The Williamsburg area consists of a confusing maze of municipal boundaries shared by the City of Williamsburg, County of York, and the County of James City. In the Commonwealth of Virginia there are two distinct forms of independent local government: cities and counties. In most other states, cities are located within counties. However, that is not the case in Virginia.
The Waller Mill Reservoir is owned by the City of Williamsburg. Yet, the land is located within the County of York. As development of the surrounding area has increased, the City of Williamsburg has made property purchases of lands adjacent to the reservoir to protect it from future development and possible contamination. Yet, by purchasing the lands, this makes the City of Williamsburg a property owner who, just like us, is responsible for paying property taxes on the land.
In the late 1990s, the city was looking into the possible annexation of 2,500 acres near the reservoir. Such a move would allow Williamsburg to bring the land under its control when it comes to development and relieve the continued tax burden. However, the Virginia General Assembly addressed the matter in 2002 with House Bill 349. This bill, which was signed into law, provided immunity to counties from annexation by cities (unless very specific provisions are met). Since HB 349, all three localities have continued to seek ways to work together in an effort to protect environmental resources for generations to come.
The Waller Mill Park Bike Trail is a two mile multiuse asphalt path connecting Rochambeau Drive and Mooretown Road. Additional park information is available in the "Related Web Page" link. A big thank you to the City of Williamsburg for allowing us to geocache along this wonderfully maintained trail.