A decision made in 2019 by Stafford County’s planning staff has enabled the construction of more than 500 homes on the former Cannon Ridge Golf Course without requiring approval from the Stafford County Board of Supervisors.
The development at the end of Celebrate Virginia Parkway has drawn attention following public outcry for the site to be preserved as a regional park and a statement by George Washington District Supervisor Deuntay Diggs expressing concerns over transparency and standard procedures.
In October, Stafford residents, led by former Hartwood District Supervisor Joe Brito, rallied to advocate for transforming the closed golf course into a regional historical riverfront park. Brito, who served as Hartwood District Supervisor from 2006 to 2009, has proposed a vision for the park that would include public access to historic sites, Civil War camps, and the region’s only waterfall, which is currently inaccessible to the public. His online petition for the park has garnered over 5,000 signatures, with support from local elected officials such as Delegate Joshua Cole and Supervisors Monica Gary and Diggs.
Background on the Approval Process
The administrative approval allowing 579 homes on the Cannon Ridge property stems from a decision made in August 2019. Under Stafford County Code Section 28-39(i)(14)(a), amendments to the Land Use Concept Plan for the RBC (Resort Business Campus) zoning district can be approved administratively if the changes are deemed non-material. The approval, issued by the Department of Planning and Zoning, bypassed the Planning Commission and the Board of Supervisors.
In 2019, the developer proposed two options to increase residential units within Celebrate Virginia:
- A proffer amendment requiring approval from the Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors was denied unanimously by the Planning Commission.
- An administrative approval to add 579 units was granted without public hearings.
County spokesman Andrew Spence clarified that the land use designation on the Concept Plan was changed from “Resort District” to “Retirement/Office/Resort District” and deemed non-material, thus requiring no additional oversight. “The zoning standards for the RBC zoning district allow for amendments of the Land Use Concept Plan administratively if it is determined to not be a material change,” Spence stated.
Spence said the county employees involved in the 2019 decision have since retired or found employment elsewhere.
Advocacy for Parkland
While the administrative approval has enabled development, Brito and other advocates have argued for preserving the site as an open space. The 193-acre golf course, owned by Silver Companies, is valued at $1.4 million as open space and was assessed at $2.7 million in 2012. The company, headquartered in Florida, owns other prominent regional developments, including Celebrate Virginia North and South.
Brito’s proposed regional park would utilize paved golf cart trails to provide public access to key landmarks, including Hunter’s Island, Hunter’s Iron Works, the Rappahannock Canal locks, and Underground Railroad paths. He also envisions the park as a venue for events, festivals, and community activities, citing interest from organizations like the Renaissance Festival.
Concerns About Transparency
Diggs has initiated an inquiry into the 2019 administrative decision. He noted the absence of documentation confirming the Board of Supervisors was notified at the time. “A notification memo was reportedly sent to the Board of Supervisors regarding this matter. I am currently awaiting a copy of this memo to confirm the notification,” Diggs told Potomac Local News.
Diggs called for patience from the community as he investigated, working with the County Administrator to ensure compliance with the county code. He emphasized the need for transparency and public involvement in decisions impacting Stafford County’s growth.
The decision has sparked frustration among residents, many of whom only recently became aware of the development plans. The golf course, which closed in 2018, had historically been taxed as open space, adding to the confusion surrounding its transition to residential use.
Scott Mayausky, Stafford’s Commissioner of the Revenue, said he was notified of the change last week, and his office immediately corrected the assessment. Supplemental tax bills to all property owners involved should allow Stafford to collect all tax revenue due from 2021 to 2024.
Online assessment records show the property’s land value has been increased to over $13 million; It was previously valued at $966,000.
“Unfortunately, there was no public notification, rezoning or proffer amendment indicating this change. It is my understanding that, per state law, no notification was required,” Mayausky posted to Facebook. “Upon confirming these changes last week, I immediately corrected the assessment and issued supplemental tax bills to all property owners involved. These actions will allow Stafford to collect tax all tax revenue due for tax years 2021-2024. The only additional tax dollars that cannot be collected are for tax year 2020.
“I will continue to work with Supervisors Darrell English and Deuntay Diggs to ensure that concerns regarding this issue are addressed. I will also work with county staff to improve internal communications so that these lapses don’t occur in the future,” he added.
Brito and other advocates argue that increasing transportation impact fees for developers and preserving open spaces are essential to slowing development and addressing the burdens of additional housing, which taxes local schools, roads, and community resources.
