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Families concerned over rezoning that could bring 40+ homes to their community

Posted at 8:22 PM, Nov 11, 2016
and last updated 2016-11-12 12:56:53-05

CHESAPEAKE, Va. - Families in some neighborhoods are raising concerns over rezoning to build more than 40 new homes. The Willow Lakes, David's Mill, Lakes of Jolliff and Jolliff Woods communities are what could potentially be affected.

"My husband and I moved to this school district specifically because Chittum Elementary school has an excellent reputation," said Cindy Anderson. She and her family have called Willow Lakes home for three years.

Tuesday, Chesapeake City Council will be deciding whether or not more than 40 homes could be built in a lot between the Willow Lakes and David's Mill neighborhoods.

"The school is significantly overcrowded and our position is there simply is not enough space to accommodate the number of students that would come out of the planned development," said Anderson.

According to the City of Chesapeake's agenda, the planning commission is recommending council to approve the rezoning because the housing developers will connect Willow Lake and David's Mill Drives. This would create another way in and out of the community. The developers would also give the city $4,000 cash for each house built.

"I don`t think that the road is a good enough reason to overcrowd our schools beyond the point they already are," said Anderson.

On the other side of the lot is David's Mill neighborhood, where Earl Webster lives. He doesn't mind the new house because that means less wildlife. He said he's already seen a bear and coyote moving around on the land. He's more concerned about the road itself.

"I would definitely be concerned about the traffic coming through because sometimes you have young kids driving up and down the road going too fast," said Webster.

Many people living in the four communities have told News 3 they will be at the city council meeting Tuesday to make their opinions heard.