Chesapeake residents raise concerns about shipping container warehouse project in Deep Creek; vote deferred — again
CHESAPEAKE — City Council deferred a vote Tuesday on a proposed shipping container storage facility and warehouse in the Deep Creek area after hearing three hours of public comments — with residents primarily raising concern about traffic and how the project would alter the character of the rural, historic area.
The council will revisit the project application in September. If approved, the project, located at 4168 S. Military Highway, would include a 200,000-square-foot cross deck warehouse and parking area for trucks and trailers and is intended to assist Port of Virginia operations.
South Military Hwy Chesapeake Propco LLC, a Florida-based company, is the applicant, represented by Grady Palmer of Williams Mullen. Applicants sought Tuesday to rezone 93 acres from a mix of highway business district and residential district to light industrial zoning, along with a conditional use permit to allow the stacking of more than 700 shipping containers on a 43-acre parcel.
Property owners include Albert G. Barlow, Kenneth L. Barlow, Jerry E. Barlow, Pamella C. Barlow, Roberta S. and Ryland E. Warren Jr.
Palmer told council members the project is expected to increase capacity for the Port of Virginia, creating about 200 jobs.
After about three hours of public comment Tuesday, council members opted to delay the vote as some believe the decision could hinge on whether a proposed traffic signal for the project receives approval from the Federal Highway Administration and the Virginia Department of Transportation by September. Applicants have agreed to install the signal near the off ramp at Military Highway and Schaefer Avenue to mitigate traffic congestion.
Council members Debbie Ritter and Ella Ward initially motioned to deny the project. But in a subsequent motion, council members Robert Ike and Don Carey pushed to defer the vote to September, and it passed 5-3. Ritter, Vice Mayor John de Triquet and council member Jeff Bunn all voted against. Mayor Rick West was absent.
More than 30 residents and economic development stakeholders shared support and a host of concerns Tuesday night, with opposition primarily among residents, including members of the Homestead community located near the project site. Many residents said the proposed traffic signal wasn’t enough for an already congested area and that it should be installed regardless of project approval. They also spoke about the expected noisiness and environmental concerns with truck emissions and chemical runoff into neighboring waters.
The development includes two parcels located within the Sunray Agricultural Historic District — home to a historic Polish farming community — and abuts a historical marker for the Nansemond Indian Nation as well as the Indiana United Methodist Church, which includes some family members of the tribe. Residents spoke at Tuesday’s meeting about how the project could jeopardize the historic integrity and character of the area, noting such a facility should be placed elsewhere.
“Don’t you think that we could put this land to better use than another noisy business?” said Tom Bond of Indiana United Methodist Church. “I for one would rather hear the laughter of children than see dirty containers.”
The project has been deferred several times since it began making its way through the approval process last winter. Planning Commission unanimously denied the application in February, and members speaking on behalf of the city’s Historic Preservation Commission Tuesday also opposed.
Staff, however, recommend the project with some stipulations, including the preservation and maintenance of the existing vegetation and trees and additional measures to mitigate light and noise concerns, such as fences. Applicants have also agreed to increase the amount of landscape buffer used. Staff estimate the project would net about $4.56 million for the city over 20 years.
Other concerns from residents included the hours of operation, which could be 24 hours a day depending on port activity and the time of year.
The application shows the shipping containers would be located toward the rear and center of the property away from Military Highway and flanked by mature trees and vegetation.
“Staff finds that the stacked containers will be unobtrusive and have no negative impacts on nearby residents or those travelling through the area,” city staff noted in the application.
Natalie Anderson, 757-732-1133, natalie.anderson@virginiamedia.com
