Subdivision proposal again to be considered

By Jimmy LaRoue

Published: November 17, 2008

A proposed 47-lot subdivision on 26 acres off White Bridge Road near Route 254 is back before the Waynesboro Planning Commission tonight after the matter was previously tabled.

W.R. Boutros of Sphinx Land Development LLC in Fishersville brought the matter before the commission at its Oct. 21 meeting, but the commission voted 4-2 to table the matter, requesting that Boutros come back with a traffic impact analysis for White Bridge Road.

The commission also wanted him to be in compliance with the city’s subdivision ordinance on the width of the cul-de-sac in his proposed Tomasville Subdivision.

Then-City Planner – and current Assistant City Manager – Jim Shaw believes Boutros is in compliance with the ordinance. Shaw said that with Boutros’ interest in developing the property, “ultimately, he will prevail – I think he will prevail.”

Commissioner Harry Colman, who along with Jeanie McCutcheon voted against the motion, said Oct. 21 that he was thankful that “in these economic times ... we have a developer willing to build in the city of Waynesboro.”

According to the subdivision ordinance, the length of the cul-de-sac must be 700 feet or less. The one Boutros proposed would have slightly exceeded that.

Boutros is seeking to subdivide a 26-acre tract for the proposed subdivision, which he wants to link with another project he is developing — the upscale Ana Marie Estates. Shaw said Boutros must have the connection before he fully builds out the new proposed subdivision. Until then, he can only build on up to 18 lots.

Nearly six acres of the proposed subdivision would be preserved as open space under Boutros’ plan.

In addition, the commission is expected to consider a request from Shields Construction Company for plat approval on a 9-lot subdivision on 3.8 acres on Kirby Avenue. No one spoke on the matter during a recent public hearing.

The commission will also discuss the zoning ordinance diagnostic report and consider a rezoning request from the Staunton-Augusta-Waynesboro Habitat for Humanity to change the status of a property at 801 B Street from C-2 general business district to RB-1 general dwelling district to allow future residential development by right.