Huguenot Farms

Zoning Issues

Proposed Changes to Riverwatch Development on Cherokee Road

Mark Putney is proposing to change the density of the Riverwatch development on Snake Hill from 45 single-family homes to 15 estate homes. In exchange for the lower density development, primary vehicular access would be via Cherokee Road with emergency access via Stony Point.

The neighborhood associations are enthusiastic about the change because it would help preserve one of Richmond's most naturally beautiful parcels of land. But the neighborhood insists that Cherokee Road access is limited to these 15 homes.

The current Community Unit Plan (CUP) for 45 single-family detached homes includes primary vehicular access via Cherokee Road. This plan is governed by the Stony Point CUP. An additional agreement was entered into with adjacent land owners at the time the property was inducted into the CUP. This resulted in a deed restriction on the property prohibiting vehicular access via Cherokee Road.

At issue are the risks to the neighborhood that an amendment to the CUP would introduce, and the principle involved in amending the CUP. Mr. Putney's proposal to amend the CUP does not favor the new plan over the existing one, but rather would allow for the development of either plan. Attendees at the Team Meeting strongly opposed the two possible scenarios that could result from amending the CUP in this manner: (A) The development of a high-density plan (up to 45 homes) with access via Cherokee road and (B) The development of either a high-density or low-density plan with dual access to the property (Cherokee Road and Stony Point).

Although Mr. Putney stated that he had no intention of implementing either of these scenarios, the CUP would not provide adequate protection from the possibility.

Mr. Putney is working with the Development Review Committee of the Stony Point CUP to prepare a revised proposal that meets the needs of the neighborhood. However, Mr. Putney may still elect to proceed with the approved development of 45 homes.

Before the property was sold to Mr. Putney it was covered by simple R-2 zoning, which allowed for 30 to 35 home sties with no buffers and no controls as to size, type, quality or set-back from the road, and no requirements for maintenance. The originial R-2 zoning also permitte dhte flood plain to be sold off as a separate parcel. Although the flood plain's uses were restricted, they were less restricted than they are in the current CUP.

The assurances the neighborhood fought fo and wants to keep in place are provisions in the existing CUP:

- Restriction on access, use and subdivision of the flood plain (including strictly limited vehicular access)

- Buffers and set-backs on all sides of the project

- No second access beyond the restricted emergency access though the Stony Point (gates, locked, fire and emergency vehicles only)

- No construction vehicles on Cherokee Road during building, except where absolutely necessary for the site work

- Covenants that include architectural standards (including types and heights of fences), how gated access will be handled, and security for the flood plain; also requirements for a homeowners' association which must maintain common areas and enforce covenants.

Nick Valdrighi represents HFAA on the Committee that will be meeting with Mr. Putney. Revisions in the plan will be communicated to the neighborhood as soon as they are proposed. Should you have any questions please contact Nick Valdrighi.