Poquoson@: October 2025

Friday, October 10, 2025

Proposed City of Williamsburg rent program ignites pushback from students, landlords

Oct. 10, 2025

Happy Friday, Historic Triangle!

A coastal storm is heading our way this weekend.

Local meteorologists are tracking a nor'easter expected to develop along the Southeast coast and move northward over the weekend.

Heavy rain, strong wind and coastal impacts are possible late Saturday through Monday. Major tidal flooding is forecast during Sunday's tide cycles in the Peninsula, according to 13News Now Meteorologist Tim Pandajis.

Rainfall totals could be in the range of 2 - 4 inches in our area. Wind gusts will be highest on Sunday.

- Weather photo & caption -

Gradually drier weather moves in next week. High temperatures will be in the upper 60s to low 70s through Thursday.

Now to the news.

-Christin

Proposed City of Williamsburg rent program ignites pushback from students, landlords

by Christin Nielsen and Clare Gifford

Planning and Codes Compliance Director Tevya Griffin hosts the final Rent Ready public input session at the Stryker Center on Sept. 30. (Photo courtesy of Clare Gifford)

The City of Williamsburg wants to implement a new program designed to improve off campus housing, but the proposal is drawing ire from local residents, landlords and students.

"Rent Ready" has been conceptualized by the city since 2021. It was developed in response to concerns surrounding the affordability and safety of rental housing in the areas surrounding William & Mary.

Three input sessions were held in August and September to gauge public sentiment surrounding the program. The majority of property owners and residents who attended the meetings said they did not support the policy in its current form.

The proposed ordinance, according to the city, is designed to be a "partnership for better living" that would "strengthen neighborhoods by aligning the interest of students, landlords and longtime residents."

To qualify for certification through Rent Ready, landlords would need to allow their properties to undergo an inspection by the city. A point system would be used to rate the home based on specific criteria, such as structural integrity and an absence of health hazards.

Landlords would also be required to provide at least two amenities, such as including utilities in the rent, offering 24-hour maintenance services and providing yard maintenance.

Properties must score at least an 80 out of 100 to be certified.

Occupancy limitations are a key part of the proposed new ordinance and were the major sticking point for many who attended the input sessions.

No more than three unrelated tenants would be allowed to live in Rent Ready units.

To be permitted to increase occupancy to four unrelated tenants, a property would need to maintain a score of 95 or higher for four years in a row.

Students who participated in the meetings had several complaints about the limitations the program would create. Most agreed that any proposal designed to support students should fully remove the three-person restriction.

Allowing fewer people to live on a property would cause rent prices to jump at a time when Greater Williamsburg is already contending with a housing affordability crisis, students said.

Deven Sawkar, a senior at William & Mary, told The Triangle the proposal "directly harms students and frames them as an issue to be dealt with," rather than serving as a partner in an ongoing dialogue.

"The Rent Ready proposal, as written, risks making housing less affordable for students," Sawkar said. "The required inspections, scoring, and penalties would raise compliance costs and put upward pressure on rents, while the long wait for any real occupancy incentive could discourage landlords from renting to students at all."

Williamsburg For All, a student Political Action Committee, laid out arguments against the Rent Ready program in a newly launched website. The current proposal requires mandatory "good neighbor" classes for Rent Ready housing occupants, which the group said would be time-consuming and demeaning.

The measure would also lead to significant punishments for both students and landlords who violate local ordinances pertaining to noise, trash or parking.

Landlords and property owners who attended the public meetings also expressed concerns about the consequences they could face when students violate local ordinances.

They say their property could easily lose certification over minor infractions, adding they have little to no control over student noise issues.

While the program would be voluntary, the idea behind it is that William & Mary and the City of Williamsburg would only endorse Rent Ready-certified programs as off-campus housing options for students.

If the policy is approved, single-family detached dwellings in areas adjacent to William & Mary would be eligible.

The proposed ordinance is modeled after the Rent Ready Norfolk program, which was adopted in 2016. The initiative is designed to promote quality housing for military members, reduce the number of poorly managed properties and promote better relationships between landlords and tenants.

At the final public input session, some students and landlords said the Williamsburg Rent Ready proposal has potential but needs to be reworked.

"I am excited about the idea of the city engaging with students and proposing housing programs that could benefit students," Sawkar said. "It is important that there are amendments to this current proposal to get to that place, which is why students are so fired up about Rent Ready as it stands."

What's next: Public feedback on the program will continue to be accepted by the city. Those who would like to share their thoughts can do so by filling out an online form at williamsburgva.gov/rentready. City Council is expected to review the proposal in November.

WJCC Schools adopt new joint funding contract

The WJCC School Board and Central Office. (Photo by Christin Nielsen/The Triangle)

A new funding contract supporting the joint operation of the Williamsburg-James City County school system was finalized during a meeting between the WJCC School Board, Williamsburg City Council and James City County Board of Supervisors on Oct. 10.

All parties agreed to adopt a modernized approach designed to strengthen student outcomes, according to a James City County news release.

Both localities will invest more money into the school system under the new contract. James City County agreed to contribute $104,500,000 in fiscal year 2027, while the City of Williamsburg will kick in $14,450,000.

Local contributions will be adjusted every year, starting in FY2028, based on increases or decreases in student enrollment from each locality.

A simplified capital funding approach will be in effect moving forward. James City County and the City of Williamsburg will be responsible for financially supporting the capital projects within their own locality.

Both localities, however, will contribute to capital expenses for shared facilities, like the Administrations Building and Operations Center.

The current budget process for the school system will also change. The two localities will provide an initial proposed budget for the division's operating costs in October of each year.

The WJCC School Board will then develop an operating budget within the funding parameters they are given. They will have the option of requesting more funds for specific student performance-related goals.

Joint meetings between officials from both localities and the school board will be required three times a year in October, December and February.

Finally, the governance structure for the system has been amended to include the WJCC School Board. The James City County Board of Supervisors is also permitted to add two additional seats to the board if deemed necessary by population growth.

What officials are saying: Following Friday morning's meeting, local leaders said the new contract makes important strides toward resolving longstanding tension between the two localities and the school board.

Sarah Ortego, WJCC School Board Chair, said the agreement reflects the idea that the community educational system is stronger when all three parties work together for the benefit of students.

"For the first time, the school division is a named party to the agreement, reflecting our shared responsibility and mutual commitment to the success of every child we serve," Ortego said. "As we move forward, we remain united in purpose — pursuing excellence and championing the success of every student."

Mayor Douglas Pons said that the contract marks "a significant step forward" for the school system.

"The Williamsburg City Council is proud to invest more money within a funding structure that better supports strategies to strengthen student performance," Pons said.

Jim Icenhour, James City County's Board of Supervisors chair, added that the agreement is designed to better serve not only students and families but also the "wonderful educators and support staff" at WJCC Schools.

"We look forward to continuing to work in partnership with the City of Williamsburg and the WJCC School Board to support the high-quality educational system that makes our community so special," Icenhour said.

Effective immediately: The contract officially commenced on Oct. 10. It will not be able to be modified prior to Jan 1, 2030.

James City County enters into emergency curbside recycling agreement

A TFC recycling container. (Photo by Christin Nielsen/The Triangle)

James City County has entered into an emergency curbside recycling contract with Tidewater Fibre Corp. (TFC), the county announced Wednesday.

Starting on Oct. 13, county recycling customers will begin receiving service again on their regularly scheduled week and day. The 90-day contract will run through Jan. 13 and will cover the services that were included in the Oct. 1 - Dec. 21 billing cycle.

County residents lost access to curbside recycling services on Sept. 30 after the regional waste management authority, the Virginia Peninsula Public Service Authority (VPPSA) abruptly canceled its 7-year-long agreement with TFC, citing performance and billing issues.

According to Renee Dallman, public information officer for James City County, a competitive bid process to find a long-term provider will soon be underway.

"We appreciate everyone's patience as we have worked to reestablish a Countywide curbside recycling option," Dallman said in a statement.

Background: VPPSA's decision to end its curbside recycling contract with TFC impacted all Historic Triangle localities - James City County, York County and the City of Williamsburg - as well as the City of Poquoson.

The City of Williamsburg responded by entering into an emergency curbside recycling contract with Republic Services, a company that already provides trash collection service in the city. Poquoson also entered into an emergency contract with TFC.

York County has not yet reached a solution, leaving residents in a continued state of limbo. County citizens may continue to place their recycling bins at the curb on regularly designated pick-up days throughout the month of October.

The contents of the bins will be emptied as trash. Those who wish to recycle the materials can drop them off at one of three recycling center locations.

CIVIC NOTES

Williamsburg Regional Library will be closed this weekend, Friday, Oct. 10 through Sunday, Oct. 12.

James City County residents are invited to share feedback to help shape the county's 2026 Parks & Recreation Master Plan.

The York County Solid Waste Management Center will close early on Saturday, Oct. 11.

IN THE HEADLINES

Taxes, school grades, green space top JCC candidates' forum discussion (Williamsburg Watch)

James City Outlines Goals for Public Safety, Housing, Education (Williamsburg Independent)

Dozens of Hampton Roads schools to get portion of $12M security grant (WTKR)

How Richmond went all out to celebrate Francine the Lowe's cat (Axios)

Virginia Governor's Debate: Spanberger and Earle-Sears face off in exclusive debate (WAVY)

EVENTS THIS WEEKEND

Check out our community calendar for this weekend's event highlights. (Please note that given this weekend's forecasted inclement weather, some programs will likely be postponed or canceled).

LOWEST GAS PRICES TODAY

All prices are courtesy of Gas Buddy. To check the lowest prices based on zip code, click here.

This newsletter was written by Christin Nielsen and Clare Gifford. Thanks for reading!

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Saturday, October 4, 2025

Curbside recycling provider pushes back against VPPSA's claims, launches own service in JCC

Oct. 4, 2025

Good morning, Historic Triangle!

A gorgeous fall weekend is ahead.

Highs will be in the mid-70s Saturday afternoon amid mostly sunny skies. Sunday's weather will be similar, with highs in the upper 70s.

"We're in for a beautiful weekend, crisp and cool nights, mild and comfortable afternoons, said Chief Meteorologist Tim Pandajis of 13News Now.

The weekend weather outlook per Chief Meteorologist Tim Pandajis of 13News Now. (Photo via Facebook)

Temperatures will trend up, in the high 70s to low 80s, through mid-week next week. Scattered showers and storms will return on Wednesday and Thursday as a cold front moves across the weekend.

The second half of the week will be noticeably cooler, with highs only in the upper 60s.

Please note that there will be no event newsletter next week, but new upcoming events will be posted to our community calendar by Monday night.

Now to the news.

-Christin

Curbside recycling provider pushes back against VPPSA's claims, launches own service in JCC

A TFC recycling container. (Photo by Christin Nielsen/The Triangle)

The Historic Triangle area's recycling provider is planning to launch its own subscription-based service for James City County residents after the Virginia Peninsulas Public Service Authority (VPPSA) abruptly canceled its contract with the company a week ago.

TFC Recycling, a locally owned business founded in 1973, said in a statement that VPPSA has been "unreasonably scrutinizing" their performance and "making demands well above required contractual terms and conditions."

The company has been providing curbside service for nearly 7 years to James City County, York County, the City of Williamsburg and the City of Poquoson.

Some background: VPPSA's Board of Directors voted on Sept. 23 to end its partnership with the company because of ongoing "compliance issues."

Jennifer Wheeler, the authority's executive director, said TFC has exhibited repeated compliance violations.

Wheeler cited numerous specific "performance deficiencies," such as repeated failures to complete routes on time, inadequate hazardous waste cleanup and issues surrounding records and accurate billing.

TFC has its own version of the story, however. The provider claimed in a statement that VPPSA has been withholding payments dating back to January 2025, which created undue hardships and made it difficult for the company to maintain its high level of performance.

The provider said it could have legally suspended its services earlier this year but chose not to do so in order to continue carrying out its commitment to customers.

TFC also said the authority attempted to force them into accepting significantly lower pay in order to keep the contract in place.

Why it matters: James City County and York County residents currently have no access to curbside recycling as a result of the fallout.

The City of Williamsburg is continuing to provide services through a new recycling contract with Republic, a company that already provides curbside trash pickup in the city.

Poquoson entered into an "emergency contract" with TFC to keep services going for their residents through the end of November.

Kelli Tatum, spokeswoman for York County, said residents of the county can continue to place their recycling bins at their curbs on trash collection days through Oct. 31 while the county awaits a new solution from VPPSA. The bins will be emptied and collected as trash.

Some York County households found that their recycling was not collected on the scheduled date this week, but residents were assured that it will be picked up and should be left out at the curb until it is emptied.

James City County residents, however, may soon be able to access curbside recycling services without going through the county. TFC announced that it is "immediately launching a subscription-based service" where residents of the county can "sign up directly... and save money."

Residents can inquire about the program and its costs by visiting tfcrecycling.com or calling the company at 757-543-5766. TFC will also provide updates on its Facebook page.

Virginia State Police provide update on I-64 shooting in York County, reiterate need for public assistance

A photo of the vehicle of a shooting victim on I-64 in York County. (Photo courtesy of VSP)

Virginia State Police (VSP) are continuing to investigate a shooting that took place on I-64 in York County last week.

Officials provided scant details to the media in the wake of the incident. VSP has, however, confirmed that police responded to reports of the shooting at approximately 5:57 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 24.

The gunshots claimed the life of the victim, a 54-year-old Gloucester resident whose name has still not yet been released.

State police are actively looking for the public's assistance. They're asking to hear from anyone who may have seen a Honda sport utility (CR-V) vehicle or noticed anything unusual during, prior to or after the incident.

The area in focus is the Humelsine Parkway-Maquis Center Parkway or the Busch Gardens area, either in the east or westbound lanes off the interstate.

The shooting took place between the 242 and 243-mile marker in York County, authorities say.

Agents with the Bureau of Criminal Investigation are also involved in the investigation. They issued calls for assistance from anyone who may have been off the interstate in the area and heard gunshots around the time of the incident.

Sgt. Michelle Anaya, spokesperson for VSP, said the information released to the public is currently limited because the investigation is active and ongoing.

"Currently, no additional details are available," Anaya said. "However, investigators want to assure the public that there is no immediate threat to motorists or the community."

A second shooting: While state troopers say the York County shooting appears to be isolated, it reflects a broader, growing trend of violence along I-64 in recent months. A second fatal shooting on I-64 west in Norfolk claimed the life of a teenager earlier this week.

That shooting began on I-64 west in Hampton on the night of Oct. 2. After shots were fired, the driver took the Military Highway exit in an effort to get away from the situation, according to police.

The two incidents were eerily similar. The drivers in both cases fled the gunshots, crashed into a guardrail and died from their injuries.

Anyone with information about the York County shooting is urged to contact Virginia State Police at questions@vsp.virginia.gov or by calling 804-750-8789.

Anyone who may have witnessed the Norfolk I-64 shooting is asked to call #77 from a cell phone or email VSP at info@vsp.virginia.gov.

How the federal government shutdown is impacting Virginians

The capitol building in Washington D.C. (Photo by Harold Mendoza via Unsplash)

The federal government's shutdown is continuing into a fourth day, and it is unclear how long the situation will persist. Here's how the shutdown is impacting Virginians.

About 350,000 federal workers live in the Commonwealth, and many of them will not be paid until the shutdown resolves.

These workers perform a wide range of jobs and include "emergency employees" - essential workers who must report for work even in emergency situations like severe weather or power failures, according to the U.S. Office of Personnel Management.

In addition to the impacts on government employees and military personnel, other elements of daily life pertaining to all Virginians may be affected.

Flights: While TSA staff and air traffic controllers are still expected to report to work, flights will be delayed if workers call out while not being paid.

Parks: Most National Parks will continue to be open but will have limited or no staff.

Passports: Those applying for passport renewal may encounter delays.

Veteran services: While Veterans Affairs benefits will continue to be distributed, some VA services will be impacted, such as transition programs, career assistance, veterans outreach initiatives and grounds maintenance at VA cemeteries. VA benefits regional offices will also be closed, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Some services will not be impacted by the shutdown, including:

Mail: While the United States Postal Service is federally-run, it does not rely on taxpayer funding and will continue to operate as usual.

Benefits: Social Security, Medicare, SNAP and VA benefits are expected to continue as normal.

National Night Out to return to City of Williamsburg on Oct. 7

National Night Out returns to the City of Williamsburg on Oct. 7. (Photo courtesy of NNO)

The City of Williamsburg is inviting residents to attend its annual National Night Out event on Tuesday, Oct. 7 from 5 to 7 p.m.

The event will be held at the Community Building located at 401 N. Boundary Street.

The details: National Night Out (NNO) is designed to strengthen community-police partnerships, enhance public engagement and promote neighborhood camaraderie with the goal of making neighborhoods better, safer places to live.

The theme for this year's NNO is "Safer Streets - Stronger Neighborhoods," according to the City.

The event will provide an opportunity for residents to meet members of local law enforcement agencies, including the Williamsburg Police Department, Williamsburg-James City County Sheriff's Office, Virginia State Police, York-Poquoson Sheriff's Office K-9 Unit, Colonial Williamsburg Public Safety, William & Mary Police Department and the National Park Police.

Free food and entertainment will be offered, and local business vendors will be on site.

"National Night Out embodies our commitment to working hand in hand with the community to create safer streets and stronger neighborhoods," Community Resource Officer Herb Williams said. "Together, we can strengthen our sense of community, where neighbors look out for one another and feel empowered to make a positive impact in partnership with the Williamsburg Police Department."

CIVIC NOTES

Board of Supervisors Vice Chair John McGlennon, who represents the Roberts District in James City County, is inviting county residents to attend a town hall meeting on Oct. 9 at 6 p.m. in Building F of the JCC Government Center. The proposed James City County Government Center, the Greater Williamsburg Sports and Events Center and curbside recycling will be among the topics discussed. A Q&A will follow.

York County is seeking applicants for its Historic Yorktown Design Committee. Applications can be completed here.

James City County is seeking feedback from residents regarding the draft of its 2035 Strategic Plan. The survey is available here and will remain open until oct. 20.

CRIME REWIND

A 20-year-old York County man was arrested for allegedly possessing child pornography he obtained through social media websites. He is currently being held at the Virginia Peninsula Regional Jail. (WAVY)

IN THE HEADLINES

Thrive Peninsula steps up to help federal workers during government shutdown (WTKR)

Virginia taxpayers to get October rebate checks (Axios)

Attorney General candidate Jay Jones apologizes for 'disturbing' text messages (WAVY)

Virginia parents go viral for 6 kids with nearly identical names (WAVY)

President Trump plans to come to Norfolk Sunday to celebrate Navy's 250th birthday (13News Now)