DOMINION BOULEVARD CORRIDOR STUDY | Chesapeake, Virginia
2 | Summary
Summary | 3
Project Background
The City of Chesapeake, Virginia is a thriving economic hub supported by excellent
infrastructure. The City has identified the Dominion Boulevard Corridor (US Route 17 South)
as a key strategic area for the future growth of the City. In light of ongoing and emerging
development demand associated with the Veterans Bridge and Roadway Improvement
Project that will be completed in 2017, the City is working to prepare a physical development
plan and a strategy to maximize the economic potential of the Study Area.
The study area is generally bounded by the Dominion Boulevard Bridge and the Southern
Branch of the Elizabeth River in the north; the Chesapeake Regional Airport and Landing
West Industrial Park in the south; limited residential development east of Shillelagh Road,
Cahoon Parkway and Bells Mill Road in the east; and the Dismal Swamp Canal and fringe
of residential development west of Mill Creek in the west. The Dominion Boulevard Corridor
and surrounding study area is approximately 7 miles long and variably between 2 and 4
miles wide, encompassing approximately 9,207 acres. The boundaries of the study area
follow either natural features such as creeks, man-made features such as roads, or parcel
lines where appropriate. The extent of the study was determined in consultation with City
Council, the City’s Economic Development staff, and based upon a review of historical and
current development trends, the coverage of existing policies such as the Transportation
Corridor Overlay District Policy, and key catalyst entities such as the Elizabeth River
waterfront, Tidewater Community College, Chesapeake Regional Airport and Landing
West Industrial Area. The City also sought and received confirmation on the extent of the
study area through a Request for Information (RFI) issued in spring 2013 to potential study
consultants and costs to complete the study, prior to issuance of the formal Request for
Proposals (RFP).
The growth in Chesapeake has recently been driven by sustainable energy, startup, and
logistics and distribution sectors. This study complements the Moving Forward Chesapeake
2035 Comprehensive Plan. It leverages the improvements to Dominion Boulevard and
Highway 17 underway by the City of Chesapeake and works to build upon the Chesapeake
2050 Master Transportation Plan.
.Dominion Boulevard provides north-south access from North Carolina into the heart of
Chesapeake and the Chesapeake Expressway. Upon the completion of the Veterans
Bridge, this corridor will become more accessible from the Hampton Roads Beltway and
the Chesapeake Expressway, which will create additional commercial, residential and jobs
creating development opportunities. Sales and permit data suggest that the economic
recovery is progressing more rapidly in the City of Chesapeake than overall in the VA Beach
- Norfolk - Newport News MSA, which is a good sign for Dominion Boulevard.
Vision
The City has articulated the following vision for this important region of Chesapeake:
“An economic development physical improvements master plan that responds to and
supports the policy of the City Council and the Comprehensive Plan to develop Dominion
Boulevard as a ‘Major Activity Center’ that leverages the policy to establish the Raleigh -
Norfolk Connector on Route 17 between Raleigh and Norfolk as a high priority corridor, the
airport, the ongoing capital improvements of Dominion Boulevard and the environmental
assets of this part of the City.”
The Impetus for Creating a Master Plan
The master plan for the Dominion Boulevard Study Area presents an important opportunity
for the City to secure its economic future, advance the quality of life for its residents and
guests and promote stewardship of the sensitive environment that it is located in. It allows
the City to balance economic needs with the desire to preserve and protect the lifestyle that
makes Chesapeake unique. It enables a plan that preserves agricultural and rural lifestyles
while also attracting new and exciting industries.
Value Proposition
Attracting new industries that provide well-paying jobs is imperative if the City is to continue
to remain economically viable and secure. It requires the deliberate effort to attract modern
“knowledge based” employers. In order to do that, the proper environment needs to be
created that will attract these new employers and be attractive for the employees that
will work in these new industries. The successful integration of modern urban planning
principles and sustainability strategies into the planning and design of the Dominion
Boulevard Study Area will provide the lifestyle and sense of place that the new employer
and employee require and enable Chesapeake to be competitive. To not update current
development patterns toward market based, holistic and sustainable solutions creates
the risk of losing out to the competition where these lifestyles are already being promoted
and developed. To continue to build out the Study Area with conventional residential
communities, regardless of how marketable they currently are, would cause a negative
fiscal impact to the City. Conversely, a phased approach that balances revenue producing
uses with residential uses will better enable fiscal responsibility. With that in mind, a master
plan and design standards have been created that will lead Chesapeake toward a new and
exciting future that will be attractive to new industries, employers and employees that are
seeking a more thoughtful, connected and integrated urban and community lifestyle than is
currently being offered in the region.
Purpose and Intent
1. Implement the policies and goals contained within officially adopted plans, including the
Comprehensive Plan.
2. Capitalize on existing and proposed investments in access and infrastructure.
3. Promote Jobs / Housing balance and provide opportunities for regional employment
centers that will provide adequate jobs for a diverse employment base.
4. Improve Chesapeake’s built environment and human habitat.
5. Connect the citizens of Chesapeake with new communications technologies.
6. Conserve and protect the City’s natural beauty and setting, including trees, scenic
vistas and cultural and historic resources.
7. Ensure that new development conserves energy, land and natural resources.
