JAMES CITY — A judge on Thursday dismissed a lawsuit that sought to halt work on a new James City County government center.
Judge Jan Brodie ruled that the county’s October 2024 bond agreement with the Economic Development Authority did not receive an appeal within the first 30 days of its approval. The agreement approved over $75 million for use towards public facility projects, including the government center.
Seven county residents filed the lawsuit in November, arguing that voters must decide whether to approve the project because it would place long-term debt on future board of supervisors.
The $189 million government center and $25 million library annex will be built at 5231 Longhill Road. The lawsuit called for an emergency injunction to stop the project, but was denied. The project was approved for construction in December.
Christopher Woodfin, attorney for the case, said he was disappointed with the dismissal, but respected the court’s decision. Charles Colgrove, one of the case’s seven plaintiffs, said that county citizens should have a voice on how to spend money that’s been used for the project.
County officials have considered the possibility of building a new government center over the past several years to replace the existing government complex, which is made up of separate buildings off Mounts Bay Road. The project started to take form in 2020 after space needs studies found the county outgrowing its current facilities.
County officials have said the project is badly needed at a time when the James City’s population is projected to continue growing, which will also increase the demands on government agencies.
It was not clear Thursday evening whether the plaintiffs intend to appeal the ruling.
James W. Robinson, 757-799-0621, james.robinson@virginiamedia.com
