Economic Development 2 - Granicusgloucester.granicus.com/DocumentViewer.php?file=... · 2012. 5. 23. · 1 Economic Development 2 Assessing the current economic conditions in a locality

Economic Development 1

Assessing the current economic conditions in a locality and planning for its growth are two of the most 2 important functions of a comprehensive plan. Section 15.2-2223 of the Code of Virginia explicitly calls 3 for local planning commissions to incorporate economic information, such as growth trends and 4 development incentives, into comprehensive plans. Economic development is of vital concern to local 5 governments striving to attract and retain businesses, which in turn provide employment opportunities 6 to residents as well as a strong tax base to localities. Employment patterns can reveal much about the 7 growth or decline of an individual locality and about shifts in population and jobs within a region. In 8 order to better understand the current economic climate in Gloucester County, this chapter will 9 consider the fiscal health of the Hampton Roads region, the Middle Peninsula, and the county. 10 11 Gloucester County relies mainly on service industries as the primary source of both employment and tax 12 revenues. Major employers located in the county include Gloucester County Public Schools, Riverside 13 Regional Medical Center, Industrial Resource Technologies, and the Virginia Institute of Marine Science. 14 This focus on service occupations is in part the result of Gloucester’s history and its position in the 15 regional economy. Gloucester is located outside the urban centers of the Hampton Roads region, which 16 results in many residents commuting to jobs outside the county and in many employers locating in areas 17 closer to regional centers. In addition, the county’s only major transportation route is US-17. Combined 18 with the Middle Peninsula’s historically agrarian economy, these two factors have resulted in less 19 economic development in Gloucester County compared to its neighbors across the York River. 20 Describing these challenges and conditions and identifying opportunities are the main goals of this 21 chapter. 22

Existing Conditions and Trends 23 24 Gloucester County is within the Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC Metropolitan Statistical 25 Area (MSA); this MSA is also referred to as the Hampton Roads MSA. MSAs are defined as urban areas 26 with a population of 50,000 or more and any adjacent counties that have “a high degree of social and 27 economic integration (as measured by commuting to work) with the urban core.1

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Gloucester is included 28 in the Hampton Roads, VA-NC MSA because a large number of residents commute to the MSA’s urban 29 core, especially the cities of Newport News and Hampton, along with James City and York Counties. This 30 MSA, one of eleven in Virginia, includes nine cities and seven counties, and is shown on Map ED-1. 31 Gloucester County is also a member of both the Hampton Roads and Middle Peninsula Planning District 32 Commissions, though historically the regional influence of the Hampton Roads area has had the greatest 33 impact on the County’s economic growth and development. As the Middle Peninsula continues to grow 34 its influence is sure to increase as well. The boundaries of the Hampton Roads and Middle Peninsula 35 Planning Districts are shown on Map ED-2. 36

Gloucester Courthouse, the County seat, is 59 miles east of the state capital of Richmond, 45 miles north 38 of the city of Norfolk and the ports of Hampton Roads, one of the world’s largest and busiest natural 39 deep-water harbors, and 135 miles south of Washington, D.C. Several military installations, including 40 Naval Station Norfolk, Naval Air Station Oceana, and Joint Base Langley-Eustis, combine to make the 41

1 http://www.census.gov/population/www/metroareas/metroarea.html

ED-1 DRAFT- MAY 2012

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Suffolk

Surry

Chesapeake

Isle Of Wight

Currituck

York

Gloucester

Virginia Beach

James CityMathews

Norfolk

HamptonNewport News

Portsmouth

Poquoson

Williamsburg

MAP ED-1: HAMPTON ROADS METROPOLITAN STATISTICAL AREA

2030 Gloucester County Comprehensive Plan

0 5 10 Miles

¶


Suffolk

Surry

Essex

SouthamptonChesapeake

Isle Of Wight

York

Gloucester

Virginia Beach

James City

King William King And Queen

Middlesex

Mathews

Norfolk

HamptonNewport News

Portsmouth

Poquoson

Franklin

Williamsburg

MAP ED-2: HAMPTON ROADS AND MIDDLE PENINSULA PLANNING DISTRICTS

2030 Gloucester County Comprehensive Plan

0 5 10 Miles

¶

LegendLocalities in the Hampton Roads and Middle Peninsula PDsLocalities in the Hampton Roads PDLocalities in the Middle Peninsula PDED-3 DRAFT- MAY 2012

region one of the largest concentrations of military personnel in the country. With over 150,000 42 employees, the U.S. Government is the most significant employer in the region containing the second 43 largest concentration of military personnel in the nation. Newport News Shipbuilding, based in Hampton 44 Roads, is the MSA’s largest private employer and the fifth largest in the state. Although service 45 industries are the mainstay of the region’s economy, the area is attracting many new and diverse 46 industries. Employers added approximately 80,000 jobs to the Hampton Roads region between 2000 47 and 2010. 48 49 Based on population estimates from the U.S. Census, the Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service, and 50 the HRPDC, the population in HRPDC localities has grown by over 5% from 2000 to 2010, while 51 Gloucester County’s population grew by nearly 6% in the same time period. Gloucester’s growth rate is 52 slightly faster than the Peninsula’s overall growth rate, which was 4.9%. The fastest growing locality in 53 Hampton Roads during this period was James City County, which grew 39.2%. The Middle Peninsula’s 54 total population grew by 8.5%, with King William County growing the fastest at 21.4%.2

Income 56

55

57 Annual per capita income (PCI) in Gloucester County in 2010 was $37,360, which was below average for 58 the Hampton Roads MSA ($40,234). Current data regarding PCI is maintained by the Bureau of Economic 59 Analysis and can be accessed on the internet at www.bea.gov. 60 61 The 2005-2009 American Community Survey reported that Gloucester County’s median household 62 income was $56,830, slightly higher than the MSA’s median household income of $56,222 but lower 63 than Virginia’s median household income of $60,316. Table ED-1 compares Gloucester County’s 64 residents’ incomes to regional, state, and federal medians. Gloucester County is slightly lower than the 65 national average in per capita income and median family income, while higher when comparing median 66 household income. 67

Table ED-1: 2009 Income Comparisons3

68

Per Capita4

Median Household

Median Family

Gloucester County $27,021 $56,830 $65,047 Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC MSA

$27,390 $56,222 $66,547

Virginia $31,606 $60,316 $72,193 United States $27,041 $51,425 $62,363 69 70 Over fifty percent of Gloucester County’s households earn between $35,000 and $100,000. Nearly thirty 71 percent of Gloucester’s households earn less than $35,000, while approximately twenty percent earn 72 more than $100,000. This distribution is broken down further in Figure ED-1. 73

2 Source: Weldon Cooper Center, HRPDC 3 Data is taken from the 2005-2009 5-year American Community Survey. 4 Per capita income values differ between the ACS and the BEA due to different analysis techniques. For example, BEA per capita income is based on administrative records and government sources, while ACS per capita income is based on survey returns.


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Figure ED-1: Median Income Distribution in Gloucester County, 2005-2009 74 75

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Real Estate and Finance 77 78 For 2011, Gloucester County’s real estate tax rate was $0.58 per $100.00 of assessed value. Real estate 79 values are assessed by the County’s Real Estate Assessment Office, and the real estate tax rate is set 80 annually with each budget.5 Gloucester’s tax rate is at the lower end of the region’s localities, with the 81 only lower rates found in Mathews County ($0.56), Isle of Wight County ($0.52), Williamsburg ($0.54) 82 and Currituck County, NC ($0.32). The highest locality-wide rate in the region, $1.24 per $100, is in the 83 City of Portsmouth; properties in Virginia Beach’s Central Business Tax District are assessed at $1.34 per 84 $100.6 Gloucester County collected $24,224,000 in real property taxes in 2010, which represents 5.0% of 85 all real property taxes collected on the Peninsula and 1.5% of real property taxes collected in all of the 86 Hampton Roads Planning District in that year. Real property tax revenues in Gloucester County have 87 grown at an average of 4.8% per year since 1990, which is significantly slower than both the Peninsula 88 (6.6%) and Hampton Roads (6.3%) over the same period.7 Up to date information on the annual budget 89 and tax rate can be accessed on the County’s Finance Department website. 90 91 Gloucester County collects a personal property tax on automobiles, trucks, motor homes, mobile homes, 92 motorcycles, trailers, boats, airplanes, business personal property, and farm machinery and tools. 93 Gloucester’s 2011 personal property tax rate was $2.60 per $100.00 of assessed value, except for mobile 94 homes, which are taxed at the real estate rate. The Virginia Department of Taxation collects information 95 on local tax rates for counties and cities; the most recent available data is for 2009. Gloucester’s 96 personal property tax rate in 2009, $2.60, was considerably lower than the Peninsula and Hampton 97 Roads averages, which were $3.82 and $4.03 per $100, respectively.8

5

Gloucester County collected 98 $7,037,000 in personal property taxes in 2010, which represented 8.0% of the Peninsula’s total property 99

http://www.gloucesterva.info/treas/taxes1.htm#Real Estate Tax 6 http://www.retiringinwilliamsburg.com/propertytaxrates.html 7 Hampton Roads Data Book 2011 (Virginia Auditor of Public Accounts) 8 Virginia Department of Taxation

4% 5%

8%

11%

13%

24%

15%

14%

4%

2% Less than $10,000

$10,000 to $14,999

$15,000 to $24,999

$25,000 to $34,999

$35,000 to $49,999

$50,000 to $74,999

$75,000 to $99,999

$100,000 to $149,999

$150,000 to $199,999

$200,000 or more


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taxes and 2.7% of Hampton Roads’ property taxes. Gloucester County’s property tax revenues have 100 grown at an annual rate of 6.1% since 1990, significantly faster than both the Peninsula (3.7%) and 101 Hampton Roads (2.6%) over the same period.9 Up to date information on the tax rate adopted annually 102 for personal property can be accessed on the County’s Finance Department website. 103 104 The total adopted county budget for all funds for FY 2012 was $107,684,671 or 10.2 percent more than 105 the FY 2011 adopted budget. The increase was primarily driven by capital needs. The largest single 106 component of the county budget is the school division. The School Fund’s adopted FY 2012 budget was 107 $52,041,345 or 48.3 percent of the total budget. Public safety comprised $10,652,885 or 9.9 percent of 108 the total budget. The third priority is addressing capital needs for both the County and the school 109 division. The budgets for the Capital Funds and the Debt Fund totaled $18,526,397 or 17.2percent of 110 the total budget. A new budget is prepared each year and is available on the County’s Finance 111 Department website

Construction and Housing 113

. 112

114 Gloucester County averaged nearly 250 single and multi-family home permits annually between 2000 115 and 2009. This is a slight decrease from the thirty-year average of just over 260 permits per year since 116 1980. A large number of permits were approved between 1983 and 1988. Building permits were on the 117 rise in the 2000s, reaching a recent high of 353 permits in 2007 until the decline in the housing market in 118 2008 and 2009 brought new permits to a relative standstill: permits in 2009 were less than a third of the 119 permits issued in 2007. A slight increase in the number of building permits issued for has been noted at 120 the beginning of 2012. The number of permits for new manufactured homes has also declined. 121 Manufactured homes account for approximately 15% of the current housing stock, or nearly 2,200 122 homes.10

124 123

The number of building permits issued has varied considerably over the last thirty years. Figure ED-2 125 shows the number of permits issued for single and multifamily units from 1990 to 2009 for Gloucester 126 County and the Peninsula as a whole. While the number of permits has remained relatively stable in 127 Gloucester County, the Peninsula as a whole has experienced considerable variability. The most recent 128 surge on the Peninsula was mostly the result of additional permits from James City County and Newport 129 News between 2001 and 2005.11

131 130

Specific information related to housing is located in the “Housing Chapter” of this document. 132 133

9 Hampton Roads Data Book 2011 (Virginia Auditor of Public Accounts) 10 Gloucester County Housing Needs Assessment Strategy 11 HRPDC 2010 Data Book





Figure ED-2: Building Permits Issued in Gloucester and the Peninsula, 1990-2009 134

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Retail Sales 136 137 The Hampton Roads Planning District Commission collects economic data for a variety of sectors, 138 including retails sales and real and personal property taxes, and publishes this data in its annual Data 139 Book. Retail sales data is obtained from the Virginia Department of Taxation. Personal and property tax 140 data is collected by locality from the Virginia Auditor of Public Accounts. 141 142 Retail sales in Gloucester County have grown faster than the regional average over the last twenty years. 143 From 1990 to 2009, retail sales have expanded at a 5.2% annual rate, compared to the Peninsula and 144 HRPDC average of 3.6%. County retail sales have grown by over 163.9% between 1990 and 2009, and by 145 51.2% since 2000. However, Gloucester County’s share of regional retail sales has remained below its 146 share of population and income, implying some room for expansion of the County’s retail sector. Table 147 ED-2 compares Gloucester’s shares of population, income, and retail sales to the Peninsula and the 148 Hampton Roads Planning District Commission aggregates. 149

Table ED-2: 2009 Share of Population, Income, and Retail Sales 150 Population Income Retail Sales Gloucester – Peninsula 7.2% 6.8% 6.1% Gloucester – Hampton Roads 2.2% 2.0% 1.9% 151

1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

Gloucester 228 215 228 203 209 174 208 190 194 207 183 219 253 268 257 341 291 353 194 109

Peninsula 2906 3220 3630 3440 3408 3021 2625 2385 2276 2997 2282 3143 3334 3891 2864 3292 2027 2264 1363 1724

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2000

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3000

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4000

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Employment Trends 152 153 From 2000 to 2009, civilian employment in the Hampton Roads MSA expanded by an average annual 154 rate of 0.9%.12

160

During the same period, Virginia added jobs at a slightly higher rate of 1.2%. The 155 Hampton Roads annual employment growth rate from 2000 to 2009 places the region in the middle of 156 all Virginia MSAs. Table ED-3 compares employment growth across all Virginia MSAs and the state 157 average. Of the eleven (11) metropolitan statistical areas wholly or partly in Virginia, the Hampton 158 Roads MSA is the second-largest in terms of total employment. 159

Table ED-3: Average Annual Employment Growth in Virginia Metropolitan Statistical Areas 161 1970-

1980 1980-1990

1990-2000

2000-2009

1970-2009

Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA 3.0% 2.1% 1.1% -0.3% 1.9% Charlottesville, VA 4.6% 3.0% 2.6% 1.8% 4.4% Danville, VA 0.8% 0.0% 0.8% -0.8% 0.1% Harrisonburg, VA 3.1% 3.2% 2.8% 1.1% 3.5% Kingsport-Bristol-Bristol, TN-VA 2.6% 1.3% 0.8% 0.2% 1.3% Lynchburg, VA 2.3% 1.9% 1.3% 0.7% 1.8% Richmond, VA 3.0% 2.5% 1.8% 1.0% 2.6% Roanoke, VA 2.4% 2.0% 1.6% 0.5% 1.9% Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC

2.3% 3.2% 1.0% 0.9% 2.2%

Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV

2.8% 4.1% 1.5% 1.5% 3.4%

Winchester, VA-WV 3.0% 4.2% 2.8% 1.5% 4.1% Virginia 3.0% 3.3% 1.8% 1.2% 3.1% United States 2.5% 2.2% 2.0% 0.9% 2.3%

Gloucester Employment Trends 162 163 The 6.1% unemployment rate in Gloucester County as of February 2012 was lower than that of the 164 nation (8.7%) and the region (6.9% for the Hampton Roads MSA and 6.8% for the Middle Peninsula), and 165 equal to that of the Commonwealth of Virginia13

173

. Gloucester County’s unemployment rate has 166 consistently been below national and state rates. From 1990 to 2010, Gloucester County’s civilian labor 167 force increased by nearly 6,000 persons or 37.9%, from 15,217 to 20,979. Employment increased by 168 nearly 5,000 persons or 33.7% from 14,679 to 19,630. Unemployment remained relatively level between 169 400 and 800 persons from 1990 to 2008, but sharply increased in 2009 and 2010. The number of 170 unemployed persons more than doubled over the last two decades, from 538 to 1.349, or an increase of 171 over 150%. These trends take into account the results of the economic downturn from 2008 to 2010. 172

12 Figures are for total full-time and part-time employment and are taken from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Economic Information System 13 VA Employment Commission: VA Workforce Connection- www.vawc.virginia.gov


http://www.vawc.virginia.gov/�

Gloucester County has averaged approximately 7% of the Peninsula’s population and slightly over 2% of 174 the Hampton Roads regional population. Employment in Gloucester is significantly higher, at over 8% of 175 the Peninsula’s total employment and nearly 2.6% of the region’s total employment. 176 177 The Virginia Employment Commission (VEC) reports that the top employers in Gloucester County are in 178 local government (including schools), retail, health care, and food services. Table ED-4 lists the top 179 employers in Gloucester County. The major non-local government employers are Riverside Regional 180 Medical Center, Industrial Resource Technologies and the Virginia Institute of Marine Science. According 181 to the VEC, 19.7% of civilian employees in Gloucester County work in retail trade, 16.5% work in local 182 government, 13.2% work in health care and social assistance, and 10.2% work in accommodation and 183 food services.14

185 184

Table ED-4: 20 Largest Employers in Gloucester County, 3rd Quarter 2011 186 Employer Employer 1. Gloucester County Public Schools 11. 7-Eleven 2. Riverside Regional Medical Center 12. The Home Depot 3. Virginia Institute of Marine Science 13. JL Jkm Enterprises Lc 4. Wal-Mart 14. Farm Fresh 5. County of Gloucester 15. Wendy’s 6. Rappahannock Community College 16. Hardee’s 7. York Convalescent Center 17. Postal Service 8. Lowes’ Home Centers, Inc. 18. Rappahannock Concrete Corporation 9. Industrial Resource Technology (Canon) 19. Dominion Virginia Power 10. Food Lion 20. Chick-Fil-A at Gloucester FSU Source: Virginia Employment Commission 187

Major Industries 188 189 Gloucester County’s industries have been historically oriented toward its natural resources. The 190 County’s land and water have provided jobs and income to farmers and watermen for decades. 191 However, seafood and farming, though still important parts of the economy, are losing ground to other 192 economic sectors. In the last few decades other sectors, such as retail and health care have taken up 193 larger segments of the economy. Gloucester’s economy will likely continue to diversify in the future. 194

Agriculture 195 196 According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Census of Agriculture, Gloucester County had over 197 150 active farms in 2007. The average size of these farms was 144 acres, with the median farm size 17 198 acres. The number of large farms (500 acres and above) has remained relatively stable since the late 199 1980s at around fifteen farms, while the number of smaller farms (fewer than 50 acres) has increased 200 significantly, from 61 in 1987 to 112 in 2007. The average size of farms has decreased by nearly 28% 201 since the 1987 Census of Agriculture, from 199 acres to 144. The median size of farms has decreased by 202 over 70% between 1997 and 2007. Table ED-5 shows how the sizes of farms in Gloucester County have 203 changed in the last twenty years. 204 205

14 Virginia Employment Commission


Table ED-5: Gloucester County Farm Characteristics, 1987 to 200715

206

1987 1992 1997 2002 2007 # Farms 130 111 108 153 159 Average Farm Size (acres) 199 221 215 168 144 Median Farm Size (acres) * * 58 47 17 Farms, 1 to 9 acres 17 19 20 32 35 Farms, 10 to 49 acres 44 35 29 56 77 Farms, 50 to 179 acres 30 23 31 33 24 Farms, 180 to 499 acres 24 18 15 18 9 Farms, 500 to 999 acres 9 10 5 4 4 Farms, 1,000 acres or more 6 6 8 10 10 * Data not collected in this year. 207 208 Total cropland decreased by about 10% from 1987 to 2007. However, the average value of farms in the 209 County increased by over 75% from 1987 to 2007, from $460,069 in 1987 to $811,941 in 2007. In the 210 same period, the market value of agricultural products, including crops and livestock, increased by 211 150%, from $3,570,000 to $8,951,000. While there were more farms with sales over $100,000 in 2007 212 compared to 1987, there were also more farms with sales less than $10,000. The number of operators 213 who are primarily farmers compared to other occupations has fluctuated over the last quarter-century, 214 and especially in the last decade. In 2002, there were 64 operators who were farmers and 89 who had 215 other primary occupations; in 2007 those number reversed, to 92 farmer operators compared with 67 216 other operators. This data indicates that while farming is still being practiced as a major industry by 217 some in Gloucester County, there is a possible trend toward smaller scale “hobby farms,” the number of 218 which is growing as more people move to Gloucester for its more rural lifestyle. Table ED-6 shows how 219 the number and distribution of farm operators changed between 1987 and 2007. While traditional 220 agriculture may be on the decline, the existing agricultural lands in the county provide an opportunity 221 for diversification into other agricultural-based businesses, community supported agriculture, niche 222 farms, farmers’ markets, and similar enterprises. These allow property owners and business owners to 223 capitalize on the rural character of the community while providing sufficient income to support their 224 business. These types of businesses also cater to tourists particularly those from more urban areas 225 seeking a rural experience as a form of recreation. The county should look for ways to support these 226 forms of agriculture as a connection to the culture of Gloucester as well as an economic opportunity. 227 228

Table ED-6: Farm Operators in Gloucester County, 1987 to 200716

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1987 1992 1997 2002 2007 # Farms 130 111 108 153 159 Operators, Farmers 58 57 55 64 92 Operators, Other 72 54 53 89 67

Working Waterfronts 230 231 The term ‘watermen’ is used primarily only two places in the world - on the Thames River in England and 232 in the Chesapeake Bay region. At various times of the year watermen may also identify themselves by 233 their catch or their gear with names such as `oyster tongers’, `crabbers’, `clammers’, `pound netters’ or 234

15 U.S. Department of Agriculture Census of Agriculture 16 U.S. Department of Agriculture Census of Agriculture


`scallop dredgers’. Regardless of which name is used, Virginians who make their living on the water 235 continue a time-honored livelihood and culture that began hundreds of years ago and that still helps 236 define our coastal heritage. 237 238 Watermen are an important component of Gloucester’s economy. Forty-five counties and cities in 239 Virginia, including Gloucester, have sufficient fishing activity to be monitored and tracked by the Virginia 240 Marine Resources Commission.17

Other Industries 253

The impact of fishing extends beyond the catch to include not only the 241 watermen that harvest the seafood, but also the processing plants, wholesalers, retailers, and 242 restaurants that rely on this harvest. There are also indirect economic benefits to those who build or 243 repair boats, sell ice, or run marinas. VIMS estimated that fishing in Gloucester County generated nearly 244 600 full-time jobs in the Commonwealth. Watermen are known to be fiercely independent and 245 adaptable to changing circumstances. However, today they face an increasingly long list of challenges 246 and their numbers are rapidly declining. Precise employment figures are not available since most 247 watermen are simply reported as “self-employed.” Other indicators of the number of watermen in 248 Virginia, however, show a steady decline. Similar to agriculture, working waterfronts are tied to the 249 county’s culture and efforts need to be made in order to protect this important piece of what makes 250 Gloucester who we are. This Plan contains more information on the preservation of working waterfronts 251 in the __________ chapter. 252

254 Data from the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages, conducted by the U.S. Bureau of Labor 255 Statistics, indicates that retail trade is the largest single economic sector in the county in terms of 256 employment, with over 1,800 employees in 2009. Other sizable economic sectors in the County include 257 construction, educational services, health care and social assistance, and accommodations and food 258 services. Employment in Gloucester by economic sector from 1990 to 2009 is shown in Table ED-7. 259 260

Table ED-7: Employment by Sector in Gloucester County and Virginia, 1990-2009 261 Virginia Gloucester County

1990 2000 2009 1990 2000 2009 Agriculture, forestry, fishing & hunting

0.43% 0.41% 0.34% 1.15% 0.60% 0.64%

Construction 6.82% 6.49% 5.67% 7.27% 8.57% 6.53% Manufacturing 14.82% 10.72% 6.96% 5.43% 4.15% 1.82% Wholesale trade 3.59% 3.33% 3.19% 1.76% 1.45% 2.90% Retail trade 13.27% 12.14% 11.44% 17.18% 18.06% 19.08% Transportation & warehousing

3.57% 4.03% 3.41% 2.63% 2.75% 3.60%

Information 2.79% 3.57% 2.44% 2.13% 1.53% 1.30% Finance and insurance 3.55% 3.58% 3.45% 2.33% 2.08% 2.75% Real estate and rental and leasing

1.70% 1.58% 1.53% 1.49% 1.56% 1.31%

Professional and technical services

6.20% 8.47% 10.87% 9.20% 7.18% 7.67%

Management of companies 1.12% 2.10% 2.10% *** *** 0.30%

17 Kirkley, James. “Virginia’s Commercial Fishing Industry: Its Economic Performance and Contributions.” Virginia Institute of Marine Science, School of Marine Science, College of William & Mary, 1997.


and enterprises Administrative and waste services

4.30% 6.22% 5.54% 1.26% 2.38% 2.42%

Educational services 7.65% 8.22% 9.87% *** *** 15.24% Health care and social assistance

8.33% 9.39% 11.87% 12.26% 11.76% 12.88%

Arts, entertainment, and recreation

1.25% 1.63% 1.81% 1.15% 2.69% 1.96%

Accommodation and food services

7.18% 7.48% 8.36% 6.49% 8.74% 10.95%

Other services, except public administration

3.52% 3.56% 3.65% 5.17% 4.09% 3.87%

Public administration 8.49% 6.17% 6.65% 4.12% 4.04% 4.15% Other 1.41% 0.91% 0.84% 18.98% 18.36% 0.63% Total 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% (Source: Virginia Employment Commission, Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages) 262 *** Data is non-disclosable. 263 264 The expansion of sales and services has helped to diversify the County’s economic base. However, a 265 significant number of County residents commute outside the County to other localities. Most of these 266 commuters travel to the Peninsula; Hampton, James City County, Newport News, and York County are 267 major employment destinations for Gloucester County residents. Fewer workers commute into 268 Gloucester. 269 270 The majority of the workers in Gloucester commute to jobs located outside the County. In 1960, 35% of 271 County workers were commuters; by 2000, that percentage had increased to 59% of workers employed 272 outside of Gloucester. Approximately 80% of these commuters travel south to Hampton Roads, and 273 about 10% travel to the Middle Peninsula and Northern Neck. Only about 4% travel to Richmond and the 274 surrounding areas. Up to date data on employment and associated trends is maintained by the Virginia 275 Employment Commission and posted on its website at www.vec.virginia.gov. 276

Tourism 277 278 Tourism spending in Virginia reached a new high in 2005 of $16.5 billion, which is a 9.6 percent increase 279 over the 2004 figure of $15 billion. Data from the Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC) indicates that over 280 200,000 Virginians are directly employed in the tourism industry, with a total payroll in 2005 of over $4 281 billion.18

18 2007 Virginia Outdoors Plan: Charting the Course for Virginia’s Outdoors

Though the recent economic downturn has resulted in less revenue from tourism, it still plays a 282 significant part of Gloucester County’s economy, both in terms of tax revenues as well as general 283 economic activity. However, tourism in Gloucester is a small piece of the regional industry, accounting 284 for in 2009 only 2.6% of the Peninsula’s total tourism expenditures and only 1.1% of the region’s. 285 Tourism is growing more rapidly in Gloucester County, though, averaging 5.2% annually between 2003 286 and 2009 compared to 4.1% on the Peninsula, 3.8% in the region, and 4.1% statewide. Local tax revenue 287 from tourism has grown as well, averaging 4.8% annually over the same period, faster than the 288 Peninsula (3.9%), Hampton Roads (3.6%), and Virginia (3.8%). By partnering with other key 289 stakeholders, the county can continue to improve on tourism efforts. 290


http://www.vec.virginia.gov/�

Major Employers 291

Riverside Walter Reed Hospital 292 293 Riverside Walter Reed Hospital, founded as Walter Reed Memorial Hospital in 1977, is a constantly 294 evolving campus containing a 67-bed community hospital that offers a wide range of services to 295 Gloucester County residents, including emergency medical services, inpatient and outpatient surgery, 296 diagnostic radiology, and other services. The campus, located off US-17 in the northwest part of 297 Gloucester Court House, also includes other facilities for hospice care, dialysis, physical therapy, and 298 sports medicine, among other services. The hospital complex recently completed a three-year 299 renovation. The complex also includes a wellness and fitness center, offering classes and health services 300 and including a pool, sports courts, and exercise facilities.19

Industrial Resource Technologies 304

Walter Reed Convalescent Center is located 301 adjacent to the hospital complex. The campus is also home to the Middle Peninsula Cancer Center, 302 which opened in 2004. 303

305 Industrial Resource Technologies (IRT) is a joint venture development between Canon U.S.A. and Canon 306 Virginia, Inc. This development was the initial project in the Gloucester Business Park, a 70 acre 307 business/industrial development which began construction in 1996. IRT’s core business is the recycling 308 of toner cartridge materials as part of Canon’s Clean Earth Campaign. Since IRT’s initial start-up of 71 309 employees, IRT has grown into an advanced manufacturing facility, employing more than 300 and using 310 state-of-art robotic technology as a major supplier of toner cartridge parts to Canon Virginia’s advanced 311 manufacturing facility in Newport News. In 2008, both Canon Virginia and IRT expanded resulting in 312 more than 35 new jobs in Gloucester and total capital investment of $50,000,000. 313

Virginia Institute of Marine Science 314 315 The Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) in Gloucester Point is the third largest marine research 316 and education center in the United States.20 It is mandated by the Code of Virginia to “provide research, 317 education, and advisory service to government, citizens, and industry.”21 Part of the College of William 318 and Mary in Williamsburg, VA, VIMS is home to the College’s School of Marine Science, which includes 319 departments in Biological Sciences, Environmental and Aquatic Animal Health, Fisheries Science, and 320 Physical Sciences. VIMS is also the home to several other centers and programs, including the Center for 321 Coastal Resources Management, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Chesapeake Bay 322 Office in Virginia, the Virginia Sea Grant Program, and the Chesapeake Bay National Estuarine Research 323 Reserve.22

19

VIMS facilities include research laboratories, an 80,000 volume library, a visitor center, a 275-324 person auditorium, and an oyster hatchery. The Institute employs over 400 people, including faculty, 325 staff, and support personnel. Adding amenities to the campus such as housing for students, incubator 326 space for visiting professors and scientists to have access to shared services, and other amenities that 327 would enhance the everyday environment, to include sidewalks, bike paths, and various commercial and 328 service providers could help improve the Institute and the surrounding neighborhood. The presence of 329 VIMS in Gloucester provides a stable node of activity that provides a market for goods and services in 330 the immediate area while also attracting visitors from outside the region. The county should continue to 331

http://www.riversideonline.com/rwrh/about-us.cfm 20 http://www.wm.edu/offices/economicdevelopment/businessconnections/marinescience/index.php 21 http://www.vims.edu/about/vims_at_a_glance/index.php 22 http://www.vims.edu/research/units/index.php


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partner with VIMS on planning for the Gloucester Point area to help identify local needs as well as ways 332 to encourage new residential and commercial development that builds off the Institute. 333

Projections 334 335 The Hampton Roads Planning District Commission (HRPDC) regularly produces socio-economic forecasts, 336 projecting changes in the region’s and its constituent localities’ populations, employment, and number 337 of workers. These figures are used for long-range planning efforts by the HRPDC and the localities. The 338 following tables contain projection data taken from the HRPDC 2034 Socio-Economic Forecast. 339 340 Gloucester County is projected to expand its population at a greater rate than the regional and 341 Peninsula overall rates. The County is expected to grow by nearly 60% between 2000 and 2034, while 342 the Hampton Roads and Peninsula overall rates are projected to be between 30% and 35%. As identified 343 in Table ED-8, Gloucester is expected to grow at a similar rate as York County, but James City County is 344 expected to grow at a much faster rate. 345 346

Table ED-8: Projected Population Growth 347

1970 1980 1990 2000 2034

Projected Growth, 2000-2034

Gloucester 14,059 20,107 30,131 34,780 55,100 58.42% James City 17,853 22,339 34,859 48,102 110,100 128.89% York 27,762 35,463 42,422 56,297 88,500 57.20% Peninsula 333,140 364,449 435,197 489,877 656,600 34.03% Hampton Roads

1,108,393 1,213,999 1,454,183 1,575,348 2,080,600 32.07%

348 Gloucester is also expected to see an increase in the number of workers residing here, at a 349 rate slightly above general population growth. This rate is also significantly higher than the 350 rates for the Peninsula and Hampton Roads. Table ED-9 shows projected changes in the 351 number of workers by place of residence. 352 353

Table ED-9 Projected Increase in Workers by Place of Residence 354

1980 1990 2000 2034


Gloucester 8,447 14,387 16,952 27,300 61.04% James City 10,133 17,692 21,922 37,800 72.43% York 16,970 21,420 28,636 44,600 55.75% Peninsula 165,816 212,763 229,790 274,200 19.33% Hampton Roads 552,970 723,785 761,207 928,300 21.95% 355 Employment in Gloucester County is also expected to increase, not quite as much as the increase in 356 population. Overall employment is expected to rise by nearly 60%, or approximately double the rates for 357


both the Peninsula and Hampton Roads. Retail employment in Gloucester is expected to increase over 358 30%. Tables ED-10 and ED-11 show projected changes in retail and total employment by 2034. 359 360

Table ED-10: Projected Increase in Retail Employment 361

1970 1980 1990 2000 2034


Gloucester 542 1,203 1,930 2,941 3,900 32.61% James City 731 1,510 3,826 5,945 8,700 46.34% York 806 1,670 2,997 4,683 6,800 45.21% Peninsula 19,054 27,798 44,495 52,166 61,000 16.93% Hampton Roads 67,074 90,358 138,464 159,550 186,600 16.95% 362

Table ED-11 Projected Increase in Employment Overall 363

1970 1980 1990 2000 2034


Gloucester 3,493 6,468 9,700 13,002 20,400 56.90% James City 5,646 12,330 19,645 25,943 53,200 105.06% York 8,450 10,967 18,676 24,746 38,300 54.77% Peninsula 153,365 190,391 256,242 289,273 371,500 28.43% Hampton Roads 542,081 663,144 870,688 963,231 1,224,100 27.08% 364

Challenges and Opportunities 365 366 Gloucester County’s economic development strategies and policies are an integral part of the 367 Comprehensive Plan. The character and extent of the County’s economic growth will have direct 368 consequences for land use decisions and infrastructure investments. The ability to pay for new services 369 and to manage growth effectively depends on the balance of commercial and industrial growth with 370 residential development. Commercial and industrial uses are a major source of tax revenue, so higher 371 paying jobs allow the County to provide more services and facilities to residents without increasing real 372 estate or personal property taxes. If Gloucester residents acquire these jobs outside the County, 373 however, those revenues will accrue to other localities, while continuing to leave Gloucester with the 374 responsibility of providing resident services. More residential development leads to greater demand for 375 improvements and services, but residential property tax revenue is often insufficient to meet these 376 needs on its own, so balancing industrial and commercial development with residential growth is crucial 377 to maintaining and improving quality of life. Local economic development and the fiscal capacity of the 378 County are directly linked to the greater regional economy. Economic growth will directly affect 379 residential development, infrastructure, needs, and services in the County. 380 381 Local and regional economic development will affect the type, quality, and quantity of residential 382 development in Gloucester. As the employment base increases more workers will locate in the County, 383 but their residential options will depend on the types of jobs available. New office and industrial 384 development will provide higher salaries than retail or service jobs. 385


386 The location of Gloucester County residents’ jobs will have direct impacts on the County’s infrastructure 387 needs. Jobs located outside the County increase the need for investment in transportation infrastructure 388 designed for commuters and support of regional transit plans and infrastructure, while increased 389 economic development inside the County requires more investment in community facilities to support 390 new jobs and workers including transportation, communications, and other infrastructure needs. The 391 extent to which Gloucester County’s growth is dependent upon employment expansion beyond the 392 County’s borders, specifically in the Hampton Roads area, has direct consequences for the County’s 393 transportation facilities and other infrastructure requirements. Reinforcement of the out-commuting 394 flow directed toward the Hampton Roads area will require further investments in commuter highway 395 capacity or transit service. The Hampton Roads Regional Transit Vision Plan envisions an express bus to 396 serve the village areas of Gloucester Courthouse and Gloucester Point as well as connections through 397 York County to the Oyster Point area of Newport News.23

401

As these village areas develop, consideration 398 should be given to development and redevelopments that could provide commuter parking when the 399 density of commuters reaches appropriate levels to support a dedicated bus service to the Peninsula. 400

Gloucester County is now at a crossroads in its development. It has experienced considerable residential 402 growth along with some economic growth over the last few decades as commuters to Hampton Roads 403 localities have chosen to live on the Middle Peninsula. Additional residential development places strains 404 on the County’s ability to provide necessary services and facilities. Encouraging industrial and 405 commercial growth can add to the County’s fiscal capacity, but can also have unintended consequences 406 for residential quality of life, as well as natural, historic, and cultural resources. Properly managing all 407 forms of growth – residential, commercial, and industrial – so that potential conflicts are addressed will 408 be critical to growing Gloucester’s economy while maintaining its historic and cultural roots. 409 410 Gloucester County possesses two more urbanized areas connected by the Route 17 corridor: Gloucester 411 Court House and Gloucester Point. These areas and the corridor that links them are are designated for 412 denser development than the rest of the County and have specific requirements for roads, other 413 infrastructure, and density. Concentrating industrial and commercial development in this area, known 414 as the Development District, will continue to allow the county to make efficient investments in 415 infrastructure improvements and reduce the negative impacts of development on most of the County. 416

Sustaining Farms- On and Off the Water 417 418 Within Gloucester County, the commercial seafood industry has had to adapt and shift as coastal land 419 use and waterfront property ownership is altered. Historically, as epicenters of economic development, 420 coastal communities such as Gloucester were the locations for strong fisheries and shipbuilding 421 industries working to support recreational and commercial uses. However, changing demographics 422 along in coastal communities resulting from in-migration ultimately threaten traditional and culturally 423 significant working waterfront industries (e.g. commercial seafood). Jack Wiggin, in a white paper for the 424 Urban Harbor Institute titled “Preserving and Promoting a Working Harbor: The Experience of 425 Gloucester, Massachusetts” articulates the true nature of the challenge faced by many coastal 426 communities: 427 428

“Without economically viable waterfront business, property owners are unable, and 429 lending institutions unwilling, to invest in capital improvements needed to maintain 430

23 http://www.drpt.virginia.gov/activities/files/Final_Report_03-17-11.pdf


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piers, wharves and other waterfront infrastructure”….“The viability of many businesses 431 on the Gloucester waterfront has been and remains tied to the health of the commercial 432 fisheries.” 433

434 Coastal Gloucester, Virginia is no different. As waterfront properties become more desirable, the 435 market values of these properties increase and therefore so do the real estate taxes. Key seafood 436 processing businesses close and higher taxes force watermen to vacate the waterfront since they can no 437 longer afford the real estate tax. To compound the problem, traditional access points are built upon, 438 fenced off, posted “No Trespass”, or purchased by new owners who are unwilling to continue old 439 patterns of public access uses. While the community values working waterfronts and the historic cultural 440 heritage they represents, the county lacks the resources to support this industry by providing significant 441 publically owned and maintained facilities. Consequently as watermen are forced to move from the 442 water’s edge or are restricted from using traditional access points, they struggle to sustain their 443 commercial seafood business. With limited space and limited sites available for mooring their boats and 444 safe infrastructure to conduct business, watermen seek innovative and new options to continue 445 business as normal. 446 447 Many water bodies in Gloucester are well established as commercial seafood focal points. The Perrin 448 River and Aberdeen Creek in particular should be assessed for the needs of the commercial seafood 449 industry, harbor management needs, and current and future infrastructure needs. A Commercial 450 Seafood Harbor Master plan and action could ensure that current and future commercial watermen 451 have access to infrastructure and business supported services. Such a plan should encompass land use, 452 zoning, infrastructure, public and commercial access, natural resources and environmental issues, 453 recreational uses, and other needs specific to waterfront development. The County is committed to 454 providing assistance when appropriate and cost effective to sustain this portion of our history and 455 culture. 456 457 While agriculture is not as large a part of Gloucester’s economy as in previous decades, it is still an 458 important part of Gloucester’s economy and has many associated traditions linked to our culture. 459 Agritourism is a viable option to help maintain agriculture in Gloucester. In some cases farming can be 460 combined with farm-related entertainment, economic, or educational uses, such as corn mazes, 461 markets, or festivals. In others, policies for uses such as wineries and garden centers for retail and 462 education can be developed to more explicitly combine agriculture with commercial, recreational and 463 educational development. Devising an explicit agritourism policy using the Comprehensive Plan and 464 zoning ordinances as tools could help Gloucester attract and develop practical options. Traditional 465 agriculture and working waterfronts can also be promoted as part of the County’s cultural heritage. 466 467 The County can take steps to identify and protect areas to be used and suitable for agriculture or for 468 working waterfronts by including these designations on the future land use map and as designated 469 Zoning Districts. Identifying areas for agriculture and working waterfronts signals both residents and 470 businesses that the County supports those activities in their current locations and desires them to 471 continue to function in those capacities in the future. Recognition of these uses will also help the 472 County identify specific infrastructure needs areas associated with them. 473 474 Gloucester can support the continued practice of agriculture with residential development through 475 the use of cluster zoning, purchase of development rights, or transfer of development rights. The 476 county should identify alternative agriculture practices, such as aquaculture and composting and 477 determine if and where they are appropriate in the community. Combining these uses with traditional 478


agriculture can help preserve working lands in the county. Local production of food is important for 479 Gloucester’s culture, security, and sustainability, and should be supported and promoted. Maintaining 480 viable working lands for agriculture, forestry and aquaculture will help Gloucester preserve the rural 481 character the community desires while also providing economic stability for the property owners of 482 those working lands. Specific steps that can be taken to promote agriculture include special districts for 483 agriculture, aquaculture, and forestry, and promotion of agricultural conservation easements.24

Increased Tourism 489

The 484 County should actively engage its agricultural entrepreneurs and residents to work together on 485 developing policies that resolve conflicts and preserve Gloucester’s traditional culture and economy. 486 Working lands provide benefits to the county beyond those listed above while requiring few services in 487 return. 488

490 Gloucester County possesses many cultural, historic, and natural resources. The County and its 491 residents can benefit from the increased tourism that promotion of these resources could bring. 492 Tourism is a major economic component of the Hampton Roads economy and is a growing part of the 493 County’s. There are many opportunities to increase the role tourism plays in the County’s overall 494 economy. The hospitality industry – lodging places, restaurants, and other establishments that serve 495 visitors – is a logical target for future growth and development. With the abundant resources located 496 here, Gloucester County is particularly well-suited to day travelers from the greater Hampton Roads and 497 Richmond markets. In addition to historical sites and attractions within the County there are a number 498 of destinations, such as Williamsburg and Yorktown, throughout Hampton Roads that could generate a 499 greater market for overnight visitors. The County should support businesses that bring visitors to 500 experience the natural and historic resources the County has to offer. Preservation of these resources is 501 vital to the continuation and expansion of tourism within the County. The recently purchased Middle 502 Peninsula State Park and the discovery of Werowocomico in Gloucester are two examples of the 503 increased tourism opportunities that developed based on the County’s unique historical and natural 504 attributes. 505 506 Outdoor recreation is also a key component of boosting local tourism and improving residents’ quality 507 of life. Many localities are now recognizing that by providing lands for outdoor recreation, they are able 508 to attract tourists to their area. Hiking, camping, biking, birding, boating, fishing, and swimming are 509 some of the more popular recreation activities supported by public and private parks and open space. 510 Many of the same economic benefits associated with parks and open space are also associated with a 511 strong program of recreation activities and sports. Residents and businesses looking to locate in a 512 community examine recreation programs available to youth, adults and senior adults as an important 513 “quality of life” factor. Communities that offer quality recreation programs can reduce crime and 514 delinquency and increase the overall health of their citizens, thus demonstrating that recreation 515 programs are great community investments. Natural open space and trails are prime attractions for 516 potential homebuyers, increasing property values and thereby local tax revenues. In the 2007 Virginia 517 Outdoors Plan, over 77 percent of potential homebuyers rated natural open space as “essential” or 518 “very important,” and walking and bicycling trails are among the list of attributes most desired by 519 homebuyers. Gloucester’s combination of natural and historic resources and geographic location make 520 it a prime candidate for developing new opportunities for travelers such as ecotourism and agritourism 521 that could also support the County’s rural character. Facilities such as parks, water access and dedicated 522

24 Report of the Center for Rural Virginia On the Expansion and Promotion of Farm Business and Rural Enterprises, November 2010


open space can also encourage visitors. Gloucester possesses many historic, cultural, and natural 523 resources that could be linked together in a comprehensive network for both tourists and the 524 County’s residents. Tourism can be used to help promote or maintain existing industries or traditions, 525 such as agriculture, forestry and working waterfronts. 526 527 Development of special area plans can encourage tourism and development and maximize returns on 528 infrastructure investments. In 2007, the County partnered with the Main Street Preservation Trust to 529 have a plan developed by Frazier Associates for the historic area Gloucester Courthouse. The Gloucester 530 Courthouse Village Plan

538

, adopted in 2010, includes physical and market analyses of the village, and 531 makes many recommendations for its physical design, economic development, and marketing. These 532 recommendations include lighting and landscaping upgrades, infrastructure improvements, and 533 business incentives. The county recently adopted the Gloucester Point/Hayes Village Development Area, 534 a general plan for the Gloucester Point/Hayes area that is a great start to spur economic growth in that 535 portion of the county. In addition, work has started on a plan for the Court House area that will expand 536 beyond Main Street- the focus of the Courthouse Village Plan adopted in 2010. 537

Industrial Development Opportunities 539 540 The VIMS-Industry Partnership is a joint venture of VIMS and the College of William & Mary (W&M) 541 Office of Economic Development, and is the forum for facilitation and collaboration between research 542 faculty and staff, and the Virginia business community. The VIMS-Industry Partnership was established 543 in 2003 with the support and assistance of the Commonwealth Secretary of Commerce and Trade, and 544 serves in an advisory capacity to the VIMS Dean and Director on the development of long-term 545 partnerships with industry and the steps necessary to improve collaborative research and technology 546 transfer. Participants include more than 30 industry members from 19 companies, the Gloucester 547 County Director of Economic Development, representatives from the office of the Commonwealth 548 Secretary of Commerce and Trade, and representatives from the Hampton Roads Research Partnership 549 and the Hampton Roads Economic Development Alliance. Collaborations range from small concept-550 based projects funded through Small Business Innovation Research grants to multi-million dollar multi-551 year initiatives. Those projects include Bio-Sensors, Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs), Algae-552 Biofuels, and Observing Systems. The Partnership represents a wonderful opportunity for the county to 553 be engaged with VIMS as a link to economic development. 554 555 The Gloucester Business Park, a 70 acre development, was the initial site specifically designed for the 556 attraction of new and the expansion of existing commercial and industrial based businesses in 557 Gloucester County. Owned by the Economic Development Authority of Gloucester County, the park has 558 covenants that control design and materials to preserve a high level of quality construction and 559 aesthetics. The major tenants of the park include Industrial Resource Technologies and Sentara Health 560 Systems. A portion of the park was sold to and is being developed by RJS Associates as the Gloucester 561 Professional Park which includes AES Consulting Engineers. Sentara Gloucester Medical Arts combines 562 urgent care and outpatient facilities to bring needed medical services to the Gloucester and the rest of 563 the Middle Peninsula. The business park is adjacent to Roadview Farm which has available land for 564 expansion of the park and has been identified on the Future Land Use Map as a potential site of mixed-565 use development. 566 567 In addition to the Gloucester Business Park, the County’s Economic Development Authority continues to 568 investigate the development of an industrial park that would encourage smaller trade and contracting 569


companies to expand their businesses in an environment that would provide growth opportunities while 570 using fewer restrictive covenants and allow a wider use of building materials. This second park should be 571 centrally located in the development district to provide access to all users independent of where they 572 lived in the County. 573

Business Development 574 575 Small business development is crucial to the economic development of a locality like Gloucester. 576 Programs to promote the start-up and development of new firms may play a prominent role in future 577 Gloucester County economic expansion. A number of existing or new programs can support this 578 component of the implementation strategy. Several entities provide resources for small business 579 development, including Rappahannock Community College, the Middle Peninsula Business Development 580 Partnership, the Virginia Department of Business Assistance, and the U.S. Small Business Administration. 581 The County should partner with Gloucester County Public Schools, Rappahannock Community College, 582 and business development organizations to develop and enhance vocational programs that provide 583 students with useful skills and support local economic development. This partnership can build on 584 existing programs such as New Horizons or the Rappahannock Community College Workforce 585 Development Center. 586 587 Advances in telecommunication technologies along with flexible work arrangements have increased the 588 number of people that work from home dramatically. Working from home lowers traffic on the County’s 589 roads and reduces energy consumption and air pollution. Installing the necessary infrastructure and 590 providing training also open up work possibilities to individuals that otherwise might not have been able 591 to find work, such as single parents, the elderly, and the disabled. The County can promote working at 592 home as a viable option for residents through review of its ordinances to include more options for at-593 home businesses. Improving access to information technology resources can also help. This could 594 include additional resources at the County’s public libraries or encouraging a privately established 595 County-wide broadband network to improve high speed access to the internet. 596

Goals, Objectives, and Implementation Strategies 597 598 Effective economic development requires coordinating decisions and work across multiple sectors and 599 entities. The County’s Departments of Economic Development, Planning, Public Utilities, Codes 600 Compliance, Parks, Recreation and Tourism and others can bring developers together with other 601 agencies such as VDOT to promote projects that serve the public and accomplish the County’s goals 602 while also benefitting investors. It is especially critical to involve these offices in early stages as talks and 603 meetings are held. Sites or uses being explored by either the county or private enterprise should fit with 604 the county’s land use plan and/or existing zoning. Additionally, efforts of Gloucester Economic 605 Development Authority, the Chamber of Commerce, and private enterprise require close liaison with 606 county agencies. This coordinating role should continue to be a major function of the Department of 607 Economic Development. Adopting flexible economic development strategies will be essential to helping 608 the County’s economy grow while avoiding conflicts with other goals. 609 610 611


The Economy Goals Objectives Implementation Strategies Short

Term Long Term

Pursue diverse economic and commercial development opportunities to promote a balanced local economy

Support and promote economic opportunities through and related to the activities of existing county institutions and stakeholders, such as the Virginia Institute of Marine Science, IRT, and Riverside

Provide or provide for necessary services and facilities for commercial and industrial development

Ensure the availability of necessary infrastructure

for existing and future commercial and industrial development, including water, sewer, and telecommunications infrastructure

Encourage economic development by streamlining development processes

Promote increased local employment

Encourage a diversified workforce through partnerships with local and regional businesses and associations

Continue to support programs with Gloucester County Schools to provide opportunities for technical and vocational training


Goals Objectives Implementation Strategies Short Term

Long Term

Encourage training and educational programs at the County’s educational institutions to provide for continued vocational and enrichment opportunities for County residents

Encourage cooperation and partnerships among the County’s educational institutions

Promote industries that preserve Gloucester’s culture, history, and natural resources

Support the continuation of industries that are culturally and historically significant, such as agriculture, forestry, and water-based occupations

Encourage commercial recreation, tourism, fisheries, and water- and boating-related industries

Encourage establishment of industries that have minimal negative impacts on the natural environment

Promote quality commercial and industrial development and redevelopment

Require businesses to provide appropriate lighting, drainage, off-street parking, and safe access facilities for customers

Encourage existing businesses to remove barriers to the disabled and elderly

Require commercial and industrial developments adjacent to residential areas to mitigate negative impacts



Long Term

Encourage existing businesses to upgrade and improve structural soundness, aesthetic appearance, circulation systems, and accessibility

Minimize the negative impacts of industrial areas on adjacent areas

Regulate the design of industrial areas to promote quality community appearance.

Promote economic development in

appropriate and suitable areas

Identify and designate sites that are or will be appropriate for retail, commercial, or industrial development based on topography, geology, accessibility, existing or planned infrastructure, and proximity to complementary uses

Consider the location and design of areas for commercial and industrial development in plans for transportation and other infrastructure improvements

Ensure that adequate land access and utility provisions are made for commercial development and that such provisions are compatible with other land uses

Develop and implement a plan for the County’s waterfronts to promote various uses, including residential, recreational, commercial, and industrial uses, in appropriate area and address use conflicts

Identify areas with unique potential for economic development and protect them from encroachment by non-compatible land uses



Long Term

Assist private developers with the identification and development of appropriate areas for commercial or industrial facilities

Encourage the use and adaptive reuse of existing and vacant buildings for economic development


Documents

Economic Development 2 - Granicusgloucester.granicus.com/DocumentViewer.php?file=... · 2012. 5. 23. · 1 Economic Development 2 Assessing the current economic conditions in a locality