York County moves forward on Riverwalk event space expansion
County seeks state grant for York Terrace rehabilitation grant funding
The York County Board of Supervisors met Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in the Board Room of York Hall in Yorktown. The board approved a contract for permanent waterfront event infrastructure at Riverwalk Landing and authorized submission of a state grant application to rehabilitate aging homes in low-income neighborhoods. The board also adopted zoning amendments for substance abuse treatment facilities, approved one special use permit for an automotive business and another for a residential tourist home, and recognized county employees for service.
County Administrator Mark Bellamy recommended contracting with Ritchie-Curbow Construction Company for $1,048,700 to build a permanent pavilion addition to the Freight Shed and install a stage awning at Riverwalk Landing. The project replaces temporary tent setups that have required repeated assembly and disassembly for waterfront events. Funding comes from the Capital Improvements and Tourism Funds. The board unanimously approved the contract, which will provide year-round enclosed event space less vulnerable to weather disruptions.
York Terrace Community Development BlockGrant
The board authorized submission of a Community Development Block Grant application seeking $1.5 million from the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development for the York Terrace Northwest Housing Rehabilitation Project. The project will rehabilitate sixteen substandard single-family homes occupied by low- and moderate-income residents along Maynor Drive, West Maynor Drive, and portions of Stewart Drive and Queens Creek Road. York County will provide $75,450 in matching funds. The Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development is expected to announce funding decisions in September 2026.
The meeting began with invocations, service recognitions, and presentations before proceeding through public hearings and the consent calendar.
Service recognition for recreation supervisor
Board Chairman Douglas Holroyd presented Recreation Supervisor Lynne McMullen a service pin marking twenty years with York County. Parks and Recreation Manager Ben Whitner spoke on McMullen’s behalf, noting her oversight of senior center operations and her work supporting county events including the Youth Commission, Fourth of July celebrations, and Sail 250. See the presentation from 19:10
County attorney receives five-year service pin
Board Chairman Douglas Holroyd presented County Attorney Richard Hill with a pin recognizing five years of service to York County. Holroyd said Hill joined the county from Richmond County and has been a perfect fit. Holroyd also recognized Hill’s work outside county government, noting that Hill’s daughter competes at the state level in swimming and that Hill officiates at swimming events. Watch the presentation from 21:10
Recognition for Sail Yorktown Festival organizers
Chairman Holroyd recognized and presented plaques to Kevin Richie and Captain James Scruggs for organizing the Sail Yorktown Festival, which drew about thirty thousand waterfront visitors over three days and more than forty thousand including land-side activities. Richie managed land activities while Scruggs handled water operations. The festival featured a parade of sail, ship tours, Coast Guard demonstrations, concerts, a market, trolley service, and a Williamsburg Symphony performance. See the presentation from 22:48
Administrator provides Sail Yorktown attendance report
Deputy County Administrator Brian Fuller reported that more than thirty thousand people visited the piers during the three-day Sail Yorktown Festival, with crowds in town two to three times larger. Trolleys recorded over ten thousand riders, one of the busiest weekends ever, and the festival generated twenty-seven media stories and more than seven hundred seventy-six thousand social media impressions. Fuller thanked Director Christy Olsen and Deputy Director Darren Williams and their team for two years of planning. Watch the report from 34:47
Board members praise festival organization
Board members praised the festival. Supervisor Shepperd called it spectacular and a family affair, a precursor to Yorktown’s 2031 anniversary. Chairman Holroyd urged summer heat precautions and thanked organizers. Supervisor Drewry called it a fabulous weekend and trial run for Fourth of July events. Supervisor Roane said he received great feedback, noted the coordination required with state and federal agencies, and praised staff dedication, urging residents to thank county employees. View the board discussion from 40:28
Administrator announces business advocate position
Chairman Holroyd announced, during his summary of board comments, that a business advocate position requested by Supervisor Drewry will be filled in mid-July by Bo Clayton, a retired army officer with years of service at Newport News. Watch the announcement from 50:28
Stormwater ordinance fee amendments approved
Public Works staff member Rob Kreiger presented amendments to the York County Erosion and Stormwater Management Ordinance updating fee provisions mandated by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, which now changes fees annually. The ordinance removes fee schedules from the text, placing them under the program administrator and eliminating annual hearings. Kreiger said fees are state-mandated, though declining them would shift costs to taxpayers. The board unanimously approved Ordinance 26-13 as amended. Review the vote from 75:52
Zoning amendments establish standards for substance abuse treatment centers
Senior Planner Jeanne Carner presented zoning amendments defining inpatient substance abuse recovery treatment centers, permitting them by special use permit in limited business, general business, and economic opportunity districts. Standards require state licensing, twenty-four-hour care, and specified parking ratios. Supervisors raised concerns about traffic, permit requirements for existing medical buildings, and treating facilities as regional rather than neighborhood uses. The Planning Commission recommended approval six to zero; the board approved Ordinance 26-14 five to zero. Watch the vote from 95:52
Towing advisory board expands to meet state requirements
York-Poquoson Sheriff’s Office Captain Houston presented towing advisory board amendments required by 2026 General Assembly changes mandating equal representation from law enforcement, the towing industry, and the public, expanding the board to six members: two each from the Sheriff’s Office, towing industry, and citizens. A board member asked about tie votes; Captain Houston addressed how a tie would be handled. The board unanimously approved Ordinance 26-15. View the vote from 99:52
Auto repair garage approved for Industry Drive
Senior Planner Carner presented a special use permit for Christopher Bendall to relocate Bendall Auto Service, a general repair shop with fleet and individual customers, from Production Drive to 106 Industry Drive. Conditions include hazardous materials, stormwater, and Knox box requirements. Bendall, a former York-Poquoson Sheriff’s Office member, said the move adds shop space without expanding services and employs six people. The Planning Commission recommended approval five to zero; the board unanimously approved Resolution R26-108. Watch the vote from 110:44
Debate over short-term rental policy and designated parties
Senior Planner Carner presented Peter Guhl’s special use permit for a tourist home at 1008 Hornsbyville Road. Guhl sought a designated responsible party instead of an owner-presence rule, citing financial hardship. Supervisors debated extending the distance rule from three thousand feet to three miles versus a designated party; Roane opposed setting precedent. The board approved Resolution R26-107R as amended—raising occupancy to six guests and distance to three miles—three to two, with Roane and Holroyd dissenting. See the vote from 171:36
