The Prince William Board of County Supervisors will hold a public hearing on May 1 to discuss the proposed rezoning of property on the west end of the Brentsville Magisterial District. Developers have requested the site located on the west side of Route 15 at the intersection of Market Ridge Boulevard to build the Villages of Piedmont II.
If the rezoning is approved, developers will re-designate the site from agricultural or estate/public land, community and M-2 Industrial: 87.99 acres, O(F) Office/Flex: 10.83 acres, O(M) Office Mid-rise: 12.91 acres, and B-1 General Business 27.24 acres to suburban residential medial; suburban residential low; parks and open space and environmental resource and public land.
According to public documents, the Planning Commission recommended approval for the re-designation on April 4.
The land, which is now zoned for up to 58 single-family detached dwellings, will, if the legislation passes, be rezoned for up to 261 single-family attached dwellings and up to 132 single-family detached dwellings. Along with the building of the new homes, approximately 383 acres platted for preservation and limited recreation. Proposed zoning also includes a minimum of 26,000 linear feet of trails.
In addition, the Planning Commission recommends that the applicant consider enlarging the area to be used for commuter parking and adding a bike rack.
The Planning Commission lists several reasons for its approval; the first is that the suburban residential planning is compatible with the surrounding neighborhoods. The homes will also be within walking distance of planned commercial and transit opportunities. They will not disturb the Journey Through Hallowed Ground along Route 15, and proffers allow for a conservation, park and commuter parking area. Moreover there are sufficient proffers provided for the construction of the half section of Route 15 southbound along the site’s front.
Proffers include:
Housing……………………....$ 98,250 offered vs. $ 393,000 recommended
Libraries…………………..…$ 237,381 offered = 100% of recommended
Parks & Open Spaces…...$ 7,005,700, vs. $ 1,496,529 recommended.
Schools………………………..$ 4,958,769 offered = 100% of recommended
Transportation…………….$ 7 million offered vs. $ 6,332.338 recommended
Water Quality………………$ 37,011.75 offered = 100% of recommended
Fire & Rescue……………….$ 268,788 offered = 100% of recommended
Total……………………………$ 19,623,899.75 vs. $ 13,741,866.75 recommended
However, there is controversy surrounding the proposed rezoning. The Planning Committee received five letters opposing the application; residents were concerned about the negative effect that new housing might have on existing home prices, the need to provide more infrastructure and lack of employment opportunities within the county.
Overall there were more letters to the Planning Commission in support of the rezoning and building of the Piedmont II community. They liked that the new zoning would be consistent with the existing neighborhoods and replace undesirable zoning.
Citizens who would like to voice their opinions about the proposed rezoning can attend the May 1 BOCS meeting at 7:30 p.m, which will take place at the Prince William County McCoart Administration Building, Board Chambers, 1 County Complex Court, Woodbridge.
;
;
;
;
;
;
Support Bristow Beat - Donate Today!