Letter to the Editor: Challenges proposed changes in plan

In July’s Charles City Planning Commission meeting, there was a proposal to revise the current Comprehensive Plan and zoning that bypasses current ordinances. I reside within the Adkins Store district as described in the plan and my neighborhood may be directly affected.

The changes will create the possibilities of mass density development by right and I don’t feel it is in the best interest to our community. Speaking to other individuals in this community, there have been no supporters of these proposed changes and many feel that it will adversely affect the existing community.

The planning department appears to take the position that these changes will spur economic growth by creating workforce housing in attracting industry or companies but I don’t feel they have taken into account of the infrastructure required into undertaking this kind of change.

There is little to no mention about public safety, social services or schools that need to be bolstered to allow this type of growth required in allowing the proposed changes. The county never talks about mandatory proffers by developers to cushion the impacts that would be created as this will require increasing the tax liability of the existing community. There are vague references to environmental issues and the mandatory health department permits to construct certain dwelling structures but that is just the small portion of the logistics required in conceptualizing development.

I relocated to Charles City from Southside Richmond almost 13 years ago living in an apartment complex community for more than a decade in the hopes that I can have some peace and serenity. I thoroughly enjoy the community that I chose to build my house and truly hope that never changes because of overly ambitious development. I don’t believe that there are many county citizens who are in support of these changes and I know for a fact that there have been little effort by the planning department in bringing these issues directly to the community at this time.

In my opinion, the current zoning ordinances already serves our needs and the proposed changes will do more harm than good. There are ways and places to spur economic growth but the county is not prepared for what is going to happening if these changes are enacted in their current form.

The county is ill advised to proceed in any way shape or form without considering all the logistical matters that goes into mass development and I believe the county will be bailing developments that may fall into disrepair especially with the poor soil quality for individualized and community sanitary waste system. The county should be cautious and allow the community to decide if this is the right direction and if this action is proper at this point of time.

Tak Kwok
Charles City