Keep the RURAL in “Rural Residential”
The natural appeal of York County and Historic Triangle is quickly disappearing, as uncontrolled development consumes the last vestiges of our region’s character.
We are citizens and volunteers, dedicated to protecting the rural communities & natural diversity of York County & the Historic Triangle. We are concerned about the recent population explosion, made possible by imprudent rezoning.
The 2015 Comprehensive Plan predicted 440 new homes in Upper York by 2021. Remarkably, over 3,200 homes have been built or approved since 2015. This means an extraordinary 85% of these homes were allowed because of rezonings.
We are fearful that this irreversible trend will continue. While great news for developers, this is bad news for citizens & voters:
- significantly higher taxes
- extreme increase in traffic
- more strain on emergency services
- school overcrowding
- permanent loss of regional beauty & wildlife habitat
Mission
Vision
Our mission is to advocate for measured, smart growth to enhance our community, attract tourism, and make life better for all residents of York County, James City County, and Williamsburg.
We strive to educate ALL Citizens on where elected officials stand on the critical issues of Conservation & Preservation! When they are “wrong” it leaves irreversible damage to our Neighborhoods.
Our vision is to identify key areas for conservation, and to advocate for improved quality in the infrastructure of future development.
Strategic Objectives
1. Curb Urbanization of York County, James City County and Williamsburg by:
- seeking recognition and protection of our historic heritage.
- identifying and securing our remaining rural and potential conservation space.
- working with the County to establish a Historic Value Green Zone in the northern portion of York County, north of I-64 from Camp Peary to the James City County line.
- opposing rezoning and special use permits that do not comply with the Comprehensive Plan, unless it’s demonstrated that they add significant value.
- ensuring that the community is informed of future traffic, environmental and school impacts from all planned development.
- seeking independent financial analysis and auditing of fiscal studies presented for rezoning or special use permits.
- mobilizing the residents of York County, James City County, and Williamsburg through active communication and engaging with local civic organizations.
2. Help guide development of the 2040 Comprehensive Plan by:
- seeking creation of an “Area Plan” for the Skimino and Lightfoot communities.
- maximizing community input in drafting and reviewing the 2040 Comprehensive Plan.
- opposing any redefinition or rezoning of land to allow residential development beyond the existing Comprehensive Plan population targets.
- informing civic leaders about the importance of smart growth that maintains necessary conservation.
3. Promote Historic Triangle cooperation expressed in regional goals set in 2012-2013.
Propose a Historic Value Green Zone
The York County Comprehensive Plan reflects commitment to preserving open space and agricultural land. It does not support planned communities and large developments, and states that development is to be limited primarily to the lower part of the county.
Virginia Beach, Spotsylvania County, and other localities have already established green zones to protect rural land. We propose that York County do the same in the upper part of the county.
This region’s national significance makes it worth protecting.
CONSERVATION WORKS!
The Historic Virginia Land Conservancy has a 30 year track record to prove it. We are proud to join them in their efforts to protect our region.
CYCF OFFICERS
President
Ron Struble
Retired Special Agent, Naval Criminal Investigative Service
Vice President
Steven Kennedy
Investment Strategist Williamsburg Financial Group
Vice President
Montee Jons
Retired
Treasurer
Thomas Chamberlain
Retired, Newport News Shipbuilding
Secretary
Darci Tucker
Owner, American Lives: History Brought to Life
CYCF BOARD of DIRECTORS
Carolyn Broun
York County Resident
Gerald Denion
Retired Federal Employee
Dianne Howell
Educator; Preserve Queens Lake Leadership
Andrea Wilson
Multi-generational resident
Richard Howell
Retired Colonel, USAF; Defense Consultant, Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc.