KING WILLIAM — Fast-growing King William County has moved to curtail further housing development after passing a resolution blocking the construction of new homes.
At its Feb. 12 meeting, the King William Board of Supervisors adopted a resolution “recognizing that there is no need for additional housing development in King William County.” The board said it would instead support “responsibly managed housing” and further economic development.
Board Chair Lindsey Robinson proposed a resolution expressing concerns about future residential growth, which the board unanimously supported. This appears to represent a different approach by the new board, which recently withdrew plans for a new library and community center in the Central Garage District.
The resolution states that King William County was the 13th fastest growing county in Virginia as of the 2020 Census, with the county's population increasing by 4. It points out that the number has increased by a further 3% since March.
The resolution also notes that King William owns approximately 1,500 unbuilt approved housing units on parcels in the Central Garage Area. The resolution points out that economic growth is putting pressure on services such as water, sewage, emergency services and schools.
The board supported managed housing and additional economic development that would “create jobs, provide needed services and opportunities, and generate additional tax revenue.”
The county faces a tough budget cycle for fiscal year 2025. Some lawmakers raised the prospect of future property tax increases at the Feb. 12 meeting.
The resolution states that the Board of Directors is committed to the King William County The plan is to lead aggressive efforts to advance the goals of the Blueprint 2041. Develop public infrastructure and facilities that maintain the rural character and quality of life that residents desire and prevent residential sprawl across the county. ”
“We're just redirecting our focus as a board,” Robinson said. “As a board, we feel that we are not only living in the here and now of this year, but that the decisions we all make have the potential to impact us five and 10 years from now. ”
He said the resolution does not change anything but represents the board's understanding.
“I don't want anyone to have the misconception that we're trying to stop housing growth in the county,” Supervisor Justin Catlett said.
He expressed a desire for the county to move away from large zoning.
Supervisor Ben Edwards said curbing housing growth is an effective way to offset future tax increases.
David Macaulay, davidmacaulayva@gmail.com
