Cul-de-Sacs Could Be History in Va.

For many home buyers, living in a cul-de-sac is the perfect place in a development. But now leaders in the Commonwealth are telling developers if you build a new subdivision, don't bother putting in cul-de-sacs.

Kim Nelson and her two kids moved into this new subdivision 8 months ago. She specifically picked this street because it was a cul-de-sac.

"We like living in a cul-de-sac area because it gives us an opportunity for our children to play in a very safe environment," she says.

Like many other residents, Nelson says they don't have to worry about speeding cars or streets with a lot of traffic.

Ahmad Ashkar moved into a cul-de-sac two months ago. His family chose this spot because of his young son.

"I like the fact that it's not a thru street," said Ashkar. "Because it does reduce the amount of traffic that's around and maximizes our son's growing ability to go outside and play."

But now Virginia leaders say all new subdivisions must have through streets. Essentially, no more cul-de-sacs. They say getting rid of these desired dead ends will improve safety and accessibility for emergency vehicles.

A spokesperson from the governor's office released the following statement.

"It is important in Virginia that we support smart growth policies both as a way to improve traffic flow and economic development," the spokesperson said. "We feel this policy will keep our neighborhoods safe and appropriately address transportation needs."

But Ashkar who is a real estate broker says this regulation now makes the cul-de-sac a future hot commodity for new buyers.

"As a real estate professional, most families are in the same postion I am in," explained Ashkar. "They always ask me, 'Can we find a home within a cul-de-sac."

Still some wonder why Virginia is trying to change a classic that's been working in American communities for years.

"It is interesting that they would even bring up this issue," Kim says.

The Virginia Department of Transportation plans on having two public meetings in Northern Virginia about this cul-de-sac issue next month.