PORTSMOUTH — More housing is on the way near Rivers Casino Portsmouth in an area being primed for future growth.

City Council this week approved Victory Crossing Apartments, a project slated to bring 144 market-rate priced apartments to 4054 Victory Blvd., less than a mile from the casino and near the Victory Crossing Shopping Center. The vacant 6-acre property is owned by Erin Carter of Varsity Development LLC. The request for development was made by Kenneth Owen of Breeden Construction.

Only council member Bill Dodson Jr. voted against the development. Several speakers questioned the impact on local schools, infrastructure and traffic. The development comes as the city is working on long-term plans to build up an entertainment district centered around the casino, which also has a new hotel on the way.

Once constructed, Victory Crossing Apartments will feature two four-story, breezeway-style buildings with a clubhouse, amenities and recreational space for residents. Amenities will include a fitness center, computer lab and green space. About 22% of the 144 units will be one-bedroom, half are two-bedroom units, and the remaining 28% will be three-bedroom.

Owen said at this time, renters could expect to pay about $1,475 for a one-bedroom unit, around $2,000 for two bedrooms and around $2,800 for three bedrooms.

Applicants estimate it will generate 250 construction jobs, with a construction payroll of more than $15 million. Once constructed, it will have four full-time positions. Annual real estate tax revenue for the city is projected at about $400,000, with $50,000 of business tax revenue generated during the construction period.

“Overall, the proposed project represents more than just a strategic residential investment as it will also bring long-term economic activity and contributes to the continued vitality of the Portsmouth community,” a city staff memo stated.

In the memo, an estimated 58 school-aged children will be added to the overall school population that could require additional staffing support, according to Portsmouth Public Schools.

The planning commission unanimously approved, but did note a concern with the ability of nearby Elmhurst Lane to accommodate the additional traffic. A tradeoff is that it’s within walking distance of shopping, however.

It’s not clear when construction will begin or when apartments will be ready for rent.

Natalie Anderson, 757-732-1133, natalie.anderson@virginiamedia.com

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