A Piece of Land, a Lot of History, and a Welcome Turn of Events in Williamsburg

For those of us who follow land-use issues in Williamsburg closely — or who simply live nearby — this one feels worth slowing down and appreciating.

This week, William & Mary and the City of Williamsburg formally announced a land swap that quietly resolves a long-discussed and, at times, controversial parcel near Strawberry Plains Road. And for many residents, the outcome likely comes as a relief.

Instead of townhomes, rezoning battles, and increased traffic, this land is heading in an entirely different direction — back into protected woods, research trails, and long-term preservation.

The Parcel Many Neighbors Remember

If this location sounds familiar, it should.

The city-owned land between Strawberry Plains Road, Iris Street, and the western edge of College Woods had previously been targeted by a builder for rezoning to allow townhome development. That proposal sparked understandable concern among nearby homeowners — concerns about density, traffic, environmental impact, and the loss of a wooded buffer that has existed for decades.

That’s why this announcement matters.

Rather than moving forward with rezoning or development, the city has agreed to exchange this 24-acre wooded parcel with William & Mary — effectively removing it from the development pipeline and placing it under permanent institutional stewardship.

For many neighbors, that’s welcome news.

What’s Actually Being Swapped

Here’s how the deal breaks down:

William & Mary receives: 24 acres of city-owned land west of College Woods, between Strawberry Plains Road and Iris Street — the very area previously discussed for possible townhome development. The City of Williamsburg receives: 34 acres of William & Mary–owned land behind Cedar Grove Cemetery, along South Henry Street.

To address differences in value, the city will also cover surveying costs associated with the exchange.

Why This Makes Sense for William & Mary

College Woods isn’t just a patch of trees.

It’s a living, breathing classroom with roots going all the way back to William & Mary’s 1693 charter. Portions of the land were sold off in the early 18th century, farmed by colonists, and later reshaped when a creek was dammed to create Lake Matoaka — now recognized as the oldest man-made lake in Virginia.

In the 1920s, William & Mary re-acquired much of the land, and during the Great Depression, the Civilian Conservation Corps built many of the trails still used today.

Fast forward to the present:

Some trees in College Woods are more than 160 years old Three streams drain into Lake Matoaka The woods support biology, geology, and environmental sustainability programs Students, faculty, runners, hikers, and researchers rely on it year-round

This land swap marks the first expansion of College Woods in nearly 30 years, and it helps protect the especially sensitive South College Woods area for future generations.

In other words, the woods grow — and stay woods.

Why the City Needs This Too

Cedar Grove Cemetery, established in 1859, is one of Williamsburg’s most historically significant spaces. It’s the final resting place of U.S. Civil War soldiers and generations of local residents.

But here’s the reality:

The cemetery’s 16.3 acres are nearing capacity.

Expanding Cedar Grove has been part of the city’s long-term planning goals since 2015, and this land swap provides the space needed to extend the cemetery’s service life by more than 90 years.

Mayor Doug Pons described the agreement as a collaboration that advances the needs of both institutions — and it’s hard to argue with that assessment.

A Familiar Theme in Williamsburg: Land Coming Full Circle

Was this exact Strawberry Plains parcel once owned by William & Mary? The records get fuzzy the farther back you go. But what is clear is that much of this area historically flowed in and out of university ownership over centuries.

So even if this specific tract wasn’t always theirs, the outcome feels consistent with Williamsburg’s long arc — land shifting hands, priorities changing, and, occasionally, preservation winning out over development.

For nearby homeowners, it means:

No rezoning No townhomes No added traffic A permanent green buffer behind their neighborhoods

For the broader community, it means thoughtful planning, environmental stewardship, and long-term solutions rather than short-term fixes.

Where Things Stand Now

Approved by the William & Mary Board of Visitors Approved by Williamsburg City Council Still requires final approval by the Governor of Virginia

Barring any surprises, this agreement appears well on its way to completion.

Final Thought

Not every land-use decision makes everyone happy — but this one checks a lot of boxes.

It protects green space, supports education and research, solves a real municipal need, and avoids development conflict in an established neighborhood. In a town as historic and carefully balanced as Williamsburg, that’s no small thing.

Sometimes, the best growth decision is knowing where not to build.

About Me — John Womeldorf, A.K.A. Mr. Williamsburg

I’ve been helping people buy, sell, and understand real estate in Williamsburg and across the greater Tidewater region for more than 20 years — but I’ve always believed my role goes beyond transactions.

Known locally as Mr. Williamsburg, I act as a community ambassador first and a Realtor second. Whether I’m breaking down market trends, explaining zoning and land-use decisions, or telling the stories behind the neighborhoods we call home, my goal is to help people truly understand the place they’re living in (or thinking about moving to).

I’m a licensed Realtor with Liz Moore & Associates, with offices throughout Williamsburg, Newport News, Virginia Beach, Kilmarnock, and Richmond. Over the years, I’ve sold homes from the North Carolina border to west of Richmond — and everywhere in between — working with everyone from first-time buyers and military families to retirees, investors, and long-time locals.

If you’re curious how changes like this land swap may impact property values, neighborhood character, or future development, or if you’re simply looking for straight-talk advice about buying or selling in Williamsburg, I’m always happy to help.

You can call or text me anytime at 757-254-8136, email me at John@MrWilliamsburg.com, or explore more local insight at mrwilliamsburg.com.

Thanks for reading — and thanks for caring about what makes Williamsburg special.