By a 4-3 vote Tuesday, the Gloucester Board of Supervisors reclassified a 2.62-acre parcel in the River Club at Twin Island neighborhood in Hayes to allow for construction of townhomes instead of condominiums.
The parcel was originally zoned Planned Unit Development (PUD-1) 2004 by the original developers with the condition that 54 condominium units in three buildings would be constructed, but never came to pass.
The current owners say they believe today’s housing market makes townhomes a more financially viable option than condos. The rezoning would change the condition of the PUD-1 to reflect the construction of 39 townhomes as an alternative. The construction would be along the part of the development facing the York River, causing some current homeowners to lose their view of the water.
Supervisors held a public hearing in May on the request, with community members split on proposal. Several residents said they felt the proposed townhomes would better fit the community’s aesthetic. Others were concerned about the crowded design of the townhomes, referring to them as row homes.
The differences in opinions heard during the May public hearing carried over to Tuesday night’s citizen comment period in the colonial courthouse.
Attorney Jeanne Lauer, representing David and Ashley Alpert, said the Alperts had moved to River Club based on the view of the water it provided. She said the declaration between the developer and the homeowner provides that no one has the ability to build in violation of what was promised.
River Club residents Mike and Cathy Gray both voiced their support for the townhomes. Mike Gray said he and his wife purchased their home with the knowledge the developer would eventually build more homes in the area between the current homes and the York River. He also said that condominiums would decrease the property values of neighboring homes.
Gray also said the condominiums would be wider, taller and would bring more traffic to the neighborhood. He said the developers also made a number of concessions to the community, including reducing the number of townhomes built from 40 to 39 to accommodate one resident’s view.
Cathy Gray echoed her husband’s comments and said the townhomes would be a good fit in completing the neighborhood. She said she appreciated the time the developers have taken to meet with the homeowners in trying to communicate the proposed changes.
Sherri Miller also supported the reclassification to allow for townhomes. She believed the townhomes would be better fit for the community, whereas condominiums would be out of place. She said she spoke with several realtors who each said condominiums would reduce their property values.
Longtime River Club resident Carol Meredith said she and her husband were one of the first to buy a home at River Club and knew that other homes and condominiums would eventually be built. She said she was delighted when she learned of the proposed change and viewed it as mutually beneficial for both the developer and the homeowners.
Donna Adkins said she was against the proposed change and design of the townhomes. She said the new homes would not align with the neighborhood’s current proffers which already have guidelines for the specifications for townhomes.
Bruce Babbs echoed some of his neighbors’ comments, saying he understood that more homes would eventually be built. In the choice between the townhomes and condominiums, he believes townhomes are the better fit.
Douglas Miller was also in favor on the townhomes and said he had faith in the developers to construct quality homes.
Attorney Timothy Trant, representing the developers, stated that the townhomes would be the most beneficial option for both the developers and the community. He said the townhomes may not be in the developers’ best financial interest as opposed to the condominiums, but was better for the community.
Robin Campbell Wyatt said she would prefer townhomes over the condominiums, just not the ones proposed. She said the homes would be 20 feet wide and 16,000 square feet. She said the houses would be rowhomes which would not be fitting for the community nor attractive as waterfront property.
Angela Castro said the townhomes would be directly in front of and tower over her home. She said the townhomes would encroach on her privacy and doesn’t want the row style houses.
Before taking the vote, vice chair Christopher Hutson said that a factor in his decision to approve the change was that the condominiums would have a separate homeowners’ association, which he said could cause divide in the community and change its character. Also voting in the affirmative were Ken Gibson, Ashley Chriscoe and board chair Robert “JJ” Orth. Board members Kevin Smith, Phillip Bazzani and Mike Hedrick voting against the reclassification.