As population increases and development expands from
the Hampton Roads, Virginia area, rural counties such as Isle of Wight are concerned about
the impact of future growth on rural character, natural resources, and community identity
– the most valued qualities of life expressed by residents of this county. The
comprehensive plan and zoning ordinance of Isle of Wight County, prepared by
Redman/Johnston Associates, Ltd. (RJA) respond to these particular concerns.
The core of the plan is an evaluation of the options
that direct the form, distribution, location, timing, and quality of future development.
Subsequent to conducting a process that identified a full range of county growth
management options, County officials selected urban growth boundaries as a primary means
of guiding future growth into serviceable form. Three Development Service Districts were
delineated as areas to contain the majority of future growth, to facilitate more detailed
area planning, to identify the form of development to be fostered in each area, and to
define strategies to target investments in infrastructure to further realize plan
objectives. As part of the process, RJA conducted a series of workshops in each of the
proposed development districts to facilitate discussion among various public interest
groups, CAC members and County officials. Included in these dialogues were discussions of
planning issues which were used to build consensus in the community and bring closure to
those policy decisions required to clearly frame plan goals, objectives, and
implementation strategies.
RJA’s extensive comprehensive planning and
growth management experience facilitated Isle of Wight County’s efforts to guide
growth in a manageable and serviceable form while maintaining the natural resources and
character so important to its residents.
