Land along Rt. 522 at Ware’s Crossroads could begin to be transformed as early as this spring into what the developer is calling “Lake Anna Gateway”. The property has been bought by a local family with deep ties to the community.
“They are excited about it. It will be a family legacy project. The investors grew up on Lake Anna as avid skiers and wakeboarders and saw this as an opportunity to provide needed services to the lake area and this gives them an opportunity to give back to the community for the wonderful life they have here,” noted developer Gary Griffith, agent for the family. Griffith’s company, Dockside Development will also oversee development of the site.
This 125-acre property came close to being sold several times over the past few years but concerns about the construction of a traffic roundabout and where VDOT would allow an entrance to the property scared off investors.
Griffith told Lake Anna Life & Times the roundabout entrance issue has been solved and he sold the property on either side of Rt. 613 (Mansfield Road) that also partially fronts Rt. 522 across from Dickinson’s Store back in December.
Griffith noted interest in the project has been high with two primary care companies exploring the possibility of locating on the site along with a grocery store, a bank, fast food restaurants, a gas station/convenience store and other retailers. He did note proffers do not permit a number of uses including “dollar” stores.
Shary Thur of Thur Realty is working with Griffith to sell the individual properties to potential businesses. Griffith noted he’s waiting on bond approval, then he can obtain his road permit but timber removal and clearing should begin very soon.
Wastewater from the project will not travel from the site. A number of drainfields would serve the development. According to Griffith, “There will not be just one big system that serves the project. We will build them as needed as businesses come.”
Supervisor Duane Adams noted, “This development has the potential to not only provide jobs and increase the County’s tax base, but also to expand the shopping, eating and recreational options for residents and visitors alike.
“I am very interested and attentive to any activity that occurs there and along the Rt. 208 corridor.”
