COMMMENTARY: 2024 in Review - Williamsburg City Council Gambles on Sports Complex

New land development powers extended to sports-complex builder, HTRFA, could transform face of city

Large tracts of land in Williamsburg zoned for Museum Services are highlighted. The HTRFA now has the right to develop the land for a myriad of uses including housing and office space. (Graphic Credit: George Arbogust; Data credit: arcgis.com)

Each year, Williamsburg City Council passes dozens of ordinances and resolutions. Some pass with little fanfare while others stir up controversy. Some make little impact while others have the potential to change the face of the City for years to come.

This year was no different, as the City Council voted to guarantee up to $70M in public funding to build an expensive sports entertainment venue. Later, they extended the rights of the multi-jurisdictional organization tapped to build and manage the sports complex – Historic Triangle Recreational Facilities Authority (HTRFA) – to develop even more land in the City.

I expect this expansion of their power to result in multiple new development initiatives, with mostly limited review or oversight by loca…