Marine Commission review next for Kingsmill boardwalk

NEWPORT NEWS The Virginia Marine Resources Commission will hold a public hearing Tuesday morning on Xanterra's plan to build a new boardwalk and pier in the James River.

The plan is heavily opposed by some members of the community, according to the commission's agenda.

Xanterra has applied to build a 650-foot elevated boardwalk parallel to the James River shoreline, plus a 90-foot with a 60-foot T section, submitted plans show. The project will also include three 695-square-foot gazebos.

Xanterra plans to augment stormwater collection with a dry swale system, and will also replant almost two acres with more than 700 native plants, replacing invasive Johnson grass growing in the area.

The boardwalk will connect with a 1,900-foot concrete multiuse path in the resource protection area, according to county documents. James City's Wetlands and Chesapeake Bay boards approved the project locally last month.

Now the plan must pass through the state's Marine Resources Commission, which has jurisdiction over state marine and aquatic resources.

The Virginia Institute of Marine Science, which advises the state, has expressed concern the proposal creates "excessive" impervious surface.

While passive recreation areas are permitted under Chesapeake Bay protection regulations, accommodating motorized golf carts is not considered a passive use by state guidelines, notes an October VIMS report. It concludes that the boardwalk is neither justified nor necessary, and that its shading will reduce photosynthesis in the river. VIMS had fewer issues with the pier.

An environmental review coordinator with VMRC also noted that the state Department of Conservation & Recreation advised that the site is a habitat for the endangered Atlantic sturgeon.

Xanterra responded to concerns in a Dec. 5 letter from contracted engineering firm Timmons Group, which argued that the width of the boardwalk is necessary to allow two-way traffic for passive users, such as pedestrians and cyclists. Motorized cart use will be limited.

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Marine Commission review next for Kingsmill boardwalk