Powhatan residents raise concerns over proposed rezoning plan

POWHATAN COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — As the Powhatan County Planning Commission prepares to discuss a significant rezoning request, local residents are voicing concerns about how the change may affect their community.

The Branch Way Forest rezoning project could transform a currently wooded area at the intersection of Anderson Highway and Branch Forest Way, into a Village Center Planned Development (VC-PD) which would allow for a blend of retail, office, commercial and residential uses.

“We’re worried about the density,” said Steve Byrd, a resident of Powhatan County for 19 years. “Keep Powhatan rural! 140 homes on less than 30 acres is a lot.”

The area is bordered by a stretch of trees that provide a natural barrier between the highway and existing homes, but if the rezoning proposal is approved, these trees could be cleared to make way for new construction. Byrd said that, during the last meeting, residents were assured that there would be a 50-foot buffer between the new developments and existing homes.

“A football field is 300 feet long, so you can compare it to that,” Byrd said. “50 feet is not enough.”

Byrd also raised concerns about the potential for increased traffic.

The Powhatan Planning Commission sent 8News an emailed statement that said, “The VC-PD zoning district would allow for a mix of retail, office/commercial, and residential uses. The big difference between “Commercial Center” and VC-PD is the latter allows for residential uses in conjunction with commercial uses.”

The commission said it’s intended to foster a more integrated community space. The hearing to discuss the Branch Way Forest rezoning project will take place at 6 p.m. on Oct. 1. Residents are encouraged to attend and voice their opinions on the proposal.

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