Vote Pushed To September
- Shiree Monterio
- Aug 2, 2023
- 2 min read
At the request of the applicants, the Essex County Planning Commission has deferred a vote until September as to whether a 13.186 acre site should be rezoned from Business to Planned United Development to allow for the creation of a mixed-use project at Bray’s Fork.
Applicants June Monterio and 7 and M Development LLC requested to postpone the planning commission’s public meeting to September 5. It was originally slated for August 1.
Shiree Monterio is the president and founder of 7 and M Development, LLC.
She is the granddaughter of the late Thomas Harris, whose property is being utilized for the project that has been called “Bray’s Fork Redevelopment Project.”
The development — if approved — will bring a variety of housing and business opportunities, including housing for 55+ and workforce housing for teachers, nurses, law enforcement and local government employees. Known as “Essex Point at Mt. Clement,” the initial phase of the development is also projected to attract jobs and provide a significant boost to the county’s revenue base.
The project was supported by a majority of speakers who attended a June Planning Commission public hearing regarding the rezoning request.
The Commission asked that the Monterios and their consultants continue to work with county staff to resolve issues that were discussed during the hearing.
The Essex County Zoning Department Staff had recommended denial of the project at the June hearing.
7 and M Development had requested several exceptions to the county’s existing PUD ordinance including a single entrance to the property, building heights (35-feet is the maximum allowable while the variance seeks heights up to 60-feet), and acreage (the PUD zone requires a minimum of 15 acres).
Darla Orr of The Berkeley Group, which has been assisting the county on a variety of zoning matters, told the commissioners the denial recommendation was based on lack of clarity regarding the following factors:
• Fails to comply with the comprehensive plan;
• Proximity to incompatible uses;
• Standard exceptions proposed would accommodate a smaller project size vs. quality/innovative design, safety for access.
Shiree Monterio told the Rappahannock Times this week that the issues raised during the June meeting are currently being addressed
“This project provides the housing and amenities that are needed to allow the people who are the backbone of this community to live where they work,” Shiree Monterio said. “My family has been doing business in Essex County since 1878 and our interest is in bringing Essex County back to the prominence it once had. We are excited, committed, and passionate about bringing this project and needed resources to Essex County.”
Monterio also emphasized in her correspondence with the Rappahannock Times that the project will provide:
• Much-needed additional housing types, marketed toward income levels that are typical of Essex County residents and employees.
• Senior housing that will allow Essex County residents to age in place.
• Increases to the county’s tax base.
• Contributions to both the county and school division budgets.
She also suggested interested citizens should contact their supervisor and planning commissioner to discuss the project.
To learn more about the project you can visit, www.braysforkva.com.
The Planning Commission’s purpose is to serve the Board of Supervisors in an advisory capacity on matters of planning and zoning by preparing and recommending plans, ordinances, capital improvement programs and similar documents, and reviewing development proposals.
Comments