“The main reason for the decision was the fact that [Walker’s Ridge] is not compatible with the area,” explained Planning Commission Chair Barry Bibb. Ninety-nine percent of the dense development would fall within a residential neighborhood, Bibb stated.
At full build-out the proposed development would consist of 1,180 units of housing and 180,000 square feet of commercial space. Walker’s Ridge would be located off Rt. 644 just north of Palmyra in space currently zoned R3 (residential).
Developers requested that the Planning Commission recommend approval of an ordinance to change the zoning to PUD (planned unit development). Linked to that was a request for an SUP (special use permit) to allow major utilities for the development. On both counts the Commission recommended denial with a 5-0 vote.
“It was a very long hearing. We had lots of questions and we had a lot of public comment,” said Bibb. “No one spoke in favor of the development except the developers.”
After listening to many presentations and “thoroughly investigating” whether the development would be a good fit for the community, Bibb described the Commission as recommending denial “for a totality of reasons.”
The Planning Commission has now made its recommendation to the Board of Supervisors, who will have the final say. The public hearing with the Board has not yet been scheduled.
Walker’s Ridge developer Keith Smith told the Fluvanna Review, “We’re going through their concerns and we’re working on addressing them.”
