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For media inquiries, please contact Tom Chamberlain, [email protected].

In the News:

York County & Surrounding Communities

When Poor Planning Hits Home: A Resident’s Perspective from Springfield Road
Yesterday on Springfield Road, a line of vehicles blocked driveways and created a dangerous situation for residents. One resident shared, “…we have a line of vehicles getting into Tranquility. These vehicles block our road and driveways. We have many elderly people that may need EMS or our homes could be on fire. These commercial vehicles… Continue reading When Poor Planning Hits Home: A Resident’s Perspective from Springfield Road
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Hampton’s short-term rental plan backed by planning commission, heads to City Council
Insight on Short-Term Rentals: Lessons from Hampton Hampton's Planning Commission recently backed a proposal to regulate short-term rentals by dividing the city into zones and limiting rentals to 1% of homes per zone. This decision underscores the ongoing debate over balancing economic opportunities with community character and safety. As we observe Hampton's approach, it's crucial… Continue reading Hampton’s short-term rental plan backed by planning commission, heads to City Council
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Once-contested York County development finally to start, but on a smaller scale.
The Fenton Mill development in York County is a project that has seen significant changes following community input. This article summarizes the project's progression from its initial proposal to its current, smaller-scale plan, highlighting the impact of our work and our community. Read the full story here.
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Yorktown Citizens Continue Fight Against Princess Cruises
In our ongoing commitment to safeguarding Yorktown's environment and heritage, we bring to light the determined efforts of our community in resisting the expansion plans of Princess Cruises. This article delves into the passionate fight of Yorktown citizens to protect our river and town from the potential impacts of cruise ship tourism. It's a testament… Continue reading Yorktown Citizens Continue Fight Against Princess Cruises
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Introduction to Our Position Statement on Cruise Ship Tourism in Yorktown Village
As stewards of Yorktown's rich historical heritage, the Conserve York County Foundation is dedicated to balancing the benefits of tourism with the preservation of our community's unique character and history. In light of recent developments regarding the high-volume cruise ship use of Yorktown Village, we have prepared a detailed position statement. This document reflects our… Continue reading Introduction to Our Position Statement on Cruise Ship Tourism in Yorktown Village
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York County Board of Supervisors Candidates Stress Need for Transparency at Debate
Read the WYDaily Article below. York County Board of Supervisors Candidates Stress Need for Transparency at Debate
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92.3FM The Tide: Hometown Radio Interview with Conserve York County Foundation
President Ron Struble and Vice President Steven F. Kennedy of the Conserve York County Foundation recently participated in a radio interview on 92.3FM The Tide’s Hometown Radio segment, providing insight into the foundation's inception, objectives, and future endeavors. The Conserve York County Foundation, a non-profit organization focused on environmental conservation and sustainable development, has established… Continue reading 92.3FM The Tide: Hometown Radio Interview with Conserve York County Foundation
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York County Officials, Residents & Contractors at Odds over Springfield Road
Read the Virginia Gazette article: York County development leaves group of residents on a very rough road  
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Williamsburg Pottery Update
Read the Virginia Gazette article by Ben Swenson: Site near Williamsburg Pottery likely to become home to industrial park
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PUBLIC COMMENTS

When the York County Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee decided to discuss what “rural” means (even though their own 1991 Comprehensive Plan already defines Rural Residential), we asked 1,000+ of our followers for their reactions. Here is a small sample of their cogent & compelling replies:

Doug Holroyd

York County already provided an excellent definition in their 1991 Comprehensive Plan:


  • retention of natural physical features
  • retention of forest and woodland areas, both along roadways and within developed areas
  • protection of existing agricultural areas
  • protection or installation of landscaping and open space in all developments, and protection or enhancement of open space areas at strategic, highly visible locations throughout the County.


So what’s changed? This definition has held true for 30+ years. Seems ok to me.

Tracey Brown


[Rural] means country back roads with NO PAINTED LINES. Sitting on the back deck at night seeing stars, listening to mother nature at its best. Watching horses run through the pastures. Cows grazing! Chickens having a conversation with each other whilst picking the earth of insects and dry corn feed. Fresh smell of cut hay and grass filling our nostrils. THE GOOD LIFE! That’s the point of living and enjoying a rural area. Don’t destroy our quiet green space! It’s what we love. Don’t push out what’s left of our beautiful wildlife.

Bruce Holmes


[High density development] has be completely rethought in a post-COVID-19 world, where hospital bed-loading metrics take on more importance than water and sewage loading building codes. If we let developers define codes with their 20th Century thinking, we’ll get century-old medical security.

Tammy D. Little


Leave us some open spaces to enjoy. I hardly recognize the area anymore.

Barbara Ryba Levine


Rural is where I live now. Rural is the reason I live where I live now. Rural is what those of us who chose to live here were looking for. Rural is where we can share a space with wildlife and maybe wild people! But there’s room for everyone.

Linda Art


Rural is having chickens if you want them. Rural is quiet hours between 5pm and 9am. Rural means I do not have to wait 5 minutes for the traffic to clear before I can get out of my driveway or road.

Gary Parks


[Rural is] why we moved here – not wanting house on top of house, seeing your neighbors in their bathroom, or noise levels to the extent you can’t hear yourselves think. We moved here for the solitude of rural life. The comprehensive plan needs to stay as it is… This part of the County really doesn’t receive all the services like the lower county does – all we really receive is trash pick up, Police coverage and fire coverage, which are all necessary services. We have basically been on the low end for many years. Rural is part of that, and that’s the way we like it.

Stacy Owens-Zentner


Rural is not living on top of your neighbors, but knowing who they are. Having lots of green grass, no sidewalks. Horses and cows down the road. Seeing farm trucks and farm machinery going up and down the road.

Conserve York County Foundation

270 Barlow Road

Williamsburg, VA 23188

Conserve York County Foundation

The Conserve York County Foundation is proud to partner with the Historic Virginia Land Conservancy.

Conserve York County Foundation

is a 501-c-3

non-profit organization.

Donations are tax deductible

Tax ID #85-2122425