UPDATE: A judge has just dismissed a lawsuit aimed at halting the construction of a new government center in James City County. In a decisive ruling on Thursday, Judge Jan Brodie confirmed that the county’s bond agreement, which allocates over $75 million for public facility projects, was not challenged within the required 30-day appeal period.
The ruling clears the path for the $189 million government center and a $25 million library annex to be built at 5231 Longhill Road. This significant development was initially approved for construction in December 2023, following years of evaluations indicating that the county’s existing facilities were inadequate for its growing population.
The lawsuit, filed by seven county residents in November, argued that the decision should be put to a public vote, as it imposes long-term debt on future boards of supervisors. The plaintiffs sought an emergency injunction to stop the project, but their request was denied by the court.
Christopher Woodfin, the attorney representing the plaintiffs, expressed disappointment regarding the dismissal but acknowledged the court’s authority. Meanwhile, Charles Colgrove, one of the plaintiffs, emphasized the importance of giving citizens a voice in how public funds are allocated, stating, “County citizens should have a say in how money is spent on such significant projects.”
County officials have been exploring the need for a new government center for several years, driven by studies that revealed their current facilities, comprised of separate buildings off Mounts Bay Road, were no longer sufficient. The demand for improved infrastructure has been exacerbated by a continuous rise in the county’s population, which is projected to increase further in the coming years.
As of now, it remains unclear whether the plaintiffs plan to appeal the ruling. The construction of the new government center represents a critical step in improving local services and accommodating a growing community, making this decision a pivotal moment for James City County.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
