The Hampton Roads REALTORS Association Chairman of the Board spoke on the developer’s behalf at the March 21st Planning Commission meeting. He touted Smart Growth, but did not specify how rezoning for over 200 homes on Lake Kilby Road would fulfill any of the principles of this planning and development concept. This rezoning would actually contradict almost every Smart Growth principle as listed on the National Association of Realtors website:
This Lake Kilby development plan fails to address walkable neighborhoods or distinctive, attractive communities with a strong sense of place, or provide a variety of transportation options.
- Curb and gutter only along subdivision frontage does not equate to connectivity or walkability. Rather, it creates an unattractive patchwork of sidewalks that lead to nowhere along a very narrow, highly-trafficked, ditch-lined road.
- Widening a critical portion of the road to a width that is below standard is not safe for the projected traffic or bicyclists. Even the developer’s lawyer stated that the proffered “approximate” width of 20 feet with no shoulder is below standard.
The developer conducted only limited outreach and made no attempt to engage the most concerned neighbors. There was total disregard for the most important Smart Growth principle of encouraging “community and stakeholder collaboration in development decisions.”
The principle of preserving “open space, farmland, and critical environmental areas” is given no consideration. The majority of the property is actively farmed, contains wetlands and natural runoff that feeds a drinking water reservoir.
There is also a major contradiction due to the fact that the developer is intentionally trying to avoid connectivity with the existing subdivision next door. The Lake Kilby Road rezoning effort was recommended for denial just last October because the developer specifically attached a Subdivision Variance to it, requesting the city waive connection requirements. He is now removing an entire parcel from the plan—just to AVOID CONNECTION with the neighbors.
I think instead of just vaguely addressing a planning and development theory during a public hearing, the head of a trade organization should be prepared to talk specifically about the issue at hand–especially if his entire group is wearing “Smart Growth” stickers on their shirts.