A recent story from the Daily Press discussed James City County's preparations for future population growth. James City County population has grown three-fold in the past 30 years, while still being able to offer quality, desirable places to live.

County officials are reviewing zoning changes and the necessity of public works extensions to prepare for future growth, and identifying what size population the county can maintain.

Homeowners in the county can appreciate the county's efforts to maintain the quality of living residents have come to enjoy, while anticipating growth. The discussions between various county departments and officials are a great opportunity for homeowners to ensure that their most valuable investment is protected and to encourage policy and zoning changes that will increase property value.

"How many people can James City County reasonably hold and still be recognizable as the wooded, partially rural haven many of its residents consider it to be?

It's a tough question, but one that must be asked given the county is one of the fastest-growing localities on the Peninsula, members of the Planning Commission said at a meeting Thursday evening.

Population projections for James City being used to update the Comprehensive Plan range from about twice the current population of about 68,000 to three times that number, depending on which model is referenced. The plan is the county's blueprint to control future development.

Based on current zoning classifications, the county could accommodate about 118,000 people. If all the changes to zoning allowed under the current Comprehensive Plan were to occur, that number could grow to 177,000. Depending on which version of the updated Comprehensive Plan is passed by the Board of Supervisors, there could be between 178,000 and 187,000 people at total buildout."

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