This is the second time in five years a developer has petitioned for a Special Use Permit to develop a residential area off of Monticello Avenue in Williamsburg, Virginia for commercial purposes.  VDOT expressed concern in 2019 that development of this area would negatively impact traffic flow.  Yet here we are in 2024 with all James City County Planning Commission members approving this development adjacent to Monticello Marketplace Shoppes off Monticello Avenue across from WindsorMeade Way.  (When the majority of Planning Commission members voted against in 2019) See original WVEC news story 

The proposal is to use the left turn lane at the current entrance to the existing part of Monticello Marketplace Shoppes off Monticello Avenue creating a dangerous traffic situation.  At peak times traffic currently backs up into the Westbound travel lanes of Monticello for those cars attempting to turn left into the strip mall portion of Monticello Marketplace Shoppes.  The developer for the proposed project has determined that this will be the main ingress to the new development.  This will do two things.  More cars will be trying to make the left turn into the shopping center which will cause even bigger backups into the Westbound travel lanes, and some cars will attempt a U-turn which will slow the traffic pattern by a factor of 2.  In no way is this tenable to residents who travel the area daily.  If the Board of Supervisors approves this development, it isn’t something that can be un-done.  This will create a permanent safety / traffic issue for this area.

There are already thousands of square feet of commercial space sitting empty within a square mile of this location. The county should be working with the economic development office to repurpose these spaces instead of approving more development. For reference visit the Facebook page​

https://www.facebook.com/abandonedinwilliamsburgva

 dedicated to highlighting empty or abandoned commercial space within the county.

It now goes to the James City County Board of Supervisors on September 10th during their regular meeting for a vote.  WE NEED YOUR HELP!  Sign this petition and please email the Board of Supervisors board@jamescitycountyva.gov​ and attend the meeting on September 10th, 101 Mounts Bay Road, Building D, Williamsburg, VA 23185​ at 5pm.  Show up early to fill out a comment card in order to voice your concerns at the meeting.  Thank you for your support in saving green space along a designated Community Character Corridor!​​​​