Woodcreek residents oppose rezoning as developers bypass community engagement

The Newport News City Council convened on February 25, 2025, to address several key issues, with a significant focus on a proposed rezoning in the Woodcreek neighborhood. The meeting began with procedural introductions and quickly moved to public comments regarding the rezoning request.

One resident, expressing concerns about the proposed changes, suggested that if the council were to approve the rezoning, they should impose conditions requiring the developer to plant large trees to obstruct views from neighboring properties. This proposal aimed to mitigate potential negative impacts on the community.

Another resident, Tatiana Aracun, voiced strong opposition to the rezoning, highlighting a perceived lack of transparency throughout the process. She criticized the developers for purchasing the land in August and submitting a rezoning request without prior consultation with the community. Aracun noted that residents were only informed of the proposal a week before the first hearing, which took place on February 5. She emphasized that the developers had not engaged with the community beforehand and raised concerns about the legality of their outreach methods, specifically mentioning the distribution of unstamped brochures in mailboxes, which she claimed is a federal offense.

The council listened to these concerns as part of their ongoing deliberations regarding the rezoning proposal. The discussions underscored the importance of community engagement and transparency in local development projects.

As the meeting progressed, the council members acknowledged the residents' feedback and indicated that they would consider these points in their decision-making process. The council's next steps will involve further review of the rezoning request and potential conditions that could be imposed to address community concerns. The meeting concluded with a commitment to keep the public informed as discussions continue.