York County Leaders Finalize Regulations to Welcome Potential Cruise Ship Arrivals

YORK — The York County Board of Supervisors has approved amendments to its zoning ordinance aimed at managing the potential arrival of large cruise ships along the York River. This decision follows pressure from local residents who opposed the idea of high-capacity cruise lines unloading passengers in Yorktown, particularly after Princess Cruises abandoned plans to dock there in favor of Norfolk.

The board unanimously voted to enact regulations to guide future requests from cruise lines seeking to establish a port of call in the area. This move took place despite a previous recommendation from the county’s planning commission to deny such regulations, reflecting the division in local opinion regarding cruise ship access.

Since Princess Cruises first proposed its Yorktown stop in 2023, community opposition has intensified, leading to efforts by a local advocacy group, Protect Virginia, to petition for stricter controls on ocean-going cruise ships. However, their efforts did not yield favorable responses from state officials.

With the newly established regulations, cruise lines wishing to disembark passengers in York County must now apply for a special use permit, which necessitates a traffic impact analysis, an environmental protection plan, and details of proposed operations, among other requirements. Notably, these regulations are targeted specifically at vessels carrying 400 or more passengers, while smaller ships that have not drawn the same community concerns will still be permitted to operate.

The county’s planning commission had initially hoped to focus on prohibiting large ships but ultimately acknowledged the necessity for a framework that would regulate their potential docking. Supporters of the regulations, including county planners, believe they represent a proactive measure, providing structure and oversight for any future cruise ship visits.

Conversely, local residents, including Yorktown’s Jacques Van Montfrans, expressed frustration, arguing that the amendments do not go far enough to prevent large ships from docking. Supervisor Stephen Roane acknowledged the complexity of the situation, stating that the county has limited powers regarding areas beyond its boundaries and that these regulations can help manage local interests better.

Critics also voiced concerns regarding potential impacts on tourism. A former lobbyist for Princess Cruises, Frank Wagner, emphasized that York County’s tourism funding efforts would be undermined if the board continues to discourage the industry through restrictive policies.

This unpacking of regulatory steps reflects an ongoing dialogue within York County on how to balance economic development with community values and environmental stewardship in the face of potential changes to its shoreline.

For further details, you can view the original discussion on the local cruise ship issues here: Princess Cruises abandons Yorktown plans.

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