Council Regular - 2026-03-23
Meeting Intelligence Preview
Meeting Summary
Lancaster County Council passed second reading (4-3) of a rezoning for approximately 605 acres on Charlotte Highway from rural neighborhood to medium density residential cluster subdivision overlay (MDR-CSO) for the Haven development project. The associated development agreement also passed second reading (6-1) with amendments increasing rooftop fees for public safety services and adding land donation provisions for fire and EMS facilities. Council heard extensive discussion about infrastructure costs, with staff presenting estimates of nearly $2 million in annual operating costs for public safety services at full buildout of developments in the area.
Key Decisions (9)
Easement Grant to Taylor Thornburg Presley
Third reading approval of permanent easement grant to Taylor Thornburg Presley and Jonathan Allen Presley on county property off Grace Ave., tax parcel 0083-00-007.01. Vote was 6-1 with Mr. Luis opposed.
Multi-County Park Agreement Amendment for U.S. Strapping Company
Third reading approval to amend the master multi-county park agreement between Chesterfield County and Lancaster County to add property for U.S. Strapping Company Incorporated.
Haven Development Rezoning - Second Reading
Second reading approval to rezone approximately 604.56 acres on Charlotte Highway (tax parcels 0032-00-026.00, 0044-00-005.00, 0032-00-028.00, and PO0033) from rural neighborhood district to medium density residential cluster subdivision overlay (MDR-CSO) for the Haven development project. Planning Commission and staff recommended approval.
Haven Development Agreement - Second Reading with Amendments
Second reading approval of development agreement for the Haven development project with amendments to increase rooftop fees: Sheriff increased from $138 to $1,000 per rooftop, EMS increased from $128 to $1,000 per rooftop, Fire increased from $1,053 to $2,933 per rooftop. School district fee remains at $8,899 per rooftop. Section 4.01D regarding future impact fee caps was stricken. Land donation provisions for fire and EMS facilities were added.
FY 2025-2026 Budget Amendment - Second Reading
Second reading approval of ordinance 2026-2022 amending the county budget for fiscal year 2025-2026 to provide for revenues and expenditures.
Natural Gas Authority Easement - First Reading
First reading approval of temporary construction and permanent easement grant to Lancaster County Natural Gas Authority on county property off Harrisburg Road (tax parcel 003-00-041.00) for a natural gas substation and high pressure gas line from Possum Hollow.
Fleet IT Facility Scope of Work
Discussion of updated cost estimate for Fleet Information Technology Building renovation totaling approximately $3.4 million, including $1.8 million construction costs, $238,000 architectural fees, and pole barn alternate. Council directed staff to value engineer and return with revised scope, citing concerns about costs exceeding original $950,000 estimate.
Planning Commission Appointments - District 1
Appointments for William Caspar and Marie DeMartino to Planning Commission District 1 postponed to second meeting in April pending additional applications.
Fort Convenience Site Closure
Council notified that Fort Convenience site on J.B. Denton Rd. will close by June 30th due to lease termination by new property owners who declined to sell or renew lease. Site was least used outside of McGill.
Zoning Changes (1)
Charlotte Highway, tax parcels 0032-00-026.00, 0044-00-005.00, 0032-00-028.00, and PO0033
Lennar (The Haven development)
Development Activity (2)
The Haven
926 lots proposed on approximately 604.56 acres, part of larger area buildout projecting 3,393 total lots with estimated 6,786 residents at full buildout assuming 2 persons per lot
Roslyn Development
1,850 lots projected as part of area buildout analysis
Market Signals (5)
Housing Demand
Staff analysis projects 3,393 new residential lots in the northern panhandle area with estimated population growth of 6,786 residents at full buildout, indicating significant housing demand in the Charlotte Highway corridor.
Infrastructure
County staff estimates nearly $2 million in annual operating costs for public safety services at full buildout, including 8 additional sheriff deputies ($1.3M), new fire station ($12.58M capital), and EMS unit ($911K), highlighting infrastructure investment needs.
Housing Demand
Hope in Lancaster served over 16,000 residents last year with 23% coming from Indian Land area, and more than 50% of clients don't meet their needs despite being employed, indicating affordability challenges even in higher-income areas.
Sentiment
Multiple citizens expressed concerns about growth outpacing infrastructure, with calls for planned growth rather than reckless growth and requests for sustainable employment, transportation, and affordable housing.
Commercial Demand
Lancaster County Natural Gas Authority requesting easement for new substation and high-pressure gas line to serve continuing growth in northern area, with staff manually adjusting valves during recent cold snap due to capacity constraints.