DeWitt Crossing Passes Planning Commission

Last night we took the DeWitt Crossing project before the Waynesboro planning commission for a recommendation for rezoning and preliminary plat approval. It passed 5-2 for rezoning and 6-1 for preliminary plat approval.

Our next step is to get final approval from the City Council.

Last night was interesting to say the least. It was described to me by one gentleman as the toughest planning commission meeting he has seen in 20 years. Of course, most of these types of meetings I have been to before are unpredictable.

Here is what happened:

As soon as the agenda item was described by the City Planner, a commissioner made a motion to deny the request. I had to hold on to my seat to avoid jumping up and asking on what grounds. The commissioner said during his remarks that the corridor needed to be studied more before commercial development should be approved.

This came as a complete shock to me and most of the others in the room for the following reasons:

1. The comprehensive plan clearly calls for that area to be commercial.
2. The City annexed that property from Augusta County for the sole purpose of increasing their tax base (commercial).
3. VDOT built DeWitt Blvd expressly for the purpose of commercial development.

After each of the commissioners had a chance to talk, the chairman allowed me to stand up and clear up any confusion. That was very much appreciated. I hate note being able to defend my projects.

This project is great for Waynesboro. I am building stormwater detention facilities which are far superior to those required by the code. The traffic improvements are being made by me. I am protecting the flood plain and the wetlands that are on the property.

I think many of the comments made against the project were from the lack of understanding about what the City has already planned for. It is easy to deny, based on emotions. But the facts support this project and luckily the majority of the commissioners agreed.

Results from the Public Hearing

Last night was loads of fun at the public hearing for our DeWitt Crossing project. I didn't expect any real problems and luckily there weren't any.

We had a few property owners who needed clarification on how storm water management works. I am not sure if they understood it completely, but in a nutshell, we won't flood their properties. Properties that are flooding now, will continue to flood, but not because of our development.

Yesterday was alot of fun because I had two interviews with local TV stations. One was with WHSV-TV3 from Harrisonburg: here. The other was with Tamara Hinton with NBC 29 from Charlottesville. It is always fun to do interviews, but dangerous. If you say the wrong thing, they can easily take it out of context and get you into trouble.

Last night we were able to announce that Grand Home Furnishings was going to be our first builder. I am so happy to have Grand as a part of the project. They will build a 45,000 sq/ft showroom that will be a tremendous addition to the area. They are a perfect first step, since they are a regional company who is investing in Waynesboro.

My next step is to get a recommendation from the Waynesboro Planning Commission next week. I will give updates as they take place.

Rezoning Public Hearing is Tonight

Tonight, we go before the Waynesboro City Council and the Planning Commission on the DeWitt Crossing Project. It has been a busy day.

We made the front page of the News Virginian and this afternoon, I was interviewed by TV-3 for the 6 O'Clock News. There is lots of interest in the project mainly because we are going before the city council.

I have prepared as best as I can for the meeting by organizing my notes and reviewing the precedents set down by the City in their comprehensive plan and zoning ordinances. Of course, I am not expecting opposition to the project, but I welcome the discussion none the less.

When people show up at a public hearing to rally against a rezoning, they are often at a disadvantage. Usually, by the time the public hearing is held, all the technical aspects of the project have been hashed out. They only have emotion to run on, which isn't really grounds for taking away a property owner's rights.

After this meeting, there are three additional meetings that will follow. One for just the planning commission, one for the city council to hear the planning commission recommendations, and one for the actual vote.

I will update the site with info on how things go through out the process. (Oh, the excitement!)

Public Hearing On Rezoning

Tonight, we go before the Waynesboro City Council and the Planning Commission on the DeWitt Crossing Project. It has been a busy day.

We made the front page of the News Virginian and this afternoon, I was interviewed by TV-3 for the 6 O'Clock News. There is lots of interest in the project mainly because we are going before the city council.

I have prepared as best as I can for the meeting by organizing my notes and reviewing the precedents set down by the City in their comprehensive plan and zoning ordinances. Of course, I am not expecting opposition to the project, but I welcome the discussion none the less.

When people show up at a public hearing to rally against a rezoning, they are often at a disadvantage. Usually, by the time the public hearing is held, all the technical aspects of the project have been hashed out. They only have emotion to run on, which isn't really grounds for taking away a property owner's rights.

After this meeting, there are three additional meetings that will follow. One for just the planning commission, one for the city council to hear the planning commission recommendations, and one for the actual vote.

I will update the site with info on how things go through out the process. (Oh, the excitement!)

Clarifying the "Customer is Always Right"

The phrase, "The Customer is Always Right" is wrong. That isn't to say that you should tell the customer is wrong, but instead you need to focus on the customer's expectations. The customer's expectations are always what the customer's expectations are. Your job is to meet and exceed those expectations.

For instance, we have clients who have projector rentals shipped to their homes. Since it is a residential delivery, we can't be certain what time it will take place. Following the customer is always right mode is wrong. Because, well they might be wrong. Instead, if the customer's expectations are set early on, then everything will work out fine.

Some businesses fail to communicate clearly with the customer. We have fallen into this trap too. But, if you set the expectations correctly, then the customer will adjust to what is possible.

I can say (luckily) that our customers are very understanding when things go wrong. We try to set their expectations as close to reality as possible then go to every possible step to make sure those expectations are met.

DeWitt Crossing Project Underway

I can now report that the DeWitt Crossing Project is under way. This is a land development project in Waynesboro, Virginia. It consists of 33 acres of commercial property.

What I am doing is rezoning the property to General Business, constructing a bunch of roads with sidewalks, lights etc, and subdividing the property. The idea is to sell the lots to other businesses and investors who will then build on it.

It should be a great project. We already have one fantastic retailer who will build a 40,000+ showroom. They will be the anchor. I have spots available for a bank, some restaurants, additional retail and office space.

We will go before the Waynesboro City Council and Planning Commission on October 11th. My original plans were to get this before them back in July, but as things go, my time table is always too aggressive.

Right now, I plan to get through the rezoning process and have the road design done by the first of the year. That will then put me in a position to bond the road and sell a couple more lots. Road construction should be underway by early spring.

This will be a huge project for both me and the City of Waynesboro. Certainly the city will benefit through property and sales tax revenues. Ultimately, for me this is a breakout project. I have done a number of smaller projects (in terms of money, not acreage) and have been looking to move to a higher level.

I will make periodic updates on how things are going on the project. Eventually, I plan to post a separate blog at projecthayes.com.