Williamsburg City Council Considers Major Downtown Zoning Changes
At the Williamsburg City Council meeting on January 9, 2025, senior staff presented significant updates regarding the future of downtown Williamsburg. The proposed changes aim to reshape the area with high-density, mixed-use developments and increased pedestrian connectivity, setting the stage for a more vibrant downtown core.
Economic Development Director Yuri Matsumoto outlined recommendations to allow mixed-use developments on five key city streets: Scotland, Prince George, North Boundary, North Henry, and Francis Streets. These zoning changes would permit new housing types, including townhomes, stacked townhomes, elevator flats, and apartments. Mixed-use buildings with ground-floor commercial spaces and upper-floor residential or office units would also be encouraged.
While these proposals represent a substantial shift in Williamsburg’s downtown zoning policies, no council members raised concerns or asked questions during the presentation.
A Bold Vision for Downtown Williamsburg
Under the proposed changes, the city would more than double the allowable density for new developments. Currently, zoning limits residential units to 14 per acre unless a special use permit is obtained. The updated plan would enable street-frontage developments, potentially increasing the number of buildings from 28 to 64 along the targeted streets.
The revisions also include a dramatic reimagining of some downtown landmarks. Matsumoto highlighted several potential projects, including:
• Transforming Scotland Street into a “Restaurant Row” filled with cafes and eateries.
• Creating a premier entertainment district around the Triangle Building.
• Redeveloping the city-owned Blayton Building into a mixed-use space, possibly including an urban grocer.
• Adding a park to connect the Williamsburg Library plaza with the Williamsburg Community Building green space.
Additionally, plans call for significant infrastructure improvements, such as removing private driveways for multifamily dwellings, increasing building height limits, and connecting bike and pedestrian pathways as part of the broader Trail 757 initiative.
Expanding Downtown’s Footprint
Councilmember Barbara Ramsey expressed enthusiasm for the proposed changes, suggesting that downtown Williamsburg could be extended beyond the initial five streets. Ramsey envisioned a larger footprint stretching past Colonial Williamsburg’s new archaeology center to Newport Avenue. “Creating a much broader footprint for downtown,” she said, would enhance vibrancy and economic potential.
Mayor Doug Pons reflected on his childhood downtown and emphasized the importance of adding housing to revitalize the area. “We can’t be afraid of more housing and density downtown,” Pons said. However, neither Pons nor Matsumoto addressed concerns about housing affordability.
Challenges of Affordability
While the proposed zoning changes aim to bring new life to downtown Williamsburg, the issue of affordability remains unresolved. A recently completed apartment complex near downtown set aside less than 15% of its units as affordable housing. According to regional housing affordability calculators, typical families in the area could only afford a one-bedroom unit at that complex, highlighting the financial barriers many residents face.
The Council did not provide details on how new development would address affordability or ensure access for a broad range of residents.
Progress on the Downtown Vibrancy Study
The recommendations stem from the Downtown Vibrancy Study, first commissioned in 2018 to create a long-term framework for economic development and urban planning. According to City Manager Andrew Trivette, the study has evolved to reflect current needs and circumstances.
“This is one of those plans we talked about … that’s got some age on it now,” Trivette said. “You can tell that from the recommendations, a lot of circumstances have changed in the environment.”
Accomplishments since the study’s inception include the addition of flower planters, new street furniture, and tree installations along Duke of Gloucester and Prince George Streets. The city has also created policies supporting food trucks downtown and outdoor dining incentives.
Key Recommendations
City staff proposed several ambitious updates for the Council to consider in its comprehensive plan:
• Zoning Updates: Increase density and allow for diverse housing types, including townhomes, flats, and mixed-use buildings.
• Architectural Flexibility: Amend guidelines to blend colonial and modern styles.
• Pedestrian Infrastructure: Connect bike and pedestrian pathways to integrate with broader regional initiatives.
• Strategic Redevelopment: Establish entertainment districts, urban grocery spaces, and strategically located parks.
• Parking Reform: Restrict parking to rear yards and eliminate service stations as permitted uses downtown.
Some recommendations were dismissed, such as introducing “gateway features” to define downtown boundaries or converting parking lots into pedestrian plazas, due to concerns about public reception and practicality.
A New Chapter for Williamsburg
As Williamsburg considers these bold changes, the proposals reflect a city striving to balance its historic charm with modern needs. While the Council seems eager to embrace high-density development and a more expansive downtown, questions remain about affordability and the impact on Williamsburg’s unique character.
As these plans unfold, they will shape the heart of Williamsburg for decades to come, offering new opportunities for residents, businesses, and visitors alike. The challenge will be ensuring that these changes serve the entire community, preserving the past while building a vibrant future.