Smith Station Road in Spotsylvania County has a litany of problems. But a new 99-home subdivision is not one — at least, not yet.
The Spotsylvania Board of Supervisors voted 6-0 to table a decision on Smith Station Crossing, a project that is drawing the ire of nearby residents and raising eyebrows amongst the supervisors as well. Chancellor District Supervisor Gerald Childress missed the meeting to celebrate his wedding anniversary.
“I feel very similar to those that feel we are losing the way of life that we in Spotsylvania County and those that have moved here [enjoy],” Livingston District Supervisor Jacob Lane said. “We are slowly but surely losing that. I intend to try to hold on to that as long as possible, as long as I’m sitting in this seat.”
The supervisors made the decision to table the matter following a public hearing Tuesday night. The applicant, Denali Capital Group, LLC/Tricord, Inc. is requesting to rezone 58.5 acres from Residential-1 to Planned Development Housing District 2 for the development of 99 single-family detached homes. Staff recommended approval, and the planning commission voted 4-3 to recommend the same.
The properties are located on the north side of Smith Station Road, near its intersection with Woodfield Drive.
Mike Jones, who represented Tricord, noted that 36 homes can be built by-right without the board’s approval, and none of the road improvements that are being proffered with the rezoning application would apply in that scenario.
“We would make some significant improvements to the road if we’re going to justify adding 60 lots,” Jones said. “So, we’ve come up with what we think are some generous transportation proffers that we think will enhance the safety of the road and keep the flow of traffic on Smith Station.”
The proffers include: a right of way dedication; improvements at the project’s entrance at Smith Station; in-kind improvements at Smith Station and Courthouse roads; 35 acres of open space; and a nature trail.
The applicant is also offering nearly $1.2 million in cash proffers with $2,000 per unit going to schools; $332.31 per unit to parks and recreation; $761.62 per unit to public safety; and a $1 million lump sum to transportation.
Jones attempted to sway the board’s decision by stating that the Virginia Department of Transportation does not have any near-term projects in the works to improve Smith Station Road.
“The reality is that we will be better off with a few more cars from these new homes with these improvements than if we were to do nothing and get the cars from the 36 additional homes without any of the improvements that we’re proposing,” Jones said. “Whether folks believe it or not, we’re going to be better off with a rezoning than being stuck in the current situation with really no hope of change in the foreseeable future.”
Approximately 10,000 vehicles travel on Smith Station Road per day, according to a presentation from county staff. Supervisor Deborah Frazier of the Salem District said she travels the road to and from her job with Spotsylvania County Public Schools. She said a sharp curve and sightlines are of particular concern to her, especially after the deaths of two brothers in a car accident in March 2021.
Jones mentioned turn lanes that would be constructed on the road after 60 homes are completed, and Frazier pushed for a shorter timeframe if the project is approved.
Supervisors and several public speakers who spoke out against the project said traffic is often backed up at the intersection of Smith Station and Piedmont roads, and when drivers attempt to cross the intersection of Smith Station and Courthouse roads.
“Sometimes it’s four or five light transitions you have to go through just to get across,” said Gayle Broadfield Parker, who lives on nearby Broadfield Lane. “For us, it’s getting tough.”
