Prince William supervisors vote to approve Wolf Run rezoning

Austin Haynes has been marketing his client’s property for four years to commercial developers and had just one taker.

But thanks to a rezoning and comprehensive plan amendment by the Prince William Board of County Supervisors on Tuesday, Haynes will be able to market the four acres on Bristow Road known as Wolf Run to residential builders.

According to county documents, the parcel will be developed into no more than 11 houses with 16 the maximum allowed under its new zoning. The site, located just west of the Edward Kelly Leadership Center, was formerly zoned agricultural and its land use designation was future employment center or FEC.

The board voted 6-0 despite recommendations by staff and the planning commission to deny Haynes’ application. Staff cited concerns with density and inconsistency with the comprehensive plan.

Occoquan Supervisor Michael C. May, who has worked with both Haynes and property owner Jackson H. Miller before with his Lake Ridge home, abstained from the vote. Chairman Corey A. Stewart was out of town and missed the meeting.

As a principal broker for Christopher Real Estate and planning commissioner, Haynes recused himself from the planning commission vote late last month.

Miller, who represents the House of Delegates’ 50th District, purchased the land in 2006 from Haynes and former Manassas City Councilman Steven S. Smith for $460,000. Before voting for the rezoning, board vice-chairman Martin E. Nohe, R-Coles said that the land was once considered for a kennel and that the awkward shape of the parcel doesn’t lend itself to much more than a truck depot or storage facility.

Haynes also assured board members that the current residents along adjacent Hamowell Street are in favor of the residential project.

During Tuesday’s public hearing, there was also discussion regarding the parcel’s proximity to the Marine Base Quantico and how activities on the base might affect future residents at this site.

Marine Corps Community Plans & Liaison Office Steve Hundley said he doesn’t necessarily have an issue with only this development. However, Hundley said the rezoning approval sets a precedent for more and more residential development around the base that could potentially result in a negative perception of the base and its activities.

The base’s borders are within 1,500 feet of the proposed development, according to a letter to the planning office from the Marine Corps.

“Residential density that is greater than the current one dwelling unit per 10 acres can lead to increased land use conflicts between the base and private landowners,” stated Deputy J.D. Provenzano III of the Installation and Environment Division.

Staff writer Kipp Hanley can be reached at 703-530-3904.