Delegate Henson told the subcommittee that a portion of Leesylvania State Park adjacent to Newport Estates has experienced repeated slope failures (1996, 2006, 2009) causing erosion risks to private homes and parkland. House Bill 714 would authorize the Department of Conservation and Recreation to convey a small unused section of parkland (less than 5 acres) to the Newport Estates Homeowners Association so the HOA can address erosion and make necessary repairs; in exchange the HOA would convey land of equal or greater recreational utility back to the commonwealth.
Jack Waltman, speaking online for the Newport Estates HOA, supported the bill, saying the exchange would provide needed access and allow soil restoration and maintenance without undue risk to adjacent homes. The subcommittee moved to report HB714 and the bill was reported by voice/electronic vote 8-0.