Town Crier Articles

Engineering Study Finds Widespread Storm Drainage Issues in Shirley Park
Posted on February 1, 2026 7:00 AM by Kate Hawkins
 
On Wednesday, January 28,  Zach Shepherd, PE, RS, with Giles Flythe Engineers presented the initial findings of its Shirley Park Transition Study at Legacy Hall and over Zoom. To develop the study, Mr. Shepherd and colleague Brandon Smith, PE, walked the neighborhood with NTRA Board members and Shirley Park residents to hear first-hand concerns and compare their observations to the original development design plan. The resulting study documented structural and cosmetic issues in the common spaces of Shirley Park and provided rough estimates for the cost to repair, replace, or redesign those deficiencies.
 
Thirteen of the report's 20 line item deficiencies were related to drainage, aligning with residents' previously expressed concerns about grading, bioretention areas, erosion, and the main stormwater ponds. The engineers found that multiple bioretention facilities throughout the community were not properly constructed. Overall, the performance and long-term maintenance of the stormwater system are negatively affected, and investigation by "the Civil Engineer of Record" was recommended.
 
The expenses related to several larger line items, for example "Evaluation and design of grading and stormwater management," could not be estimated without a more detailed survey. The cost for repairs that could be estimated came to nearly $70,000, but surveying to determine the scope of the "TBD" line items may nearly double that. While Mr. Shepherd could not formally provide a comprehensive estimate without survey results, he suggested the total repairs could easily reach several hundred thousand dollars.
 
The NTRA Board commissioned the study in anticipation of the property developers — ABVA — initiating the turnover of the neighborhood to the association. While the developers have not yet proposed a date for that turnover, the study will provide the NTRA negotiating leverage to hold ABVA responsible for conducting or funding the repairs. (For more background about the turnover, read the December Town Crier article, "Q&A: What Is Going on with Shirley Park Transition?")
 
Also discussed in the meeting were the potential need for legal representation due to the extensive nature of the repairs, as well as concerns that James City County has not had greater involvement in assessing the discrepancies between approved design and executed construction.
 
Several Shirley Park residents brought up additional common area issues during the meeting, and Mr. Shepherd will work with the NTRA Board to conduct further observations and finalize the study.
Cheer on the Tribe Women Against the Drexel Dragons!
Posted on February 1, 2026 6:55 AM by NTRA Activities Committee
 
New Town Residents Celebrate the Holiday Season Together
Posted on February 1, 2026 6:50 AM by NTRA Activities Committee
 
The Holiday Season began in earnest on Friday, December 12th, when the NTRA Activities Committee sponsored the Annual NTRA Holiday party at Legacy Hall. It was a wonderful success. The event, designed to bring NTRA residents together during this joyous time of the year, had been in the planning stages for several months and was much anticipated by residents throughout New Town. Arthur Treadwell’s family shared that they had the event circled on their family calendar for months and that the event fulfilled their great expectations.
 
With wonderful food provided by Williamsburg Caterer and Concessions, as well as members of the Activities Committee, music provided by DJ Rick Richards, and libations from “BYOB,” the foundation for the evening was strong. However, the true wonder of the evening was the interactions between residents throughout the night. Over 130 residents enjoyed the company of family and old friends, and made new friends as the evening progressed. As resident Brian Grieff shared after sitting at a table with folks he didn’t know and finding a shared love of dogs, “I enjoyed meeting fellow New Towners and an evening of enthusiastic dog talk.”
 
Sharing company and community is the goal of the NTRA Activities Committee and this final event of the season did just that.  Susan, another New Town resident, said it well when she shared that “...it is really important that we have this kind of social that epitomizes the community aspect of New Town." Throughout the evening, residents could be seen sharing stories, jokes, laughter, and good times.
 
Many thanks to all of the Activities Committee members for their hard work in organizing and hosting this wonderful event for the community and for all of the energy and heart they put into events throughout the year.  Please remember to check your emails for 2026 events!
 
As we close out 2025, the most important voices often come from the younger members of our community, and nine year old Miles Ibes said it all. Between bites of food, and with a slight grin on his face, he made sure we knew that he …”love[d] all the fun food and especially the cannoli!”  Us too, Miles.  Us too!
 
We hope that all of our New Town neighbors had a happy holiday season!
 
 
 
   
 
 
Your 2026 Activities Schedule - Plan to Attend!
Posted on February 1, 2026 6:40 AM by NTRA Activities Committee
 
Sponsored by the New Town Residential Association Activities Committee
Q&A: What Is Going on with Shirley Park Transition?
Posted on December 1, 2025 7:00 AM by John Lewis
Categories: NTRA Business
 
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).
 
What exactly is meant by “turnover”?
 
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.
 
Who determines when this will happen?
 
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.
 
What is the process?
 
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.
 
What has the Turnover Committee been doing?
 
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.
 
As a Shirley Park resident, what can I do?
 
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.
Upcoming December Events
Posted on December 1, 2025 6:50 AM by Town Crier Staff
 
December 10 – 7:00 PM – New Town Residential Association Annual Members Meeting and Election of Board of Directors
Legacy Hall, 4301 New Town Avenue
 
December 12 – 6:30 PM - New Town Residential Association Annual Holiday Party
Legacy Hall, 4301 New Town Avenue
 
Every weekend in December – Visit with Santa Claus on Saturday and Sunday afternoons thru December 21
12:00pm-3:30pm
 
Santa’s Workshop
4915 Courthouse Street, located to the right of Regal New Town
 
 
Candidates Needed for NTRA Board of Directors 2025 Elections
Posted on November 1, 2025 7:00 AM by Jack Espinal, Board President
Categories: NTRA Business
 
It’s time to prepare for a new year in the life of our New Town Residential Association (NTRA) Board of Directors. Four of the five positions on the NTRA Board will be up for election in November-December. The residents that we elect will guide our Association into the future. 
 
Three of our present Board members are completing their 2-year terms of service and the term of one Board-elected member will end in December. (We are seeking three volunteers to serve for 2 years and one volunteer for a 1 year term in order to balance out/stagger future terms of office.) WE NEED YOU! Fresh ideas of new Board members can help improve our community.  
 
Who may run for our NTRA Board of Directors? 
 
Candidates may come from any neighborhood, but per our by-laws we cannot have more than two Board members from any single NTRA neighborhood. Our returning Board member, Sommer Wrona, lives in Charlotte Park. Therefore, one candidate from Charlotte Park and two candidates from each of our other neighborhoods could be elected to the 2026-2027 Board.  
 
What is needed to participate as a Board Member?
 
 - Time: A willingness to serve, and a schedule sufficiently flexible, to allow for 
  • Participation in monthly NTRA Board of Directors meetings. These may last several hours and typically are scheduled for weekday afternoons.
  • Attendance at Board working sessions or other "emergency" meetings.
  • Involvement with committees for which one is the assigned Board liaison, and 
  • Homework - preparing for Board meetings or addressing special projects in areas related to your gifts and skills. 
- Commitment to taking seriously the legal and fiduciary responsibilities of the position. Do you have sufficient commitment and ability to function as part of a team where members must value, respect, support, and collaborate with one another so that the essential community business gets done? How about the self-management needed to keep confidential information confidential? Will you prioritize the Board’s legal responsibilities, and the best interests and welfare of the whole NTRA community over personal agendas or loyalties? 
 
- No Outstanding Violations: Candidates for the Board of Directors or any of our official committees cannot have uncleared or unaddressed violations. If you think you would be willing to serve NTRA as a Board member — please, please, please! - clear your violations before you put your name forward. 
 
Becoming a Board Candidate
 
If you believe you can handle the time commitments, the investments of self, and the responsibilities of an NTRA Board member, and are not in a violation status, you will be doing your neighbors a huge favor by becoming a candidate for our Board! 
 
Do this by sending an email by November 6, 2025 with your full contact information to ntra.secretary@gmail.com, along with a picture of yourself and a brief biographical statement. This email should include relevant vocational information, your special skills, or earned credentials, and your reasons for being willing to serve our community as a Board member.  
Fall Fun at the 2025 New Town Fall Festival
Posted on November 1, 2025 6:57 AM by Liz Fones-Wolf, Activities Committee
 
The first Saturday of October was a beautiful day. The bright sky and mild temperature drew New Towners out of their homes to celebrate the coming of fall at New Town’s fourth Fall Festival.  From 2:00 on, families with young children in tow, young adults, and seniors approached the Village Walk green, which was decorated with scare crows, ghosts, and pumpkins.  The pace of their steps increased, as they heard Activities Committee member Jon Tomas’s flawless rendition of a carnival barker’s patter, as he urged them to participate in the afternoon’s games, races and other activities.   
 
At our old-fashioned Fall Festival, there was something for everyone. It began with kids scrambling to find pumpkin-shaped eggs filled with candy in our fall version of the traditional Easter Egg hunt.  Children then howled with laughter as they vied to hit their opponent with a handful of whipped cream in the game Pie Face Show Down. The “losers” happily licked fingerfuls of the cream off their faces. To the delight of their parents, they also burned off energy, running from area to area where they “earned” candy as they tossed bean bags, rope rings and balls onto a variety of objects, scrambled through tunnels, stepped from box to box to box, shimmied under  the limbo pole, raced each other carrying an egg on a spoon, and hopped in old-fashioned flour sacks. Winners of the races, which were particularly popular this year, and the mummy wrap contest won prizes.   
 
 
 
The kids, however, needed no enticement to build and then destroy structures made of cardboard bricks, although one little guy built his house with no intention of letting anyone touch it. Sometimes holding hands with parents, children also happily marched to music around a giant circle of numbers as they dreamed of winning one of the three giant cookie cakes. They also expressed their artistic inclinations by painting pumpkins, which they happily took home to adorn their front steps.   
 
Teens, adults, and seniors joined in the pumpkin painting, competed in tossing bean bags at the cornhole boards, and hit a few croquet balls.  Others simply enjoyed the happy vibes of the occasion as they basked in the gentle sunshine and companionship and enjoyed the fall-themed music provided by Rick Richards.
 
   
 
Everyone enjoyed the homemade Halloween decorated cookies, the three varieties of popcorn, apples, oranges and cider, and many also enjoyed two hours of freedom from electronics and from the stresses of modern life.  Reflecting on the event, one little guy said to his mother: “Mommy, this is so much fun.  Can we do it tomorrow?” and another mother observed that her children “were beyond happy.”   
 
There are lots of other fun photos in the website Photo Album - 2025 Fall Festival Fun.
 
We would like to thank the members of the Activities Committee, including Susan Schlimme, Jon Thomas, Terri  Finn, Liz Fones-Wolf, Gayle Ducan, Ruth Burgess, Linda Ellis, and Jennifer Morgan, for organizing and staffing the Fall Festival. They and twelve other New Town volunteers, including Merry Thomas, Ken Fones-Wolf, Lynn Griswold, Tracy Burd, Angela Lesnett,  Mark Patterson, Darce Patterson, Bobbie Falquet, Anne-Isabelle Hughes and Scott Ellis, made the Fall Festival possible.    
 
The Activities Committee next is event is a Holiday Party on Friday, December 12,  6:30-9:00 at Legacy Hall.
The NTRA Needs a Treasurer!
Posted on November 1, 2025 6:50 AM by NTRA Board of Directors
Categories: NTRA Business
 
The New Town Residential Association (NTRA) Board of Directors elects the officers of the Association (President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer) shortly after the annual election of Board members during the Board’s organizational meeting. Our governing documents require that the President of the Association be a Board member.  Board membership is not required for the other roles, including the Secretary and Treasurer positions. They can be New Town residents or others that are found to be qualified by the Board of Directors. Holding the position of Secretary or Treasurer is a way that renters in New Town can become involved in governing our community.
 
Currently, our Association needs a dedicated individual to serve as our Association Treasurer.  We need an individual with a strong financial background who can oversee the financial activities of the NTRA and help ensure that Chesapeake Bay Management Company is correctly managing the Association’s financial assets. If the Board is unable to find a volunteer to serve as Treasurer, it will be necessary to hire a certified public accountant to perform the service which will require an increase in owners’ general assessments.
If you could serve as the NTRA Treasurer, please send an email to the NTRA Secretary: ntra.secretary@gmail.com and include a statement about your qualifications and experience.   
Fall Festival This Weekend!
Posted on October 1, 2025 6:55 AM by NTRA Activities Committee
 
 
NEW TOWN FALL FESTIVAL
 
Saturday, Oct. 4
 
Village Walk, 2:00-4:00 
 
It's just about time for New Town’s old-fashioned fun-filled, FREE Fall Festival in the Village Walk neighborhood on the corner of Casey and Settlers Market Boulevard.  
 
Fun for all ages - we promise. Invite your family and friends to join in. Who can resist some cider, popcorn and other goodies? As an added treat, there will be drawings for a large pumpkin and for gift certificates donated by the New Town Commercial Association.
 
Children’s activities, including shark toss and mummy wrapping, races, pie face showdown, a kid’s obstacle course and best of all, all participants win prizes. Adults can join the kids in pumpkin painting, playing croquet, cornhole and in the cake walk, of which there are four rounds, and the winners take home a large cookie cake.  
 
Remember, the Festival begins with a children’s Halloween “egg” hunt at 2:15 across the street from the main venue. So get there early!!
 
Come to participate or just share the good time, the kids’ joy and the music.
 
Rain date:  Sunday, Oct. 5th.  
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