Blog Williamsburg

Williamsburg Planning Commission
401 Lafayette Street
Williamsburg, VA 23185

Dear Commissioners:

In rereading and rethinking the proposed Comprehensive Land Use Plan tonight, I am struck by the pattern of important guidelines, expectations, plans and hopes listed and described in past Comp Plans that were sadly lost and/ or missed�resulting in lost hours of overlooked or ignored work and lost trust.  Having worked with many community groups over many years, I know very well how angry citizens are when they realize they have spent countless hours in serious and dedicated effort that finally yields---nothing or even the opposite of their expectations of approved decisions.

So it is, I still believe in the importance of fresh eyes and minds to consider the implications and possibilities inherent in some thing as worthy and crucial as a community land use plan.

My primary concern for a happy, healthy and civil society is for a comfort of time and place, a place that is clean, tidy, attractive, appealing, and bountiful in offerings of work, recreation, rest, transport and social interaction.  Watching and listening to people for decades, I sense a longing for identifiable space called �my home town�.  �My Home Town� needs to be safe, orderly, and accessible to all ages and conditions. It needs to provide a variety of activities, indoors and out. It needs beauty. So, 1) I think all this is a basic human requirement for peaceful productivity. 2) I contend all these components make for happier, healthier people who will be productive citizens�needing less policing, less medical care. And that frees up community funds for more healthy, enjoyable programs and amenities!

So, regarding the proposed Comprehensive Land Use Plan: over all I puzzle: who is pushing for such major increases in density? I have not ever heard residents clamor for higher density, much less 22 dwelling units per acre!  I do hear people urging careful and managed growth, a careful balance of residences, businesses with available infrastructure�jobs, fairly priced homes of many sizes and prices, roadways, schools, water, sewers, parks, greenways, bikeways, convenient and attractive shops and offices, public transportation, theatres, libraries�all the good stuff necessary for a happy life. But, no one I know in our tiny City urges high density in our low rise, green filled City. In fact, most of the �come-heres�, I among them, shudder at the sight of much of the Peninsula�asphalt and same-old, same-old chains, vacant dilapidated structures, miles of
deteriorated neighborhoods and stores. That�s because we learned from those other places just how quickly a lovely community can fall into that situation.

I believe we in Williamsburg are at a crucial �point of no return�.�Either we acknowledge Williamsburgs� distinct and very special identity as a small community of uncommon beauty provided in great measure by expanses of mature trees, WOODS! or we ignore the existence of these beautiful trees as valuable assets and allow them to be cleared with impunity. (See Warwick Dr�miles and miles of�miles and miles.) Most of the Willaismburg trees are on private property, or property which the City does not control, i.e. the campus of William and Mary. When you are driving along our gorgeous tree lined streets, consider who actually owns the trees! And, how would their loss impact your sense of place, your comfort level in your �home town�?

I sincerely ask that you consider all this as I have, and review the proposed plan with new thinking:  Does each section provide for the protection, preservation, acquisition of the trees that make Williamsburg the place we love and appreciate? Or does it merely add another round of words that can be easily ignored? Page 1-2 lists �sensitivity to Williamsburg�s natural environment�. Page 2-3 tells us the 1968 Plan said, �The distinctive character of Williamsburg must be maintained at all costs.�! And, �many recommendations were made for public park improvements.� (Page 2-6) �The 1989 Plan placed increased emphasis on the natural environment, and great care was taken to identify sensitive environmental areas.� And, � �environmental preservation and open space conservation were strongly recommended for the sensitive areas.� All page 2-6.

Each Plan built on the previous plans as far as concern for the natural environment and greater public access via green belts, bike ways and pedestrian connections. The Entrance Corridor protections were created in acknowledgement of the importance of attractive and welcoming entrances to a City dependent up on tourism.  The 1998 Plan called for limiting the expansion of high density multifamily housing because the City had (and has) such �a disproportionate share.� 2-9.

In the current proposed plan, in nearly every section there is language about �protecting and enhancing the unique character,� conservation of open space via a variety of methods.� Of course, we know now the Chesapeake Bay protection measures must finally be supported and enforced in Virginia.

So, in order to protect and increase tourism, we must protect the attractive components that draw our visitors.  In order to provide for and protect the improved well being of our residents and visitors, we must provide a variety of pedestrian and bike ways to enable and encourage other than auto transport. In order to comply with the Bay protection requirements we must protect our trees. So many reasons to preserve and protect our trees and woods! Yet, in Chapter 8, it is �higher density� �i.e. �The housing component of this project [Quarterpath at Williamsburg] is although much more than recommended by the 1998 Plan ( 955 vs. 195 du) fits within the City�s overall planning framework.� HOW CAN THAT BE????

The proposal is to increase DENSITY in many sections! Pages 8-22, 8-23, 10-7, 8, 10, in many cases up to 14 du or even 22 du with a special use permit!  And, the 1998 Plan had already increased densities in many areas! Also, the densities and proposals for many apartments conflict with other sections restating the quantity of existing apartments and rentals as still much higher than other communities. Plus, despite the 1998 Plan of no more apartments, 100s were indeed constructed!

With all these considerations before us, preserving the small town quality of life, avoiding the substantial expense of providing all the increased infrastructure the unplanned densities would demand, keeping all the greenery possible as a method of preserving the distinction Williamsburg now has, while keeping our air and water clean, there is no reason at all to increase densities. The majority of City residents do NOT ask for higher density. And, as any one can easily deduce, if more people meant a net gain in taxes, New York and Los Angeles would be running huge surpluses! Let�s determine what a comfortable, sustainable population is, and go with those numbers. Page 6-1: �The most important goal of the Comprehensive Plan is the first: Protect and enhance Williamsburg�s unique character.� Can�t do that by doubling and tripling densities!

Another consideration I find alarming is the recommendation in many sections to encourage if not just allow, residential structures in existing commercial zones. You might remember the very strong protest against four story apartment buildings proposed for the limited commercial area on Richmond Road. When single family dwellings are taken over by businesses, it is obvious; the limited commercial zones are needed for businesses. There are other sites designated for residential structures. Plunking large apartment complexes into already high traffic areas is not compatible with the Richmond Road area near Monticello. I personally think well designed condos or apartments
�above the store� make good sense. But, that adds to the vitality of the commercial area, it does not take away from commercial revenues. A carefully designed building and amenity mix can be workable, attractive, even compatible with its� surroundings. A �tack on� apartment floor without consideration of needed amenities can quickly be a white elephant and an eyesore.

You all have read in the 1998 Comp Plan, page 14 of that Plan, regarding Capitol Landing Planning Area, that the City �should encourage the creation of a master plan for the Planning Area which respects the natural environment.� It is very disappointing that this very large area, which could have become a distinct destination for residents and visitors wanting and needing a variety of attractive services, is instead a typical �driveway to a business, driveway to a business� with no coordination, theme or particular appeal. The east side of the City has developed even more residential units and we still wish we could enjoy and patronize a variety of businesses that would be in walking distance. Sadly, most of the nearest services are in York County.

And, finally, the plethora of zoning categories proposed has become too varied, too over lapping and thus too confusing to really properly keep track of what is allowed where, especially since so much is allowed by special permit any way.

And, please remember the purpose of the Entrance Corridors, and help to have them enhanced in the City, not just in the adjacent Counties.

Thank you for all the time you are putting into the Comp Plan. We all hope it will be what the City needs and desires as Williamsburg teeters on the edge of �wonderful� and �could have been�.

Sincerely, NB (Name Withheld by Joe Hertzler)

Re: Comprehensive Land Use Plan, Entrance Corridors, Greenbelts, Character

Dear Commissioners:

The value and purpose of Entrance Corridor Protection Districts and Greenbelts to our special community is described beautifully and clearly in several sections of the proposed plan�the standards, requirements and enforcements go to support the benefits of the unique character of Williamsburg.

The words are important, certainly necessary�but the actions resulting foretell the outcome�case in point: newer restaurants on Richmond Rd have parking on sides and rear allowing for landscaping along the frontages. Even some older restaurants have extensive hedges, a huge structure, so beyond the size of other buildings on Richmond Road, sits nearly at the rear of the lot with a huge flat spread of asphalt to assault the senses along the wide frontage. There are no attractive berms, hedges, or walls to block some of the mass of parking. There are no mature trees left from the many on the lot previously which could have added character, beauty and cool to the vast lot.

What a shame. The deed has essentially nullified the words of the Plan.  If the outcome does not match the vision clearly defined and pictured in the adopted and proposed texts, a terrible disservice is done to the City�residents, businesses and visitors--present and future. Williamsburg can either be a very special City, or it can be a sad repeat of so many others in the Nation.

I urge you, as spokespeople for the residents, to hold forth for the results meeting the criteria proposed and ultimately adopted. You want to be proud of what you helped to forge; we want to be proud of the beautiful and special place we call home, too.

Thank you for your attention and support.

Sincerely,