Category: Local

MEN’S GROUP HOME SEEKS PERMIT AMID COMPLIANCE ISSUES

A men’s group home, Evolution House, is seeking a Special Use Permit from James City County.
The home operated for three years exceeding the allowed occupancy without the required permit.
This resulted in a county violation notice and a fine.
Neighbors voiced strong opposition, citing the illegal operation and alleged trespassing.
The Planning Commission focused on the permit conditions, not past enforcement issues.
The commission added conditions requiring county access for unannounced occupancy checks and verification of fencing.
The applicant agreed to the proposed conditions.
The Planning Commission unanimously approved the application with the new conditions.
The application will now be considered by the JCC Board of Supervisors.

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Men’s Group Home Asks JCC for Special Use Permit Amid Compliance Concerns

CHRISTY KING ADVOCATES FOR SEAT BELT SAFETY AFTER SON’S DEATH

Christy King started the Christopher King Foundation after her son Christopher died in a car accident because he wasn’t wearing a seat belt.

She worked to change Virginia’s seat belt laws, noting the state had low usage rates.

A new Virginia law taking effect July 1 will require all adult passengers in every seat to wear a seat belt, expanding on the previous front-seat-only requirement.

King emphasizes the message “Every seat. Every age. Every time.”

She is involved in educational programs like Junior Speed Busters to promote safe driving practices in schools.

The 5th Annual Cars for Chris event is being held on May 17 to raise awareness, kicking off the 100 Deadliest Days of Summer.

King is thankful for the bipartisan and community support that helped pass the new seat belt law.

Her mission is to save lives by encouraging seat belt usage.

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ICYMI: ‘A Mom on a Mission’ — Christy King Reflects on Seat Belt Safety Milestones

EILEEN BYRNE: LOCAL MUSICIAN PROFILE

The article profiles local musician and performer Eileen Byrne as part of the “Tunes in Town” series.
She grew up listening to her parents’ ’70s and ’80s music like Billy Joel and Motown.
Byrne began piano in 2nd grade and flute in 4th grade, continuing with piccolo in college marching band.
She maintained her music skills even outside formal bands.
Combining music and dance, she transitioned into musical theater.
Byrne overcame audition anxiety with vocal training, coached by Melissa Cartwright.
Cartwright featured Byrne in a female empowerment cabaret.
Byrne is set to play the role of Fastrada in the upcoming production of *Pippin* at Williamsburg Players.
She is enthusiastic about taking on the villainous Fastrada role.
*Pippin* will run from May 30 through June 15.

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Tunes in Town: Eileen Byrne

YORKTOWN ROAD CLOSURES FOR REPAVING

VDOT is scheduling short-term full road closures in Yorktown.
This is part of planned repaving work.
Alexander Hamilton Boulevard will be closed daytime in both directions between Route 17 and Ballard Street.
This closure starts as early as May 12, from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m.
A signed detour will direct traffic.
A portion of Cornwallis Road will also close between Lafayette Road and Ballard Street.
The Cornwallis Road closure starts as early as May 12 at 5 a.m. through May 13 at 7 p.m.
Work is weather dependent and subject to change.
Access will be maintained for local businesses and residents.

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Road Closures Scheduled For Repaving Work in Yorktown

HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS IS KEY

Hurricane season starts June 1, emphasizing the need for early preparedness.
Emergency management advises a simple three-step approach: make a kit, have a plan, and stay informed.
Preparedness kits should contain essentials like food, water, important documents, pet supplies, and cash.
Knowing your evacuation zone and having a plan for sheltering or evacuating is crucial.
Stay informed through local alert systems, phone alerts, news channels, and radio updates.
After a storm, prioritize safety during cleanup by avoiding hazards and overexertion.
Other tips include checking trees, cleaning gutters, securing outdoor items, and charging electronics.

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From the Archive: Hurricane Season is Coming, and Preparedness is Key

WILLIAMSBURG CITY COUNCIL APPROVES BUDGET

The Williamsburg City Council unanimously approved the Fiscal Year 2026 budget.
The final approved budget totals $103.3 million, reduced from an initial $112.3 million proposal through expenditure cuts.
New water rates were adopted, increasing costs per 1,000 gallons for both city and outside customers.
Proposed increases to meals, lodging, and admissions taxes were postponed until January 8, 2026.
Vice Mayor W. Pat Dent discussed the difficulty of the decisions and considering community input.
An exception for William & Mary and charitable events applies to the admissions tax proposal, along with a dealer discount.
A new library is included in the Capital Improvement Plan for 2026, but its construction is not guaranteed and subject to future decisions, only setting aside funds.
Public input sessions regarding the proposed library are scheduled for May 15 and May 20.
The approved budget will officially take effect on July 1.

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City of Williamsburg Approves Fiscal 2026 Budget

The Williamsburg Symphony Orchestra concludes its 40th anniversary season with a concert on May 14 at 7:30 p.m. at the Williamsburg Community Chapel. The performance, titled “From the New World,” pays tribute to Native American culture and features world-renowned Native American flutist R. Carlos Nakai. The concert also includes the premiere of a dance piece by the Leah Glenn Dance Theatre, set to music by composer Dawn Avery, honoring the history of the 18th-century Brafferton Indian School at William & Mary. The orchestra will close the program with Dvorak’s Symphony No. 9, “From the New World,” which was influenced by Dvorak’s understanding of Native American music.

Neighbors in Williamsburg are advocating for a name change for James Blair Middle School. The school was named in 1954 during Virginia’s Massive Resistance era after James Blair. Blair was a historical figure associated with advocating for the institutionalization of slavery. Advocates argue the current name does not reflect contemporary community values.

The Williamsburg Winery is expanding guest options by opening new wine lounges and tours. The Lafayette Library Wine Lounge recently opened and will hold a grand opening later this spring, pairing history with wine. A Rochambeau Room is planned for later this year, and a Founder’s Suite will open soon for wine club members. New tours including the Founder’s Tour & Estate Wine Tasting have also debuted. The winery’s restaurant, Café Provencal, is planned to reopen in 2026 after closing during the pandemic. A new apartment complex, 2 Rivers Apartment Homes, recently opened in Toano at 1000 Cowpen Court. The complex offers one, two, and three-bedroom units and various amenities. Construction costs for 2 Rivers Apartment Homes totaled about $26 million. Comfort Medical Supply, a retail store for home medical equipment, is expected to open a new location in Williamsburg this summer. The store will be on College Row in Midtown Row and will feature a 5,000 square foot showroom. The Williamsburg store is the company’s third location, providing local access for residents needing equipment.

VDOT and design-build partners began widening Interstate 64 in western James City County in April. The project adds one lane in each direction to a 9-mile stretch (Segment C) from mile marker 233 to the James City/New Kent line. This work is part of a larger effort to alleviate congestion and improve safety on I-64. Segment C is expected to be finished in fall 2027. Construction includes widening bridges, potential sound wall construction based on resident feedback, and resurfacing the Lightfoot Park and Ride. Tree removal pauses May 15-July 31 to protect bats, while other work continues.