment.

As the review process begins, the Atlantic Town Center proposal is expected to become one of the most closely watched development discussions in the region in the coming months.

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Wayne Creed

Administrator

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