Letter to the editor: Urges citizens to review RMU boundaries

At the most recent Charles City County Planning Commission’s work session (Oct. 10) preliminary boundary lines were drawn to designate where the RMU (Residential Mix Use) are to be located. The most recent proposed ordinance defines RMU as a mixture of light commercial and dense residential development by right. That means these new neighborhoods will not be required to go before the Planning Commission or Board of Supervisors for review. In addition, some of these RMU”s have additionally been zoned R-1 (residential) as part of the plan.

The areas affected are: RMU 1- Adkins Store & Ruthville Communities, RMU 2- State Rt. 5 John Tyler Highway Corridor and RMU 3- Roxbury Rd & State Rt. 106 area.

The preliminary sketches that are subject to change (lines made by using a marker) to identify the RMU’s were made primarily by two members of the Planning Commission while the other commission members observed. Most of the attention focused on Adkins and Lott Cary Roads, Ruthville Road and The Glebe Lane, as well as Wayside Road. and Route 106. In some of these RMU’s, the zoning spans up to one mile or more by estimate around these locations. Two of the main purposes are to allow large apartment complexes with four or more dwelling units per gross acre if served by central water & sewer and light commercial businesses.

In my opinion, I believe the county will create expanded zoning in other areas similar to RMU’s at different locations on a later date.

I urge the citizens of this county to attend any upcoming planning commission meetings to include town hall meetings in their respective communities if and when this plan moves forward. If this is not your vision, please contact your respective Board of Supervisor Member to voice your opposition.

Tak Kwok
Charles City