During a recent government meeting, Rachel Pompana McLaughlin, a local resident and owner of Mount Side Arts, made an impassioned plea to the board regarding the future of her arts establishment. Despite her illness, McLaughlin urged officials to review an email she sent earlier in the day, emphasizing the importance of visual representation in her advocacy against Dominion Energy's plans that could impact her business.

McLaughlin, who has been unable to attend school due to her health issues, expressed her deep concern for the potential consequences of the proposed developments on her arts center. She implored the board members to consider her perspective and the attachments included in her email before making any final recommendations.

The meeting proceeded with no additional public comments, and the board members were given the opportunity to discuss the matter further. However, the applicant chose not to respond to the public comments made during the session. The meeting concluded with a call for further discussion among the board members, indicating that the matter remains open for consideration.