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Spotsylvania developer holds public meetings on proposed subdivision

By BETTY HAYDEN SNIDER

Date published: 9/8/2003

By HAYDEN SNIDER

A Spotsylvania County developer who hopes to build a subdivision next to Massaponax High School is holding public work sessions tonight and tomorrow.

Potter Homes had submitted plans to rezone about 135 acres for up to 518 homes and another 24 acres for up to 330,000 square feet of commercial uses. That plan was scheduled for a public hearing before the county Planning Commission in August, but the developer asked that the hearing be delayed.

Rick Potter, owner of Potter Homes, said he wanted to revise his plans for Vauxhall Woods and solicit public comment before going before the commission.

He has since made some changes to the project. He now wants to build 510 age-restricted homes, which would not have the impact on county schools that a traditional subdivision does.

But Potter still faces a sizable hurdle. His project conflicts with the county's vision for U.S. 1 as the Jackson Gateway Development District. The economic-development zone between Massaponax and Thornburg would have office buildings, retail stores and high-tech industries.

Other changes in Potter's plan include the addition of a 103-acre park, which would include a nine-hole golf course that would be open to the public. About five acres would be set aside to protect and preserve the historic Vauxhall homesite and the Colson cemetery.

Potter's work sessions on the revised proposal will be held in the upstairs meeting room at the Liberty Lanes bowling alley in the Southpoint shopping center at Massaponax. Tonight's meeting, which starts at 7, is by invitation only.

In a news release, Potter said it is inviting "the most active and concerned citizens in the county."

Tomorrow's meeting also starts at 7 p.m. and is open to everyone.

For more information, call Potter Homes at 891-1234.

To reach BETTY HAYDEN SNIDER: 540/374-5427 bsnider@freelancestar.com

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Date published: 9/8/2003