Uproar Over Real Estate Assessments, High-Density Housing Proposed in Sports Complex Development, and more

Historic Triangle News Roundup March 3 - 9

Mar 10, 2024

Good morning! I don’t know about you, but I’m wishing Virginia lawmakers had gone through with abolishing daylight savings time, so we didn’t have to spring forward. 🥱

Thanks to everyone who downloaded the new Triangle Tidbits podcast, featuring interviews with Raymond Copeland, who was wrongfully accused by the York-Poquoson Sheriff’s Office, as well as Dr. Rick Campana and Laurie Pillow of Dog Rescue Flights. To get access to these episodes, upgrade to a paid subscription or refer a friend to Round the Triangle.

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Now here’s this week’s top stories:

JCC’s latest assessment increases residential property values by >21%

Many James City County residents are upset after seeing significant increases in their home property values, some allegedly as high as 43%. The concern is that this could lead to a corresponding jump in property taxes for the coming year.
Despite rumors that this increase is to help pay for the controversial sports facility, the county says that the assessments are based on comparing area sales over the past two years with those of the previous assessment period.
York County residents saw a similar spike in property assessments earlier this year. The JCC Board of Supervisors will discuss how the latest assessment will impact the tax rate at its April 9 meeting. Residents can appeal increases here.

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Citizen Group Raises Alarm over Housing in Sports Facility Application

Citizens for Responsible Spotswood Development have spoken out against the inclusion of “limited multifamily” housing in rezoning applications from the Historic Triangle Recreational Facilities Authority for the regional sports facility.
The group is alleging that the HTRFA is trying to sneak in the high-density residential use without meaningful public review, side-stepping the typical evaluation that includes financial, environmental, and traffic impact studies.
A City of Williamsburg spokesperson said that residential spaces in the planned development area would enhance the entertainment and recreational uses of the regional sports complex. The item will be discussed at a March 20 meeting.

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From “Walkout for Palestine” rally at W&M. Source: Flat Hat News

Other Headlines

Dozens of W&M students participated in the second “Walkout for Palestine” demonstration of the semester, protesting the College’s alleged financial complicity in Israel’s siege and occupation of Gaza.
The 2024 General Assembly adjourned yesterday on schedule, and Gov. Youngkin now has a month to respond to the legislature’s budget and bills. One remaining issue has been the shaky deal to bring two major DC sports teams to Northern VA.
Local Williamsburg sensation “Bad Granny” was recruited by KFC to promote their new marinara-topped menu item “Chizza” in a national commercial. Her TikTok account, where she rose to fame, has over 1 million followers.