More Than 1,000 Homes Planned On Surplus Eastern State Hospital Land
Mixed-use projects would also add 140,000 square feet of commercial and retail
Two developers are working on plans to use the surplus land around Eastern State Hospital for mixed-use projects, adding more than 1,000 homes and 140,000 square feet of retail and office space.
The developments are winding their way through James City County’s review process and will require rezoning the surplus land. Community Development Director Paul Holt said the proposals should be ready for public comment this summer.
Proceeds from the sale of the state-owned land would go to Virginia’s Behavioral Health and Developmental Services Trust Fund to pay for mental health and substance abuse care.
The largest of the two developments – Cardinal Ridge -- would be built by Texas-based D.R. Horton, the nation’s largest homebuilder.
Plans submitted to the county call for up to 294 single family homes, 235 townhomes and 350 rental apartments. Horton is also planning a commercial area at the DePue Drive entrance to the development with 100,000 square feet of commercial space including a supermarket.
Westwood LLC is proposing its own mixed-use development on 79.5 acres of surplus Eastern State land bordering New Town.
The Westwood Park development would require extending Discovery Park Boulevard west into the undeveloped land past the TPMG medical complex.
The current plan includes 86 single family homes, 100 multifamily homes and 40,000 square feet of commercial space.
Together, the two developments would increase James City County’s housing stock by approximately 3 percent.
“We hope to have development plan approval in 2026 and begin offering new homes for sale in 2027,” said Kyle Schnauger, Division President for D.R. Horton in Southern Virginia.
The company has built over 1 million homes in the United States and has 11 communities in Hampton Roads, targeting a mix of buyers ranging from first time homeowners to those moving up into larger homes.
Horton is currently building The Country Club Villas townhouses in Ford’s Colony and Liberty Ridge on Centerville Road.
A representative for Westwood LLC did not return a call for comment.
Thaw Under Way
The National Weather Service forecasts highs in the 50s this week, reaching 61 Thursday.
Don’t Forget — Colonial Parkway Construction Impacts
Expect the Colonial Parkway to be closed from Penniman Road to Williamsburg Circle starting Jan. 29 as construction on the roadway continues, according to the Colonial National Historical Park.
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Williamsburg Reviews $132.2M Capital Plan
Williamsburg’s planning commission will review the progress of building projects that will cost city taxpayers $132.2 million over the next five years.
When they meet for their work session Tuesday, the commission will hear from city staff about the progress of projects underway through Fiscal Year 2026, which ends in June of next year. They also will get an updated look at the five-year capital improvement plan through 2030, currently budgeted at $132.3 million.
The city’s new police station is the largest single project currently under way – it is projected to cost $20.1 million through the next fiscal year.
Over the next year and a half, the city also has more than 30 public works projects planned totaling nearly $26 million. They include a new roundabout at the intersection of Monticello Avenue, Richmond Road and Lafayette Street, improvements to Ironbound Road and the redesign of Capitol Landing Road.
Williamsburg
Jan. 28: Planning Commission Work Session. 3:30 p.m. Stryker Center, 412 N. Boundary St.
James City County
Tuesday, Jan. 28: Board of Supervisors Business Meeting.1 p.m. 101 Mounts Bay Road. The board will discuss updating the county’s strategic plan, receive an update on the new government center and discuss the capital improvement plan. Discussions will also continue behind closed doors about a new agreement with the City of Williamsburg on the future of the joint school system.
Williamsburg-James City County School Board
Thursday, Jan. 30: Williamsburg James City County School Board Special Call Meeting. No agenda provided. 11:30 a.m. Room 300 School Board & Central Office, 117 Ironboard Rd.
York County
Tuesday, Jan. 28: York County Economic Development Board meeting. 5 p.m. Board Room Meeting Room, York Hall, 301 Main Street.
Friday, Jan. 31: York County Board of Supervisors Retreat. 8:30 am, Law Enforcement Building.159 Goodwin Neck Rd.
York County School Board
Monday, Jan. 27: York County School Board Regular Meeting and Public Forum on Operating Budget. 7 p.m. York Hall Board Room, 301 Main St., Yorktown
Passings
