Join

Stafford board passes TDR program, shifts growth to courthouse area

The Stafford County Board of Supervisors has established a transfer of development rights (TDR) program that will help the county to direct development and protect open space in Stafford.

“There’s peninsulas in Stafford, that jut out towards the Potomac River…and if you have more than twenty acres out there, you can apply for your rights to be severed and extinguished on that property – with a conservation easement placed on that property,” said Paul Milde, Aquia Supervisor.

After a property assessment, the county will issue developers a taxable certificate for the development rights. The developers will then be able to use these development rights in the courthouse area in Stafford, and their properties in these peninsula areas will be placed in a conservation easement, according to Milde.

“You can use those [development rights] inside the receiving area – that is the [Stafford] courthouse area,” Milde said.

While most properties must be twenty acres or larger in order to apply for the TDR program, there are some exceptions in the Crow’s Nest Harbor area.

“The area of Crow’s Nest Harbor, which is about 1,000 acres, 353 lots, 2 and half acres on average each – they are the exception to the twenty acre minimum. And [the board] did that because in the comp plan that’s designated park-land…We did that because we wanted to provide some kind of relief for the owners in Crow’s Nest Harbor that are suing us, because we won’t let them develop their property on water and sewer, and we also won’t let them develop their property on on-site septic and wells – we just won’t let them develop their property,” said Milde.

The county could not comment on the lawsuit when Potomac Local reached out.

There are two points of concern about the program. 80 lots in the Crow’s Nest Harbor area are not eligible for the TDR program, and the program will allow developers to increase density without a public hearing for transferred rights in the courthouse area.

“The [owners] that have less than an acre of buildable space…they’re not eligible. And that will be a point of contention, and we’ll have to deal with that later,” Milde commented.

By implementing the TDR program, the county will be able to direct growth to areas where public utilities and services are already available.

“These lots had to be billed [for transfer of development rights] inside the courthouse area, which already has water, sewer – it’s right next to Stafford Elementary and Stafford Middle – the high school, the courthouse…Everything is already there. So we are moving these lots where they’re easily supported,” said Milde.

Milde has been working to establish the program since 2006. He is concerned about over-development in Stafford and the evaporation of open land spaces.

“What’s going to happen in 30 years, 40 years, when Stafford’s a bunch of three acre lots, and there’s no open farm land,” said Milde.

Recent Stories

The mother of a former student at North Stafford High School has filed a lawsuit against the county school division seeking $15 million in compensatory damages, alleging failure to protect her child.

Virginia is beginning to experience some of the impacts from the cargo ship crash that brought down Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge, closing a vital shipping lane leading to one of the eastern seaboard’s busiest ports.

Rep. Abigail Spanberger was in Stafford County on Wednesday, March 27, 2024 to tout her efforts to bring federal dollars to the district.

Route 1 is closed at Port Potomac in Woodbridge, near Cardinal Drive. 

Are you facing life’s challenges, feeling overwhelmed, or seeking personal growth? Embrace the path to emotional well-being with our expert psychotherapy services!

Why Choose Us?

Our team of compassionate and experienced psychotherapists is here to guide you on your journey to inner peace, self-discovery, and positive change. We provide a safe and supportive environment where you can explore your thoughts and feelings without judgment.

Read More

Submit your own Community Post here.

Dreaming of small-town charm with big-city convenience? Look no further than 7156 Main St in Clifton, Virginia! Nestled just 30 miles from the heart of Washington D.C., this picturesque property offers the best of both worlds.

Escape the hustle and bustle of the city to find tranquility in this quaint, historic town. With its tree-lined streets and friendly community atmosphere, Clifton is the perfect place to call home. Yet, with its close proximity to the nation’s capital, you’ll never be far from the excitement and opportunities of urban living.

Imagine weekends exploring local shops, dining at charming cafes, and enjoying outdoor adventures in nearby parks. Then, commute to D.C. for work or play, soaking in all the culture, entertainment, and career opportunities the city has to offer.

Read More

Submit your own Community Post here.

Van Metre 5K Run

Participate in the 32nd Annual Van Metre 5K Run, a race that goes further than 3.1 miles, and every stride you take supports Children’s National Hospital. The Van Metre 5K Run donates 100% of proceeds to Children’s National Hospital and

×

Subscribe to our mailing list