Town Crier Articles

Shirley Park, the sixth and final official New Town neighborhood, is nearing completion with a “turnover” expected to occur in Spring 2026. This Q&A explains what this means for New Town residents and the New Town Residential Association (NTRA).

 

 

Turnover is the process by which the developer (“ABVA”) transfers the ownership of the infrastructure and common areas of Shirley Park to those responsible for the long-term maintenance of the neighborhood. For example, NTRA will assume full responsibility for the common areas (think: green spaces) including some of our streets/alleys and walkways, and the drainage systems, including the stormwater BMPs (ponds). The primary goal of NTRA is to ensure the project is completed in a satisfactory manner to limit the future liability of the homeowners association. Our governing documents (Section 4.9 of the New Town Residential Master Declaration) state that these common areas shall convey “in a condition acceptable to the Association.”

 

The Virginia Department of Transportation will take over the primary streets, sidewalks and sewer lines. Other areas may be under the authority of James City County.

 

 

The developer makes a formal request to the county, VDOT and NTRA for the turnover. The county’s primary responsibility is to ensure that the development was built according to approved plans, as well as to sign-off on sound wastewater management practices. The county holds a type of surety bond on the developer that is released upon satisfactory completion of the project as laid out in its JCC approved plans. VDOT’s focus is roads, public sidewalks, and sewers. NTRA will focus on common areas, landscaping issues, sidewalks/curbs, collection areas, and drainage. These features must meet what was in the original plans for the neighborhood – i.e. additional wish list ideas are not a consideration.

 

 

In August, the NTRA Board appointed a Shirley Park Turnover Committee, comprised of Shirley Park residents. There are nine committee members and the committee is chaired by John Lewis. The committee’s role is advisory, and the Board ultimately votes on whether to “accept” Shirley Park from the developer. Sommer Wrona is the primary Board liaison to the committee.

 

A key piece of the turnover process is an engineering study conducted by an outside firm (see NTRA Policy 5.1-Turnover or Acceptance of Assets). Think of this as a “property inspection” for the entire community. This study will be conducted by the Virginia Beach office of Giles Flythe Engineers. 

 

Another very important part of this process is input from residents, and you may report any issues to shirleyparktransition@gmail.com. You should have seen flyers around the neighborhood or in your inbox. We encourage you to include photos/videos of any issues you see. Please note, the transition cannot address issues on your personal property or home, except possibly as they relate to broader community issues, such as drainage. To date, more than two dozen emails have been received documenting issues with drainage, landscaping, sidewalks, common areas, roadways, and collection areas. Based on the recommendations contained in the engineering study, this residents punch list and other factors, the Committee will consider its recommendations for the Board including whether additional investigation is needed.

 

 

After holding its initial organizational meeting, the committee participated in a detailed walk-thru of landscape issues with Sommer and representatives from Phan’s Landscaping. The committee has subsequently met with representatives from James City County regarding stormwater management and accessibility issues. These conversations are ongoing and we may work with other county departments as needed.

The committee held an introductory call with the engineering firm in November to share concerns and outline priorities. Giles Flythe Engineers is expected to be onsite in the coming weeks, and the committee will have ongoing dialog. ABVA’s representative had requested a preliminary meeting with the committee but this has not yet been scheduled.

 

 

Please remain vigilant about observing and reporting any deficiencies you see in our beautiful neighborhood! We regularly monitor the inbox at shirleyparktransition@gmail.com and welcome your questions, comments and concerns. We will keep you informed as the transition process progresses.