NKC to see first Buc-ee's location

Buc-ee’s Travel Center intends to expand their operations to New Kent County, Virginia at the exit 211 interchange along Interstate 64. The company plans to construct a 74,000 SF store with 120 fueling positions, 557 parking spaces, 24 Tesla charging spaces and 10 bus/RV parking spaces. The anticipated opening date is 2027. A Conditional Use Permit has been submitted to the County’s Planning and Zoning Department. The Applicant’s request for this Conditional Use Permit is solely limited to the review and approval of a proposed sign plan. 

According to the company, “Buc-ee’s Travel Center is a family-focused travel center featuring a wide range of freshly prepared foods including home-crafted bbq, custom made sandwiches, fresh salads and fruits, baked goods, and sweets as well as a unique collection of gifts, housewares, clothing, and weekend get-away gear. Buc-ee’s is open 24/7 and provides our guests with the cleanest restrooms and friendliest staff to be found anywhere; much less on I-64. Buc-ee’s is not a truck stop; 18 wheelers are not allowed on the property. Buc-ee’s is a one-of-a-kind destination. Buc-ee’s will employ (full time with benefits) over 175 residents earning an average minimum wage of $16-18 per hour.” 

“On behalf of the New Kent County Board of Supervisors and our citizens, we are delighted to welcome Buc-ee’s to our community and look forward to strengthening our business and personal relationships with the company and its employees,” said Board Chairman C.T. “Tommy” Page 2 Tiller, Jr. “New Kent County is growing and the addition of this unique and very popular company to our community is one that we have carefully planned for and are excited to see come to fruition as transportation improvements progress.” 

The Buc-ee’s development team is currently working closely with VDOT and County planning staff to evaluate the transportation improvements required by the Project including, but not limited to: 

a. Coordination of design and construction efforts with the ongoing I-64 widening project 

b. Implementation of anticipated overpass revisions/additions required to serve the project and surrounding commercial development 

c. Project schedule coordination to ensure required traffic improvement completion is synced with project completion 

The Virginia Department of Transportation, Kimley-Horn and Associates and New Kent County partnered in 2015-2016 to complete the Route 106 Arterial Management Plan (AMP), which can be found here: https://www.virginiadot.org/projects/resources/Arterial_Management_Plans/A9RF2B5.pdf In 2015 and 2016, the consultant team for the AMP updated the Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors at key milestones, conducted stakeholder interviews and held two public information meetings to give the citizens an opportunity to comment on the plan as it was being developed. The final plan provided short-term, mid-term and long-term transportation improvements to accommodate full build-out of the study area. 

The submission of an application indicates a major step forward in bringing a new business to the County that will become a catalyst for economic growth and a significant tax revenue generator for the locality. If you have any questions on the Conditional Use Permit application, all documentation can be viewed in the Planning and Zoning Department, Monday-Friday from 8:00am-4:30pm. 

Free 5K Run/Walk to highlight National Crime Victims' Rights Week

The New Kent/Charles City Victim Witness Assistance Program is hosting a 5K Walk/ Run to commemorate National Crime Victims' Rights Week, April 23-29, 2023.

The event will take place at Colonial Downs at 9 a.m. on Saturday April 15, 2023 and is free.

The first 125 registered runners/ walkers will receive a t-shirt and medals will be awarded to the top two men, women, children and masters men and women.

After the run there will be booths featuring agencies who serve victims of crime with information and giveaways.

Register for this free event