Subscribers' Digest (2-9-25)
Our first public poll, potential staffing increases in York County, Williamsburg student achievement gaps, supporting Black History month, STOP petition
This past week featured two more contributions from the local Williamsburg community — a letter to the editor announcing a new petition as well as commentary on the need to support black history all year round. Publishing these pieces is exciting because attracting readers’ submissions was exactly what I hoped to do. As Williamsburg's indie, I want to become the preferred platform for locals to share their views, not just my own.
While you might not agree with all the ideas in the Williamsburg Independent this week, our region desperately needs more frank discussion to determine the best way forward for the most people. Far too many decisions are made behind closed doors, driven by profit, not people. If you want to see actual needs put front and center instead of the bottom line of special interests, then you need to step up and say so. And if you disagree with me or other contributors, then you can also use the Williamsburg Independent to tell us why we’re wrong. Let your ideas and solutions compete. That’s what I’ve decided to do, as have others — and I extend the invitation to you as well.
In only a few months, I believe the Williamsburg Independent has already made an impact on the local news landscape. Further, I believe the quality of the reporting and commentary on the site is already equal to (or superior to) what is typically available in our region. And we’re just getting started! As always, thanks for reading and please share with others.
POLL: What do you think about more development in Williamsburg?
The first (completely unscientific and unreliable) public poll by the Williamsburg Independent
The debate about development in Williamsburg is heating back up again. Whether you oppose or support growth initiatives like more housing, the good news is that discussion is happening in all kinds of ways by many different people.
One thing I’m certain about is that development decisions should not just be left to developers and special interests. The direction of the City should be informed by public consensus, not private cliques.
I just so happen to believe that you (loyal readers of the Williamsburg Independent) are likely to be some of the most informed in our region. So in the spirit of community engagement, I’ve created a completely unscientific and unreliable poll to see what you think about the issue of more development in Williamsburg.
So what bucket do you fall into? That if any place in the Country has a claim to small-town preservation, Williamsburg is it. Or maybe you point out that the City has seen plenty of changes over the course of its history, and more is still necessary. Could be you’re not quite sure where we head from here. Whichever it is, cast your vote.
NEWS: York County Supervisors Discuss Suggested Staffing Increases
Also ... capital improvements, debt capacity, regional economic conditions, mid-year budget review & FY26 budget input
At their public meeting earlier this week, the York County Board of Supervisors heard suggestions for future County investments in staffing levels and operational structure. One of the key takeaways was the recommendation to hire an additional 17 full-time employees spread across several departments, including Commissioner of the Revenue, Finance, Human Resources and Information Technology.
The report came from the Berkley Group, a consulting firm that the Board engaged last year, which describes their expertise on their website as “administration, community development and planning, education, human resources, public safety.” The site also states that “100% of our work is dedicated to serving public agencies.”
COMMENTARY: Costs to Address Williamsburg Student Achievement Gaps Come into Focus
School budget battle brews as potential WJCC shortfall pits County vs. City, new hiring vs. employee raises and health care costs
In a working session this week, the WJCC School Board continued their annual budgeting discussions for Fiscal Year 2026. This year, the School Board appears poised to ask for even more from their local funding partners. Potentially to the tune of an extra $13.8M, according to the presentation given this week by the Acting Superintendent, Daniel Keever. It’s important to note the number is preliminary and could decrease if state funding turns out to be higher than currently announced, or the Board decides to cut some of the requested amount.
Yet it’s still likely to be higher than last year’s ask either way. According to reporting from the Daily Press last year, the budget for FY25 was nearly $180M and included 3% pay raises system-wide. The paper also reported that to afford the additional spending, the school system requested an extra $8M in additional funding from James City County and the City of Williamsburg during the budget process last year.
GUEST COMMENTARY: Supporting Black History All Year Round
'In 2025, however, the celebrations mean, perhaps, more than ever.'
With February only a few days in and the groundhog just announcing more weeks of winter (which may or may not be good news to you), the month also brings the nationwide celebration of Black History Month. Initially a week long event beginning in 1926, the recognition is meant as a time to reflect and to learn more about the contributions as well as the struggles of black communities in America.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Small Town Over Profit Petition
Grassroots Williamsburg campaign counters high-density development downtown
The 2018 Downtown Vibrancy Study, paid for by the City of Williamsburg, was presented at the January 2025 City Council meeting. This study proposes the most massive transformation of our town since the Historic Area Restoration, with two recommendations that sound alarm bells of destruction for our town: Loosening height restrictions and increasing density, RIGHT IN THE AREA NEXT TO MERCHANT’S SQUARE AND THE HISTORIC AREA. We cannot allow the zoning changes necessary to allow three-and four-story apartments/condominiums. If Developers and Real Estate investors get their way, they will make money while we lose the charm and unique essence of this place we live in and love. Can you share the Small Town Over Profit petition through the Independent?
George Arbogust is Founder and Editor of the Williamsburg Independent. You can contribute too! Email tips and story ideas: contact@williamsburgindependent.com
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