The Mathews County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday voted 4-0, with Supervisor Neena Putt abstaining, to establish the boundaries of the Village Mixed Use district as recommended last week by the planning commission.

During discussion, Planning and Zoning Director John Shaw said that the delineation of the district doesn’t give developers "a blank check," but that they would have to still meet requirements when it comes to wetlands, stormwater management, transportation, density, lot coverage and other issues.

"We’re just trying to accommodate people and allow flexibility," he said.

In moving to approve the delineation, supervisor Janine Burns said she sees the action as a way to give property owners the opportunity to use their property for mixed use without a public hearing.

"I see it as simply eliminating one more piece of red tape," she said.

The boundaries run along both sides of Main Street, ending near Kingston Episcopal Parish House on the southwest end;...