Summary | 3
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.
