New Kent supervisors table decision on Bottoms Bridge Overlay District

A proposed set of regulations aimed at governing the appearance of development along the main arterial highways (New Kent Highway and Pocahontas Trail) in the Bottoms Bridge area of New Kent has been tabled for a vote by county supervisors.

Monday evening’s decision after a public hearing comes as no surprise as the discussion on the overlay district to bring aesthetic and visual character to the land, public health, safety, and welfare has been discussed since last August.

Community development director Matthew Smolnik presented a brief summary of the proposal, with a few minor changes to language. Among one of the more notable changes is having neutral colors for businesses. Now, an exception has been included that allows nationally recognized trademarks, colors, and logos (such as McDonald’s bright yellow color) to be excluded upon approval of the development director.

Smolnik, along with county administrator Rodney Hathaway and board chairman Tommy Tiller, held a June 4 meeting with Bottom Bridge business owners and residents. An earlier meeting was held by New Kent Chamber of Commerce.

Comments from two speakers at the public hearing favored the overlay plan, saying it is something that is needed for New Kent.

“I’m in favor of the overlay,” said Billy Cunningham who represented Rock Creek Villas. “My understanding as a developer 10 years ago was that the area from the Star Motel to the Chickahominy River would be a showcase of the county.

“I want to see the investment I made stand out,” he concluded.

Bart Leader, who represents New Kent’s Chamber of Commerce, also said his organization gave the plan a favorable recommendation.

“The Chamber voted unanimously to support the Bottoms Bridge overlay district,” he commented. “However, we want to see it interacted at all the interchanges along the interstate and not just one.

“Tourism is the major industry for New Kent County,” he continued. “The way this county looks determines if tourists will come back or not.”

Tiller commented that while he appreciated the comments, getting the decision right on the overlay district would be based on community feedback.

“I’ve heard people who were for the overlay district and those who were against it,” the chairman said. “I would like to hear more from those who this will affect and how they feel prior to any decision.”

Other supervisors agreed with Tiller’s viewpoint, electing to table the decision and to have additional meetings with constituents in the area. Tiller also asked for more research on roof signs to see if incoming businesses may be able to construct them.

The proposals listed in the Bottoms Bridge overlay district only would apply to new businesses coming into the county or if an old business undergoes a major renovation project. Current businesses would be grandfathered and not have to abide by the proposed regulations unless a massive overhaul occurs. Smolnik also indicated that exceptions may be granted on a case-by-case basis. No timetable has been set by supervisors to vote on the issue.