Several thousand homes, final price for gov center among top stories for James City Supervisors in June
Board considerations include Cardinal Ridge and Bluffs at Kiskiack developments, $177M government center, state mandated code changes on data centers
The James City County Board of Supervisors met twice in June, tackling a packed agenda of land use, infrastructure, and policy issues. Among the top stories were deferrals of two major mixed-use developments, Cardinal Ridge and Bluffs at Kiskiack, which together could bring thousands of new homes to the county. The board also received an update on the new consolidated government center, now estimated at $177 million, which is several million less than previous estimates. Supervisors additionally initiated state-mandated zoning amendment review addressing data center sound regulations, among other 2026 legislative changes, and separately approved increased purchasing authority thresholds. Below is a closer look at the Board’s June deliberations.
JUNE 9, 2026
Cardinal Ridge would rezone 365.6 acres for 1,006 homes and 162,000 sq ft of commercial space. The board unanimously deferred the Cardinal Ridge land use designation and rezoning case to September 8, 2026, at the applicant's request. The proposal would redesignate part of 4601 Ironbound Road and 1001 Galt Lane from Federal/State/County Land to Mixed Use - Eastern State, and rezone roughly 365.6 acres from Public Lands to Mixed Use, permitting up to 1,006 homes and 162,000 square feet of commercial space. Staff recommended approval as generally consistent with the 2045 Comprehensive Plan, though it doesn't meet the Mixed Use Construction Phasing Policy. The plan includes 20% affordable housing (up to 80% AMI) and $1.25 million for stream restoration. The public hearing stays open until September. Watch Cardinal Ridge deferral votes from 3:52:06.
Staff questions, residents push back leads to Bluffs at Kiskiack application deferment. The board deferred the Bluffs at Kiskiack application to October 13, 2026, at the applicant’s request after lengthy public comment. The 276.1-acre mixed-use proposal includes 704 residential units (including a continuing care retirement community), commercial space, a hotel, retail village, and the Presidents Walk Museum with restored presidential busts. It features 30 percent affordable housing and upfront traffic upgrades, including a four-lane divided entrance with a roundabout. Staff opposed approval, citing conflicts with Comprehensive Plan guidance for the Croaker Interchange Mixed Use Area, which prioritizes light manufacturing and office uses over residential in the southeast quadrant. Neighboring residents cited traffic, rural character, and infrastructure concerns. The applicant plans further community engagement before revising the application. Watch the discussion about Bluffs at Kiskiack deferral vote from 4:03:56.
Bluffs at Kiskiack’s 276.1-acre mixed-use application, with 704 homes, a hotel, and a presidential heads museum, was deferred to October amid staff and resident opposition. (A Williamsburg Independent editor use AI tools to create and narrate this video.)
Westwood Park rezoning deferred to July meeting. The board unanimously voted to defer the Westwood Park rezoning application to July 14, 2026, at the applicant’s request. The application seeks to rezone approximately 79.56 acres at 4601 Ironbound Road from Public Lands to Planned Unit Development Residential to allow up to 155 residential dwellings and 24,000 square feet of commercial uses. The landowner is the Commonwealth of Virginia Eastern State Hospital. The application has been previously postponed from scheduled meetings in October 2025, February 2026, April 2026, and May 2026. The public hearing remained open, with the board noting anyone speaking at the June meeting would not be able to speak again at the July continuation. No speaker cards were submitted for the June hearing. View the Westwood Park deferral from 3:49:19.
Board backs five Smart Scale funding applications. The board approved five resolutions supporting Smart Scale transportation funding applications, which previously funded Longhill Road widening and other projects. New pre-applications include a Pocahontas Trail shared-use path extension, Route 199 improvements at Brookwood Drive and Route 5, Route 199 ramp changes at Lightfoot, and Route 60 intersection upgrades. See the Smart Scale application approval from 1:02:26.
JUNE 23, 2026
Government center construction gets lower cost estimate. Supervisors received an update on the new consolidated government center, with the guaranteed maximum price now estimated at $177 million, about $2 million below prior projections. The county is finalizing the comprehensive agreement before the administrator signs it. Construction continues with storm water work, elevator shaft foundations, and concrete column work in the podium parking area, plus preliminary HVAC, plumbing, and electrical work. Recreation center parking lot work begins in August on the southern side, requiring use of the northern entrance temporarily. New library design drawings are complete. See the update to supervisors beginning at 1:18:16.
Board initiates state-mandated zoning changes, including new data center sound rules. Deputy County Attorney Liz Parman presented a resolution to begin amending the county’s zoning and subdivision ordinances to comply with 2026 Virginia General Assembly legislation. The changes would cover sound assessments for data centers, temporary wireless facilities, solar energy project standards, and housing availability reforms. Parman noted that not every new state law requires major local changes, but the county attorney’s office and planning division must review each one to identify needed amendments. With the resolution now approved, staff will draft specific ordinance language for the board’s future consideration. The discussion begins at 1:26:36.
Board enters closed session for personnel and legal matters. The board entered closed session to discuss several personnel and legal matters. Topics included board and commission appointments, including a staff appointment to the Colonial Behavioral Health Board, appointments to the Economic Development Authority, and appointments to the inaugural board of directors for the James City County Community Land Trust. The board also discussed performance evaluations for the County Administrator and County Attorney, real property acquisition involving two parcels on Jolly Pond Road, pending litigation related to a tax dispute with Seaworld Parks & Entertainment, LLC, and legal advice from county counsel regarding a specific provision of the Code of Virginia.
Board raises procurement spending thresholds. The board approved updates to the county purchasing policy aimed at increasing procurement efficiency. The changes raise the small purchase limit from $2,500 to $5,000, increase the county administrator’s contract approval authority from $100,000 to $250,000, and boost contract amendment authority from $50,000 to $100,000. Board approval is still required for contracts exceeding $250,000 unless already included in the capital improvement program budget. Watch the approval at 1:15:40.
