A recent email sent by Habitat for Humanity Peninsula and Greater Williamsburg to supporters called on local governments, developers and other land owners across the region for help securing affordable land. “The greatest barrier to building more affordable homes isn’t funding or volunteers—it’s access to land,” wrote Shauntrice Williams, the organization’s CEO. Williams notes that rising home prices and shrinking housing inventory have made homeownership increasingly difficult for many Virginians, and their organization is no exception.
In order to accelerate construction of affordable housing, Habitat for Humanity is seeking donations of vacant lots, surplus or publicly owned land, and property offered below market value. She added that landowners who contribute may qualify for charitable tax deductions, with additional incentives possible depending on the type of donation.
A recent email sent to supporters by Habitat for Humanity Peninsula and Greater Williamsburg called for local leaders, developers and land owners to provide affordable land.
Additional information posted on the charity’s website notes that their service area spans Hampton, Newport News, Poquoson, Williamsburg, James City County, and York County. Williams said donated land would allow Habitat to accelerate construction of affordable homes for local workers and families while strengthening neighborhoods throughout the region.
The James City County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved conveying eight residential lots on Clark Lane, part of The Moores subdivision, to the James City County Community Land Trust at no cost. The trust will hold the land while Habitat for Humanity builds and sells the homes to qualified low- to moderate-income first-time buyers, keeping homeownership affordable by separating land costs from home costs.
In other news:
Government
Williamsburg’s first Zoning Matters forum on housing rules to meet tomorrow The City of Williamsburg holds the opening session of its new “Zoning Matters” series tomorrow, Wednesday, Sept. 2, from 6 to 7 p.m. in Room 128 of the Stryker Center on North Boundary Street. Zoning Administrator Heather Markle will lead the free four part series, which runs the first Wednesday of each month through December. Tomorrow’s session covers housing and occupancy rules, followed by trees in October, signs in November, and other zoning topics in December, with time for resident questions after each.
Public Safety
William and Mary police end automatic sharing of Flock camera data The Flat Hat reports, in an article by Naman Mishra and Liam Glavin, that William and Mary Police Department has stopped automatically sharing Flock camera data with outside law enforcement agencies. The change follows student backlash, including a campus referendum against Flock surveillance, and national criticism of the camera network. Officials say requests from other agencies will now be reviewed case by case rather than shared by default.
James City County joins drone AED delivery trial for cardiac arrests EMS World, in a piece by James Careless, reports James City County is one of two pilot sites in a Duke Health clinical trial testing drones that deliver AEDs to real 9-1-1 cardiac arrest calls. Drones travel 40 mph, arriving ahead of ambulances, while dispatchers guide bystanders to retrieve and use the device. Early data shows fast defibrillation can raise survival odds dramatically.
Recreation & Events
JCC Parks & Rec releases September programs, new fall brochure James City County’s Parks & Recreation announced September programs, with online or phone registration. The new fall 2026 activity brochure becomes available September 2 online, at government offices, or area libraries.
Busch Gardens Williamsburg to require chaperones for Howl-O-Scream nights Deep Arrival, in an article by Rolando Herrera, reports Busch Gardens Williamsburg will require guests 15 and under to have a chaperone at least 21 years old after 4 p.m. on Howl-O-Scream nights, starting September 11 through November 1. One adult may accompany up to six younger guests, and photo ID is required for entry. Guests found without a chaperone risk ejection without a refund.
York County to host free 7th Annual BugFest for all ages York County announced its 7th Annual BugFest, hosted by Mosquito Control, the Public Library, and Parks & Recreation, on Saturday, September 26, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Grafton Middle School. The free, family friendly event features insect displays, crafts, and local experts, including the Butterfly Society of Virginia and Master Naturalists.
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