Amendment request garners opposition, NKPC deferral

An amendment that would allow additional uses at Rock Creek Villas in Bottoms Bridge will have to wait at least two months before receiving a recommendation from New Kent’s Planning Commission.

An Oct. 16 Monday night meeting saw the project hit a wall after some residents voiced opposition based on past experiences.

Peggy and William Cunningham proposed a new amendment that would add “senior housing units-attached, assisted living, attached, medical, and physical therapy” as permitted uses at the development.

Representatives of the WODA Group presented on behalf of the Cunninghams, saying the facilities will be occupied by seniors age 55 and over in 56 rooms developed in an apartment style community.

“We have eight properties here in Virginia,” said Craig Patterson, who represents the group based out of Columbus, Ohio. “We build energy efficient homes and our mission is to bring new tours to working families or senior.”

Scott Courtney, who also represents the development group, also talked about the mission of the group in his presentation where he laid out blueprints.

“We have one to ten lots, and five others as well,” said Courtney of the Rock Creek proposal. “The extra five lots will go to assisted living and physical therapy.

“When talking about the over 55 crowd, we feel that peak traffic will be reduced,” Courtney continued, speaking about congestion that forms in front of the main entrance to the subdivision. “There is a main entrance in the middle and we may need to expand that will help with the issues of emergency personal and just the overall ins and outs.”

However, the plan and presentation seemed to upset current Rock Creek residents. Some spoke up with accusations that the Cunninghams befriended them and lied to them to make huge investments in a nice community. Other residents complained that traffic is so bad on some nights homeowners have to park on the grass.

Other concerns sparked by residents revolved around road conditions as well as water and sewage. According to information spoken at the public hearing, citizens are currently paying for the Rock Creek clubhouse’s mortgage.

With the information and ongoing tension between parties, a motion was made to defer action until the Dec. 18 regular meeting.