After nearly a year of public hearings, revisions, and spirited debate, the James City County Board of Supervisors has approved the rezoning for Westwood Park, a proposed mixed-use residential community on former Eastern State Hospital property immediately adjacent to New Town.

The approval marks the conclusion of one of the longest and most closely watched rezoning cases in recent James City County history. Officially known as Rezoning Application Z-23-0004, the project has evolved significantly since it was first introduced in 2021 as what many considered the “last section of New Town.”

📍 Proposed Westwood Park Site Plan

Caption: The approved Westwood Park development will be located west of New Town and accessed exclusively from Discovery Park Boulevard. The final plan includes 139 homes, commercial space, preserved open areas, and enhanced environmental protections.

A Rezoning Nearly a Year in the Making

This was anything but a routine rezoning request.

The public hearing was first opened in October 2025, but rather than voting, the Board of Supervisors continued the hearing to allow additional review. Over the next nine months, the application was deferred five separate times, giving the developer, ABVA, the opportunity to respond to concerns raised by county staff, neighboring residents, environmental organizations, and the Board itself.

The timeline included:

• October 14, 2025 – Public hearing opened and continued.
• February 10, 2026 – Deferred to April.
• April 2026 – Deferred to May.
• May 2026 – Deferred to June.
• June 2026 – Deferred to July.
• July 14, 2026 – Final public hearing and approval.

Those multiple revisions substantially changed the project before it ultimately received approval.

What Was Approved?

The approved master plan includes:

• 139 residential homes
  • Single-family homes
  • Townhomes
• Approximately 24,000 square feet of neighborhood commercial space
• Parks, sidewalks, walking trails, and community amenities
• Access exclusively from Discovery Park Boulevard

One of the more important commitments made by the developer is that Westwood Park will not simply become another phase of New Town.

Instead, it will have:

• Its own homeowners association
• Separate architectural design guidelines
• Independent amenities
• A unique neighborhood identity

A Smaller Development Than Originally Proposed

One of the biggest changes throughout the review process was a reduction in residential density.

Earlier concepts envisioned a considerably larger development. Through months of negotiations and revisions, the number of homes was reduced to 139, helping lessen the anticipated impacts on traffic, infrastructure, and the surrounding environment while still providing much-needed housing.

Environmental Protection Became the Central Focus

Stormwater management and protection of Powhatan Creek quickly became the most discussed issues surrounding the project.

In response, ABVA submitted a revised package of proffers in June 2026 that significantly strengthened environmental safeguards.

Powhatan Creek Protection Area

One of the most notable additions is a new passive conservation area adjacent to one of the most environmentally sensitive sections of Powhatan Creek near the end of Discovery Park Boulevard.

The conservation easement is intended to preserve the stream’s headwaters in their natural condition while limiting future disturbance.

Stronger Stormwater Standards

The revised proffers also require:

• No post-development stormwater runoff may be directed toward the Charlotte Park neighborhood.
• Stormwater facilities must be designed to accommodate the 100-year post-development storm event.
• The master stormwater management plan must identify stream restoration improvements within the Powhatan Creek watershed.

Additionally, ABVA reaffirmed its commitment to contribute $225,000 toward stream channel restoration, helping improve portions of Powhatan Creek beyond the development itself.

Expanded Buffer for Existing Neighborhoods

Residents of Charlotte Park and neighboring sections of New Town voiced concerns about how close new construction would be to their homes.

The revised application addressed those concerns by expanding the required setback.

Under the approved proffers:

No building may be constructed within 200 feet of Section 7 of New Town.

This doubles the previously proposed 100-foot buffer and provides significantly greater separation between existing and future homes.

Housing vs. Growth: The Debate Continues

The discussions surrounding Westwood Park reflected a broader challenge facing communities throughout Virginia.

Supporters argued James City County needs additional housing as home prices continue to climb and inventory remains limited. More homes can provide opportunities for teachers, healthcare workers, first responders, retirees, young families, and first-time buyers who want to remain in the Williamsburg area.

Opponents expressed concerns regarding:

• Traffic congestion
• School capacity
• Environmental impacts
• Preservation of open space
• Infrastructure demands
• Neighborhood character

Ultimately, the Board of Supervisors determined that the revised proposal—with its reduced density and enhanced environmental protections—represented an acceptable balance between responsible growth and environmental stewardship.

Reasonable people may disagree with that conclusion, but there is little doubt this was one of the most consequential land-use decisions James City County has made in recent years.

What Happens Next?

Rezoning approval is a major milestone, but it is only the beginning.

Before construction begins, the project must still proceed through:

• Detailed engineering
• Site plan approval
• Utility coordination
• Stormwater permitting
• Environmental review
• County inspections

Residents will continue to have opportunities to follow the project’s progress as those phases move forward.

Learn More About New Town

Because Westwood Park will be built immediately adjacent to New Town, many people are naturally wondering how the two communities will relate to one another.

If you’re interested in learning more about one of Williamsburg’s most popular mixed-use neighborhoods—including its homes, restaurants, shopping, amenities, and current homes for sale—visit my comprehensive New Town neighborhood guide:

👉 https://mrwilliamsburg.com/neighborhood/18331-2/

I also wrote about this property several years ago when the surplus Eastern State Hospital land was first proposed for redevelopment. Comparing that original concept with the final approved plan provides an interesting look at how much the project changed throughout the public review process.

👉 https://mrwilliamsburg.com/latest-on-proposed-eastern-state-hospital-surplus-land-developments/

About the Author

I’m John Womeldorf, better known as Mr. Williamsburg. For more than 20 years, I’ve helped buyers and sellers navigate the Williamsburg-area real estate market as a Realtor with Liz Moore & Associates.

Beyond helping clients buy and sell homes, I enjoy researching and writing about the neighborhoods, history, restaurants, businesses, development projects, and local issues that shape our community. My goal isn’t to tell readers what to think—it’s to provide factual, balanced information that helps people better understand the changes taking place around us.

Whether you’re considering a move, researching a neighborhood, or simply want to stay informed about what’s happening in Williamsburg and James City County, I hope these articles provide valuable insight and encourage thoughtful discussion.

If I can help with your real estate needs—or if you have an idea for a future article—I’d love to hear from you.

John Womeldorf (“Mr. Williamsburg”)
Liz Moore & Associates
757-254-8136
john@mrwilliamsburg.com
https://mrwilliamsburg.com

Every Home Has a Story.