Chesapeake City Council this week voted to approve a new development with nearly 1,300 new residential units. The decision aims to address housing needs and bring economic growth to the area.
New Development to Bring 1,292 Residential Units
The application by Dragas Associates Inc. aimed to rezone 172.5 acres from agricultural and residential zonings to the Planned Unit Development zoning for the Springton at Grassfield development, located along Dominion Boulevard. The developer plans to build a maximum of 1,292 residential units, including 117 single-family detached homes and the remainder villas and townhouse-style dwellings. The development will also feature about 75,000 to 250,000 square feet of commercial space.
The developer has committed to investing $25 million for roads and utilities, dedicating land for a future Pleasant Grove Parkway and the widening of Dominion Boulevard, and making multiple intersection improvements in the immediate area. Additionally, a public park and multi-use trails are part of the plans, with over 50 acres of open space.
Community Reactions and Council Decision
About nine citizens spoke in opposition to the project, citing concerns such as drainage and the overall character of Chesapeake. Jennifer Economy, a resident of Cedarville Road, encapsulated some of the most common concerns, stating that the council has allowed too much development that strains public services. “Our levels of service have been decreasing, our traffic is congested, and the wait times for medical appointments are long,” Economy said.
To address concerns about school capacity, the applicant agreed not to request a building permit for a residential unit until one has been issued for the planned new elementary school in Culpepper Landing. Additionally, the developer will not request a certificate of occupancy until one has been issued for the school or until July 1, 2027, whichever comes first.
Dragas officials emphasized the need for more housing to attract well-paying jobs. “A wide variety of housing is essential for Chesapeake’s future ability to draw employers and to grow,” said J. Bryan Plumlee, representing the Dragas Companies. Molly Lawson, a citizen speaking in support of the project, highlighted the need for affordable housing in Chesapeake, sharing her family’s struggle to find an affordable home.
The motion to approve the development passed 6-2, with Councilman Jeff Bunn and Amanda Newins voting against it, while Mayor Rick West, John de Triquet, Don Carey, Robert Ike, Ella Ward, and Daniel Whitaker voted for it. Debbie Ritter abstained from the vote due to a professional relationship with one of the parties.
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