Editor, the Smithfield Times,

In Isle of Wight in round numbers, there are something like 18,000 households. At our 2% annual growth rate, 3,600 homes and apartments will be built in the next 10 years, mostly in northern Isle of Wight, more than all of the 3,400 Smithfield/Carrollton backlog of units unbuilt at present (does not include the Gwaltney Farm and Promontory).

There are like 4,500 homes in the general Smithfield area and 4,500 homes in the general Carrollton area (half of the county’s population). Because Carrollton is running out of lots (say 900) there will be 2,700 homes built in the general Smithfield area and 900 in the general Carrollton area. 

The implication is a 60% increase in homes and traffic for the general Smithfield area in 10 years. Also, both Brewers Neck Boulevard and Old Nike Park Road will be beyond capacity. Instead of 14 years, a new school, which most seniors cannot afford, will have to be built in seven years. To make matters worse at the same time these problems are cresting, IW will be approaching the largest proportion of seniors in southeast Virginia (26%) AND senior Social Security and Part A Medicare begin to fail (2034). Too many will not be able to pay their estate taxes, burdening younger taxpayers.

If the 2% growth rate does not break, we are in serious trouble. Already the talk is reducing the prime rate, which should spur continuing growth, which has been going on in Isle of Wight at 2% for 56 months.

Several suggestions: The residential designations (not zoned) of the Comprehensive Plan on Benns Church and Brewers Neck boulevards should be changed to Conservation. At the same time the Turner and Nottingham farms off Deep Bottom and Reynolds Drive should be opened for development. Could postpone overwhelming Brewers Neck Boulevard and Old Nike Park Road by 10 years, especially as the third tunnel is supposed to decrease or shift James River Bridge and Route 17 traffic by a third. Area big box should be disapproved until we six-lane Brewers Neck Boulevard.

 

Thomas Finderson

Carrollton