The Chesapeake Planning Commission voted 7‑1 on Tuesday to recommend denying the rezoning of the former White’s Nursery and Garden Center property in Deep Creek. The recommendation comes after months of community opposition to the Stockton Meadows development, which would add up to 296 homes on roughly 75 acres along Old Mill Road and Weiss Lane.
Community concerns drive the vote
Deep Creek residents voiced strong worries about how the additional housing would strain already‑overburdened schools and roadways. “My husband and I, alone, are raising our special needs nonverbal grandson who attends an already exhausted and undermanned school here in the creek,” said neighbor Donna Miller. “We are the folks that will be affected by the rezoning.”
City planning data shows Deep Creek Central Elementary is operating at 137.2% of its capacity, well above the city’s level‑of‑service standard of 120%. Although a new elementary school is under construction in Culpepper Landing, the commission noted the timing of that opening is critical before any new housing influx.
Traffic analysis underscores infrastructure gaps
The commission’s traffic study highlighted the George Washington Highway and Moses Grandy Trail intersection near the Deep Creek Bridge as operating at a failing Level of Service F during peak periods. While the city expects the ongoing Deep Creek Bridge replacement and expansion project to improve the intersection to Level of Service C, the added vehicle trips from Stockton Meadows—estimated at roughly 2,428 per day—remain a concern.
Developer concessions offered but not enough
Kotarides Developers, the project’s sponsor, has reduced its original 359‑unit proposal to the current 296‑unit plan after city staff requested a scale‑back to align with the comprehensive plan. The revised mix includes 100 detached single‑family condominiums, 140 attached townhouse‑style units, and 56 four‑plex units.
To address community worries, the developer agreed not to request building permits until the new Culpepper Landing elementary school opens and the Deep Creek Bridge project is complete, or by Jan. 1 2029, whichever occurs first. Additionally, Kotarides pledged approximately six acres for a future public park, a 10‑foot‑wide multi‑use trail along Old Mill Road and Weiss Lane, and land for future road widening and curve straightening on Old Mill Road.
Historical context and next steps
The White family owned the nursery for nearly a century, ending commercial farming in spring 2024 due to economic challenges. While a family member expressed sadness at the loss of the farm, he also acknowledged the community’s need for additional housing.
The Planning Commission’s recommendation is non‑binding; the final decision now rests with the Chesapeake City Council, which will consider the commission’s findings, the developer’s concessions, and the voiced concerns of Deep Creek families at its next meeting.
Why the decision matters for families
For parents and grandparents in Deep Creek, the vote represents a protective step for children’s education and safety. Overcrowded classrooms strain teachers and limit individualized attention, while congested roadways increase travel times and risk for commuters. By urging the council to deny the rezoning, the commission is prioritizing the well‑being of existing residents before approving large‑scale growth.
Community members are encouraged to stay engaged as the city council deliberates. Public input will continue to shape the future of the former White’s Nursery site and the broader development strategy for Deep Creek.
Original reporting: WTKR News 3 (Chesapeake section) — read the source article.
