Western Branch residents have until Nov. 18 to help shape Chesapeake's plans for future growth as major development and transportation projects change the community.

The city is collecting feedback through an online survey for its Western Branch Area Plan, which will guide decisions about housing, transportation, development and neighborhood priorities.

Responses will help city planners develop a community vision, initial goals and preliminary recommendations for Western Branch.

The survey closes Wednesday, Nov. 18.

Major projects shape planning discussion

Western Branch covers nearly 18 square miles and is home to more than 36,000 residents in approximately 14,000 households, according to the city.

Two major projects are already changing the area: the redevelopment of Chesapeake Square Mall and the Bowers Hill Interchange Improvements.

The city says the Western Branch Area Plan will not alter those existing projects. Instead, it will examine how the community should accommodate and guide future investment and development.

The planning process will consider transportation networks, housing, economic activity, neighborhood character and environmental concerns, including flooding and wetlands.

The eastern portion of Western Branch also includes an Urban Overlay District that envisions denser, walkable development with improved options for transit, cycling and pedestrians.

Residents help set priorities

Chesapeake held its first public workshop Oct. 27 at Western Branch Middle School.

Participants were asked what makes Western Branch distinctive, which community features should be protected and what improvements residents would like to see.

The city is now inviting residents, business owners and other community members who could not attend to review the workshop materials and complete the survey.

The online participation page provides access to those materials and the survey.

City officials say community responses will help identify priorities before specific recommendations are developed.

What happens after the survey

Chesapeake has divided the city into 10 planning areas.

Area plans have already been adopted for Greenbrier, Indian River and Deep Creek. Western Branch is the next community undergoing the process.

The Western Branch plan builds on the broader Chesapeake 2045 Comprehensive Plan but focuses on issues affecting local neighborhoods.

The city hired Hampton Roads-based consulting firm Stromberg Garrigan & Associates to help prepare the plan.

Following public engagement and data collection, planners will identify community strengths and challenges, develop recommendations and prepare an implementation strategy addressing responsibilities, funding and priorities.

The completed plan will go before the Planning Commission and City Council, with additional opportunities for public comment before adoption.

How to participate

Residents can access the survey and workshop materials through the city's Western Branch Area Plan project page.

The deadline is Nov. 18.

Neighborhood associations and community organizations can request an in-person planning presentation by calling the Chesapeake Planning Department at 757-382-6176.

Questions about the project can also be directed to project manager Olivia Knox at [email protected].