Winchester’s NDDs: A Blueprint for Tomorrow
Published on September 04, 2025
I f you have been paying attention to local news over the last few months, you probably heard about the inauguration of Winchester’s newest neighborhood, “Cedar Valley.” Or maybe you heard chatter about the “transformation of Ward Plaza…” or something about a groundbreaking event.
Groundbreaking event? The Ward Plaza is cement. How does that work? And what does this acronym we keep hearing - NDD - actually mean?
Great questions. Let’s start with the basics.
NDD stands for “Neighborhood Design District.” Through NDDs, the City work with residents to proactively plan and revitalize targeted areas of the City. Through resident-led Community Committees, focus groups, Open Houses, and surveys, community members weigh in on what kind of neighborhood they would like to see in the coming years. This might include new housing options (both rentable and for purchase), shopping and businesses, parks, more walkable and bikeable lanes, and well-designed traffic infrastructure. Not only that, but community members also help pick the neighborhood’s name!
At Cedar Valley, work to demolish the old Ward Plaza complex has already begun. Within several years, we should see a $10 million revitalization project aligned with community needs begin to take shape. The project will include a new Publix grocery store, mixed-use shopping and office space, andhundreds of townhomes, condominiums, and apartments to help relieve the housing shortage in our City. (Have you heard of the “missing middle” in the housing market? Maybe that’s a separate article for the next edition…)
With input from the community, City staff, and other stakeholders, the City Council can decide to proactively change zoning regulations and explore infrastructure development to encourage new private and public sector investment. These critical changes can spark the area’s transformation, providing a clear path for business owners and potential developers, who may be more likely to invest in Winchester, in consultation with the City Council and residents. It’s a strategy that allows community members to guide the process from start to finish.
It’s not just growth for growth’s sake. It’s community-driven, focused growth.
Looking ahead, the Cedar Valley NDD is just the first of a series of NDDs planned for the City. Our second NDD, “Cider Hill” located adjacent to Fairmont Avenue, will be rolled out later this year and early 2026. You’ll be hearing more about Cider Hill in the coming months.
In addition to Cider Hill, the City is rolling out several more NDDs starting with the Berryville Avenue corridor on the City’s North End, and shortly thereafter, Old Town. The resident-led Community Committees for both NDDs are just beginning to meet. Residents should stay tuned for more information, including a survey on their favorite name!
For the Berryville Avenue NDD, the Community Committee and City Planning Team area already working together to consider some potential local improvements. (See the current NDD zoning map on the right.)
Improved walking and biking spaces
More central open spaces for recreation
Easier, safer access to business with a parallel road along Berryville Avenue
Trails connecting nearby residential areas to businesses
Easier, less congested, and safer access to and from Interstate 81 And much more…
The NDD initiatives—Cedar Valley, Cider Hill, Berryville Avenue, and Old Town—promise to revitalize targeted areas of our City according to community members’ priorities and interests. But we need your help. Stay informed by checking out the City’s Facebook, Instagram, and Nextdoor pages, and winchesterva.gov. Attend an upcoming Open House or informational session on an NDD. Everyone is welcome—it’s Our City!