More than two decades after its initial proposal, The Villages of Gloucester has broken ground earlier this fall.

The first phase, the only phase approved thus far, will include 28 single-family homes and 95 townhomes. A clubhouse, pool, playground and tennis courts are also planned for this phase.

The project, originally called The Barrens, first began in 2001 and was denied by the Gloucester Board of Supervisors in 2003. In 2007, the project received approval. The economic downturn in 2008 caused the project to stall for the next 11 years. The COVID-19 pandemic further paused the project.

The property, located on the west side of Route 17 next to Gloucester Veterinary Hospital and across the highway from Lowe’s, is 907.89 acres and is zoned Planned Unit Development (PUD-1). The contractor is C.A. Barrs.

Director of Development Ken Merner of Boyd Homes declined to comment at this time.
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