Development of 290 Houses in York County Receives Stop-Work Order
Construction at Fenton Mill causing multiple environmental issues for neighbors according to County
York County staff issued a stop-work order at the Fenton Mill housing development earlier in the day on August 5, following a series of code violations that sparked growing concerns among residents and officials alike. According to information posted on the project’s enginnering firm, the development will include 292 single-family detached houses. The original application in 2020 for the project called for as much as 836 housing units, including single-family detached homes as well as townhouses, quadruplexes and commercial space.
During the Board of Supervisors’ evening work session, members were briefed on the action and held a detailed discussion about the pattern of noncompliance. According to discussion at the meeting, the development, which is located near Skimol Hills in District 1, has faced repeated issues. These include an unapproved cut-through road, buffer zone removal, silt fence failures, mud runoff into adjacent yards, as well as persistent dust from construction vehicles. Residents have also complained of stormwater damage and road wear caused by heavy equipment using neighborhood streets not designed for such traffic.
Supervisors noted that the number of violations was excessive and while the Board itself did not directly issue the stop-work order, members expressed strong support for staff's enforcement action and emphasized the importance of accountability. A meeting between the contractor and public works staff is expected to address the violations, which county officials partly attributed to a leadership change within the contracting team.
The Board also indicated it would closely monitor progress going forward, with increased spot inspections and clearer expectations for developers building near existing neighborhoods.
RAFT Assessment Highlights York's Strength in Resilience
Supervisors also received a presentation on the county’s participation in the Resilience Adaptation Feasibility Tool (RAFT), a statewide initiative helping localities evaluate and improve their preparedness for environmental, economic, and social challenges related to climate change.
York County scored 91 out of a possible 113 points, placing it among the top performers in Virginia. The highest marks came in risk assessment, emergency management, and community engagement and well-being, which are typically more difficult categories for other localities.
The county’s planning documents and land use ordinances were praised for incorporating resilience principles. Still, the RAFT team identified opportunities for improvement, including adopting NOAA sea-level rise projections, improving the county’s Community Rating System classification, and strengthening the connection between capital planning and resilience goals.
A regional community workshop is scheduled for August 18 at the James City County Rec Center, where residents will help prioritize additional resilience actions for implementation.
Board Approves Property Tax Refunds for Disabled Veterans
The Board unanimously approved real estate tax refunds totaling over $13,000 for several 100% disabled veterans, in accordance with Virginia Code § 58.1-3219.5. The measure was part of the evening’s consent calendar and included refunds for tax years 2022 through 2025.
Eligible veterans, certified by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, are entitled to retroactive property tax exemptions on their principal residence. The county’s action ensures compliance with the law and reflects ongoing efforts to support veterans in the community.
While the identities of the recipients were not disclosed due to confidentiality rules, staff confirmed that all claims met the legal threshold for board approval.
Additional Items: Permit Extension, Roadwork Frustrations, and Community Programs
The Board approved a two-year extension for a previously approved car wash project along Route 17, after hearing that VDOT-related delays and utility issues had slowed progress. The applicant is actively pursuing final permits and expects to begin demolition work within weeks.
Supervisors also voiced frustration with traffic congestion stemming from the Route 17 widening project near Victory Boulevard and Route 134. They urged VDOT to improve communication with residents and suggested appointing a dedicated community liaison to address growing complaints.
In a separate update, members received positive community feedback on a newly installed sidewalk project along Route 134, which has been widely used and well-received.
The meeting concluded with discussions on elder care initiatives and neighborhood watch programs tailored to older residents. The Board will meet again on Tuesday, August 19 at 6:00 PM.
A Williamsburg Independent contributor used AI tools and these primary sources:
Video - York County Board of Supervisors meeting - August 5, 2025
Agenda - York County Board of Supervisors meeting - August 5, 2025
Fenton Mill – AES Project Update
Application No. PD-53-20, Fenton Mill Associates, LLC
UVA - Resilience Adaptation Feasibility Tool (The RAFT)