New Kent supervisors deny CUP for new Food Lion in Quinton

New Kent Supervisors shot down the proposed construction of a 35,000 square foot Food Lion store at the intersection of New Kent Highway (Route 249) and Airport Road in Quinton.

In a joint meeting held Monday night alongside New Kent’s Planning Commission, county leaders voted in opposition of the proposed 35,235 square foot grocery store by a narrow 3-2 vote. The county’s planning commission voted with a favorable recommendation to grant a conditional use permit (CUP) for the facility 5-4-1 earlier in the meeting.

Paramount Development Corporation submitted a site plan for the proposed store at the intersection. Along with the supermarket, a 2.35-acre parcel was also implemented into the proposal. The site plan received final approval from the county’s planning department on May 10.

But concerns were raised, specifically about the location that is near a recently constructed roundabout in the county. However, attorney Gregory Davis, who represents Paramount Development Corporation, said in an email that the CUP was only for the grocery store with no plans to develop it into a shopping center.

Citizens rebutted against the proposal, with many writing to county leaders and planning commissioners that they were told of the proposal by the applicant.

“The Paramount Development Corporation requested and was illegally granted a buffer variance in 2017 between our property and theirs,” said Jim and Anita Bost in a letter. “We were given 27 feet versus the ordinance’s required 50 feet when business-zoned property meets with agricultural zoned land.

“We were never notified of this action although it was a legal requirement,” the letter continued. “Once we discovered the error by invoking the Freedom of Information act (FOIA), we challenged the variance.”

Through the inquiry, information discovered the adjustment of the boundary line on a 1.93-acre parcel purchased in 2010 was still zoned business versus being absorbed by the original 9.269 acres that was zoned agricultural. The county identified the total 10.424 acres as agricultural on all of their records despite that smaller portion being adjusted in 2010.

Citizens unaware of the proposal sounded off to the boards Monday night.

“We request the CUP not be granted, not just for our sake but for our county as well,” as Annelise Reynolds in an email. “I think this would increase traffic. There are too many Food Lion’s in New Kent.”

“I do not feel they should be granted a permit for 30,000 feet building much less 35,235 square feet and subdividing it into two parcels,” chimed in Mickey Baker.

After hearing all parties, supervisors elected to deny the application for the conditional use permit. The current site plan for the facility, however, can proceed as long as it remains under the 30,000 square foot threshold.