Hanover approves Cool Spring West development

A proposed development off Cool Spring Road got the go-ahead last night.

The Hanover County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved plans for Cool Spring West, a 59-acre development of 236 detached single-family homes. It will be located across from the back entrance to the Rutland community.

Cool Spring West will have a pedestrian trail and four playgrounds plus nearly six acres of open space.

A cemetery on the property will remain within a reserved lot. If human remains are removed or relocated, this must be done under Virginia Department of Historic Resources procedures.

One person spoke against the proposal, arguing it will bring "Northern Virginia-like density" to a quiet, low-density area.

"Who benefits?" asked Cool Spring Road resident Dennis Holman. "No one except, once again, the developers."

The development falls in board member Robert R. Setliff's district.

Despite calling Cool Spring Road "the worst road in the Chickahominy District," Setliff said the project is a good one and praised the applicants -- Four West Co. and Kathleen and Robert Seay -- for changing their original plans.

They first planned 255 town homes and 67 detached homes plus a common area that would be reached by crossing people's property. The town homes were removed and a central pedestrian access to the common area was created.

The developers responded to concerns, identified problems and fixed them, which is "what community meetings are supposed to do," Setliff said.

Another proposed development near Elmont and Yowell roads that would rezone 81 acres to allow for 162 lots was withdrawn by the applicant; there was no discussion by board members.

Earlier in the day, the Board approved its 2009-10 budget of $401 million, which keeps the county's real estate tax rate at 81 cents per $100 of assessed value.

Contact Holly Prestidge at (804) 649-6945 or .