Trail conveyance dispute escalates as the Hopyard Farm HOA seeks a court ruling against the King George Board of Supervisors. The HOA claims the board improperly reversed acceptance of a proffered nature trail. Meanwhile, a separate firefighter union may file a First Amendment lawsuit over budget cuts and retaliation.
Trail Conveyance Dispute Escalates Over HOA Complaint
Trail conveyance dispute escalates after the Hopyard Farm HOA filed for a declaratory judgment against the King George Board of Supervisors. The HOA says the board violated a 2003 proffer agreement requiring it to accept the Hopyard Nature Trail after construction.
Despite submitting all necessary documents in March, the board voted on April 1 to reject the trail conveyance. Supervisors expressed concern about liability and maintenance costs associated with owning the trail.
The HOA argues that the board cannot reverse a previously accepted proffer without following the state code’s legal procedures. Once accepted, the complaint states that a proffer becomes part of the zoning ordinance and must be honored by future boards.
The HOA wants the court to declare the board’s vote void and confirm its right to transfer the trail. The HOA spent $500,000 to complete the trail last August, as required under the original development agreement. The HOA says the board’s refusal violates zoning law and improperly alters a binding agreement.
The lawsuit asks the court to affirm the HOA’s vested rights in the conveyance under Virginia law.
Rise of Another Conflict
At the same meeting, another conflict emerged involving King George firefighters. The local firefighters’ union, IAFF Local 4438, is considering a First Amendment lawsuit against the board.
Union members claim the board retaliated against them for criticizing budget cuts in a Facebook post. The proposed budget includes a $210,000 funding reduction, which firefighters say will hurt staffing and safety efforts.
Union leadership says the county is replacing local funds with state grants not intended to cover core expenses. Supervisors reportedly discussed disciplinary action for public comments made by the union president on social media.
Union leaders say this response threatens their right to speak publicly about budget and safety concerns. Though no lawsuit has been filed, the union has retained legal counsel and plans to challenge the board’s actions. They fear further retaliation could impact their employment and ability to advocate for safe working conditions.
The King George Board of Supervisors has not released further statements on either case. Both the trail dispute and union concerns continue to generate tension within the community.
