[From the U.S. Government Printing Office, www.gpo.gov]







































































A




















              HD
              211
              N8
              D7
              1990                           US Department of Commerce
                                             NOAA Coastal Services Center Libr*k., @Wp-@
                                                                                     AOUMb-






















                                      MON-
              HD
              2'I
              .V8
       - GD7
              1990


                                             2234 South Hobson Avenue
                                             Charl,eatcuo BC 29405-2413































                                          DRAFT
                              L
                               COMPREHENSIVE LAND USE PLAN@
                               W

                                  NEW KENT COUNTY,











                 The Preparation of this document was financed in part
               through funds provided by the Coastal Zone Management Act
                of 1972, as amended, administered by the Office of Ocean
                  and Coastal Resources Management, National Oceanic
                             and Atmospheric Administration
                                    NA 88AA-D-CZ091













                                      Prepared By
                  Richmond Regional Planning District Commission Staff

                                     February 1990










                                      TABLE OF CONTENTS



                                                                              Page

             INTRODUCTION  ................................................    I


             COMMUNITY PROFILE  ...........................................    3


                  Location  ...............................................    3
                  Historical Background .............. : ...................   3
                  Population and Housing Characteristics   .................   4
                  Economic and Employment Characteristics    ................ 12
                  Existing Land Use  ......................................   16
                  Transportation  .........................................   21
                  Community Facilities/Utilities   .........................  25
                  Historical and Archaeological Resources    ................ 28

             NATURAL RESOURCES INVENTORY  .................................   32


                  Topography  .............................................   32
                  Slope  ..................................................   33
                  Hydrology  ..............................................   33
                  Wetlands  ...............................................   37
                  Flood Plains  ...........................................   38
                  Soils  ..................................................   18
                  Forests  ................................................   40
                  Prime Farmland  .........................................   41
                  Rare and Endangered Species   ............................  41

             DEVELOPMENT ASSESSMENT  ......................................   44


             GOALS AND OBJECTIVES  ........................................   53


             FUTURE LAND USE PLAN  ........................................   58

                  Introduction and Basic Assumptions   .....................  58
                  Land Use Requirements  ..................................   59
                  Development Strategies  .................................   61
                  Future Land Use Map  ....................................   64
                  Future Land Use Categories   .............................  68
                  Land Use and Development Policies   ....................... 73

             IMPLEMENTATION                                                   77


                  Land Development Regulations   ...........................  77
                  Additional Planning Needs  ..............................   81
                  Capital Improvement Program   ............................  82
                  Conclusion  .............................................   82


             APPENDIX  ....................................................   84











                                      LIST OF MAPS


             -Map

               1  Location Map

               2  Existing La nd Use

               3  Transportation Network

               4  Community Facilities/Utilities

               5  Historic and Archaeological Sites

               6  Steep Slopes

               7  Flood Plains and Surface Water Drainage

               8  Wetlands

               9  soil Suitability for  On-Site Sewage Treatment

             10   Soil Productivity for Timber Production

             11   Prime Agricultural Areas

             12   Rare and Endangered Species

             13   Growth Management Map

             14   Future Land Use










                                       L
                                        IST OF  TABLES


            _Table                                                Page
              1  Population  Change in  New-Kent County and
                 Planning District  15  Region: 1940-1980,
                 1985  .........................................    5
              2  Population Projections for New.Kent County
                 and Planning District 15: 1990, 2000,
                 and 2010  .....................................    6

              3  Historic and Projected Average Household
                 Size in New Kent County, Planning District
                 15, and the State: 1970-2010    .................  7
              4  Historic and Projected Housing Stock in
                 New Kent County: 1970-2010    ...................  8
              5  Housing Types in New Kent County and
                 Planning District 15 Region: 1970 and 1980...      9
              6  Year Housing Structure Was Built in New
                 Kent County and Planning District 15 Region:
                 1939-1978  ....................................    10
              7  Building Permit Data -- Type of Dwelling in
                 New Kent County: 1979-1988    ...................  11
              8  Median Household Income Projections in New
                 Kent County, Planning District 15, and the
                 State: 1979, 1987-1990   .......................   12

              9  Type of Establishment and Number of
                 Employees Per Establishment in New Kent
                 County: Quarter Ending, March 31, 1988     ....... 14
              10 Nonagricultural Employment Projections
                 for New Kent County: 1980-2010    ...............  15

              11 Reported and Historical Rate and
                 Endangered Species, New Kent County     .......... 43

              12 Existing and Projected Land Use
                 Requirements, New Kent County, 1989
                 and 2010  .....................................    60














                                          INTRODUCTION


                            County stands on the edge of  an exciting future. The
                  New Kent
            twenty-first   century is ten short years     away.   There is talk of
            major development in and around the County.            In order to be
            prepared to take advantage of what the future has to of f er, the
            County must begin to plan-for that future      now.

                  The County is  blessed with several advantages. Interstate 64
            provides easy access to nearby population centers, yet residents
            can enjoy the relaxed life style of the country. Land is available
            for building homes. The air is clear.

                  There are issues that need to be addressed, however.
            Employment and shopping opportunities are limited.               Housing
            opportunities consist primarily of single family homes on large
            lots. Perhaps the greatest issue is how to continue a pattern of
            steady growth without being overwhelmed by this growth.

                  In order to address these and other issues, New Kent County,
            in cooperation with the Richmond Regional Planning District
            Commission, has prepared this Comprehensive Land Use Plan.

            PURPOSE OF THE LAND USE PLAN

                  The purpose of this Comprehensive Land Use Plan is to serve
            as a framework for guiding future development. The Plan contains
            a series of goals, objectives, and strategies describing how and
            where the County wants to grow. Once adopted by the County, the
            Plan will be a guide that will allow public and private land owners
            to coordinate future development decisions within a shared concept
            of what the County   can be.

                  The future is never certain, however. As conditions change,
            the Plan will need to be reviewed and updated. State law requires
            that this updating   take place at least every five years.

            SCOPE OF THE PLAN

                  Three terms    can be   used  to describe the scope of this
            comprehensive     Land   Use   Plan:       general,    long-range     and
            comprehensive.    The Plan   is general in that it contains goals,
            objectives- and strategies that can be used to guide future
            development decisions.      The Plan does not indicate when or how
            specific parcels of land should develop.             Such details are
            addressed in specific ordinances and policy documents such as the
            zoning and subdivision controls, capital improvement plans and so
            forth.






                The Plan is long-range in that it . deals with anticipated
           development over the next 20 years.     Looking that f ar, into the
           future is, dif f icult, especially in a rapidly developing area. A
           long-rahge -view is- necessary, however if the County is to attempt
           to guide, development and maintain s@;e level of control over its
           destiny.
                Finally, the Plan  is comprehensive in that it encompasses the
           entire geographic area of the County and all types of land uses.
           The Plan -examines the natural and man-made environment.
           Recommendations cover residential, commercial, industrial and
           publicly owned land.

           HOW THE..PLAN IS ORGANIZED
                The Comprehensive Land Use Plan is organized into three major
           sections. Section I, the Community Profile, includes an inventory
           and analysis of factors that have influenced past land use trends
           and will influence development in the future.            These are
           population and economic base, natural resources, land uses,
           community services and facilities, historical and archeological
           resources, and transportation.     This section also contains an
           examination of regional and local development trends and assessment
           of the County's assets and liabilities.
                Section II is the part of the Plan that looks ahead to the
           future. This section sets forth future development goals and
           objectives. A series of strategies and policies that can assist
           in reaching these development objectives is included.      A future
           land use map is presented as a means to visualize how the County
           could develop if these objectives and strategies are followed.
                Section III outlines a series of tools and actions the County
           can use to implement the Plan. The Plan is of little use unless
           the County's development objectives are translated into land use
           regulations and procedures.    Also discussed in this section are
           other planning efforts necessary to meet the future needs of the
           County.'
















                                             2












                                     COMMUNITY PROFILE



            LOCATION

                 New Kent County is located in the Virginia Coastal Plain
            between Richmond and Hampton Roads. County boundaries come within
            15 miles of downtown Richmond and 45 miles of Newport News -
            Hampton.

                 The County contains a land area of 212 square miles and is
            bounded by the Pamunkey and York Rivers to the north and the
            Chickahominy River to the South.     Surrounding the area are the
            Counties of Hanover, King William, King and Queen, James City,
            Charles City and Henrico. (Refer to Map 1).


            HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

                 A summary  of the historical development of New    Kent County
            provides information about where development in the     County first
            occurred and why the County developed a particular way. Planners
            use this information to understand current development patterns and
            areas of population concentration.

                 Exploration of New Kent County began with Captain John Smith Is
            visit to the Indian village of Cinquoteck (the.site of present West
            Point) in 1607. For the next several years, fighting between the
            English and the Indian natives occurred throughout the Pamunkey
            River area. After the Indian War of 1644, the Indians were driven
            cut of the village and English settlement of New Kent County began.

                 New Kent County, named for Kent County in England, was
            established from York and James City Counties in 1654. When the
            County was first formed, its territory encompassed what are now the
            counties of King and Queen, King William,caroline, Hanover, and
            portions of Spotsylvania and James City.

                 New Kent County was a prosperous community in colonial times.
            Ferries traveling the Pamunkey and York Rivers were important
            transportation links which helped encourage economic growth in the
            area. Population started to concentrate in what is now known as
            Eltham when a few plantations were established and West Point
            developed as a port.

                 The first town, called Brick House, was established in the
            vicinity of Eltham in 1680.     Brick House, along with a tobacco
            warehouse, developed as the commercial center for the County. The
            Brick House also housed the County courts and other governmental
            offices.  Unfortunately, the County records burned when Bacon's
            Rebellion ended at the Brick House in 1687.      In 1748, the only

                                             3








            other colonial town in the County, Cumberland, lost by three votes
            to Williamsburg to become the capital of the Virginia colony. After
            the Revolutionary War the settlers in Cumberland and the Brick
            House moved out.

                 The 1800s were a dormant period for New Kent County. The great
            plantation society did not develop as a significant part of the
            County's history because of the steep slopes of the land. Three
            engagements of the Civil War took place in the County in the month
            of May, 1862.    After the Civil War, another out-migration of
            population occurred.
                 In the late 1800's, people started gradually moving into the
            county again.      Polish immigrants settled in the area of
            Barhamsville. The placement of railroad tracks helped establish
            Providence Forge as the commercial and industrial center of the
            County.

                 Transportation has continued to assist the development of New
            Kent County. When Route 60 was constructed, many people moved into
            the County. The placement of Interstate 64 in the County has also
            influenced population growth.


            POPULATION AND HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS
                 The analysis of population and housing characteristics in New
            Kent County provides essential information to the planning process.
            By examining historical trends and future projections, decision
            makers in the County can better comprehend how the community is
            growing and changing. This insight can be used to help determine
            the needs of the community and plan for the timing and location of
            future development.
                 Demographic information was primarily drawn from the United
            States Bureau of Census and the Richmond Regional Planning District
            Commission. Where appropriate, County data is compared to regional
            and State figures to examine the relationship of the County in
            regard to regional and State growth and development.

            Population Change
                 From 1940-1960, the population of New Kent County virtually
            stayed the same., increasing from 4,092 persons in 1940 to 4,504
            persons in 1960. (Refer to Table 1.) From 1960-1970, the County
            population increased by 17.6 percent, while the region experienced
            a population increase of 34 percent during the same time period.

                 Substantial growth in the County's population started to occur
            after 1970. The population doubled in number from 5,300 persons
            in 1970 to 10,690 persons in 1985. Much of this population growth
            occurred in the decade of 1970-1980 when the County experienced a

                                             4







            65.6 percent increase.     From 1980-1985, the population grew by
            another 21.7 percent. Population growth in the region increased
            at a slower rate than the County during the 1970s and 1980s.

                 The United States Census breaks down population statistics by
            magisterial district.      New Kent County is composed of four
            magisterial districts: Black Creek district, St. Peters District,
            Cumberland District, and Weir Creek district. The Black Creek and
            St. Peters districts make up the western portion of the County, the
            Cumberland district makes up the mid section of the County, and the
            Weir Creek district makes up the eastern portion of the County.

                 In 1970, the County population was almost equally distributed
            between all four districts.       Yet, by 1980,   population f igures
            indicated significant increases in the number of people choosing
            to live in the western portion of the County. Population in the
            Black Creek and St. Peters districts increased     by 106 percent and
            81 percent respectively, while population in      the Cumberland and
            Weir Creek districts only increased by approximately 40 percent.


            TABLE I

                       Population Change in New Kent County and Planning
                       District 15 Region: 1940-1980, 1985


                 Year                  New Kent County     Planning District 15


                 1940                         4,092                  ---
                 1950                         3,995                328,050
                 1960                         4,504                408,494
                 % change 1940-1960             10.0                 ---


                 1970                         5,300                547,542
                 % change 1960-1970           17.6                     34.0

                 1980                         8,781                632,015
                    change 1970-1980            65..6                  15.4

                 1985                         10,690               686,430
                 % change 1980-1985             21.7                    8.6


                 Note: No information was given     for  categories displaying


                 Source:    U.S. Census; Regional   Data  Report Update (19 31,
                            Richmond Regional Planning    District Commission,
                            Unpublished.


                                                   5








            Population Characteristics

                  198 0 figures indicated the median age for New. Kent County
            -residents was 30.0 years old. This statistic was very comparable
            to regional and state data; the region showing a median age of 30.3
            years and the state, 29.8 years of age.
                  During the past twenty years, the racial composition of the
            population has changed dramatically.         From 1970 to 1980 the
            percentage of whites in the County increased from 55 percent to 73
            percent. The racial composition of New Kent's 'population in 1980
            was very similar to the region.

                  The educational level of County residents has improved since
            1970. The percentage of high school graduates increased from 28.9
            percent in 1970 to 54.9 percent in 1980. The percentage of persons
            who completed college also increased from 10 percent to 22 percent
            from 1970 to 1980. However, data indicated a higher percentage of
            persons completing high school and college in the region than the
            County.

            Population Projections
                  Projections by the Richmond Regional Planning District
            Commission indicate continued population growth in New Kent County.
            The pro3ecticns show the County's population growing approximately
            twice the rate as the region in the period of 1990 -2010. (Refer
            to Table 2.) By 1990, 12,600 persons are expected to live in New
            Kent County. The population will increase by an additional 26.9
            percent by the year 2000 and another 20.3 percent by 2010 to total
            19,250 persons.


            TABLE 2

                       Population Projections for New Kent County and Planning
                       District 15 Region: 1990, 2000, and 2010


              Year                        New Kent County Planning District 15


              1990                                  12,600                740,850
              2000                                  16,000                833,900
                  of change 1990-2000                 26.9                   12.5


              2010                                  19,250                930,800
                  of change 2000-2010                 20.3                   11.6


              Source: Regional Data Report Update (1988), Richmond Regional
                       Planning District Commission, Unpublished.


                                                   6









    ----------








            Historic and Projected Average Household size

                 Household size is decreasing in New Kent County.         In 1970,
            data indicated the household size to be 3.51 persons per household.
            Household size decreased to 2.95 persons per household in 1980.
            Projections continue to show a decline in household size for the
            County.   (Refer to Table 3.)    Although data projections indicate
            household size for the County in the future, household size in New
            Kent will still exceed the region and the State.



            TABLE 3

                       Historic and Projected Average Household Size in New Kent
                       County, Planning District 15 Region, and the State: 1970-
                       2010



             Jurisdiction                              Year

                                       1970       1980       1990       2000       2010


             New Kent County           3.51       2.95       2.72       2.57       2.47
             Planning  District 15     3.11       2.70       2.56       2.43       2.33
             State                     3.20       2.77       2.63       2.49       2.39



             Source:   Reaional Data Report Update (1988), Richmond Regional
                       Planning- District Commission, Unpublished.



            Number of Housing Units and Housing Unit Projections
                 In 1970, there was a total of 1622 housing units in the
            County. The number of housing units increased to 3171 in 1980, an
            increase of 95 percent. (Refer to Table 4.)

                 Future housing needs can be developed using projected
            population, household size, and vacancy rate numbers.         Based on
            projections by the Richmond Regional Planning District Commission,
            the County will need an additional 3,869 housing units by 2010, an
            average annual increase of 129 units per year between 1980-2010.








                                               7











            TABLE 4

                  Historic and Projected Housing Stock in New Kent County: 1970-
                  2010



             Jurisdiction                             Year


                                 1970       1980      1990       2000      2010



             New Kent County     1,622      3,171     4,810      6,460     7,040


             Source: Regional   Data Report Update (1988) -, Richmond Regional
                       Planning District Commission, Updated.



            Type of Housing Unit

                  Census data indicated  that the majority of housing units in
            New Kent County are single   family dwellings. In 1970, 99 percent
            of the housing units were    single family, while 1 percent of the
            units were duplex or multi-family dwellings. (Refer to Table 5.)
            Thirteen percent of these single family dwellings were mobile
            homes.   In 1980, housing types were similarly distributed:        the
            percentage of single family dwellings declined to 95 percent, with
            mobile homes decreasing from 13 to 10 percent, and the percentage
            of duplex and multi-family units increased to 5 percent.

                  In 1980, statistics indicated that single family residential
            development had developed more intensively in the County than the
            region.    Single family dwellings composed 85 percent of the
            County's housing stock versus 71 percent of the region's housing
            stock. The County also had a greater percentage of mobile homes.
            On the other hand, a substantial amount (27%) of housing in the
            region was developed as duplexes and multi-family units compared
            to only 5 percent of the County's housing stock.














                                              8











            TABLE 5

                       Housing Types in New Kent County and Planning District
                       15 Region: 1970 and 1980


                                            New Kent County                  PDC 15
         Type of Dwell ing                        Year                         Year
                                  1970    Percent      1980    Percent 1980 Percent


       Total                       1,622     100        3,176      100          100

            Single Family          1,396      86        2,696       85           71
            Duplex and
              Multi-family            18        1         150        5           27
            Mobile Home              208       13         330       10            2



        Source: U.S. Census




            Housing Characteristics

                 Home ownership is more prevalent in New Kent County than the
            region. In 1980, approximately 78 percent of the housing stock in
            the County was owner occupied, while only 60 percent of the housing
            stock in the region was owner occupied. However, the median value
            of housing in the County, $43,200, was lower than the value of
            housing in the region ($47,200) and the State ($48,000). Renters
            in the County were paying $155 per month for housing in 1980, while
            the average rent in the region and State was slightly over $200.
            In 1980, vacant housing units accounted for 8 percent of the
            housing stock in the County.

            Age of Structure

                 Most of the housing in New Kent County has been constructed
            in the past thirty years.       The 1980 Census indicates that 27
            percent of the housing stock in the County was built in the 1960s.
            (Refer to Table 6.)     Even more housing units (44 percent of the
            total) were constructed from 1970 to 1979. Regional data indicates
            that residential development occurred earlier in the region and
            only increased slightly during the 1970s.







                                                9












            TABLE 6

                       Year Housing Structure Was Built in New Kent County and
                       Planning District 15 Region: 1939-1978


                  Year                 New Kent County           PDC 15

                                       Number    Percent    Number Percent



             Total                     2,937       100       230,257    100

                  1939 or earlier        340       11         43,018    19
                  1940-1949              224         8        27,010    12
                  1950-1959              305       10         42,486    18
                  1960-1969              784       27         54,821    24
                  1970-1978            1,284       44         62,922    27



             Source: U.S.   Census




            Housing Conditions
                  Figures on housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
            and number of persons per room are two indicators used to evaluate
            housing conditions. Statistics indicated a substantial increase
            in the percentage of housing units having complete plumbing
            facilities,-70 percent in 1970 to 92 percent in 1980.
                  Housing with more than 1.00 person per room signifies
            overcrowding, while over 1.51 persons per room indicates severe
            overcrowding. Housing in the County has become less overcrowded
            during the past twenty years.        Persons having their own room
            increased from 86 percent in 1970 to 96 percent in 1980.

                  Housing conditions in the County compared quite favorably to
            the region. In 1980, 94 percent of the housing units in the region
            had complete plumbing facilities and 97 percent of these units had
            less than one person per room.

            Building Permit Data

                  Residential development has continued to increase in New Kent
            County during the 1980s. A review of the building permit data from
            1980-1988 indicates that a total 1,374 permits have been issued.
            (Refer to Table 7.) Building permits increased significantly after
            1985, averaging 200 per year. Ninety percent of these permits were
            for single family dwellings and the remaining 10 percent were for
            mobile homes.


                                              10








                 Projections indicated that 96 housing units per year would be
            necessary to meet future housing demand in New Kent County. Since
            1984, the number of building permits that have been issued in the
            County has far exceeded the projected housing demand.

            TABLE 7

                       Building Permit Data -- Type of Dwelling in New Kent
                       County: 1979-1988


                                       Type of Dwelling
             Year                                                            TOTAL
                            Single                   multi     Mobile
                            Family       Duplex      Family     Home

             1979             107           0          0           9           116
             1980              80           0          0          18             98
             1981              67           0          0           7             74,
             1982              62           0          0           8             70
             1983             103           0          0          23           126
             1984             120           0          0          32           152
             1985             120           0          0          15           135
             1986             189           0          0          24           213
             1987             209           0          0           0           209
             1988             181           0          0           0           181


             TOTAL           1,238          0          0          136         1,374
                Percent
               of Total        90           0          0          10           100

             Source: Regional Data Report,    Richmond Regional   Planning
                       District Commission.




            Summary

                 Population and housing data reveals that the process of
            suburbanization has begun in the western portion of New Kent
            County.   Since the 1970s the County has experienced substantial
            population growth and residential development.             Projections
            anticipate these growth trends to continue in the future.        As a
            consequence, the future land use plan becomes a critical guide to
            County officials and decision makers..










            ECONOMIC AND EMPLOYMENT CHARACTERISTICS

                  The following section will discuss the incomes, jobs, work
            places, and employment opportunities of current and future
            residents of New Kent County. By analyzing the local economy of
            the County, one can begin to understand existing development
            activities and the development potential of the community.

                  A majority of the information      has been gathered from the
            United States Census and the Virginia Employment Commission. other
            data sources include the Richmond Regional Planning District
            Commission and the University of Virginia Center for Public
            Service. In some instances, regional figures are also provided to
            draw comparisons between the local and regional economies.

            Household Income Projections

                  The median household income in 1979 for New Kent County was
            $18,629 in 1979, slightly higher than the region ($18,486) and
            higher than the State ($17,475).     (Refer to Table 8 *) Projections
            provided by the Center for Public Service show County residents
            continuing to earn higher incomes than either the region or State.
            From 1979 to 1990, the median household income for County residents
            is projected to increase by 67 percent, totaling $31,041.

            TABLE 8

                       Median Household Income Projections in New Kent County,
                       Planning District 15, and the State: 1979, 1987-1990


                                                     Year
             Jurisdiction
                                  1979        1987       1988       1989        1990


             New Kent County      $18,629     $26,292   $27,755     $29,359   $31,041
             PDC 15               $18,486     $24,360   $25,719     $27,214   $2&,769
             State                $17,475     $22,759   $24,036     $25,427   $26,874


             Source: U.S. Census; University of Virginia, Center for        Public
                       Service, "Projections of Virginia Family and Household
                       Income by Locality, 1979, 1987-1990.11



            Poverty Status
                  Statistics show that only 9 percent of the County population
            in 1979 was living below poverty level.         Thirty percent of the
            people living in poverty had related children under 18 years old,
            while 23 percent were 60 years of age or over.

                                               12









            Labor Force Characteristics

                 Sixty-four percent of New Kent County residents were employed
            in 1980.   Males were more active in the labor force than women.
            Approximately 75 percent of the males in the County held jobs in
            1980, while slightly over one half of the women (53.2%) in the
            County were employed.     The County's unemployment rate was 3.3
            percent in 1980. Labor force characteristics in the region were
            very similar to County statistics.

                 A majority of local residents were employed outside New Kent
            County in 1980.    Roughly 80 percent of the population traveled
            outside the County to work, driving an average of 31.1 minutes to
            the job.    Approximately 48 percent of the New Kent working
            population commuted to Richmond, while 15 percent of the residents
            worked in Henrico County. The remaining 37 percent were scattered
            throughout the surrounding region.

                 Statistics on commuting patterns were quite comparable to
            other rural jurisdictions in the region in 1980. Over 70 percent
            of the residents in Charles City County and Powhattan County worked
            outside their residences and had travel times of over thirty
            minutes to work.

                 Occupation refers to the type of job of an employed person.
            Statistics for the County in 1980 indicated that the top three
            occupational categories were technical sales and administrative
            support (28%), precision production, craft and repair (20%), and
            operators, fabricators and laborers (20%).

                 Statistics in the region compared somewhat favorably to County
            figures.   Thirty-five percent of the regional population were
            employed in technical sales and administrative support occupations
            and 16 percent of the population were employed as operators,
            fabricators, and laborers. However, the region had 24 percent of
            its workers employed in managerial and professional specialty
            occupations compared to only 17 percent of New Kent workers
            employed in managerial and professional specialty occupations.

                 The greatest percentage of County workers was employed in the
            following industries in 1980: services (2.4%), manufacturing (21%),
            retail trade (12%), and public administration (12%).            These
            industries also employed the greatest number of workers in the
            region.

            Existing Economic Base

                 A total of 161 establishments were in operation in New Kent
            County in March, 1988.     (Refer to Table 9.)     These operations
            employed 1,525 people. The most prevalent types of businesses in
            the community were construction (25%), services    (24%), and retail
            trade (18%).   Service and retail establishments also employed a
            substantial number of people, 24 percent and 17 percent

                                             13







            respectively. However, government was the biggest employer in the
            County, making up 30 percent of the County's employment base.

            TABLE 9

                       Type of Establishment and Number of Employees Per
                       Establishment in New Kent County: Quarter Ending, March
                       31, 1988


                                                 New Kent County

                                        Establishments         Employees
             Type of Industry
                                      Number     Percent   Number     Percent



             Total                        161      1 0      1,525       100
              Agriculture                  4         2          35         2
              Mining                       0         0           0         0
              Construction                40        25        149         10
              Manufacturing               20        13        203         13
              Transportation,
                communication,
                Public Utilities           3         2           4        .5
              Wholesale Trade              7         4          41         3
              Retail Trade                29        18        257         17
              Finance, Insurance,
                & Real Estate             (3)        2        (4)         .5
              Services                    39        24        368         24
              Government                  16        10        464         30


             Notes:    Numbers in parentheses were  computed  by subtracting
                       the sum of all others establishment or employee
                       categories by the total number in the establishment
                       or employee category.

             Source:"Covered Employment and Wages in Virginia by 2-Digit
                        SIC Code, March 31, 1988,11 Virginia Employment
                        Commission.




            Wages
                 The average weekly wage per hour for a worker employed in New
            Kent County was $7.52 in 1987. With the exception of Charles City
            County ($6.95 per-hour), wages were lower in New Kent County than
            any of the other surrounding jurisdictions in the region.
            Employees in the City of Richmond earned $10.20 per hour, while
            Henrico and Hanover employees earned $9.25 per hour and $8.47 per
            hour respectively.

                                             14








            Employment Projections
                 Based on projections provided by the Virginia, Employment
            Commission, total employment in the County is expected to increase
            by 70 percent by 2010. (Refer to Table 10.) The leading employers
            in New Kent County (government, retail trade and services) in 1980
            will continue to offer the greatest number of employment
            opportunities.    During the period of 1980-2010, employment in
            government and retail trade industries is expected to increase by
            more than 100 percent, while employment in the service industry
            will only increase by 26 percent.

            TABLE 10

                       Nonagricultural Employment Projections for New Kent
                       County: 1980-2010


                                                      Year                     % Growth
             Industry
                                        1980       1990      2000       2010    1980-2010


             Total                       1,511     1,777      2,177      2,577      70
               mining                         0       0           0          0        0
               Contract Construction       126      138        155        173       37
               Manufacturing               275      246        280        316       15
               Transportation &
                Public Utilities              5       4           5          6      20
               Wholesale Trade               55       50         54         59        7
               Retail Trade                352      483        604        722      105
               Finance, Insurance,
                and Real Estate               1       8          11         13    1,200
               Services                    330      298        358        418       26
             Government                    367      550        710        870      137


             Source: Richmond Regional     Planning District  Commission  staff and
                       Virginia Employment Commission.




            Summary
                 The residents of New Kent County have similar economic
            characteristics to those people living in the region. Residents
            of the County are earning slightly higher incomes than people in
            the region. Statistics indicate that an overwhelming majority of
            County residents were working in service and manufacturing
            industries in areas outside the County. The local economic base
            only provided a small number of jobs for residents, but project     ions
            expect New Kent's economic base to expand in the next 20 years.

                                               15











           EXISTING LAND USE

                A land use inventory is a recording of every activity that
           occurs on the land, whether it be a house, cropland, forest,
           industrial or commercial establishment. The inventory shows how
           many different types of activities are on the land and how far
           apart one activity is from another. This information is used as
           a basic tool and starting point to project what types of
           development activities and where development will occur in the
           future.

                In the initial stages of the planning process, a land use
           inventory was conducted by the staff of Richmond Regional Planning
           District Commission for New Kent County.      RRPDC staff traveled
           every road in the County and recorded every land use on United
           States Geological Survey (USGS) Topographic Quadrangle maps.
                After completing the inventory, similar land use activities
           were grouped into categories and an existing land use map was
           prepared. The following is a description of these land uses and
           the development patterns of New Kent County.

           overview

                Much of the land area in New Kent County is undeveloped.
           Historically, Eltham and Providence Forge developed as the
           residential and commercial centers in the County, while a few
           smaller communities or neighborhood centers developed at, various
           intersections throughout the County. Current population growth is
           primarily concentrated in the western portion of the County near
           Bottoms Bridge and the southeastern corner of the County next to
           the Chickahominy River.    Other development activity is scattered
           along primary and secondary roads throughout the County.      Map 2
           shows the existing land use pattern.

           Forest/Open Space
                Forest cover and open space accounts for approximately 84
           percent (114,128 acres) of the County's total land area.       Prime
           forest land, the areas having the most productive soils for forest
           growth, are found in the floodplain and along major and secondary
           drainage systems.     All of the forest land in the County is
           commercial forest. Areas of open space are located throughout the
           County. Some of these open land areas show signs of timbering and
           past agricultural activities.    Residences can be found scattered
           within these forest and open space areas.

           Agriculture
                Agricultural land in the County (12,428 acres) consists
           primarily of cropland and grazing land.       Activities which are
           related to agriculture account for 9 percent of the total land area
           in the County.

                                            16








                 Tracts of agricultural land are scattered throughout the
            County; yet, a- few concentrations of agricultural land do exist.
            The most visible concentrations are located on the northern fringes
            of the County along the Pamunkey and York rivers and in the far
            eastern portion of the County near Holly Forks and Barhamsville.
            Some of the agricultural lands located in the northern portion of
            the County use the rivers to irrigate their crops. Smaller tracts
            of agricultural land are also found in the western portion of the
            County surrounding residential areas.
                 Using the U.S'. Department of Agriculture definition of 'prime
            agricultural land', approximately         46,400 acres of prime
            agricultural land are found in New Kent County.       Comparing the
            location of prime agricultural land    with the existing tracts of
            agricultural land in the County shows that a great majority of the
            prime farmland is being used for agricultural purposes.
                 The County has also created agriculture/forest districts
            (AFDs) to preserve agricultural and forest land in the County.
            Many of the existing tracts of agricultural land and forest land
            are included in AFDs.

            Single Family Residential

                 Residential land accounts for 5,760 acres, or 4 percent, of
            the land area in New Kent County.       Residential development is
            concentrated in the western and southeastern portions of the
            County, but residences can also be found throughout the entire
            County.   The two predominant types of development patterns are
            small residential clusters along County roads and residential
            subdivisions.

                 Clusters, groups of five to ten single family residences, are
            found dotted between forest and agricultural land as one travels
            down secondary roads in the County. Most of these homes are older
            and face the road, having direct driveway access to the highway.
            In some instances, additional homes are found after paved roads end
            and dirt roads begin.    Larger residential clusters can be found
            near Windsor Shades and in Barhamsville.

                 Residential subdivisions are concentrated in the western and
            southeastern portions of the County.       Residential developments
            located in western New Kent County, such as Five Lakes, have easy
            access to major roadways and Interstate 64.      Subdivisions in the
            southeastern portion of the County, like The Colonies, have
            developed near the Chickahominy river emphasizing riverfront
            property. Most of the subdivisions in the County develop around
            rivers, lakes, or other water bodies which are used as recreational
            amenities and an additional water resource for the subdivision.

                 Most of the residential subdivisions have been recently
            developed and show signs of continued expansion. For example, many
            of these new developments are in the process of leveling ground for

                                              17








            new roads as well as clearing and staking of lots.                These
            subdivisions are disconnected from each other and isolated from
            other types of development, using forest cover as a natural buffer.
            Many of the subdivisions have private, unpaved streets and only
            have one way access in and out of the development.        Some of the
            subdivisions provide their own water systems, but all the units
            have individual septic tanks.

            Mobile Home Parks
                 Eight trailer parks, consisting of 86 acres, are found in the
            County. Three parks are located in the Bottoms Bridge vicinity,
            two are located in the southeastern portion of the County along
            the Chickahominy River, one near Providence Forge and one each in
            Eltham and Lanexa.
                 Most of the parks are located off secondary roads on dirt
            roads. Building permit information indicates that no mobile homes
            have entered the County since 1986.       There are very few mobile
            homes on individual lots in the County.@

            commercial
                 Commercial development within the County occurs in two
            different land use patterns.         There are a few clusters of
            commercial development found within the County. However, outside
            these clusters, several commercial uses can be found scattered
            throughout the County.
                 Commercial Centers.     Three commercial centers are located in
            the County: Bottoms Bridge, Providence Forge, and Eltham. These
            communities have        clusters of three or more commercial
            establishments.

                 1. Bottoms Bridge is located in the western portion of
                 the County immediately adjacent to the Henrico County
                 line.   commercial activities are located on both sides
                 of the Interstate, along Route 60 and along Route 249.
                 Total land area is 17 acres.

                 Bottoms Bridge provides commercial services to people
                 traveling through the County along 1-64 and Route 60 as
                 well as residents in the County. Some of the commercial
                 uses found in Bottoms Bridge are: gas stations,
                 convenience stores, restaurants, video stores, drug
                 stores and beauty shops.      Banking, medical and postal
                 services are also provided.

                 2. Providence Forge has a total of 77 acres and is the
                 major commercial center for the County. The community
                 is located at the intersection of Route 155 and Route 60.
                 A great majority of the commercial uses are stripped
                 along both sides of Route 60.

                                               18







                 A variety of retail and service commercial establ   ishments
                 are found in Providence Forge. Most of these businesses
                 are small in sil ze.   Retail goods, such as groceries,
                 hardware, and auto parts, can be purchased in Providence
                 Forge. An automobile dealer is located in the community.
                 Service commercial businesses include restaurants, gas
                 stations, convenience stores, and motels.
                 Other services, such as banking and medical facilities,
                 are located in Providence Forge. A small off ice complex,
                 Eastview Center, houses real estate agents, attorneys,
                 and other businesses. The County library is located in
                 the community. The area also has a post office and fire
                 and rescue emergency services.
                 3. Eltham is located in the northeastern portion of the
                 County next to the York River across from the Town of
                 West Point. Eltham is predominantly a residential area,
                 but has a small commercial center consisting of 16 acres.
                 Commercial uses are found stripped along Route 33. Some
                 of the uses found in Eltham are:            gas stations,
                 convenience stores, auto parts store, automobile dealer
                 and body shop, boat dealer and service, and a motel.
                 Most of the Eltham population commutes to West Point for
                 other commercial goods and services.
                 Highway/service    Commercial.          Individual     commercial
            establishments, having a total land area of 33 acres, are found
            along major roads in the County.       With the exception of a few
            businesses, the majority of these commercial uses are found on
            Route 249, Route 60, and Route 33.           Also, these commercial
            establishments are usually located near residential communities,
            such as Quinton, Barhamsville, and Lanexa. These businesses are
            adjacent to the road and have direct driveway access to the
            highway. Some of the highway/service commercial uses in New Kent
            County are restaurants, automotive repair shops, barber/beauty
            shops, and motels.

            Commercial Recreation

                 A total of 358 acres of land is used for commercial recreation
            in New Kent County. Commercial recreation uses are privately owned
            and operated recreational sites, and can include the sale of goods
            and services for recreational activities.      Uses in this category
            consist of camps, campgrounds, marinas, and boat rentals.
                 The KOA Campground is located near Tunstall Station, while Ed
            Allen's Campgrounds and Cottages is located along the Chickahominy
            River.   Ed Allen's is a significant commercial recreation use
            because of its large land area and the extra amenities, such as
            horseback riding, swimming and playground facilities, and a marina
            provided on the site. Two camps are found in New Kent County: Camp
            Kentwood located on Rte. 613 and Camp Makemie located on Rte. 621

                                              19







           next to Interstate 64.    A public golf course is provided in the
           Five Lakes subdivision and boat rentals are available at the
           Diascund Reservoir. The three remaining commercial recreation uses
           are marinas situated along the Chickahominy River.

           Industrial
                New Kent County has a very small industrial base, consisting
           of approximately 20 operations and 112 acres of total land area.
           These operations are scattered throughout the County.      Over one
           half of these industries are involved in the production of lumber
           or other wood products.     Other industrial uses include salvage
           yards, welding operations, a paving company and a recycling
           corporation.
                There are four sand and gravel operations existing in the
           County that have mining permits. Three of operations are located
           in Providence Forge and one operation is located in Eltham. Only
           the Eltham sand and gravel pit is still in operation, mining sand
           and gravel periodically.      The remaining three operations are
           inactive.
                Currently, the only concentration of industrial activity in
           the County is found in Providence Forge.     A new industrial park
           has been established next to the New Kent Airport. The industrial
           park has a total land area of 8 acres and only has one occupant at
           the present time.

           Public Services

                Public Services are defined as those activities that are used
           by the general public and may be operated, owned, or related to a
           public agency. Uses in this category include: all government- owned
           property,    recreational    facilities,    community     facilities,
           institutions, and the County landfill.     Uses in Public Services
           encompass a total land area of 144 acres.
                The Virginia Department of Corrections has a correctional unit
           located in New Kent County on Route 634 near Angelview Church. The
           unit consists of a land area of approximately 40 acres and houses
           100 inmates.
                All of  the public services are owned by a governmental agency
           or local organization except one, the Cumberland Children and
           Adolescent Hospital. The hospital is privately-owned and serves
           as a group home for children and teenagers who have serious
           illnesses and need constant care.     The hospital is located north
           of New Kent on Route 637 next to the Pamunkey river.
                A complete listing and description of the remaining public
           services and facilities can be found in the section, Community
           racilities, on page 25.


                                            20








           Transportation/Utilities

                 This category consists of: primary and secondary highways,
           railroads, the New Kent Airport, the Virginia Department of
           Transportation maintenance headquarters, the C & P Telephone
           extension office, utility substations and the rest areas on 1-64.
           These uses total 2521 acres approximately 2 percent of the County's
           land area.    A detailed look at these uses can be found in the
           Transportation section, p. 21 and Community Facilities section, p.
           25 of this plan.

           Water-Dependent Uses

                The shoreline areas of New Kent County are primarily
           undeveloped.    However, good access to the rivers is provided.
           Overall, 10 boat ramps are located in the County:       3 along the
           Pamunkey river, 1 along the York, and 6 along the Chickahominy.
           Arrows point to the location of these boat ramps.     Marinas which
           have boat ramps are shown on the map when the boat ramp arrow
           points to a-commercial recreation use. (Refer to Map 2 - Existing
           Land Use).



           TRANSPORTATION

                The development of New Kent County has been greatly influenced
           by the transportation system.     Early settlements in the County
           located along the Pamunkey and York rivers in Eltham to take
           advantage of the port that had been established across the river
           at West Point. In the early 1900's, Providence Forge developed as
           the commercial center of the County as a result of railroad lines,
           and later, Route 60 being routed through the area.       Today, the
           presence of an interstate highway in the County is having a major
           influence on people choosing to live in rural New Kent County and
           commute to the     metropolitan areas of Richmond, Hampton, and
           Williamsburg.

                This section  examines the current transportation network in
           the County.   This network includes highway, water, rail and air
           transportation.

           Highways

                Highway rights-of-way occupy 2164 acres of land area in the
           County. Interstate 64 consumes 754 acres of land, while Route 60
           absorbs another 368 acres.    other primary roads account for 354
           acres of land, while 688 acres make up the County's secondary road
           network. The following description of County highways is based on
           the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) functional
           classification of highways. (Refer to Map 3).



                                            21








                Interstates/Maior Arterials.      Interstates and major
                arterials serve long distance travel demands such as
                statewide and interstate travel.    Interstate 64, which
                travels west-east through the State of Virginia, is
                routed through New Kent County.     The interstate is a
                major expressway connecting the Tidewater area to
                Richmond and points west. Four interchanges are located
                in the County: Exit 49 at Rte. 249/33 (Bottoms Bridge),
                Exit 50 at Rte. 106 (Talleysville), Exit 51 at Rte. 155
                (New Kent/Providence Forge) , and Exit 52 at Rte. 33/30
                (Eltham).
                     The presence of the interstate in the County yields
                many benefits. The interstate provides local residents
                with more efficient travel within the County and to
                surrounding localities. The interstate provides easy
                access into the County which helps increase the economic
                development potential of New Kent. There are no major
                arterials located in the County.

                Minor Arterials.   Minor arterials provide the principal
                means   of   access   between - the  County   and    other
                jurisdictions. These routes also carry traffic between
                local destinations in the County. The following routes
                are classified as minor arterials.

                     1. Route 106, starting at the Charles City County
                line and ending at Interstate 64, is classified as a
                minor arterial. The road is located in the southwestern
                portion of the County, and serves local traffic as well
                as regional traffic between Hopewell and 1-64.

                     2.   Route 33 serves as the major corridor to the
                community of Eltham and the Town of West 'Point. The road
                runs northeast from 1-64 to the Town of West Point.
                Route 33 is a four lane highway, and, in the opinion of
                VDOT officials, has the capacity to handle industrial or
                other intensive uses along its corridor

                Major Collectors.-      The primary function of major
                collectors is to carry local traffic between arterial
                @and residential neighborhood streets. These roads carry
                local traffic within the interior of the County and
                provide a link to nearby towns and cities.           Major
                collectors are:

                     1. Route 60 is the west-east corridor located in
                southern New Kent County which runs parallel to the
                interstate for the entire length of the County. Route
                60 provides local residents with access to the
                interstate, local communities, such as Bottoms Bridge and
                Providence Forge, as well as the Cities of Richmond and
                Williamsburg;

                                            22









                       2. Route 249, running west-east,    is the main road
                 in the County north of the interstate. Route 249 begins
                 in the western portion of the County north of the
                 interstate and dead ends into Route 33.      Between these
                 two points, the road links the local communities of
                 Bottoms Bridge, Quinton, Talleysville, Carys Corner, New
                 Kent (the County seat) , Slatersville, and Angelview
                 Church;

                      3. Route 106 becomes a major collector north of the
                 interstate and continues to the intersection of Route
                 609 and Route 606.     This section of Route 106 passes
                 through the community of Talleysville;

                      4.    Route 606, carries local traffic from the
                 intersection of Route 609 and Route 606 to the Hanover
                 County line.    This is the only major collector in the
                 northwestern section of New Kent County;

                      5.   Route 155 extends north from the Charles City
                 County line to its intersection with Rte. 249 at Carys
                 Corner. Route 155 is the main north-south route through
                 the County that has direct access to Providence Forge,
                 the commercial center of the County. Charles City County
                 residents also travel 155 to get to Providence Forge and
                 Route 60;

                      6. Route 618, from the Charles City County line to
                 Route 60, serves both New Kent and Charles City residents
                 who desire to travel the Route 60 corridor. The road is
                 located in the southwestern portion of the County near
                 the Chickahominy river;

                      7. Route 30 begins at the intersection of Route 33
                 and Route 249 at Angelview Church and heads south toward
                 the community of Barhamsville and the James City County
                 line; 8. Route 273 carries local traffic from Eltham into
                 the southeastern portion of New Kent County. Route 273
                 dead ends into Route 30 just north of the community of
                 Barhamsville.

                 Minor Collectors.      There are no roads classified as
                 minor collectors in New Kent County.

           Planned Throughfare Improvements

                 Information concerning proposed highway improvements was
           obtained from the VDOT Six Year Improvement Program and a draft of
           the 1989 Statewide Highway Plan, also produced by VDOT. The Six
           Year Improvement Program indicates highway construction or
           improvements along with each project's funding allocations that

                                             23








             have been approved for the next six years, while the 1989 Statewide
             Highway Plan only makes recommendations for highway construction
             or improvements, projecting to the year 2010.
                  The Six Year Improvement Program lists several improvements
             to existing secondary roads, railroad crossings and bridges in the
             County. Highway improvements consist of widening, resurfacing, and
             realigning roads. Safety features, such as lighting and guard
             rails, arebeing added to existing railroad crossings and bridges.
                  There are two significant highway projects that will be
             ongoing throughout the entire six year period. Route 627, running
             north from Lanexa to Route 603, is being paved and will provide a
             more accessible route for residents who wish to travel from the
             southeastern portion of the County to the New Kent Courthouse area.
             Also, Route 106, from the Benjamin Harrison Bridge to Talleysville,
             is being upgraded to handle a greater degree of industrial traffic,
             such as transfer trucks and other heavy loads.

                  The 1989 Statewide Highway Plan also makes recommendations for
             improvements to various bridges, railroad crossings, and highways
             in the County.     Highways proposed to undergo improvement are:
             Interstate 64, Route 60 (from the New Kent County line to Route
             106),  Route    106   (from   the   Benjamin    Harrison   Bridge     to
             Talleysville) , Route 606 (from the intersection of Route 606 and
             Route 609 to Tunstall Station) , and Route 273 (from Eltham south
             to Barhamsville).

                  Each year VDOT allocates a fund for the upgrading of existing
             dirt and gravel roads.        Specific road improvements are not
             earmarked and localities must compete for a share of the fund.
             VDOT requires that the dirt or gravel road be traveled by a minimum
             number of 50 vehicles per day before the County is eligible to
             receive funding. The County Board of Supervisors then select which
             roads will be upgraded and improved.

                  Many of the unpaved gravel roads in New Kent County serve
             residential neighborhoods.     These roads    are usually built and
             funded by the private developer. In these    cases, the developer is
             responsible for road improvements, but usually enters into an
             contracts the County to maintain these roads. VDOT allows private
             roads to enter onto State-maintained roads as long as the dirt or
             gravel roads are constructed to State specifications.

             Other Transportation Elements

                  Water.   Historically, water transportation has played
                  a very significant role in the development of New Kent
                  County.    Today, water transportation plays a less
                  significant part in the development of the County. The
                  rivers are now mainly used for outdoor recreation
                  purposes.



                                              24








                  Rail.    Two railroad lines, consisting of 25 miles of
                  rail, are found in New Kent County. The Chesapeake and
                  Ohio Railroad (CSX) is located in the southern portion
                  of the County and runs parallel with Route 60 and the
                  Chickahominy River. The Southern railroad is located in
                  the western section of the County and cuts across the
                  northwestern portion of the County.
                  Air.    Commercial air service is available at Richmond
                  International Airport, located approximately eight miles
                  west of the County.     Commercial air carrier passenger
                  service is provided by  several air lines. Nationwide and
                  worldwide connections are available through daily
                  scheduled flights. Commuter service is also available.
                  The airport also offers air freight and express service
                  and maintenance facilities for many types of aircraft.

                       The New Kent Airport is located in the western
                  portion of the County next to the Five Lakes subdivision
                  off of Route 612. The airport is a general aviation
                  airport facility with a 3,200 feet paved runway. Fuel and
                  major and minor repair facilities are available.          The
                  field is attended during the day and can be lighted at
                  night upon instrument activation.


           COMMUNITY FACILITIES / UTILITIES
                  The following section provides a brief description of the
           community facilities found within the County. This section will
           also include general information about utilities and public
           services in the County. Together, these provide necessary services
           to County residents. (Refer to Map 4).

           County Offices

                  A majority of the County departments are housed in the New
           Kent Courthouse building.         The Courthouse is the center of
           government activity in the County. New Kent Courthouse is located
           on Route 249 approximately 2 miles east from the intersection of
           Route 155 and Route 249.

           County Library

                  The Heritage Library, located in Providence Forge on Route
           155, serves New Kent as well as Charles City County residents. The
           library currently holds around 40,000 volumes and receives
           approximately 1,000 to 1,200 new volumes per year.

           County Animal Shelter

                  The New Kent Animal Shelter is located approximately 3.5 miles
           west of Providence Forge on Route 60.

                                              25











            Courts

                 Circuit Court is housed at the New Kent Courthouse. General
            District Court and Juvenile Court are both located on Route 155 in
            Providence Forge.

            Emergency Services

                Emergency services are provided to County residents at various
            locations throughout the County. All of the emergency services are
            coordinated through the sheriff's dispatcher office..
                The sheriff's department is located at New Kent Courthouse.
            Protection includes 1 sheriff, 10 deputies, and 2 auxiliary
            deputies.

                Fire protection is provided through 3 volunteer fire
            companies, totaling 60 members, and a fire marshall. Fire stations
            are located in Providence Forge on Route 60, in Quinton on Route
            249, and in Eltham on Route 33.    The company in Eltham will be
            moving to a new fire station by August, 1990. The new station will
            be located 3 miles west on Route 33 near Angelview Church.
                A 25 member volunteer company makes up the rescue squad which
            serves New Kent County as well as Charles City County residents.
            The station housing the rescue services is located on Route 629
            east of Providence Forge.

            Mail Service

                There are four post offices in the County. These are located
            in Bottoms Bkidge, Providence Forge, Lanexa, and Barhamsville.
            Residents in Eltham are served by the post office in West Point.

            Recreational racilities

                New Kent County owns a very limited number of recreational
            facilities.  The recreational facilities at local schools are
            shared with County residents. The Chesapeake Corporation manages
            a nature trail on Route 33 near Angelview Church.     The trail is
            open to the general public.
               Three community buildings are located in the County.         The
            Quinton Community Center is located on Route 2491 the Cumberland
            Community Center is located near the intersection of Route 249 and
            Route 623, and the Providence Forge Recreation Association is
            located on Route 629 outside of Providence Forge.    All of these
            buildings are open for use by the general public and local
            organizations.




                                           26











           Schools

                 The construction of an additional school facility has prompted
           a reprogramming of the educational system and relocation of schools
           in the County.    This description of the school system reflects
           these changes.

                 The educational program for New Kent County is divided into
           four units:   New Kent Primary School (Kindergarten - 2nd grade),
           New Kent Elementary School ( 3rd grade - 5th grade), New Kent
           Middle School (6th grade - 8th grade), and New Kent High School
           (9th grade - 12th grade).

                 The primary school is located on Route 249 near the New    Kent
           Courthouse.     New Kent Elementary School is located at the
           intersection of Route 249 and Route 630 between Quinton and
           Talleysville.   New Kent Middle School is housed in the old      high
           school building next to the New Kent Courthouse, while the       high
           school recently moved to its new facility located at the
           intersection of Route 249 and Route 605.

           Solid Waste Disposal

                 The New Kent County Landfill is located on Route 618 between
           Talleysville and Providence Forge.     The landfill was closed in
           July, 1985; yet, it serves as the main collection site in the
           County. The County has contracted with BFI, Inc. for solid waste
           disposal services.      Eleven greenbox containers are located
           throughout the County for garbage collection.      Trash from these
           containers is hauled to Henrico County for disposal.

           Transportation and Utilities

                 A variety of transportation services and utilities are
           available to County residents and the general 'public.      Most of
           these facilities and services are publicly owned.

                 Transportation.         The   Virginia   Department     of
                 Transportation has two maintenance headquarters in the
                 County. The New Kent headquarters is located on Route
                 604 near Criss Cross. The.Slatersville headquarters is
                 located on Route 632 near Route 33.

                 Rest areas are located on Interstate 64 approximately 2
                 miles from the Providence Forge/New Kent interchange, one
                 rest area serves eastbound traffic and one rest area
                 serves westbound traffic. Restroorr, facilities and picnic
                 areas are provided at the site.

                 Utilities.  County residents are served by a variety of
                 public and privately owned utilities. Utilities include
                 water, sewer, pumping stations, electricity, telephone,
                 gas and oil.

                                            27









                      Central  water and sewer service is unavailable to
                  County residents.    All housing units have individual
                  septic tanks. The County does, however, maintain water
                  systems which were dedicated by private developers of
                  some of the subdivisions in the County.       Subdivisions
                  which are served by County-maintained water systems are
                  Sherwood Estates, Kenwood Farms, Greenwood Estates,, White
                  House Farms, Five Lakes (East, Woodland, and North), and
                  The Colonies.   The County provides public water for a
                  total of 4800 customers in these areas.               Four
                  subdivisions have private water systems:        Woodhaven,
                  Brookwood Manor, Wedgewood, and Five Lakes Brianwood.
                  2:  Pumping stations are located along the Chickahominy
                  river and at the Diascund reservoir. Both the river and
                  the reservoir furnish water resources for the County's
                  water supply.

                  3. Electricity is supplied by Virginia Power Company.
                  The Company operates a substation on Route 649 near
                  Lanexa.

                  4. Telephone service is provided to County residents by
                  the Chesapeake and Potomac Telephone Company. A business
                  office is located at the intersection of Route 249 and
                  Route 612.


                  5.  Gas and Oil is available to local residents from
                  local and regional distributors. A gas and oil company
                  is located in Providence Forge.

           HISTORICAL AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESOURCES

                  Historical and archaeol ogical resources are valuable treasures
           of the past. These resources represent the heritage of an area as
           well as provide data on past and current development patterns. For
           these reasons!     the County should consider historical           and
           archaeological resources as a significant element of the planning
           process and assist in the preservation of these resources.

                  New Kent County has a number of historical and archaeological
           resources dating back as far as prehistoric man. Native Americans
           and European colonists have also left their mark on the County.
           The following is only a cursory report of these resources.

           Historic Sites and Structures

                  The Virginia Division of Historic Resources has recorded 122
           sites and structures in the County, dating back to the mid 17th
           century.   These sites and structures are believed to have some
           historical significance. Seven of the 122 sites are listed in the
           National Register of Historic Places.      (Refer to Map 5).    These
           landmarks are considered important to State history.


                                             28








                 Cedar Grove was built in the late 18th century and is an
                 architectural example of the Richmond town house of the
                 period. Letitia Christian, the first wife of President
                 John Tyler, was born at Cedar Grove.

                 Criss Cross and Foster's Castle are very distinct being
                 2 of Virginia's only 3 remaining Stuart manor houses.

                 Hampstead is one of the few remaining plantation houses
                 in the County. Most of the plantation houses in New Kent
                 County were burned during the Civil War. It was built
                 near the Pamunkey river in 1825 for planter Conrade Webb.

                 Moysonec is an archaeological site and will be discussed
                 in the following section.

                 Olivet Presbyterian church is an example of Greek revival
                 architecture.  Presbyterians came to the County in the
                 mid 18th century and erected the church in 1857.

                 St. Peter's Church displays the Baroque style of
                 architecture which is rarely found in the State.       The
                 church is also well-known because the marriage of George
                 Washington and Martha Dandridge Custis took place in the
                 church or the vicinity of St. Peter's.

                 The New Kent Courthouse and the buildings immediately
           surrounding have been proposed as an historic district. This area
           is significant architecturally as well as being a prime example of
           a colonial village- once the Courthouse area is designated as an
           historic district, the locality will have the legal means to
           protect the historic resources in the district. Some examples of
           preservation measures include protecting buildings within the area
           from demolition, prohibiting new construction in the area,
           establishing design standards, or requiring new developments to
           obtain approval by an architectural review board or other governing
           body before construction.

                 To achieve landmark designation, each property must be
           thoroughly researched and go through an administrative review
           process. As a result, it is very likely that many of the recorded
           sites in the County are eligible for landmark designation but have
           not been proposed because of the great amount of time and labor
           needed to research just one property. Two recent developments that
           should assist the study of historic resources in the County are the
           appointment of an Historic Commission and the formation of the
           Historical Society in New Kent County and a commitment by the
           Department of Historic Resources to conduct an County-wide
           architectural survey in the fall of 1989.

           Archaeological Findings

                 New Kent County contains a number of archaeological sites
           which date as far back as the beginnings of man and include early

                                            29







            American settlement. Presently, 167 archaeological sites have been
            discovered in New Kent.    Most of these archaeological sites lie
            along the Chickahominy and Pamunkey rivers and waterways extendin
                                                                                9
            into the interior of the County. Many sites have also been found
            -in the eastern portion of the County near Barhamsvi  lle and Holly
            Forks as a result of the archaeological digs conducted by the
            College of William and Mary. Map 5 provides a general overview of
            archaeological findings in the  County.
                 The earliest archaeological sites in the County reveal
            evidence of Native American occupancy of the County as early as the
            Archaic period, or 7000-6000 B.C. Several of the Indian villages
            were located along the Pamunkey and Chickahominy rivers. one such
            village, Moysonec, was discovered by Captain John Smith and his
            crew in 1607.    Moysonec is listed on the National Register of
            Historic Places.

                 Many Europeans established settlements in the same areas of
            New Kent County as the Native Americans. The evidence of forts in
            the County indicates the colonists' attempt to protect themselves
            from Indian attack. Fort James, 1 of the 4 fort sites located in
            the County, was managed by the biggest landowner in the County,
            Thomas Rolfe, son of Pochantas.     This site is very significant
            because it has remained virtually undisturbed, providing a valuable
            opportunity to study early European settlement.
                 There are a range of other archaeological sites found in the
            County. The site of Brick House, the earliest port town along the
            Pamunkey, provides valuable information concerning the domestic,
            commercial, and governmental aspects of early European settlement.
            The Plantation Era in New Kent County is studied more from an
            archaeologist's perspective than an architecture historian's
            perspective, because almost all of the great plantation houses were
            burned to the ground during the Civil war. many military sites,
            consisting of encampments and battlegrounds, are also located in
            New Kent County especially along the Pamunkey river which was
            occupied by the Federal army during the Civil War.
                Archaeologists consider New Kent County to be 'poorly known',
            estimating that the 167 archaeological sites represent one tenth
            of 1 percent of the sites that probably exist in the County. The
            time and labor necessary to survey one archaeological site limits
            the ability for a County-wide survey to be conducted. Therefore,
            archaeologists suggest that an archaeological survey be required
            before development of a particular tract of land begins.

            Summary
                The historical and archaeological resources in New Kent County
            provide important data concerning the development of early man,
            settlements of Native Americans, the entry of the English into the
            New World, and the colonial and plan4L-ation periods. Efforts should
            be made to incorporate the protection of historical and

                                            30



   I




           archaeological resources in the economic development philosophy of
   I       the local government.
   11
   1

   I
   I
   I
   I
   I
   I
   I
   I
   I
   I
   I
   I
   I
   I
   1                                       31
   1






                                                       Map 1

                                                 LOCATION MAP
                                      NEW KENT COUNTY, VIRGINIA









                                   HANOVER  95         KING        KING a
                GOOCHLAND                                       \*-- %. QUEEN
                                                      36       WILLIAM

                                6

                   POWHATAN
                                                   rA        NEW

                                                                  KE
                                 RICHMON        HENRICO
                                                                                    GLOUCESTER
                                                 \-5                60      6
                                                    /-%    H RL           JAMES
                                CHESTERFIELD                     55
                                                                  CITY     CITY
                                ev*,@                  HOPEWELL
                                        COL  IAL                           IL
                                         H I TS                                MSBURG
                                                      PRINCE
                                                                                                   POQUOSON
                                    PE
                                     TERSBURG
                                                      GEORGE
                                           8                           SURRY
                       C-460
                                DINWIDDIE               X4E6O
                                                                                       NEWPORT
                                                                                           N
                                                                                              S
                                                                                            EW
                                                                                                     HAMPTON



                                                     SUSSEX




                                                 5

































                                                                                                      ,...TA

                                                                               -ICE]









                                                                                                                                                                         FNM KX.
                                                                                                                                                                         @RTms


                                                                                                                 =R.Ca
                                                                                                                                                                                                 249
                                                           .0                                                                                               u5s
                                                           0
                                                                                  N                                                                                                                                tin
                                                                                                                                                                                               upv









                                                                                        Me                                                           55












                                                                                                                                                      60
                                  NEW KENT COUNTY                                                                                                                                                              z
                                                                                                                       C-

                                                                                                                                                                                                               C-60@
                             Forest/Open Space                       FV@j Commercial Recreation
                                                                     L                                                                                                                                     'Cal
                             Agriculture                                      Industrial
                             Single Family Residential                        Public Service
                             Mobile Home Park                                 Transportation/ Utilities
                             Commercial                                       Boat Romp

                                                                                                                                         0               9000,
                                                       Prepared by
                                    Richmond Regional Planning District Commission



























                                                                                                   TUNSTALL





                                                                                                         SKY   60.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                           A
                                                                                                 .10

                                                                         G`IG                                                                           @H.T
                                                                                                       TV.-L                                            TIMS.
                                                                                                          MTION
                                                                              I-IrM

                                                                                                                                     .79                                          --------
                                                                                                                                           GOG





                                                                           SAI
                                         .14

                                                                                                                                       fK'S



                                     613
                                                             -10       LACKS SWORN
                                                           G&                   "a         249                IAMB

                                                                                                      Q IN"
                                                                                                                                                                           ARIS
                                                             re -,1 1                                                            JJVYSVkLLE                                 ANER
                                                                                                                                       fit                                          ..w E.T
                                                                                      GAO                                610
                                                                    J@                                               MAKER

                                                                                                                                                            C.O.'k,
                                                SRI=                                   -0,       UZI 1                                                          40,

                                                                                                                                                               P

                                                                     91
                                                                                                            Gal
                                                                                       BAG                                                                                                                    64


                                                                                                                                                                                                               626



                                                                                         106                   61.                      GIG                   55
                                                                                                     4




                                                                                                                 40P                                                                                                                   ED


                                                                                                                                                   W.
                                                                                                                                                                                   __J
                                                                                                                NO NTCASTL.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  4
                                                                                                                                                     III, GIG PA-IDENCA,
                                                                                                                                            1410 1       ED    60
                                                                                                                                                                        GIG
                    Functional Classification                                                                                                                                                                                        \zic

                                    Interstate /Major Arterials
                                                                                                                                                                                            1103        0..
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     .21
                                    Minor Arterials

                                    Major Collectors

                                                                                              NEW KENT                              COUNTY


                                    Prepared by                                                                     0               good
            Richmond Regional Planning District Commission                                                                                                                                                             c-01









                                                                                                                                                                                              111ko

                                                                                                                                    CO.
                                                                                                                                                        --"I
                                                                                                                                         TUN6TALL





                                                                                                                                                 Ow     we



                                                                                                                                                                                                               -HIT
                                                                                                                                                                                                              InOuut:
                                                                                                                                             TUNSTALL
                                                                                                                                                 STATION
                                                                      x,                                                                               GOO                                                  'Co
                                                                                                                                                                                      CIO

                                                                                                                                                                                              COO







                                                                                                                                                                                        40C



                                                                                                        8".5,

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                .13
                                                                                                                                                                             COS


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       CARYS
                                                                                                                                                                                  LFTS@ILLE
                                                                                                                                                            530


                                                                  6"4      A
                                                                                                                                                                CORNER


                                                                    T
                                                                      0.
                                                                     T
                                                                                                                        .0                                                                                                                                                             627
                                                                                                                                                                                64


                                                                                                                        IWO                                       106
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     C674

                                                                                                                                           . . . . . . . . . . . .




                                                                                                                          106                                                                                                                                                                       .11










                                                                                                                                                          OUN-



                                                                                                                                                                                        61.
                           Courthouse                                      Rescue Squad
                   AFire Station                                           School
                           Landfill
                                                                           County           Owned           Water System                                                                                                          J A
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          627
                           Library                               (D        Privately Owned Water System
                   I& Nature :Trai I                                       Pumping Station
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  CII
                   ML Post Office                                &         VDOT
                                                                                                                                                        NEW KENT                                           COUNTY
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            4,
                                                                Prepored by                                                                                                          0                      good
                                     Richmond Regional Planning District Commission                                                                                                                                                                                                               cloo








                                                                                                                                                                          @Ilkve
                                                                                        40                                                                 Foster's
                                                                                             Hampstead                                                    Castle




                                                                                                                                                x",
                                                                                                                                    B@AVON



                                                                                                                                                                  61.




                                                                                                                                                                          /St. Peterï¿½
                                                       all                                                                                                                    Church                                                                                   rn


                                               Nl- I--

                                                                                                                                                            TALLEYSVII.I.F.                                  RYS


                                                                                                                                                     610                                                             I-RTH011
                                                                                                                                                MUNril                           cros@
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   249
                                                                                                                                                                                            Rigs,


                                                                                                                           S.-                                64
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              SLATERVILLE
                                                                                                                                                                         -- --------- -                                                                      6
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Mill"


                                                                                                              "0                                                                                                                                   AA


                                                                                                                               Ce    a  r
                                                                                                                            ,@Gro               Mt. livet
                                                                                                                                                                   n
                                                                                                                                                @res6yteria
                                                                                                                                                Chur'ch
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  'A






                                                                                                                                         --T-TI-


                                  Property listed
                                                                                                                                                                                       X
                                  on National Register                                                                                                                                                                         WIN  04
                                  Identified Archeological Sites



                                                                                                                     NEW                 KENT                   COUNTY

                                                    Prepared by                                                                              0                  9000,
                           Ric4mond Regional Planning District Commission









                              NATURAL RESOURCES INVENTORY


                Natural resources strongly influence where and how land can
           be developed.   It is important to identify and understand these
           resources for the benefit of the resource, future development and
           the quality of life in the County.
                Natural resources can greatly enhance the quality of
           development. They provide visual beauty as well as a comfortable
           environment in which people can live. For example, trees moderate
           temperatures by blocking out sunshine on hot summer days and slow
           the rush of cold winter winds.     Plants replenish the air with
           oxygen. Hills and berms can serve to filter out unwanted sights
           and sounds.
                Conversely, some natural resources can be viewed as barriers
           to development.     Steep slopes, floodplains and wetlands can
           prohibit or make development difficult.     In trying to overcome
           these barriers, natural resources are sometimes destroyed or
           degraded. Inevitable, however, the home built in the floodplain
           or the septic tank constructed in poor soil will pay the price for
           not designing with natural resources in mind.
                This section examines natural resources in New Kent County.
           These resources include topography, slope, hydrology, wetlands,
           flood plains, soils, forests, prime agricultural land, and rare
           and endangered species.


           TOPOGRAPHY
                Topography delineates the size, elevation, location and shape
           of mountains, valleys, bluffs, lakes, rivers, and streams, of an
           area. The topography of an area is important in that it affects
           the aesthetic qualities of the area, plant and animal habitat,
           climate, and the type and location of man's development activities.
                New Kent County is located in the south-central portion of the
           Commonwealth. It is bounded to the north by King William County,
           the east by James City County, the south by Charles City County,
           and to the west by Henrico and Hanover Counties. The County has
           212 square miles of land area and 9 square miles of surface water.
           The County lies entirely in the coastal plain physiographic region,
           a region that runs north-south along the eastern seaboard of
           Virginia.
                In general, New Kent County has a -gently rising and falling
           topography - Fairly extensive flat, low lying areas are found along
           the Pamunkey River to the north, with less extensive areas found
           along the Chickahominy River to the south. Overall, elevations in
           the County average between 50 and 100 feet above sea level. The


                                            32








            highest elevations are around 170 feet. The lowest elevations are
            at sea level and are found along the two major rivers.


            SLOPE

                 Slope is def ined as "the rise over the run".      slope is a
            measure of the change in vertical distance (height) over a
            horizontal distance (length) expressed as a percentage.          For
            example, a change of 5 feet over a distance of 100 feet equals a
            slope of 5 percent.

                 It is generally acknowledged that a slope of 15% or greater
            presents a constraint to many types of development. Steep slopes
            (greater than 15%) are difficult to build on, place damaging stress
            on buildings, are easily erodible, and, when disturbed, contribute
            to sedimentation and pollution of streams.

                The majority of the County has slopes of 15% and less. Map
            6 shows that slopes greater than 15% are concentrated along
            tributaries of the Pamunkey and York rivers such as Black Creek,
            Mill Creek, Richards Swamp/Goddins Pond, and Ware Creek.      To a
            lesser extent, 15% or greater slopes can be found along the
            Chickahominy and its tributaries.


            HYDROLOGY


                Hydrology is the distribution and circulation of water in the
            air, on the earth's surface, and underground.    Rivers! streams,
            wetlands, floodplains, and groundwater aquifers are part of the
            hydrologic system.   Understanding the hydrology of an area is
            useful in determining the quality and quantity of water available
            for human consumption, waste treatment, and irrigation.

            Surface Water

                The many rivers and streams within and adjoining New Kent
            County play a significant roll in the development of the County.
            As shown on map 7, the County lies within three ma3or river basins,
            the York in the northeast, the Pamunkey in the north, and the
            Chickahominy in the south. The York is formed by the Pamunkey and
            Mattapponi Rivers at their confluence near Eltham. Ap  Iproximately
            one-third of the County lies in the Pamunkey basin, slightly under
            two-thirds in the Chickahominy basin, and the smallest portion
            located in the York basin.    There are many significant smaller
            streams that are tributaries to the these rivers. The locations
            and general characteristics of these streams will affect the uses
            they can support, and how they can be developed.
                The York River is the largest river (based on flow) adjoining
            New Kent although its basin makes-up the smallest part of the

                                           33








            County. The York adjoins the County at its northeast corner from
            approximately Eltham to the James City County line at Ware Creek.
            Within that part of the York basin found in New Kent, land use is
            primarily agricultural. Agricultural activities can impact water
            quality by contributing to nonpoint source pollution (i.e. soil
            erosion, and fertilizer and pesticide runoff).

                  The York River is an estuary in New Kent County, that is, it
            is influenced by the ebb and flow of lunar tide cycles.             Fresh
            water flowing down from the upper basin mixes with saline (salty)
            waters moving up from the Chesapeake Bay. The York, adjacent to
            the New Kent shoreline, is classified as a transition zone by the
            Virginia water Control Board (VWCB). Within this zone salinity is
            low and highly variable.      The salinity of the York as it passes
            through this zone can vary from season to season and year to year
            depending on upriver freshwater inflow.

                  The Pamunkey River defines the County's northern boundary. The
            Pamunkey is the second largest river (based on flow) adjoining the
            County. The entire Pamunkey drainage basin is 1,477 square miles.
            Based on U S Geological Survey (USGS) data from its gage station
            in Hanover County, the average flow of the Pamunkey in New Kent is
            1,368 cubic feet per second (cfs) or 884 million gallons per day
            (mgd).

                 Land uses in the Pamunkey River basin both within and outside
            New Kent can be described as rural/agricultural in nature. Water
            quality is impacted by nonpoint pollution from agricultural
            sources. in addition, irrigation within the basin is believed to
            worsen low flow conditions of the river during periods of drought.
                 The Pamunkey is an estuary in New Kent County. The VWCB has
            classified the Pamunkey from Eltham to Lee Marsh as a transition
            zone.   Like the York, the salinity in this zone can vary from
            season to season, year to year. From White House upstream past the
            County's western boundary the river is classified as tidal
            freshwater. In this reach salinity is negligible.
                 The Chickahominy River, the County's third largest based on
            flow, forms the County's southern boundary.        Data from the USGS
            gaging station south of Providence Forge shows the average
            discharge of the Chickahominy there to be 262      cfs, or 169 mgd.
                 The Chickahominy's drainage basin at that     point is 248 square
            miles. The majority of the land uses within the basin are rural/
            agricultural in nature. Urban uses are found along the river i-n
            proximity to the Richmond metropolitan area. Development in the
            area is spreading and will have an impact on the river's water
            quality.

                 Part of the Chickahominy River in New Kent County is tidal,
            and part non-tidal (not influenced by lunar tides). Walkers Dam,

                                               34








           located 22 miles upstream from the mouth of the river, is a barrier
           to the further movement of tidal currents. That part of the river
           downstream from the dam is tidal, and that above, nontidal. The
           tidal portion of the river is classified as a' transition zone where
           salinity is low and highly variable.       The nontidal portion is
           classified as a freshwater system.

           Surface Water Users

                Drinking Water

                The City of Newport News utilizes the water impounded by
           Walkers Dam as a raw water supply. For this reason the watershed
           above Walkers Dam requires protection from development activities
           that would adversely affect water quality. To help achieve this
           protection, the Virginia Water Control Board has designated the
           Chickahominy from Walkers Dam to a point five miles upstream as.a
           "public water supply". As such, the water within the river must
           meet certain stringent water quality standards. In addition, the
           VWCB requires that all facilities that discharge wastewater to the
           Chickahominy River meet special effluent standards.
                The City of Newport News also owns and operates Diascund
           Reservoir. This impoundment, located in the southeastern portion
           of the County, is fed by Diascund Creek, Timber Swamp, Beaverdam
           Creek, and Wahrani Swamp. This watershed has been designated as
           a "public water supply" by VWCB.        Surface water within this
           watershed must meet stringent water quality standards.
                The Chickahominy River, because it is being used as a water
           supply source for Newport News, and because of stringent water
           quality standards promulgated by VWCB, will not cost effectively
           provide significant amount of additional drinking water for a large
           user or users.    Currently, the Pamunkey is considered to have
           significant amounts of drinking water available. Upriver from New
           Kent, Hanover County is preceding with the permitting process that
           may someday allow it to withdraw water from the Pamunkey during
           periods of high flow.    Water withdrawn will be used to fill the
           proposed Crump Creek reservoir. Newport News is also looking at
           the Pamunkey as a source of water to meet their future needs.

                Wastewater

                The Pamunkey and Chickahominy Rivers have relatively few
           wastewater dischargers either within or outside the County.
           Threats to water quality appear chiefly in the form of land
           disturbing activities that produce pollution from runoff on the
           land.

               There are two facilities that discharge treated wastewater
           within the County. Cumberland Hospital operates a sewage treatment
           plant with a design capacity of 30,000 gallons per day. At this

                                           35







           time the plant discharges an average of 6,000 gallons per day.
           Effluent from this plant enters the Pamunkey River. The Department
           of Corrections operates Field Unit 16 near Angelview Church. The
           design capacity of this plant is 12,000 gallons per day.          The
           average discharge is of the plant is 10,000 gallons per day. This
           plant discharges to Wahrani Swamp which is part of the Diascund
           Reservoir watershed.


           Ground Water

                New Kent County is underlain by a geology made up of sand and
           gravel. A cross section of the hydrogeology reveals an unconfined
           surface aquifer with a water table at or close to the soil surface.
           The surface aquifer is underlain by seven confined aquifers, that
           is, aquifers separated from each other by an impermeable layer such
           as clay.    These aquifers are underlain by hard rock known as
           "basement".   Water for human consumption and other uses in the
           County is withdrawn from these aquifers.
                The nature and extent of ground water in the County is less
           well known than for surface water.       This information gap has
           narrowed recently with the publication of Ground-Water Resources
           of the York-James Peninsula of Virginia by the United States
           Geological Survey.   This study of the ground water of the York-
           James peninsula includes New Kent County.     The report is a good
           source of information on ground water of the peninsula.
                The executive summary of the report reveals significant
           findings.

                     "[Wjithdrawal of ground water has caused a lowering of
                     water levels throughout the multiaquifer system and has
                     created cones of depression centered at and expanding
                     outward from areas of concentrated ground-water use."
                     "Withdrawal is expected to increase, further lowering
                     water levels[,] ... result[ing] in interference among
                     ground-water users and the possible movement of salty
                     water into freshwater parts of aquifers."

                     "The availability of ground water for meeting future
                     water needs has become a matter of local and regional
                     concern."

                One cone of depression that is significant to New Kent County
          originates from groundwater withdrawals by Chesapeake Corporation
          across the Pamunkey River in the Town of West Point.       This cone
          extends well into the County and could cause interference with
          wells located here.

               Unofficial estimates by USGS indicate that the County could
          conceivably withdraw up to 6 mill::.on gallons of groundwater per

                                           36







            day. This could be accomplished by drilling six wells to a depth
            of one-thousand feet at various points in the County. Barring any
            major new water user outside the County, this would provide enough
            -potable water to meet the County's needs well beyond the year 2030.


            WETLANDS


                 Wetlands are low-lying areas with water saturated soil. The
            source of water may come from rainfall, groundwater, or ocean
            tides.   Marshes, swamps, and mud flats are obvious examples of
            wetlands, although there are other types that are not as readily
            discernable.

                 Wetlands are defined, by the various agencies that regulate
            them, using a three parameter approach. To be a wetland an area
            must have, (1) hydric soils, (2) hydrophytic vegetation, and (3)
            a hydrology typical of a wetlands system. Hydric soils are soils
            with characteristics that are produced under water saturated
            conditions, hydrophytic vegetation is vegetation adapted to living
            in water saturated conditions, and a typical wetlands hydrology is
            where water saturates the soil at a frequecy and duration that
            supports hydrophytic vegetation and produces hydric soils.
                 Wetlands perform several important functions.            Wetlands
            improve water quality by slowing the flow of water and allowing
            excess suspended solids, nutrients, and toxic substances to settle
            out of the water column. Some of these pollutants are taken up and
            used by wetland plants, while the rest are broken down by bacteria
            into less harmful substances.     Wetlands act as natural buffers
            against flood waters by slowing the velocity of the flow, absorbing
            excess volume, and releasing flood waters at a slow rate. Wetlands
            prevent erosion by binding together soil through their extensive
            root systems. This prevents the loss of valuable uplands such as
            agricultural and forestal land. Wetlands contribute to the flow
            of rivers and streams by serving as discharge points for
            groundwater.   This helps to maintain streamflow during drought
            conditions.    In some cases they act as recharge areas for
            groundwater.   Wetlands produce great amounts of food which feed
            small organisms, which in turn are fed upon by larger organisms,
            and so on. Eventually man feeds on organism, such as fish, fowl,
            and meat, produced by this 'chain'. Wetlands serve as habitat for
            many important commercial and recreational birds, fish, and
            mammals.    They provide foodf      nesting areas,     shelter,    and
            protection.

                New Kent County has extensive areas of both tidal and nontidal
            wetlands as seen on map 8. Tidal wetlands are influenced by the
            ebb and flow of lunar tides. These wetlands are found along the
            Pamunkey River and it's tidal tributaries, and the tidal portion
            of the Chickahoniny River and it's 11--idal tributaries. Nontidal
            wetlands are usually low lying areas, with a high water table that

                                             37









            saturates the soil surface. Nontidal wetlands are isolated from
            tidal influences.     Nontidal wetlands are found along nontidal
            portions of streams tributary to the Pamunkey River, and along
            nontidal tributaries of the Chickahominy River and that portion
            upriver from Walkers   Dam.



            FLOOD PLAINS


                 A flood plain is level land lying adjacent to a river or
            stream that may become submerged by floodwaters. Floodplains are
            formed by silt and sediment deposited by a stream. The 100 year
            flood plain is that area of land that would be inundated by a flood
            that statistically occurs once in 100 years. In other words, land
            lying within the 100 year flood plain would have a 1% chance of
            being flooded in a years period of time.

                 The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development,
            Federal Emergency Management Agency, has developed flood plain maps
            under authority of the National Flood Insurance Act. These maps
            define those areas that are eligible for- inclusion under the
            National Flood Insurance Program.      They have been used in this
            survey to define those areas in New Kent County that fall in the
            100 year flood plain. There are two sections of the County that
            have not been napped by FEMA.      one section covers the Diascund
            Reservoir area, and the other, adjacent section, covers the area
            West of there.

                 The FEMA maps have not been field checked, and may contain
            inaccuracies that can only be corrected though field inspection.
            The flood plain map indicates, generally, where the 100 year flood
            plain is located.     The map   indicates where caution should be
            exercised when deciding where   to locate development.

                 Flood plains as mapped     in New Kent County are primarily
            located along the York., Pamunkey, and Chickahominy Rivers.         The
            flood plain extends a considerable distance into the County along
            Black Creek. Map 7 shows flood plain areas in New Kent County.


            SOILS


                 Development activities are affected to a large extent by
            soils.   Building construction, roads, bridges, septic systems,
            agriculture and forestry, need to occur in or on the right soil
            types to ensure their success. Understanding the types of soils
            in New Kent County is necessary to meet the County's goals for
            future development.

                 The United States Department of Agriculture Soil Conservation
            Service in cooperation with Virginia Polytechnic Institute and
            State University has recently completed a soil survey of New Kent

                                             38








            County    This survey will be published for distribution in the near
            future.    Information in this section was obtained from the Soil
            Conservation Service and represents the most current data
            available.

                  The soil survey contains a large amount of valuable
            information that will be useful in the County's planning process.
            The survey contains maps that delineate all of the soil types
            within the County, as well as information on each soil such as;
            yields per acre of crops and pasture, woodland management and
            productivity, recreational development, wildlife habitat, building
            site development, sanitary facilities, construction materials,
            water management, engineering properties and classifications,
            physical and chemical properties of the soils, soil and water
            features, and other information.

                  one issue of particular importance to New Kent County, that
            is directly related to soils, involves the soil suitability for on-
            site sewage treatment.

                  Map 9 shows soil suitability for on-site     sewage treatment.
            This information was produced in cooperation with representatives
            of the U. S. Soil Conservation Service (SCS), Virginia Department
            of Health, New Kent County, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and
            State University, and Richmond Regional Planning District
            Commission. This is a'generalized map, and does not substitute for
            a site specific analysis of soils.

                  This map shows that:

                       (1) sixty-five percent (87,275. acres) of the County
                       contains soils that are unsuitable for any type of on-
                       site sewage treatment system; and that,

                       (2) thirty-five percent of the County (48,039 acres)
                       contains soils that are suitable for some type of on-site
                       sewage treatment system.

                  Of the soils that are suitable, eighty-one percent (39,134
            acres) have severe limitations for on site systems, and nineteen
            percent (8,905 acres) have moderate to slight limitations.

                  Soils with slight limitations work well with conventional on-
            site systems (e.g. septic tank and drain field) .          Soils with
            moderate or severe limitations usually require more expensive on-
            site systems that might need special ditching and/or mounding, or
            require special components.






                                              39












            FORESTS

                 Forests are a benef it to New Kent County both economically
            and environmentally. The forest industry is a major part of the
            @conomy in the County.        Forests benefit the environment by
            improving water quality and regulating water supply. Water quality
            is improved through the reduction of erosion and the sedimentation
            of lakes and streams. Water supply is regulated by the forest's
            ability to prevent the rapid runoff of precipitation from the land.
            Forests clean the air by acting as a filter or "sink". oxygen is
            exchanged for carbon dioxide during the process of photosynthesis
            (the process of converting light energy into useable energy) thus
            keeping these two constituents in balance. Forests provide habitat
            that is used by many animals for shelter, food, and nesting sites.
            Forests are aesthetically pleasing and provide attractive homesites
            and recreational areas.

                 The following information is part of a larger document being
            prepared for the County by the Virginia Department of Forestry.
            Forests cover seventy-five percent (102,256 acres) of the land mass
            in New Kent County.     Forest cover is fairly evenly distributed
            throughout the County, only broken to any significant extent by
            some of the large agricultural tracts along the Pamunkey River.
            One area of concentrated forest cover occurs south of 1-64, bounded
            by Route 155 to the west, Route 60 to the south, and Diascund
            Reservoir to the east. Seventy percent of the forest land is in
            private ownership, twenty-nine percent is owned by industry, and
            less than one percent is owned by state or local government. Major
            forest types in the County are loblolly pine which makes up thirty-
            five percent (36,269 acres) of the County, oak-pine fifteen percent
            (15,383 acres) , oak-hickory forty-five percent (45,985 acres) , and
            oak-gum-cypress five percent (4,604 acres). Virtually all of the
            trees produced are of commercial quality.

                 Map 10 shows soil productivity for timber production in New
            Kent County. More specifically, the map shows soil productivity
            for loblolly pine growth. Loblolly pine was used in determining
            productivity potential for this map because it is a widely found
            commercial variety in the County.       Productivity potentials for
            other tree species will follow a similar pattern, although growth
            will be lower.      The criteria used to determine productivity
            potential came from U.S. Soil Conservation Service and U.S. Forest
            Service methodology.

                 Productivity potential is represented by site class.         There
            are five site classes, with class I representing soils with the
            highest production potential on down to class V which represents
            soils with the lowest. New Kent soils fall into class II, III, and
            IV. On this map class III soils have been further divided into
            soils with a productivity rating of a least 114 cu. ft. /ac. /yr. , and
            those with a Droductivity rating of at least 105 cu.ft./ac./yr.

                                              40









                 It is important to note that lower productivity class I       II
            soils are typically found along ridge lines where many of the
            County's roads are constructed.     Higher productivity class III
            soils are found along secondary stream drainages, and the highest
            productivity class II soils are found along the flood plains of the
            Pamunkey and Chickahominy rivers. The County is fortunate in that
            as development occurs along the highways in the lower productivity
            class III soils, water quality can be maintained by keeping the
            higher productivity class III and II soils forested.



            PRIME FARMLAND


                 Prime farmland is determined by the characteristics of the
            soil. In addition, moisture and a sufficiently long growing season
            must be present. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has defined
            prime farmland soils as "soils that are favorable for the economic
            production of sustained high yields of crops". In addition, "prime
            farmland soils produce the highest yields with minimal inputs of
            energy and economic resources, and farming these soils results in
            the least damage to the environment".

                 Prime farmland is important to identify within the County to
            plan for its best use. Development can be encouraged in other less
            productive areas, while prime farmland is preserved for its highest
            and best use. In this way energy is not needlessly wasted on the
            cultivation of marginal land and some measure of environmental
            protection is achieved.

                 The U.S. Soil Conservation Service (SCS) has determined that
            approximately thirty-six percent (49,346 acres) of New Kent County
            is made up of prime farmland. Map 11 shows large areas of prime
            farmland along the Pamunkey River, along the eastern and
            southeastern New Kent/James City County line, along the
            Chickahominy River, and running north-south along Route 155 in the
            center of the County.



            RARE AND ENDANGERED SPECIES


                 Rare species are plahts and animals that', because of their low
            numbers or the scarcity of the habitat in which they live, are in
            danger of extinction.   Endangered species are those in imminent
            danger of extinction throughout their range.     Another category,
            threatened species, are those that appear to be approaching
            endangered status,

                The extinction of many species of plants and animals have
            occurred through the ages from both natural and manmade causes.
            Climate changes, overcompetition from other species for habitat,
            and predation are examples of natural causes. Through overzealous

                                            41







            hunting and the ability to dramatically change the landscape
            through development, man has greatly accelerated the rate at which
            species are lost.
                 Information on the location of rare and endangered species in
            the County was obtained from the Virginia Natural Heritage Program
            (VNHP) under the Virginia Department of Conservation and Natural
            Resources.      This   information    should  not    be    considered
            comprehensive. A comprehensive study for the County has not been
            conducted. There are certainly many other locations of rare and
            endangered species that have not been identified.
                 Map 12 shows those areas in New Kent County that contain rare
            and endangered species.    Each block contains 661 acres.       These
            blocks should not be considered buffer areas for the protection of
            rare and endangered species. They only indicate that a species is
            located somewhere within the block.      Those blocks with a solid
            outline contain an area where a report (sighting verified by VNHP
            staff) of a rare, endangered, or threatened species has occurred.
            The blocks with a dashed outline contain locations that
            historically contain rare, endangered, or threatened species.
            Historic locations were found through the review of research
            literature by VNHP staff.






























                                             42












           Table 11
                   Reported and Historical Rare and Endangered species
                                     New Kent County



                      Birds

                           bald eagle

                      Insects


                           rare skipper

                      Reptiles

                           glossy crayfish snake

                      Plants

                           long's bitter cress            prairie senna
                           three-square bullrush          yellow cowlily
                           hard-stemmed bullrush          fen orchid
                           trailing loosestrife           adder's tongue
                           sensitive joint-vetch          galingale sedge
                           virginia least trillium        parker's pipewort
                           mat-forming water-hyssop       beaked spikerush
                           carolina yellow-eyed grass

                    Source: Virginia Natural Heritage Program




















                                             43

























                                                                                                                                              TUNSTALL







                                                                                                                             lip

                                                                                                                                                      T


                                                                                                                                                        0
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                ----------







                                                                                                ell



                                                              EGGED
                                                                                                           ACK5 %VlRt



                                                                                                                                                 QuIN"N
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      @ftvs
                                                                                                                                                                                 TA.LLETSVfLLF                                        @RNER                                          4.
                                                                                                                                   Vi
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    FW KF.NT
                                                                                                                            Ell                                                                                    CEI
                                                                            64
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   249



                                                                                                                                o           .1.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               SL^TE
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   -LIX




                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   64        62,
                                                                                                                              "o

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   Mal


                                                                                                                                             1,X
















                                                                                                                                                                                    ,n',
                                          t1opes greater than 15%.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             WINAh%
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         4
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       C6O



                                                                                                                                      NEW                  KENT                     COUNTY


                                                                                                                                                                0                    9000,
                                                              Prepcred by
                                Richmond Regional Planning District Commission





















                                                                                                                                                                                                                             . . . ........ .

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            ...........



                                                                                                                                                                                                          TUNSTALL



                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           . .... . . .... ..



                                                                                                                                                                                     03


                                                                                                                                                                                                                TVNSI--





                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    .... .. .......
                                                                                                                      fl                                                                                                                                                a                 n key
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Viershed-

                                                                                                                                                                                          249



                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               A

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             NEW KENT
                                                                                                                                                                                                    all                                          6to
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        ...    No




                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                64
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   SLATE
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    om               M
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         hic                                             Y,
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           64
                                                                                                                                                                                                                         rG 31


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            gal












                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           ME)
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        [ED

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   Uw
                                                          100 Year Flood Plain

                                                          Watershed Boundary
                                                          Sub- basin Boundary
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      X'.


                                                                                                                                                                                                 NEW                             KENT                                 COUNTY

                                                                                      Prepared by                                                                                                                                       0                              9000,
                                           Richmond Regional Planning District Commission








                                                                                                   9_4                                                                               444


                                                                                                                                     TUNGTALL
                                                                                                                                                  ILE)



                                                                                                             IHI











                                         4h@
                                                                                                                                                                      TALLETRVILLE

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      F.W XF T
                                                                            BE']                                                                              610                                                                     RTHOUS

                                                                                                                                                         co-..




                                                                                                                                                                        64





                                                                                                                     .0
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  n64


                                                                                                                                                                                                 J,



                                                                                                                                                                                                       'PROVID

                                                                                                                                                                                                         60
                                     Tidal Wetlands                                                                                                                                                                 Mm
                                                                                                                                                                                                  A
                                     Non -Tidal Wetlands





                                                                                                                            NEW                 KENT                    COUNTY


                                                      Prepared by                                                                                    0                   9000,
                          Richmond Regional Planning District Commission




































                                                                                                                                                                                                  IT
                                                                                                                                 TO    LL                                                         AV
                                                                                                                                         ION





                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              _4




                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  249


                                                           .OTTO                                                                                                                                                55












                                                                                                                                                                                                     55
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \AO,

                                                                                                                                               ON ASTLE
                                                                                                                                                                                                            7
                                                                                                                                                                                                          ..CE

                          Good to Moderate
              M
                          Poor                                                                                                                                                                                                              S,,_ A
                     1                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 6:0
                          Unsuited
              F]
                                                                                                                                                                                                                           4@

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     .27


                                                                                                                      NEW                    KENT COUNTY

                                             Prepared by                                                                                          0                    9000,
               Richmond Regional Planning District Commission








                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             44-0

                                                                                                                         Q)




























                                                                                                                                aLACXS Sft$ie."




                                                                                                                                                                                                                            IAL@!VS-.L.



                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      ............




                                                                                             BRI                                                           W









                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              ...........
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              ...........


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             .. ......
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            5                                                                              . . . ... .......
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            ... .....
                                                                                                                                        ...... - - - - -
                                                                                                                                                                                                                      M






                                                   Class 11            129 cu. f t. /ac. /yr
                                                   Class 1111) 114 cu. f t /ac. /yr.
                                                   Class 1111 105 cu.ft./ac./yr
                                  El
                                                   Class IV, 71 cu.ft./ac./yr.
                                     .R.X@:
                                                                                                                                                                         NEW                          KENT COUNTY

                                                                                                                                                                                                           0                          9000,
                                                                            Prepared by
                                      Richmond Regional Planning District Commission

























                                                                                                                                          u      L










                                                                                                                                                      ON
                                                                                                                                                  9TATI














                                                               A(fo-
                                                                                                                                                           Ell


                                                                                                                                                 TO.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  C. 1.





                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               249
                                                                                                                                                                                                      k


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Ilk!
                                                                        'ITT                                                                                                    64                                                                                         LATZRVILLE

                                                                                                                                                                                             -----------










                                                                                                                             106                                                                                   55








                                        Prime Agricultural Soils
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1903




                                                                                                                                     NEW KENT                                         COUNTY

                                                                                                                                                                 0                    9000,
                                                            Prepared by                                                                                                01,
                               Richmond Regional Planning District Commission



































                                                                                                                                          TUN.T.
                                                                                                                                               AT.ON













                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            TIM
                                                                             CHI
                                                                                                                           E9
                                                N@,
                                                                                                                                                                 ..........

                                                                                                                                                                               Rv-                                         @FtNrR

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        NEW KENT



                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      249
                                                                                 CW3
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  SL@TFFIML

                                                                                                                                                                               j
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  all
                                                                                                                                                           CHI
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       64
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                .21

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       MI-81



                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   62,






                                                                                                                                               6


                                                                                                                                                       CE
                                                                                                                                                                               [HE]

                                                                                                                                                                                                     [E9

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        ED
                                     Reported Sitings                                                   A.
                                     Historic Sitings
                         El



                                                                                                                                NEW KENT                                       COUNTY


                                                        Prepared by                                                                                       0                    9000,
                           Richmond Regional Planning District Commission












                                  DEVELOPMENT ASSESSMENT


                 The second phase of the  planning process synthesizes all of@
            the data which has been surveyed and    develops a picture of the
            existing condition of the County. By taking an realistic look at
            the County combined with what is happening in the region, the
            future --development potential of the County can begin to be
            determined.

                 This section discusses regional development trends and County
            development trends.   It also points out the County's assets and
            concerns which may influence the rate and intensity of development.
            Many of the factors, such as regional growth, are beyond the
            County's direct control. However, by identifying these factors and
            understanding their effect on the County's future, more effective
            development strategies can be formulated to shape a future
            development pattern.


            DEVEL OPMENT TRENDS IN THE REGION

                 The Richmond region is experiencing steady growth in
            population, housing, and employment.    Statistics indicated that
            population growth in the region exceeded population growth in the
            State by 2.5 percent between 1980-1985.     Population forecasters
            anticipate continued growth in the region into the next century.
            Housing stock in the region grew faster than the population,
            indicating a 11.5 percent increase during 1980-1985. The regional
            economy has also kept pace with regional growth trends. Employment
            increased by 9.6 percent during 1980-1985 while unemployment rates
            remained low.

                 Although many positive benefits have resulted from the growth
            the Richmond region has experienced, growth in the region has been
            very unbalanced. Some localities in the region are feeling great
            development pressure. Development is sprawling across the land,
            creating difficulty in delivering basic services to new residents.
            Other localities in the region remain rural, showing little signs
            of development pressure.. As growth is expected to continue in the.
            future, rapidly developing localities are searching for ways to
            manage growth, while rural localities need to begin planning for
            new development in anticipation of the growth that is certain to
            come. ...




            DEVELOPMENT TRENDS IN NEW KENT COUNTY

                 New Kent County has experienced considerable growth since the
            1970s. Population has increased by approximately 87 percent since
            the 1970 census. From 1980 to 1985, population increased by 21.7

                                            44








           percent, a much higher growth rate than the State or the region.
           The number of housing units has also doubled since the 1970s.
           Employment, however, has experienced less significant change, as
           a majority of County residents work outside the County.

                 Even though New Kent has experienced substantial growth, most
           of the County remains rural in nature. The majority of the
           development has occurred in western New Kent County. However, it
           is very likely that development pressure will continue to increase
           throughout the entire County.      Population projections for the
           period of 1990 to 2010 indicate continued growth, twice the rate
           of increase as predicted for the region. Residential development
           is also expected to continue in the County. The number of building
           permits issued in recent years has far exceeded projected housing
           demand. Employment projections show some expansion of the County's
           economic base in the future, but not to the proportion of
           anticipated population growth or residential development.

                These trends indicate that growth is occurring in the county
           as anticipated. New Kent County has a favorable attitude toward
           growth, but desires to direct development into specific areas.
           Growth management will benefit future development in the County by
           preserving areas of open space, protecting environmentally
           sensitive lands, and concentrating development in order to make the
           installation of public utilities more feasible and service delivery
           more efficient.



           DEVELOPMENT ASSETS

                The County is fortunate to contain a variety of assets which
           contribute to the quality of life. Residents are able to enjoy a
           rural lifestyle and still have access to many urban amenities not
           often found in rural areas.     Following is a list of assets as
           identified by the County Planning Commission.

           Rural Nature of the County

                A majority of the County land area remains undisturbed by
           development. In fact, forests and open space cover approximately
           84 percent of the County. Many different species of wildlife can
           be found roaming around the County, and the air and water remain
           free from pollutants found in urban areas.

                The County's natural beauty and rural nature have been
           significant influences in bringing new people to the locality.
           Much of the land in the county is physically suitable for
           development, as opposed to surrounding localities, and can be
           purchased at relatively low prJ.ces.





                                           45








           Location in the Richmond-Williamsburg Corridor

                New Kent County is located between two urban areas that offer
           a variety  of employment, shopping, and recreational opportunities
           not found in rural areas. By accessing Interstate 64, County
           residents  are within minutes of jobs, commercial goods, services,
           and urban  amenities.

                Both the Richmond region and the Hampton Roads area are
           experiencing steady growth.      This growth pressure has caused
           developers and investors to start to consider the County as a prime
           area to target development. The County is one of the final three.
           sites being considered for the development of a major horse racing
           track in the State.     Evidence of development can also be seen
           around the edges of the County.        Residential and commercial
           development is concentrating in the Bottoms Bridge area, while a
           large scale residential community is proposed for eastern New Kent
           County.

                As growth in the region continues, New Kent County will become
           more and more susceptible to development activity. Therefore, the
           County must begin now to take action to plan for future development
           and the demands that development will place on.the County.

           Chickahominy, Pamunkey, and York Rivers

                The County contains several miles of river frontage. Most of
           these river areas remain undisturbed by development activity,
           thereby adding to the natural beauty of the County.       There are
           especially impressive scenic views along the Pamunkey river in the
           northern portion of the County where virtually no development
           activity has occurred.

                The rivers offer a important advantage to the County because
           of their possible use for supplying drinking water.       Presently,
           water from the Chickahominy river is being used by Newport News for
           drinking water purposes. The Pamunkey river is also considered to
           have significant amounts of drinking water available.      New Kent
           County along with many other localities are looking to the Pamunkey
           river as a primary drinking water resource in the future.

                The rivers have provided a major recreational resource for
           County residents and visitors to the area. The rivers are used for
           fishing, boating, and other water sporting activities.    There are
           several access points along all three rivers; yet, the Chickahominy
           river has developed as the primary recreational river in the
           County. Marinas, campgrounds, and related activities are scattered
           at many locations along that river.





                                           46








            Trtneportation Network

                 The County is very fortunate to have a superior transportation
            network.--. Perhaps the biggest asset to the County overall is the
            presence,of Interstate  64 which cuts through for the entire length
            of the County. The interstate provides County residents with easy
            access - to . employment centers and cities in the region.        The
            presence'-of the interstate also increases the economic development
                  ial-of the County. Access to a major transportation system
            potent
                         the chief determinants developers use to locate
            IS one   of
            comiiercial.and industrial development.

                 The  interior road.system provides residents with easy access
            throughout the County.    New Kent County also has an exceptional
            system of primary roads. Approximately 7 primary roads are found
            within the County, a significant number for a rural community.
            Roads in the County are not congested and, to date, have easily
            accommodated existing amounts of traffic.

                 The New Kent Airport is viewed as an important asset by:the
            County.   The airport is now a general aviation facility used
            primarily by local residents. However, the County plans to expand
            service at the airport in the future. The Regional Airports System
            Plan, which has been endorsed by the County, points . out the
            importance of the Airport to the regional general aviation
            community. The airport's location makes it a prime site for the
            location of. smaller general aviation aricraft should Richmond
            International implement the recommended plan of decentralization
            of this type of aircraft.

            Industrial Park

                 The County recently purchased land adjacent to the airport in
            order to develop an industrial park.      The industrial park will
            primarily house light industrial uses.      The County anticipates
            using portions of the industrial park as a warehousing area. The
            industrial park will provide more job opportunities to County
            residents and serve as an excellent contributor to the tax base.

                 Having the industrial park in close proximity to the airport
            will serve a dual purpose. The airport will serve as a convenient
            efficient means of transporting goods and employees for those
            industries located at the park. This convenience of air service
            will help increase the development potential of the industrial
            park, while the airport will benefit by the increased number of
            users the industrial park will generate. The County hopes that the
            interrelationship between the industrial park and the airport will
            help increase the economic and development- potential of both these
            uses.










                                             47








           COMMUnity' Facilities

                 Even though New Kent County is rural in nature, the locality
           provides a complete   range of community facilities and services.
           The New Kent Courthouse area acts as the center of county
           government activity. Other community facilities and services are
           provided at several locations throughout the County.


                 construction of a new educational facility was recently
           completed in the County, dividing the school system into four units
           instead of three. This addition will help provide more room for
           County children and increase the quality of education for these
           children.

           Outdoor Recreation / Wildlife

                 There are many opportunities to enjoy outdoor sports in the
           County. Hunting is a big "past time" in New Kent witnessed by the
           numerous hunting, clubs scattered throughout the County.          The
           undeveloped nature of the County contributes. to the abundant supply
           of wildlife that can be found in the area. As stated beforel the
           rivers also provide residents and visitors with many opportunities
           to enjoy all types of water sporting activities.

           County Attitude

                 County officials are always seeking to improve the quality of
           life in the County. The local government is very progressive in
           nature and is seeking growth and development, but not at the cost
           or detriment to County residents.         The plan's goal is to
           effectively manage the growth that is anticipated to occur in the
           County in a manner that will most benefit County residents.



           DEVELOPMENT CONCERNS

                 As New Kent County confronts its future, there are several
           concerns and issues that need to be addressed.        Some of these
           concerns will be resolved as development occurs in the County,
           while other concerns, if not identified and examined now, may
           evolve into more serious problems.

           Public Utilities


                 New Kent County does not have a central water and sewer
           system. Development is scattered throughout the County, making a
           central water and sewer -system virtually impossible. The -majority
           of County residents have individual septic tanks.

                 The County does, however, maintain water and sewer systems in
           some of the subdivisions in which water and sewer systems were
           installed by the developer. Also, a few subdivisions in the County

                                            48








           have private, water and sewer systems. Many of these residential
           areas are located in undeveloped, forested areas, hidden and
           isolated from the rest of the County.     This type of development
           pattern-,limits the ability of the County to connect these systems,
           service a large area, or install a central system.

                To make a central water and sewer system feasible and cost
           effective, the County will have to concentrate development into
           more compact areas.    The western portion of New Kent County has
           witnessed some concentration of commercial and residential
           development. At the present time, the Bottoms Bridge area seems
           the most capable of accommodating public water and sewer.      Future
           development in the western portion of New Kent County should seek
           to infill existing undeveloped areas first before spreading further
           east. .

           Additional Sources of Drinking Water

                Securing additional resources for the County's future drinking
           water supply is -a significant concern of the County.         Reports
           regarding the County's future drinking water supply conclude that
           existing water resources will be able to provide drinking water
           into the early years of 21st century.         County officials are
           discussing long term strategies on how,to secure future water
           resources and how to utilize the Pamunkey river as a possible
           drinking water supply.

           Conversion of Agricultural Land

                Development activities in New Kent County are expected to
           increase in the future. As development pressures increase and land
           becomes more valuable, owners of agricultural land will become more
           inclined to sell their property to developers.'

                One of the tools the County has in place that could be used
           to help decrease the conversion of agricultural land is
           Agricultural Forestal Districts (AFDs) . However, the lands in AFDs
           are given voluntarily by interested property owners who receive a
           small tax write-off for their donation. This tax incentive does
           not seem as profitable as the financial return a property owner
           could receive from a developer seeking land for development
           purposes.

           Impact of Future  Growth on Highway System

                The County is  in the process of making various improvements
           to its infrastructure in order to prepare for future growth and
           development.    Local officials, believe -that the primary and
           secondary roads in their present condition will not be able to
           accommodate the traffic which will be generated by intensive
           development in the future. The County can not take concrete action
           upon   these   concerns   because   road    improvements   are    the
           responsibility of the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) .

                                            49








           Unfortunately, representatives from VDOT admit that, as a general
           rule, road improvements happen after-the-fact, that is after a
           traffic problem or traffic congestion.is already present.

           Route 106-609

                 The County is paying close attention to Route 106-609.       The
           Virginia Department of Transportation has seriously discussed      the
           possibility of making Route 106-609 a loop road around the Richmond
           region.     If the road developed in this manner, it would
           significantly impact development in New Kent, especially the
           western portion of the County.

           Route 33

                 Local officials are looking to develop commercial and
           industrial development along the Route 33 corridor. The corridor
           is seen as a prime location for commercial and industrial activity
           because of the corridor's ability to handle large amounts of
           traffic and intensive uses.

                 At the present time, land adjacent to the corridor is
           undeveloped. Commercial and industrial development along Route 33
           would generate growth in the eastern portion of the County, which
           would serve to balance development activity in the County.
           Commercial and industrial development would also further diversify
           the local economy, provide employment and shopping opportunities
           for County residents, and increase the local tax base.

           Limited Rental or Multi-Family Development

                 Housing opportunities in the County are limited primarily to
           single family residential development. Around 75 percent of the
           County's housing stock is owner-occupied. Multi-family and rental
           housing is virtually unavailable.     The unavailability of public
           utilities has had a considerable impact on the development of
           multi-family housing.

                 The lack of housing opportunities have left few alternatives
           for the incoming resident who does not have the purchasing power-
           or desire to buy a lot and build in the County. Yet, regardless
           of these limitations, the County has already, to a great extent,
           established itself as a bedroom community to the Richmond region
           @nd Hampton Roads area.      As development activity continues to
           increase and more and more people migrate to New Kent, the
           likelihood of multi-family residential development locating in the
           County will also increase.

           Limited Commercial Development

                 The County has very little commercial development.         Small
           commercial centers are located in the villages of Providence Forge,
           Eltham, and Bottoms Bridge. These areas have a limited selection

                                            50







           of goods and services.    As a result, County residents have to
           purchase many goods and services outside the County and potential
           sales tax revenues are lost.
                As the County popula   tion continues to grow, commercial
           development should also increase.    commercial activity needs to
           continue to locate in the village areas in an effort to concentrate
           development activity and population in the County.    This type of
           development pattern will help increase the County's ability to
           provide services to residents, encourage growth management, as well
           as help preserve rural areas within the County.
           Limited Employment opportunities
                Very few jobs are available in the County.       In 1980, 80
           percent of the County residents were employed in other
           jurisdictions. while this is not unusual in a rural area, the lack
           of employment opportunities places the County in an unstable,
           unhealthy position.    County residents are forced to leave the
           'County to work and may leave the County to live.     on the other
           hand, if people choose to live in the County, but work and spend
           money in other localities, the economic base and tax base of the
           County continues to diminish.       All these forces combine to
           discourage any new development activity from the County.
           Limited Number of Community Recreational Facilities
                The County has very few community recreational facilities.
           there are no parks in the County and only one playing field, other
           than the fields at the County's high school, that is available for
           recreational use.    The County presently relies on the school
           facilities as the main recreational resource.
                The County feels that the school facilities can adequately
           serve the County's present needs.     Yet f in the future, as more
           people come to New Kent County to live, these facilities will
           become insufficient.    Incoming residents, arriving from urban
           areas, will expect the County to have recreational amenities.
                Th e County should develop a plan to expand recreational
           facilities based on population projections.        These types of
           services are needed to provide residents with opportunities for
           leisure and recreation. Once these facilities are expanded, people
           will not be forced to leave the County to participate and enjoy
           certain sports.

           Limited Economic Base
                Industrial  and commercial    development are usually prime
           contributors to a, local tax base. The lack of a strong industrial
           and commercial base has a profound impact on the County and its
           residents.    Without industrial and commercial components to

                                            51








           contribute to the tax base, the County is forced to rely on other
           sectors for revenues. This means that other types of developi-ilent
           must either shoulder a larger than average portion of the tax bill
           or the County must go without some services.














































                                           52










                                  GOALS AND OBJECTIVES


                The following statements lay a foundation for the future
           development of New Kent County. These goals and objectives provide
           a framework to develop the County's future land use plan. These
           statements have been formulated by analyzing the County's existing
           conditions, regional and local development trends, development
           assets and constraints, and determining the approach and direction
           the County wishes to pursue for future growth and development.
           Goals are general statements which provide guidance to the course
           of future development, while objectives establish a way to
           accomplish these goals.


           Goal 1     Overall Development
                      To encourage well planned, orderly growth as a means to
                      meet the physical, economic, and social needs of County
                      residents.

                      objectives
                 (1)  Promote a balanced development pattern as a     means of
                      providing sufficient living, shopping, and working areas.
                 (2)  Encourage compact, planned development as a means of
                      reducing the conversion'of  land to urban purposes.
                 (3)  Promote well-designed development to assure compatibility
                      with surrounding land uses.

                 (4)  Encourage the retention of sufficient amounts, types,
                      and sizes of land at appropriate locations in order to
                      accommodate the future needs of County residents.

                 (5)  Promote the development of capital intensive business and
                     .industry as a means to increase the County's tax base,
                      stimulate the County's economy, and expand the County's
                      employment opportunities.

           Goal 2     Environmental Preservation
                      To preserve and protect the natural environment while
                      permitting development to occur in a manner consistent
                      with the capacity of land to handle development.

                      Objectives
                 (1)  Protect scenic and natural features from inappropriate
                      development.


                                            53






                  (2) Control development   in and adjacent to flood plains,
                      wetlands, steep slopes and other sensitive areas as a
                      means to protect the environment and water quality.
                  (3) Promote land development and site design that is
                      sensitive to environmental constraints.

           Goal   3   Residential Development
                      To encouragethe development of well-planned residential
                      neighborhoods which offer a wide variety of densities and
                      housing types.

                      objectives
                  (1) Encourage    residential    development    at    densities
                      appropriate with existing and planned utilities, roads
                      and environmental constraints.
                  (2) Provide for a variety of housing densities and types
                      including apartments, townhouses, and mobile home
                      subdivisions.
                  (3) Encourage the construction of good quality housing in a
                      complete range of prices.
                  (4) Encourage the use of innovative site design such as
                      planned unit developments and clustering.
                  (5) Discourage residential development in areas better suited
                      for commercial, industrial, or agricultural land uses.
                  (6) Assure that the existing housing stock will be maintained
                      at minimum standards of health and safety.

            Goal 4    Commercial Development
                      To provide for the development of a variety of commercial
                      activities at appropriate and convenient locations.

                      objectives
                  (1) Encourage the location of commercial development within
                      villages, near interstate interchanges, and within close
                      proximity to public utilities and the circulation
                      network.
                  (2) Provide sufficient land for the development of community
                      and regional shopping and service needs.
                  (3) Require site design which is in keeping with the physical
                      environment and character of the County.


                                             54







                  (4)  Discourage commercial development at intersections, the
                       stripping of commercial uses along major roads, and other
                       situations where additional traf f ic generated would cause
                       undue traffic congestion.
                  (5)  Provide opportunities for water dependent commercial
                       activities based on anticipated needs.

            Goal 5     Industrial Development
                       To encourage the development of a diverse industrial base
                       in order to expand employment opportunities and add to
                       the tax base.

                       Objectives
                  (1)  Provide adequate land, services, and utilities for the
                       development of a variety of light to moderate industrial
                       uses.

                  (2)  Locate industrial development in areas     with access to
                       major highways, rail or air service.
                  (3)  Develop site design and performance         standards for
                       industrial uses that reduce or eliminate potential
                       negative impacts on the environment, water quality, and
                       adjacent land uses.
                  (4   Promote the use of industrial parks as a means to
                       concentrate    industrial   development,     increase    the
                       efficiency of public utilities, and better integrate
                       industrial development into the landscape.

            Goal 6     Transportation
                       To provide County residents with a transportation network
                       which is safe, efficient, and convenient and will
                       accommodate future growth.

                       objectives
                  (1)  Locate land 'uses based on anticipated traf f ic generation,
                       the impact on existing traffic patterns, and estimated
                       future traffic demands.

                  (2)  Encourage the proper maintenance and improvements to the
                       existing transportation system in order to meet the needs
                       of the existing and future population.
                  (3)  Promote transportation routes that lessen travel time
                       between    residential,    commercial,    employment,     and
                       community centers.


                                              55







                 (4) Continue to upgrade the New Kent Airport in keeping with
                     its role as the County's general aviation facility.
                 (5) Maintain viability of the airport by limiting adjacent
                     development to uses compatible with aviation activities.

           Goal 7    Agricultural and Forestal Development

                     To preserve valuable agricultural and forestal resources
                     as an important part of the local economy and to retain
                     the landscape of the County.

                     objectives
                 (1) Protect agricultural   and forestal lands,. particularly
                     prime agricultural lands, from development that will lead
                     to the premature loss of these lands.
                 (2) Promote the use of best management practices and other
                     techniques as a means to lessen pollution and retain
                     valuable soils.

                 (3) Retain agricultural and forestal land as a natural buffer
                     to separate various land uses.
                 (4) Provide financial incentives that will aid in the
                     retention of agricultural and forestal land.

           Goal 8    Historical and Archaeological Preservation
                     To preserve and promote the historical and archaeological
                     resources of the County.

                     Objectives
                 (1) Encourage public and private actions to            protect
                     historical and archaeological sites.
                 (2) Promote development that incorporates historical sites
                     provided such sites are properly preserved.

           Goal  9   community Facilities
                     To provide adequate   public facilities and utilities to
                     County residents in a manner reflecting both present
                     needs and desireable patterns for future growth.

                     Objectives
                 (1) Develop community facilities and utilities to meet the
                     needs of the existing and future population.



                                            56







               (2) Insure that new development is provided with adequate
                    community facilities and utilities.
               (3)  Identify and protect surface and groundwater resources
                    to insure a safe and adequate water supply.


               (4)  Provide adequate facilities and equipment for law
                    enforcement, fire prevention, emergency medical, and
                    other protective services.
               (5)  Improve public access to the County's waterways.



































                                         57








                                   FUTURE LAND USE PLAN


                 This section  sets out a framework in which to achieve the
            goals and-, objectives. The future land use plan seeks to translate
            the general guidance stated in the goals and objectives into
            specific development strategies, future land uses, and development
            and land use policies. All three elements combine to direct future
            development and growth within the County.
                 The future land use plan is to be used as a tool to guide
            future development within the County.    The plan's purpose is to
            assist in making land development decisions, and should not dictate
            what decision is made.

                 The future land use plan is general in nature.       Numerical
            calculations, land use descriptions, and boundary lines contained
            within the plan are not precise or all-inclusive, but serve to
            provide reasonable measures the County can refer to in managing
            future growth.

                 The plan also represents a long term view of the County. This
            plan attempts-to look 20 years into the future. Many things will
            occur before the year 2010 to affect the relevance of this plan.
            State law requires a review of the plan every five years to make
            the appropriate revisions to the document.

                 In order to develop a future land use plan, the County has
            made certain assumptions about the future. These assumptions are
            neither desirable or undesirable, but merely represent trends and
            factors that will influence future development in the County.

                 1.   County population will continue to increase at a rate
                      faster than the region.   Population will increase from
                      an estimated 10,690 in 1985 to 19,250 in 2010.

                 2.   While decreases in family size and the aging of the
                      population will impact the housing market, single family
                      residential development on individual lots will remain
                      the preferred housing type.      Single family housing
                      densities will typically range from 1 to 5 acres per
                      unit.

                 3.   Multi-family housing will be constructed in the County
                      and compose 10 percent of the new housing stock.

                 4.   Commercial development will increase as the County
                      population increases. Commercial development within the
                      County will primarily serve local residents.

                 5.   Most residents will continue to commute to jobs outside
                      the County.   Government and retail trade will continue
                      to be the leading employers within the County.

                                            58








                 6.   Industrial development will increase due to regional
                      growth and the transportation  system. - These industries
                      are expected to offer employment opportunities to local
                      res-idents and contribute significantly to the local tax
                      base.

                 7.   The transportation system will remain virtually the same.
                      Interstate 64 will remain the principle east-west
                      transportation route within the County.

                 8.   Public utilities will be necessary to meet the needs of
                      the future population and development. Water and sewer
                      service will be available in a vast majority of the
                      County by 2010.

                 9.   A declining agricultural economy and           development
                      pressures within New Kent County will entice property
                      owners to convert agricultural lands to more intensive
                      land uses.

                10.   Federal and State  actions to improve water  quality  will
                      lead to efforts to adopt regional approaches to water and
                      wastewater treatment problems. These efforts will limit
                      a locality's ability to construct individual water and
                      sewer treatment facilities and lead to regional
                      solutions.



           LAND USE REQUIREMENTS

                 In preparing a future land use plan, care must be taken that
           sufficient space is set aside for living, working and shopping
           areas. Table 12 set forth the minimum land area needs for various
           land uses based on the projected 2010 population of 19,250.

                 The long range nature of the plan requires that more land than
           the minimum requirements be designated in the land use projections.
           Allocating additional acreage insures that adequate land at
           appropriate locations will be available to meet the goals of the
           plan should projections of future growth be underestimated.         In
           addition, the County and private land owners will have increased
           flexibility in the choice of sites. This approach is in keeping
           with the idea of the plan serving as a guide.










                                            59










                                           TABLE 14
                       EXISTING AND PROJECTED LAND USE REQUIREMENTS
                               NEW KENT COUNTY, 1989 and 2010

                                            Acreage                      Percent
                 Land Use               1989           2010               Change

            Forest,-Open Space        126556          121049                - 4
            and Agricultural


            Residential                                9391                  61

                 Single Family          5846           9352                  60
                 Multi-Family              0               39                NA


            Commercial                   501           1370                  173


            Industrial                   112             287                 156


            Transportation/             2521           3439                  36
            Utilities



            Public services              144              144                   0



                 TOTAL                135680          135680

            Source: Richmond Regional Planning District Commission


















                                              60











            DEVELOPMENT STRI'@,TEGIES

                 Development strategies represent major principles which will
            serve as the basis for guiding future growth within the County.
            These strategies are derived from goal and objective statements and
            must be adhered to in order to accomplish the plan.

                 These strategies set forth a development program to attain the
            desired future development pattern.        The strategies seek to
            encourage or discourage growth and development in specific areas
            and at specific locations throughout the County; thereby creating
            a physical arrangement of land uses.           The following seven
            development strategies are seen as fundamental to the future
            development of New Kent County.

                 1.    Concentrate residential, general commercial and office
                       development in the western portion of the County.

                 The majority of the County's growth has occurred in the
            western portion of the County.       This growth is due, in large
            measure, to development pressure coming from the Richmond area and
            eastern Henrico County. Easy access to Interstate 64 has also been
            a major stimulus to the development of western New Kent County.

                 The plan continues to direct growth and development into this
            portion of the County.    Trends indicate that the development of
            western New Kent County will intensify. The aim of this strategy
            is. to concentrate development in order to establish a compact,
            densely-populated area within the County.        By increasing the
            population density within the area, the installation of water and
            sewer service becomes more probable. Increased population density
            also helps support commercial development within the area and
            expand job opportunities.

                 The strategy focuses on concentrating types of development
            which are the most desirable for the area. Significant amounts of
            residential development as well as some commercial development have
            developed. As more people enter the western portion of the County,
            commercial growth will occur and increase the likelihood of new
            office development.

                 2.    Maintain development within the designated boundary lines
                       of the Bottoms Bridge, Providence Forge, New Kent
                       Courthouse, Lanexa, and Eltham village areas.

                 This strategy seeks to create dense ly-deve loped areas to serve
            as population centers for, County residents.         By maintaining
            development within designated boundaries, the villages become
            autonomous communities, offering residents a variety of housing,
            employment, and shopping opportunities. The villages also serve
            residents who live outside the villages by becoming convenient
            points of access for a variety of commercial goods, services, and
            community facilities.

                                             61







                Maintaining development within designated areas is beneficial
           in many, other ways. . First, the more compact -an area becomes the
           more feasible the installation of water and sewer service is.
           Keeping. development within the village as compact as possible also
           helps to alleviate development sprawl. Less undeveloped land is
           converted to higher uses which helps to preserve the rural nature
           of the County.    Finally, the development of villages encourage
           community identity and pride.
                3.   Locate   commercial   and   industrial   development    at
                     interstate interchanges and appropriate locations along
                     the Route 33 corridor.
                 The aim of this strategy is to target more intensive types
           of 'development at certain locations along the County's major
           transportation systems. Development of the interstate interchanges
           and Route 33 is seen as important elements to the future growth and
           development of the County.
                Land adjacent to interstate interchanges is considered prime
           locations for development.   Businesses and industries located at
           the interchanges would have convenient access to the interstate.
           Commercial development would also benefit from the number of
           potential customers who travel the interstate and have to
           periodically stop for commercial goods and services, such as
           gasoline, lodging or food.
                The County also desires to     develop Route 33 as a heavy
           commercial and industrial corridor.      Route 33 is not heavily
           traveled at the present time nor is the land adjacent to the
           corridor heavily developed. In the future, development along this
           corridor could be similar to the development along Route 60 located
           at Williamsburg and Lightfoot. Development of more intensive land
           uses along this corridor is possible provided site planning and
           other planning techniques are used to control the access of such
           development.
                4.   Retain the rural nature of the County outside designated
                     development areas.
                As development activities increase, it will be necessary to
           manage growth in order to protect the County from haphazard
           development or development sprawl. This strategy assures that the
           land outside designated areas will be maintained as rural.
           Agricultural and forest land, especially prime tracts of these
           lands,- -is also needed to provide the production of food and
           forestry products. once the lands are developed, these valuable
           resources are lost. Conversely, development within the County is
           to be limited to specific areas and locations.        Through these
           measures, a balanced development pattern is achieved.



                                            62







                 5.   Restrict, and in some instances prohibit, development
                      within designated environmentally sensitive areas.
                      The protection of environmentally sensitive areas is
            critical to the preservation of ground and surface water quality
            in the County and the Chesapeake Bay drainage basin. These lands
            provide natural habitat for a variety of plants and animals and
            also contribute to the natural beauty of the County. Keeping these
            important functions in mind, this strategy's aim is to protect
            environmentally sensitive area from inappropriate development, and,
            where necessary, prohibit development.
                 Development which is allowed within these areas should be done
            in a manner that is compatible with the environmental capabilities
            of the site.    On-site and off-site impacts of the development
            should also be taken into account.    Fortunately, the County has
            sufficient land area to meet their future development needs without
            resorting to the development of sensitive areas.
                      Utilize Interstate 64 as a means to encourage development
                      within the County.
                 The County regards the presence of Interstate 64 in the County
            to be a major stimulus to future development. The County realizes
            that having such a major transportation artery in their locality
            increases the possibility that development will occur. Therefore,
            the aim of this strategy is to promote the interstate as a means
            to attract development to the area.
                 The interstate permits residential as well as commercial and
            indu-strial development within the County.      It provides local
            residents with convenient, rapid access to regional employment
            centers.   People can leave the urban areas to enjoy the rural
            lifestyle of New Kent County without feeling 'far away' from thL-,-
            city. Proper buffering between uses will assure a compatible mix
            of   residential,   commercial,    and    industrial    development.
            Development should also be compact in order to eliminate sprawl and
            protect environmental lands and the rural nature of the County.
                 7.   Locate capital intensive businesses and industries in
                      close proximity to 1-64.
                 The aim of this development strategy is to secure new business
            and industry within the County.       Interstate 64 is used as a
            'drawing card' to attract these new businesses and industries.
            Commercial and industrial development consider areas along the
            interstate to be prime locations for development because of the
            access and visibility the interstate provides. The County is most
            interested in securing major developments which will not only
            .provide job opportunities to local residents but will also increase
            the economic base as well as contribute significantly to the local
            tax base.



                                             63











           FUTURE LAND USE KAP

                This element of the plan sets forth a desired future land use
           pattern that def ines what type of land development will occur
           within the County and where growth and development is anticipated.
           The development of the future land use map was based on existing
           land uses and patterns, future land use needs, and the development
           strategies.    Future development of the County must also be
           consistent with the plan's goals and objectives.

                The future land use map displays a desired development
           scenario for the County. (Refer to Map 14).     It indicates areas
           where growth should be encouraged and areas where growth should be
           controlled or discouraged. This map serves as a guidance tool for
           County officials and should not be confused with the more specific
           zoning map.
                The future land use map is similar to the existing future land
           use map adopted by the County in 1985.      For example, the plan
           continues to concentrate development in the western portion of the
           County, protect environmentally sensitive areas, provide village
           centers and target development along the interstate interchanges.
           This map expands upon the development concept amended in 1985
           taking into consideration the growth that has occurred during the
           past 5 years.
                With the above in mind, the following text is a description
           of future land uses expected within the County by 2010.       Before
           discussing specific areas within the County, an overview of
           development impacting the entire County or a majority of the
           County's land area is appropriate.

           Countywide Development

                A great majority of the environmentally sensitive lands are
           located along the rivers and streams. These areas are primarily
           undeveloped, and because of their intrinsic value should be
           protected from development in the future. Therefore, these lands
           are placed in the strictest land use category, conservation.

                Approximately four water-dependent commercial uses are found
           scattered along the Chickahominy River. These existing facilities
           are adequate to meet the needs of the future County population.
           Therefore, this plan calls for no additional water-dependent
           commercial uses to be developed by the year 2010.

                The majority of the County's land area is expected to be rural
           in nature. Forest and agricultural land is expected tc continue
           to be the predominant land use within the County.        Residential
           development that will occur in these agricultural areas will be in
           small subdivisions designed to fit in with the rural character of
           this area.



                                            64









           Nastern New Kent County
                The western portion of the County is envisioned as the area
           to experience the bulk of future growth and development within the
           County. This area will predominantly develop residentially, but
           commercial, industrial, and office development is also expected in
           this area.

                The western tip of the County near Orapax Farms, the area
           north of Route 60 to the interstate and Route 249, and the area
           north of Route 249 near the community of Quinton is designated for
           medium density residential.    Residential development has already
           occurred to some degree within these areas.           Most of the
           subdivisions located in these areas have some type of utility
           system which increases the likelihood of higher density residential
           development.     The plan calls for low density residential
           development in the area extending from Blacks Store/Route 611 to
           the interstate and Browns Corner.         Low density residential
           development is also designated south of Route 60 near the Five
           Lakes subdivision. These areas are less densely populated, but are
           expected to fill in by the year 2010.
                   Bottoms Bridge is designated as a village.      The area is
           well-suited for commercial, office and residential development
           because of its location and easy access to the interstate.       Two
           small commercial clusters already exist in the community. Bottoms
           Bridge functions as a commercial service area for both local
           residents as well as the many people who travel through the County.
           Much residential development has occurred around Bottoms Bridge,
           and the area is expected to become more densely populated in the
           future.

                Mixed use development is proposed immediately adjacent to
           Bottoms Bridge on Route 60. A variety of land uses could develop,
           but residential-support commercial development is primarily
           foreseen to develop because of the many residential subdivisions
           located in the area.

                The plan calls for a heavy industrial development to locate
           just northwest of 'Bottoms Bridge along Route 613.     This site is
           seen as a prime location for industrial development because of its
           close proximity to the interstate and the railroad system.        The
           likelihood that water and sewer service will be made available to
           the Bottoms Bridge area is also a significant factor in choosing
           the site.

                The New Kent Airport is located along Route 676 behind the
           Five Lakes Subdivision. The plan designates this area for planned
           commercial/industrial development. The plan anticipates that the
           airport will play an significant role in the regional and local
           aviation programs in the future.     Therefore, it is important to
           protect the airport and approach zones from incompatible uses that
           would threaten future airport use.   The development of residential

                                            65








           and institutional uses on adjacent lands should be prohibited in
           the future; agricultural uses are most in keeping with the
           protection of the airport and adjoining land.
                 The Industrial Park will continue to operate with expansion
           of the park anticipated in the future.      The Industrial Park is
           located adjacent to the County airport. The plan designates this
           area for planned commercial/industrial development.

                 The final area to be discussed is the Talleysville
           interchange.    The plan calls for planned commercial/ industrial
           development to occupy the land adjacent to the 1-64 interchange and
           mixed use development to occur along Route 106. The 106 corridor,
           from the Benjamin Harrison bridge in Charles City County to
           Talleysville in New Kent County, has been upgraded to industrial
           specifications and should be capable of handling additional
           traffic.

           Providence Forge
                 Providence Forge is the largest community in the County. This
           area is essentially developed and very well-suited to be a village.
           Providence Forge serves as the main commercial area in the County
           and acts as a local employment center for County residents.         A
           number of community facilities, such as fire and rescue services
           and the library, are located in the area.
                 The plan has designated two planned/commercial areas along
           Route 60 near Providence Forge. The areas have direct access to
           highway and rail service. There are a few light industrial uses
           already located in these areas.

                 Residential development is located north of Providence Forge.
           Residential growth is expected to continue in the future. The plan
           anticipates medium density residential development in the area
           abutting the village along Route 155.

           Route 155 Interstate Interchange

                 A planned/ commercial industrial area is designated at the
           Route 155 Providence Forge/New Kent interstate interchange. Mixed
           development is proposed for the area south of the interstate west
           of Route 155. The land is presently undeveloped, but the County
           anticipates development of this area in the near future. Several
           proposals have already been suggested concerning the development
           of this property.

           New Kent Courthouse

                 Development within the New Kent Courthouse area is very well-
           defined. Nearly all of the governmental offices are located in the
           Courthouse area as well as 3 out of the 4 educational facilities
           are located here. This area is designated as a village and will

                                            6 6








            continue to function as the primary center of governmental activity
            for the County.
                 In the future, the County hopes to develop commercial and
            residential development at the New Kent Courthouse village.
            Recently, a residential subdivision located immediately east of the
            Courthouse area off Route 249.    The plan calls for low density
            residential development in this area.

            Route 33-

                 Future development along Route 33 is anticipated to be more
            intensive than in other parts of the County. Route 33 is a four-
            lane highway and has the capacity to handle a greater amount of
            traffic.  However, in the next twenty years it is unlikely that
            development will occur along the entire stretch of the corridor nor
            is it desired. Therefore, the plan proposes three sites along the
            corridor for commercial and industrial development.          Planned
            commercial/ industrial development is proposed at the Route 33/1-64
            interchange and outside of Eltham.    Heavy industrial development
            is located at Angelview Church at Route 30. It may be possible for
            the heavy industrial site and the County prison (located at
            Angelview Church) to share a water and sewer system.

            Eltham.

                 Eltham is designated as a village. A -mixture of commercial
            and residential development exists along the Route 33 corridor.
            This village will serve those residents in Eltham, as well as those
            residents who live in the northeastern and eastern sections of the
            County. The plan calls for medium density residential development
            in Plum Point and low density residential development surrounding
            the village.

            Barhamsville

                 Barhamsville, located in eastern section of New Kent County,
            has experienced limited development. The area does have a small
            commercial cluster but still contains large amounts of agricultural
            land. However, with the increasing development activities that are
            occurring in James City County, it is expected that growth will
            spill over into Barhamsville within the next twenty years. Taking
            this into consideration, a village is proposed for the area.

            Southeastern New Kent County

                 Residential development is the primary land use in the
            southeastern portion of the County.       A number of residential
            subdivisions have developed along the Chickahominy River. These
            areas are designated medium density residential.     Medium density
            residential development is also anticipated to occur along Route
            60 west of Lanexa within the next twenty years.     The plan calls
            for low density residential development in the area bordered by

                                             67








            the railroad and the Chichahominy River to the south, Route 649 to
            the northwest, and Route 627 to the east.

                 . Lanexa is.expected to serve the southeastern portion of New
            Kent County. As residential growth increases in this area, Lanexa
            will expand in size. Therefore, the plan designates Lanexa as a
            village.'    Highway improvements to Route 627 connecting the
            southeastern portion of the County to Slatersville and New Kent
            Courthouse as well as development pressure coming from the
            Williamsburg area along Route 60 should also play an important role
            in the development of Lanexa.



            FUTURE LAND USE CATEGORIES

                 The following land use categories have been used in developing
            the future land use plan. Although these categories are general
            in nature, these designations will provide appropriate guidance f or
            the development of the more specific zoning regulations and zoning
            district locations and boundaries which will actually implement the
            plan.

            Conservation

                 Intent:    To ensure the protection of environmentally
                 sensitive lands from inappropriate development.
                 This category includes the vast amount of lands within the
                 County which are valuable to the environmental quality of the
                 County and contribute positively to the County's economy.
                 These land features are irreplaceable, and therefore, should
                 not be disturbed.      Designation of these lands encompasses
                 those areas which may be precluded from development under
                 current law (such as wetlands regulations and Chesapeake Bay
                 Preservation Act regulations), lands in which development may
                 cause significant environmental impacts, and lands which may
                 present significant obstacles or hazards to development.
                 Specifically, lands within this category include tidal
                 shorelines, tidal and nontidal wetlands, the 100 year
                 floodplain, and slopes in excess of 15 percent.,

            Agricultural

                 Intent: To   protect agricultural land, forest land, and open
                 space from the premature conversion to more intense land uses
                 in order to preserve the rural character of the County.

                 This category. includes areas presently containing farms,
                 forests, and scattered residential development.        These land
                 uses are indicative of the types of uses found within rural-
                 type development.    Because anticipated development of these
                 rural areas is of a lower density, it is unlikely that

                                              68








                 construction of public sewer and water lines will be
                 economically feasible.    Development that is permitted shall
                 develop in a manner that reduces the overall impact of the
                 development on the rural nature of these areas.              The
                 clustering of residences will be permitted when done in a
                 manner that harmonizes with the rural nature of the land and
                 provided that the overall density does not exceed 1 unit per
                 5 acres.

                 Potential types of activities include agriculture, forestry,
                 recreational areas,    large lot and cluster residential
                 development, mobile home subdivisions, camps, campgrounds,
                 nature trails, and natural resource related industries.

            Low Density Residential

                 Intent: To provide areas for residential development at low
                 concentrations which will harmonize with existing development.

                 This category includes existing low density residential areas
                 and areas where similar residential development is expected
                 to occur.   If residential development in these areas is to
                 occur, it will depend on patterns of existing development and
                 the physical attributes of the property. Proper site planning
                 will ensure that the necessary buffering and separation of
                 uses is accomplished as well as serve to maintain the rural
                 character of the County. Overall densities of 1 to 2 units
                 per acre are permitted depending on the availability of public
                 water and sewer service.     Development should be planned to
                 permit the installation of public utilities where they do not
                 currently exist.

                 Potential uses include single family homes, duplexes, cluster
                 housing, mobile home subdivisions, community facilities and
                 recreational areas.

           Medium Density Residential

                 intent:   To provide areas for higher density residential
                 development which will offer a mixture of housing types
                 including multi-family residential development.
                 This category encompasses those areas which because    of their
                 location can accommodate residential development at a maximum
                 density from 2 to 6 units per acre.      A variety of housing
                 types will be provided such as condominiums and townhouses.
                 The density of these areas will place heavy demands on public
                 facilities and services.        Community utilities will be
                 necessary to accommodate development in some of the more
                 densely populated areas. Sites should be located at or near
                 intersections of major roads and be accessible to commercial
                 centers, employment centers and community facilities. Sites

                                             69








                  should also be properly oriented and buffered to be compatible
                  with surrounding development.

                  Potential   uses   include cluster      housing,     apartments,
                  townhouses,    condominiums,    community     facilities     and
                  recreational areas.

            Mixed Development

                  Intent:  To reserve large amounts of land for a variety of
                  land uses.

                  This  category    encompasses   lands   which   are    presently
                  undeveloped but are expected to develop over the next several
                  years. Development trends, the existing development pattern
                  and the development potential of the area are significant
                  factors in choosing locations for mixed development.           A
                  variety of land uses will be allowed in these areas including
                  a range of residential types.      Proper site planning will
                  ensure that the necessary buffering and separation of uses is
                  accomplished.   Clustering of uses should be encouraged in
                  order to retain open space.     Densities in these areas will
                  vary according to land use type, but the overall density in
                  mixed development areas requires the installation of public
                  utilities. These areas should also be in close proximity to
                  existing population centers and/or have. access to major
                  transportation arteries.

                  Potential uses include 'single family homes, duplexes, cluster
                  housing, apartments, townhouses, condominiums, commercial
                  @ervice uses, commercial recreation uses, warehousing, light
                  industrial uses, recreational areas, and community facilities.

            Village
                  Intent: To provide areas of compact development to function
                  as cohesive community centers, serving as primary commercial
                  retail areas and offering a range of residential types and
                  employment opportunities.
                  This category includes areas which are designated to function
                  as population centers.     Each village serves as an semi-
                  independent community consisting of a variety of residential
                  types,   commercial    activities,   and   related     community
                  facilities. Villages   are located so as to serve surrounding
                  neighborhood areas    and take maximum advantage of the
                  transportation network. Clearly defined boundaries establish
                  the borders of the village and help protect the integrity of
                  the rural landscape. Development within the villages will be
                  compact and provide for the installation of public utilities.
                  A density of 2 to 10 units per acre will be permitted for
                  residential development within these areas. Site planning and

                                              70








                 design will ensure that development within the villages is
                 unified and harmonious in nature.

                 Potential uses include single family homes, duplexes, cluster
                 housing, apartments," townhouses, condominiums, neighborhood
                 commercial and general commercial uses, office, recreational
                 facilities and areas, and community facilities.

            Planned Commercial/Industrial

                 Intent:    To provide prime locations for commercial and
                 industrial development.

                 This category includes areas which have the locational
                 characteristics to meet the demands commercial and industrial
                 uses require.      Uses within this category may be land
                 intensive, requiring large tracts or amounts of land.. The
                 areas will also require convenient transportation links and
                 access to regional thoroughfares or rail service    'as well as
                 demand public utilities. Site planning and site design will
                 be necessary to assure that these areas pose no threat to the
                 environment, traffic circulation, or surrounding residential
                 communities. Clustering and the use of business and industrial
                 parks will be encouraged' as a means to concentrate
                 development. Heavy industrial activities which generate dust,
                 noise, fumes, or other potential nuisances will not be
                 permitted in these areas.

                 .Potential uses include distribution centers, retail outlet
                 centers, office parks, warehousing and wholesaling, light
                 manufacturing, fabrication, assembly of products, bulk storage
                 and bulk sales activities.

            Heavy Industrial

                 Intent: To provide locations suitable for heavy industrial
                 activity.

                 This category   provides opportunities for large industrial
                 sites whose operations or characteristics may necessarily
                 involve significant levels of odor, noise, vibration, traffic
                 and other conditions which may adversely impact surrounding
                 land uses.     Desirable features of these locations would
                 include access to interstates and primary highways, access to
                 rail and air service, public utilities, and favorable site
                 .conditions, such as soils and topography. Site planning and
                 buffering from adjoining land uses will be utilized to lessen
                 potential impacts on the surrounding area.

                 Potential uses include heavy manufacturing, fabrication,
                 commercial processing, agricultural processing, mining and
                 excavation.


                                             71









            Watar-Dependent Commercial

                 Intent: To provide locations for those activities that must
                 locate and are desirable to be located on the shorelines of
                 streams and rivers.

                 This designation is intended to recognize and continue to
                 provide opportunities for a variety of activities oriented
                 toward and dependent on a location possessing access to water.
                 Special site design standards shall be incorporated into the
                 development of these activities due to their location adjacent
                 to water.

                 Potential uses include marinas and other boat launching
                 facilities and boat building and repair facilities.




































                                            72












            LAND USE AND DEVELOPMENT POLICIES

                 Based on the goals and objectives and the development
            strategies, the County has adopted the following land use and
            development policies. These policies will be used to make land use
            decisions about the development of the County, such as rezoning and
            the subdivision of land.

            overall Development
                 1 .  Encourage continued agricultural, forestal, recreational
                      and low density residential uses in areas outside
                      villages and other designated sites/areas.
                 2.   Encourage the compatible mixture of housing, retail and
                      service   establishments,    community   facilities     and
                      intensive development in villages and other designated
                      sites/areas.

                 3.   Require site planning and County review for all types of
                      development, except - detached single family housing on
                      individual lots.

                 4.   Maintain liaison with adjacent governments to promote
                      compatible development along border areas.

            Environmental Protection

                 1.   Restrict development in environmentally sensitive areas,
                      particularly wetlands, slopes steeper than 15%, tributary
                      streams   and   soils   with   severe   limitations     for
                      development, such as on-site sewage systems.

                 2.   Require site development that is sensitive to the
                      environmental constraints of the site and adjoining
                      property.
                 3.   Require strict compliance with the erosion and sediment
                      control ordinance as a means to minimize erosion.

                 4.   Require land uses to incorporate buffer strips and other
                      best management practices to help reduce erosion and
                      protect ground and surface waters from pollution.

                 5.   Cooperate with public and private bodies to preserve
                      significant plants and wildlife, especially endangered
                      species.

                 6.   Consider the potential environmental impacts when
                      reviewing site plans and subdivision proposals.



                                             7.3








                 7.   Promote the preservation of forest lands for the control
                      of erosion, the protection of ground and surface water,
                      the maintenance of wildlife habitat, oxygen production
                      -and for the aesthetic and rural character they provide.

                 8.   Review and modify where necessary existing development
                      regulations as a means to protect environmentally
                      sensitive lands.

            Residential Development

                 1.   Concentrate residential development in current and
                      planned growth areas within the County.
                 2.   Permit 'a variety of housing opportunities, including
                      cluster housing, mobile home subdivisions, townhouses and
                      condominiums provided they are compatible with the
                      availability    of   community    facilities,     services,
                      utilities, and the transportation network.

                 3.   Permit average residential densities in agricultural
                      areas to a maximum overall density of 1 unit per 5 acres.

                 4.   Permit a maximum overall density of 1-2 units per acre
                      within  low density residential areas.

                 5.   Permit  a maximum overall density of 2-6 units per acre
                      within  medium density residential areas.

                 6.   Permit  a maximum overall density of 2-10  units per acre
                      within  villages.

                 7.   Permit  mobile home subdivisions or parks in designated
                      areas and require appropriate skirting and that the units
                      be tied down.

                 8.   Locate housing types, such as apartments, condominiums
                      and townhouses in villages and other designated areas.
                      as buffers between commercial and low density residential
                      areas or within planned residential developments.

                 9.   Require residential development to provide necessary
                      internal streets in order to lessen the impact of traffic
                      on existing roads and streets, particularly with regard
                      to traffic safety.

           Commercial Development

                 1.   Promote the clustering of , commercial activities in
                      villages and in planned commercial centers.

                 2.   Require site plan review of all commercial developments
                      to insure that adequate allowances are made for off-

                                             74







                      street parking and loading areas, internal circulation
                      and that direct access to major roads is controlled
                      through the use of frontage roads, wide lots and/or
                      shared access points.
                 3.   Discourage development directly on shorelines that is
                      more appropriate to other locations and does not need
                      direct access to water.

                 5.   Require any proposed development that will locate on a
                      river or stream shore to demonstrate the necessity of
                      locating on a shoreline to the project and provide an
                      analysis of potential negative impacts on the environment
                      and water quality and actions that will be taken to
                      mitigate these potential impacts.

           Industrial Development

                 1.   Promote the location of industrial land uses in planned
                      industrial parks.
                 2.   Locate industrial sites on stable level or gently rolling
                      terrain with access to necessary utilities and major
                      transportation facilities.
                 3.   Require the use of man-made and natural buffers to
                      adequately separate development from incompatible uses.
                 4.   Prohibit industrial development in conservation and
                      agricultural areas.

           Transportation
                 1.   Work with the Department of Transportation to develop a
                      coordinated network of major and minor roads based on
                      the Comprehensive Land Use Plan.
                 2.   Encourage bicycle and walking paths within villages as
                      a means to eliminate unnecessary automobile traffic.


                 3.   Require necessary off-street parking and loading
                      facilities.

                 4    Limit and, where possible, prohibit direct access from
                      residential, commercial and industrial properties to
                      major roads.
                 5.   Restrict development in the immediate area of the airport
                      to low rise industrial uses.
                 6.   Limit development within the airport approach zones to
                      non-residential uses.


                                            75








                  7.   Investigate methods to fund needed improvements to
                       airport facilities.

            Agricultural and Forestal Development

                  1.   Encourage the retention of prime agricultural land
                       through the use of agricultural/forestal districts.

                  2.   Limit development in agricultural areas to agriculture,
                       forestry,   single    family   residential     development,
                       community facilities, and recreational uses.

                  3.   Encourage flexible techniques such as lot size averaging
                       to permit clustering of residential development as a
                       means of maintaining very low density overall while
                       preserving the natural features and the rural character
                       of the land.

                  4.   Discourage the extension of public utilities into
                       agricultural-lands except to address eminent threats to
                       public health.

                  5.   Encourage the use of best management- practices,
                       reforestation program -s and other land management programs
                       as a means to protect water quality and limit soil
                       erosion.

            Historical and Archaeological Preservation

                  1.   Encourage a variety of activities to aid in the
                       protection    and   preservation    of    historical     and
                       archaeological resources within the County.

                  2.   Coordinate with the Department of Historic Landmarks to
                       increase public awareness of historic and archeological
                       resources within the County.

            Community  Facilities

                  1.   Encourage the concentration of development at densities
                       that will permit the installation of needed public water
                       and sewer facilities.

                  2.   Encourage the installation of community facilities and
                       utilities in villages.

                  3.   Obtain a sufficient amount of land necessary for public
                       purposes in advance of actual need in order to preclude
                       other development and prevent costly acquisition at a
                       later date.

                  4.   Develop a community facilities and utilities plan.

                                              76





                                                                                       ..jNEW-'-'XEN.T'-GR.0-W-                                                                            H.-'.-MANAGEMENT MAP.


                                                                                                                                                                                                                         Protect Sensitive Lands
                                                                                                                                             TU"ITILL





                                                                                                                                                            SOS




                                                                                                                                                 TUNSTAI
                                                                                                                                                     STATION










                                                                                                            6`18
                                                                                                                                                                                                            a


                                                                                                       ACKS STO..


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            IWO


                                           '40)



                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       SLATERV LL














                             Co
                                         ncentrat0'l::-Develo:p'ment
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     .... ......

                                                                                                                                                                                          Pill

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                . . . . . . . . . . . .




                                   -.4

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  4


                                                                            j)4 1 E
                                                                          . .........
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           Ell
                                                                                                                                                 eser-v
                                                                                                    us              a
                                                                                                            tri
                                          ..ommercialflnd,
                      0@)
                                                                                                                                                                                                   V         R
                                                                                                                                                                      U 8 d"N'D 6                             .0D
                                                                                                                                                    x                                                   e
                                                                                                                                         im
                                    A-
                                     -'. V4
                                               jago-                                                                                                    e
                                                                                             d?




















                                                                                        IS
                                                                                                       8engitiv
                                                                                               ",7.. 4.1
                                                                              _:._I                         I-1A 'i
                                                                                                                                                                                                                              m
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Development..
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                '4141


























                                                                                                                                              TU"*11L





                                                                                                                                                              IK'II



                                                                                                                                                                                                                          -HIT
                                                                                                                                                                                                                      I II-nor





                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             - ----------











                                                                                                          CKS SVIRC



                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     TS
                                                                                                                                                                                        ALL
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     KENT...

                                                                                                                                                    N.

                                                                                                                      :X                                                                                                                                                                             49


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           V.


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              SLA"
                                                                                                                                                                                                                             oil                                                                 F.  I
                                                                         M,



                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    64















                                                                                                                                                                                                 10
                                                                                                               UNTY
                                               NEW.-KENT                                           CO

                                        Agriculture                                                                 Heavy Industrial
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
                                        Low Density Residential                                                     Planned Comm./Ind.
                                         Med. Density Residential                                                    Conservation
                                         Vi I loge                                                                   Water Dependent
                                                                                                      If                   Comm.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Q*
                                         Mixed Development
                                                                                                                                                                                                                             900d
                                                                                                                                                                                                     0










                                   IMPLEMENTATION PROGRAM


                 Once adopted, the comprehensive land use plan becomes the
            basic framework for guiding public and private land development
            activity.    Other actions are necessary, however, to assist in
            realizing the goals set forth in the plan.

                 Specific regulations are needed to turn the objectives and
            strategies of the land use plan into development requirements.
            The County zoning ordinance and map, the subdivision ordinance, and
            the erosion and sediment control ordinance are examples of existing
            land development regulations the County has in place that can aid
            in the implementation of the Plan.

                 In addition to a land use plan, other, more specialized plans
            are needed to properly prepare for the future. Specialized plans
            could cover such issues as water and sewer, community facilities
            and recreational needs. These plans project the future demand for
            services and facilities such as water treatment plants, community
            buildings and parks. These plans also include suggested locations
            for such services and facilities based on engineering and other
            factors. These specialized plans should be developed consistent
            with the objectives and strategies of the land use plan.

                 A third key element to a truly comprehensive plan is a capital
            improvements program. Such a program provides a plan of action for
            the construction, purchase and/or replacement of major capital
            equipment and facilities within a specified time frame, usually
            f ive years.   Examples of capital equipment and facilities are
            county vehicles, water treatment plants and schools.

                 The purpose of this section is to discuss changes that may be
            necessary to existing regulations based on the land use plan. Also
            included are recommendations concerning additional plans and
            programs needed to assist with the implementation of this plan.


            1""D DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS

                 The-County is fortunate to have adopted a      'comprehensive set
            of land development regulations. These include a zoning ordinance,
            a subdivision ordinance and erosion and sediment control
            regulations.    The County also has a Wetlands Board to monitor
            development in these special areas.

                 The zoning and subdivision ordinances were last updated in a
            comprehensive manner in 1985. Since then amendments have been made
            as necessary. Following is a brief description of each ordinances
            and some suggested changes to assist with implementation of the
            comprehensive plan.


                                              77








             Zoning ordinance

                  The zoning ordinance   regulates the use of land in the County.
             The ordinance divides the   County into several zoning districts and
             establishes the types of land uses permitted within each district.
             The zoning map shows how various portions of the County are zoned.

                  The zoning ordinance also establishes standards that must be
             used in creating a lot in each zoning district or constructing a
             building on a lot. The standards include minimum lot width in each
             zoning district and the maximum building size and height on a lot.

                  The County zoning ordinance is very up-to-date as far as
             measures for land use control and site development requirements.
             The   ordinance     provides    for    limited    development     within
             environmentally sensitive areas, provides for several zoning
             districts as a means to separate incompatible land uses and
             includes several tables to aid the user.

                  The are some improvements that can be made to the ordinance,
             however. Following is a list of items that should be considered
             for revision.

                  Conditional Zoning

                  The zoning ordinance permits the use of conditional zoning.
                  This allows a land developer to proffer certain conditions to
                  the county to address the impacts of the proposed development
                  on the community.

                  In 1989 the General Assembly modified provisions governing
                  conditional zoning.       Specifically, these changes permit
                  certain counties, including New Kent, to accept proffers that
                  include the dedication of real estate and the payment of cash.
                  These particular proffers may be accepted provided the
                  f acilities f or which land . is dedicated or cash is of f ered are
                  included in the localities capital improvement program. The
                  County needs to amend the existing conditional zoning language
                  to accept the dedication of land or cash.         The County must
                  also adopt a capital improvement program to take advantage of
                  this new tool.


                  Planned Unit Development

                  Planned unit development regulations can be a significant tool
                  in meeting the County's development objectives.         The zoning
                  ordinance permits the use of planned unit developments in the
                  R-2, R-2a, R-3 and B-1 Districts. The ordinance does not
                  contain standards, however, concerning the density of
                  development permitted, open space requirements or other
                  development standards. The ordinance is also inconsistent in
                  that it states that residential development shall be the

                                                78







                 primary use in planned unit development, but permits such
                 development in General Business District.     The County Staff
                 has recently prepared a proposed Planned Unit Development
                 ordinance which is now under review by the Planning
                 Commission.

                 Conditional Use Permit

                 The ordinance makes numerous references to uses that are
                 allowed by conditional use permit. The ordinance also sets
                 criteria that must be met by certain conditional uses if they
                 are permitted. Little guidance is given, however   ' as to what
                 criteria should be used to evaluate a specific request for a
                 conditional use and the potential impacts on surrounding
                 property.   Specific guidelines for reviewing and approving
                 conditional use permits are needed.

                 Airport Zoning
                 The County has adopted an excellent set of restrictions to
                 protect   the New    Kent   Airport.     Unfortunately     these
                 restrictions have not been incorporated into the Zoning Map.
                 Building height restrictions and aircraft approach zones need
                 to be established on the Zoning Map or as an overlay to the
                 map. This is imperative to.preserve the airport as a viable
                 aviation facility, not only for the County but for the region.

                 Zoning Map

                 Once a new  land use plan is adopted, the County may need to
                 make minor  adjustments to the zoning map to conform to the
                 plan. . When. amending the zoning map, it must be remembered
                 that the future land use map is a generalized map; boundaries
                 shown on the map are not based on property lines. The process
                 of amending the zoning map must take into account actual
                 property lines as well as streams, roadways and other natural
                 or manmade features. The Board of Supervisors, with the aid
                 of the Planning Commission, will make the f inal determination
                 of zoning boundaries based on their interpretation of the
                 goals, objectives and polices on the land use plan.

            Subdivision Ordinance

                 The subdivision ordinance governs the division of private
            property into parcels for sale or development.       It establishes
            standards for the location of lots, blocks and streets within
            subdivided property and ensures that adequate provision is made for
            drainage, flood control and the provision of utilities.
                 The existing subdivision ordinance in New Kent County is
            comprehensive and strong in its requirements for environmental,
            health, safety, and general welfare components.           Article 4

                                             79








            specifically outlines adverse impacts which are unacceptable as a
            result of a subdivision.      Conditions such as availability of
            groundwater, burden on the school system, unreasonable highway
            congestion, and burdens on environmental resources are addressed
            in this section. In addition, the County requires subdividers to
            submit an Environmental Impact Statement, which contains statements
            on existing characteristics and proposed impacts.

                 Overall, the ordinance appears to cover primary areas of
            concern.  Two changes that should be investigated are:

                 1.   Section 5.22, Street Names, should be revised to comply
                      with the recommendations of the Regional      Street Name
                      Directory, managed by the Richmond Regional Planning
                      District Commission.

                 2.   Section 5.26, Bond, should be revised to add the
                      provision of maintenance bonds, which would be held by
                      the County until the State took over the maintenance of
                      the subdivision street.

            Chesapeake Bay Prese rvation Area Designation and Xanagement

                 In 1988, the General Assembly adopted the Chesapeake Bay
            Preservation Act. The Act requires coastal counties to establish
            special regulations governing development on or adjacent to rivers
            and their tributaries. Specifically, these regulations cover tidal
            shorelines, tidal and non-tidal wetlands, floodplains, highly
            erodible and highly permeable land.

                 New Kent County is one of the jurisdictions covered by the
            Act. Final regulations setting out the designation and management
            requirements and establishing a timetable for local action were
            issued in 1989. The County has begun to designate these special
            areas and establish management practices governing development
            within them.    During the next year changes to existing land
            development regulations will be needed. Specific actions will be
            taken once final guidelines are received from the State.

            Erosion and Sediment Control ordinance

                 The County adopted an Erosion and Sediment Control Ordinance
            in 1980. The purpose of this ordinance is to insure that measures
            are taken to control erosion sedimentation during and following
            land development. This ordinance requires that any person involved
            in any land disturbing activity must submit to the county a plan
            for controlling.erosion and sediment due to the land development.
            A complete review of this ordinance based on the recent Chesapeake
            Bay Preservation Act is needed.




                                             80











            ADDITIONAL PLANNING NEEDS


                 As noted previously, additional development plans and programs
            are necessary in order to fully implement the goals of this Plan.
            Following is a list of planning and programming needs of the
            County.

            water and Sewer Plan

                 The provision of water and sewer service to County residents
            has been and continues to be a high priority item.              These
            improvements are needed to insure that all residents have access
            to a source of safe, reliable drinking water. They are also needed
            -to insure that ground and surface water resources in the County are
            not polluted due to poorly maintained septic tanks.

                 An effort is now underway to hire a consultant to assist the
            County in planning for county-wide water and sewer services. This
            study, anticipated to begin in the late spring of 1990, will
            provide information on. the best approach and locations and
            potential cost for providing water and sewer service to County
            residents.

            Survey of Historic Structures

                 As mentioned previously, the Virginia Department of Historic
            Resources has been conducting a survey of potential historic sites
            in the County. As soon as this survey is completed, the County,
            working with local property owners, will be able to determine what
            action is appropriate regarding the recognition of these sites.

            Transportation Plan

                 While the Department of Transportation is in charge of highway
            planning in the County, an overall transportation plan will aid
            the County in meeting the complete transportation needs of existing
            and future residents.       A transportation plan prepared in
            @onjunction with the future land use plan shows where road
            improvements are or will be needed.       This aids the County in
            discussion with the Department of Transportation regarding future
            highway improvements.     A transportation plan will also allow
            developers to offer to construct additional roadways as part of new
            development, reducing the existing level of reliance on state
            funding for roads.

            Commun-;'_ty Facilities Plan

                 As the County grows, the need to plan for new schools,
            community centers and other community facilities will become more
            important.   By establishing a mechanism for planning for these
            facilities now, the County will be able to stay abreast of the
            needs of residents.


                                             81










            Parks and Recreation Plan

                 As the County grows, more parks and recreational facilities
            will be needed.   Some of these will be provided by the County;
            some may be provided by private developers. A parks and recreation
            plan will help the County plan future improvements and assist in
            negotiating with developers interested in constructing recreation
            and park facilities.


            CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM

                 As stated previously, a capital improvement program is an
            adopted plan for the purchase of major capital items over a certain
            time frame, usually five (5) years. These capital improvements are
            arranged by priority and include estimated costs and potential
            sources of funding.

                 The development of a capital improvement program is important
            because it allows the County to plan ahead for the purchase or
            construction of major new equipment or facilities. For instance,
            land for new parks can be purchased before development drives up
            prices. A capital improvement program also allows the County to
            be in a better position to negotiate with land developers for the
            dedication of land or construction of new facilities needed to
            accommodate new development.

                 Without a capital improvement plan, the County is forced to
            respond to requests for major purchases on a case by case basis or
            do without.    Also, a capital improvement program is necessary for
            the County to be able to take advantage of the provisions of
            conditional zoning.   According to state law, a local government
            must have   an adopted capital improvement program to accept
            development proffers under the conditional zoning provisions. For
            these reasons, the development of a capital improvement program is
            vital to the future of New Kent County.



            CONCLUSION

                 This Plan set outs a variety of actions necessary for the
            County to move into the next century while maintaining those
            features most treasured.   Following is a summary of the actions
            that will equip the County with the tools necessary for the future.

                 1.   Adopt this Comprehensive Land Use Plan.

                 2    Designate Chesapeake Bay Preservation Areas and adopt
                      necessary policy and ordinance changes to protect these
                      Preservation Areas.

                 3.   Prepare and adopt a Capital Improvement Program

                                            82








                4.   Prepare and adopt a Water and Sewer Plan

                5.   Incorporate height and development limitations applicable
                     to the airport into the Zoning Map.

                6.   Amend the Erosion and Sediment Control ordinance as
                     needed.

                7.   Survey potential historic sites

                8.   Prepare and adopt a Transportation Plan

                9.   Prepare and adopt a Community Facilities Plan

                10. -Prepare and adopt a Recreation Plan





































                                           83










                                            APPENDIX


                                 FUTURE LAND USE CALCULATIONS

                  Following is a discussion of the methodology used to prepare
            the land use requirements found in Table 12.


            RESIDENTIAL

                  Residential land requirements are based on assumptions
            concerning future development patterns.       one assumptions is that
            single family homes will house most residents, but some multi-
            family development will occur.       Based on this assumption and a
            projected future land use density of 1 unit per acre, 3545 acres
            is needed for single family development. Multi-family development
            is expected to account for 10 percent of the residential
            development between now and 2010. Based on an expected density of
            10 units per acre, 39 acres of multi-family housing is needed.


            COMMERCIAL

                  Currently, the County has a small commercial base.             Yet,
            calculations show that there is .046 acres of commercial
            development per person which is higher than the average of
             ommercial development per person (.020) for surrounding counties.
            The County will require 869 acres of additional commercial property
            c

            to meet projected population needs.



            INDUSTRIAL

                  Required industrial land needs are always difficult to
            estimate.    Several steps had to be taken in order to develop a
            projection. First, the average number of acres per manufacturing
            employee was calculated using the number of acres occupied by the
            by manufacturing uses in 1989 (112) and the number of manufacturing
            employees reported by the Virginia Employment Commission in 1988
            (203). This factor was then used to develop the land necessary to
            support the number of manufacturing employees projected in 2010
            (175). Acres required for more land intensive industrial jobs were
            calculated in the same manner.



            GOVERNMENT


                  Land for governmental activities is expected to stay the same
            over the next several years. No major projects have been scheduled
            that will require additional land; therefore, the land use
            requirements allocate no increase in acreage for public services.


                                               84











            TRANSPORTATION

                 Land use requirements for transportation are based on
            anticipated road construction related to new development.       For
            planning purposes a figure equal to 20 percent of new residential,
            commercial and industrial development was used.     Based on this
            percentage, 918 acres of additional land will be needed to meet
            transportation needs.











































                                            85








                                   I


                                     36668141029506