[{"_1":2,"_110":-5,"_111":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,86,98],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6107463,"mediaKeyId","2775165-8bb242d8acf6bcfbbe33511958707126","parentId",2775165,"title","Planning commission recommends approval for Village Commons event center with caps on regular and monthly attendance","audioSeconds",2051,"startMs",740000,"endMs",2791000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2775165-8bb242d8acf6bcfbbe33511958707126&start=740&end=2791","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2775165-8bb242d8acf6bcfbbe33511958707126/thumbnail_740000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6107463/Buckingham-County/Virginia/Planning-commission-recommends-approval-for-Village-Commons-event-center-with-caps-on-regular-and-monthly-attendance","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6107463-871436a043a62422c29a49ed5ce0cab5/orig.mp4?Expires=1771171821&Signature=fts6K2Gy4qCgEF0GhSxwKODkFk5KSzKHxdTTyP-Fnn0aVqAjcyjjPDTIwncJsfGA6BhePckQP1y-PWw7gmF6kyyUG~5NZiMBXDn6jnshMz~TEfga5No3ocsND5hQDxX0dIZmYTTFweHIWe0CjLN3HdRQ1S8853QuF2g-A67uZ9tz4-u~~jZfMGrhLH6zc5WopBJJbf0z5JD7msauyXy8ap8A2S2arpWhDZ5PG8vZ9ObcRtabFxJJBMpZYazDvjDYk3mvaIxDPMyfQhWED0ikev0a2PlGXZ94XiNAxopZbj8n-z3a~dwt0MedLqLeBRy~zs26wL15xbenwtkCMiLDHA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Buckingham County, VA","date","2025-03-25T11:35:08Z","article","The Buckingham County Planning Commission voted to forward a recommendation to the Board of Supervisors to approve special-use permit case 25SUP354, permitting a multi-use event center proposed by David Waters at two parcels on Woodland Church Road in the James River magisterial district. The commission recommended a limit of up to 100 attendees for regular events and up to 300 attendees for one larger monthly event.

Why it matters: The proposal would create a local gathering space for vendors’ markets, cultural events, seasonal festivals and other community activities on about one usable acre of an existing parcel. Neighbors and community members testified overwhelmingly in support, noting local need for a nearby event space and the benefits to youth and local vendors.

Public comment: Eight speakers signed up for the public hearing; multiple area residents and organizers spoke in support. Santoshia Young told the commission, “Community is so important,” and said having a nearby outdoor gathering space would benefit families and children. Alexandra May, identified in the packet as president of the VSA, said a dedicated community space encourages intergenerational connection and would improve quality of life in the area.

Site, scope and parking: The application covers two tax parcels (46-19 at 2.129 acres and 46-20.1 at 4.85 acres), with the primary activity area described in meeting materials as roughly an acre of usable open space on which vendors’ markets and small events would be held. Waters told the commission he had submitted parking maps showing 100 on- and near-site spaces and that additional parking would be available under written agreements with nearby properties (including the Ashram and a local credit union). Planning staff and Waters said the applicant had also consulted with the utility CVEC about temporary parking under power lines; Waters said CVEC indicated that temporary parking for markets and smaller events was acceptable.

Commission discussion focused on verifying parking capacity, ingress/egress and the intended scale of events. Waters said the original application requested 12 monthly events up to 300 people and ongoing smaller events up to 100; commissioners asked for clarity on how often larger events would occur and about staging and tent placement. Waters said all events would be alcohol-free; “All of the events will be alcohol free,” he said, noting that the Ashram community standards support that restriction.

Conditions and motion: Commissioners asked staff to ensure conditions reflected the agreed parking arrangements and event caps. Several commissioners signaled support for flexible scheduling of smaller events (up to 100 attendees, unlimited in number), given the site’s proximity to walking- and biking-heavy neighborhoods. The motion the commission approved recommended maximum monthly attendance of 300 for larger events and an ongoing maximum of 100 for smaller events; the commission moved the recommendation to the Board of Supervisors (motion seconded and approved by the commission; vote tally not specified in the transcript).

What’s next: The Planning Commission forwarded case 25SUP354 to the Board of Supervisors with the recommended attendance caps and conditions on parking and operations; staff told the applicant the commission would notify them when the first market is scheduled.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Buckingham County Planning Commission 3/24/2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Planning Commission recommended the Board of Supervisors approve special-use permit 25SUP354 for a proposed ‘Village Commons’ event center on Woodland Church Road, allowing regular events up to 100 people and one larger monthly event up to 300.","taxTitle","Buckingham County, Virginia","taxId",43171,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6107470,"Planning commission forwards auto-inspection business with conditions after neighbors raise environmental and buffering concerns",0,1454000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2775165-8bb242d8acf6bcfbbe33511958707126&start=1454&end=1454","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2775165-8bb242d8acf6bcfbbe33511958707126/thumbnail_1454000.jpg","/articles/6107470/Buckingham-County/Virginia/Planning-commission-forwards-auto-inspection-business-with-conditions-after-neighbors-raise-environmental-and-buffering-concerns","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6107470-2756f6b5409d3a8969472dd98b942950/orig.mp4?Expires=1771171821&Signature=OKV-oDLndA7IPLRqqIoQUryEEMAvpHhHldBdaGUFWu9a0vGH7pUz16F5~fnxzM6ScvHDgKtRZWWZqszoF4ntVXm~ZchJITYGp8WHUJDbDRwq4QegHKQK-uzrtN-bOyWodVnI5KJmmM0l36PYLRL3dgRUQkyYQkCLlX5qxyt9pxjIfedcJw7f8ql3YzWmwzC9~puU-7A0FAqogcZlCxzFj1YCs~dz5WKy5AaMunLzm2G4lVzxbu2HcMZV-6eASQYoOPa4BJ7lUGf3UV3TMysURorxpvKPrfGtISfDrWx8OLQmAuE-ilBrx5hME04UFINpbX4Gd4P2-~5Khpn6c9JcqQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Buckingham County Planning Commission voted to forward a recommendation to the Board of Supervisors to approve a special-use permit for an auto inspection/repair business in an agricultural area, subject to conditions limiting outdoor parked vehicles, requiring containment for vehicle fluids, and preserving or replacing existing tree buffers.

The commission’s action, which passed 6–1, followed public comment and a round of questions from commissioners about hours, vehicle types to be inspected, and how on-site fluids would be stored and managed. Commissioners said they wanted clear, enforceable conditions to address neighbors’ environmental and visual concerns.

Why it matters: Commissioners said they wanted to balance a property owner’s ability to run a small business with protections for adjacent rural residences and farmland. Conditions adopted as part of the recommendation aim to limit negative impacts on neighbors’ property values, noise, and potential soil or water contamination.

Most of the discussion focused on three practical topics: (1) what types of vehicles would be inspected, (2) how used automotive fluids would be contained and removed, and (3) the number of vehicles that could be parked outdoors while the business operated. Commissioners also noted an existing natural tree buffer along the property and discussed a privacy fence if that buffer were removed.

The applicant told the commission the business would not inspect tractor-trailers or large dump trucks. Planning staff and the applicant described the current on-site fluid containers as above-ground plastic drums; commissioners asked for more permanent, chemically approved holding tanks or other containment that would meet state permitting requirements before operation. Planning staff said the first condition attached to the application requires adherence to all federal, state and local regulations and that state permitting and inspection would be required before opening any operation handling regulated fluids.

On parking, the applicant initially listed 10–15 vehicles as a typical daytime maximum. After commissioner questions and neighbor concerns, the applicant agreed to a condition limiting parked vehicles outside to 10 business-related vehicles at any one time (personal vehicles excluded). Commissioners also agreed to replace language referencing “inoperable” vehicles with the clearer term “parked vehicles.”

The motion to forward the file to the Board of Supervisors included three conditions: maintain a privacy fence if the applicant removes the existing tree buffer; install adequate holding tanks/catch basins for any automotive fluids and comply with state permitting and inspection requirements; and limit parked business vehicles outside to no more than 10 at any one time. The commission recorded the motion, a second and the vote: passed 6–1.

The commission’s staff will include the three conditions in the record so the Board of Supervisors will consider them when it hears the case. The hearing packet listed 11 original conditions; commissioners specifically added or clarified the three conditions above before forwarding the recommendation.

What’s next: The commission moved the item to the Board of Supervisors with the stated conditions. The record does not show a date for the Board hearing in the transcript excerpts.

","The Planning Commission voted to forward a special-use recommendation to the Board of Supervisors for an automotive inspection/repair business in an agricultural zoning district, contingent on conditions addressing fluids storage, a privacy buffer/fence if trees are removed, and limiting parked vehicles outside to 10; vote 6–1.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6107454,"Planning commission sets April 28 public hearing for revised comprehensive plan and debates language on local land‑use authority",464,3600000,4064000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2775165-8bb242d8acf6bcfbbe33511958707126&start=3600&end=4064","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2775165-8bb242d8acf6bcfbbe33511958707126/thumbnail_3600000.jpg","/articles/6107454/Buckingham-County/Virginia/Planning-commission-sets-April-28-public-hearing-for-revised-comprehensive-plan-and-debates-language-on-local-landuse-authority","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6107454-dd854caef2e63394199ad4d5bdc1055e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771171821&Signature=fgyBYklhmbonPizHIg58X6nA37oLobpFg80KB-ZIzSRo4~3BuTB1~uxL~sT8Bc1IWR7cIufl9EvyY~hjs0j4-XiFMQo6Fk8jAUe5nobclbzGR6jV7IAxhSOcv2x8uvZtDP0U6-gW2HxxJVjzIjUIzfY3oZ2vBJfrAVJa1PPIikdOxuVr1Ba~JBIB3rxlzWxGd9gfyp5Acp84~P0fIVdUxU1qPrun5vyU~IVdSF~ARHtEpDde8sDQNhWSnvgpTZ9VngszBFY~UncNONxgbSRl4nQSfU6syA908Ksqd~9irb7Wm~U3gPak2B8Ov1JurLG-xL4LGL4KJCMaiDZBIwVoug__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Buckingham County Planning Commission voted unanimously to set a public hearing for April 28 to consider updates to the county’s comprehensive plan, including proposed policy language about local control over land-use decisions.

Why it matters: The discussion centered on draft language that would assert local responsibility — and, as drafted, call land-use decision-making a “right” of local residents and taxpayers. Legal counsel and multiple commissioners said the intent to assert local authority was understandable, but they urged caution in wording because Virginia’s Dillon Rule limits local government authority to powers granted by the state.

Legal advice and debate: County legal counsel (Mr. Wright) reviewed the draft language in the meeting and suggested modifying the wording to avoid stating an absolute, enduring right that could be misleading if state law changes. Counsel suggested alternative phrasing that would express support for local decision-making while acknowledging that authority is granted by the Commonwealth and could change.

Commission reaction: Some commissioners — citing recent legislative activity and continuing debate over state-level land-use bills — advocated for a stronger statement in support of local control and said they would be willing to include a firm policy stance in the comprehensive plan. Others, including the commission chair and Mr. Wright, recommended a moderated phrasing. Commissioners agreed that both the original draft and counsel’s revised language would be made available to the public before the April 28 hearing for comment.

Motion and next steps: A motion to send the comprehensive plan updates, including both the original and the revised suggested language, to a public hearing on April 28 passed unanimously. Commissioners asked staff to provide the two versions of the proposed language in the public hearing materials and to solicit any additional wording suggestions from commissioners in the interim.

What’s next: The Planning Commission will consider public comments at its April 28 public hearing and then craft a recommendation to the Board of Supervisors based on that input and any further legal advice.

","The commission voted unanimously to set a public hearing April 28 on updates to the county comprehensive plan, including proposed language asserting local land‑use decision authority; legal counsel and commissioners debated tightening the wording to avoid over‑stating rights under Virginia’s Dillon Rule.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6107458,"Commission forwards large rural event-and-lodging SUP with VDOT conditions, asks applicant to notify county of large events",650,2807000,3457000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2775165-8bb242d8acf6bcfbbe33511958707126&start=2807&end=3457","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2775165-8bb242d8acf6bcfbbe33511958707126/thumbnail_2807000.jpg","/articles/6107458/Buckingham-County/Virginia/Commission-forwards-large-rural-event-and-lodging-SUP-with-VDOT-conditions-asks-applicant-to-notify-county-of-large-events","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6107458-86cd6756a5547ec09355be17353c674a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771171821&Signature=B4ODzPfqp1LF~q5wo49yt5pHVHWGD58y9m1yjjqjIP6M7SOqsWf736li-O1B4QTtpmFdYHtVsctKv6cpMajHhqM6V33mQs-D5uFtsLDN4F499NH8d92eaVOXCcqx66hq3lyYuGbXmxpoGDwwBcSsk0hkUbJxksU7LiBLyr58kuSS6ko539zeLiLBSQI1E~Vp2R1topFHsHckGI0w-Geo3aKN0QJBVhpePG5gp~qRUgj2PN4S3aXZr0pfmw70OAUOZakwWtmTSp2-Giv0OlHGF0yUH-qRaqDNdI~f9iXsdNEe3AcMjwiXJceHk6LyvTU9nKCywQPgoDTzUm8Axhzr1A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Buckingham County Planning Commission voted to forward special-use permit 25SUP355, filed by Sprouse and Dowd LLC, recommending approval with conditions reflecting Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) comments and a county-notification requirement for larger events.

Why it matters: The application seeks to expand business operations on a 59.357-acre parcel at 16680 West James Anderson Highway to include additional housing/Airbnb units, dry campsites/glamping, nature trails and an event center with a requested maximum attendance of up to 500. Commissioners focused on road access, ingress/egress and whether existing driveways and turn lanes could safely handle event traffic.

VDOT and access: Planning staff read VDOT’s findings into the record. The VDOT statement noted the eastern access (with a turn lane) should serve as the primary access for ranch events and any associated traffic; the western access is limited to serve only four residences/Airbnb sites and should be restored by removing vegetation and providing compacted stone at the gate for residential use. VDOT did not require additional geometric roadway improvements for the proposed residential access but advised the applicant to contact the Farmville residency office prior to final issuance.

Applicant response and operations: The applicant (Sprouse and Dowd LLC) said parts of the property already host horse shows and other equestrian activities, and that larger events typically spread arrivals and departures during the day; for single events such as weddings, arrivals would be concentrated in a narrower time window. The applicant said prior equestrian shows had produced a comparable level of traffic and that the property has been used to accommodate hundreds of vehicles during past events.

Commission direction and motion: Commissioners asked that the record reflect VDOT’s access determinations and asked the applicant to notify the county when they planned larger events so staff could coordinate traffic and public-safety preparations. A motion to forward the application to the Board with the VDOT conditions and the added county-notification requirement passed (vote recorded as passed; exact tally not specified in the transcript).

What’s next: The commission will forward SUP 25SUP355 and VDOT’s comments to the Board of Supervisors. Planning staff and the applicant will use VDOT guidance when finalizing site access and will incorporate a requirement that the applicant notify the county before large, scheduled events.

","The Planning Commission moved SUP 25SUP355 (Sprouse and Dowd LLC) to the Board with a recommendation to accept, contingent on VDOT entrance guidance and a condition that the applicant notify the county before large events; proposal includes Airbnb, dry campsites and an event center with requested capacity up to 500.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Planning commission recommends approval for Village Commons event center with caps on regular and monthly attendance

Planning commission forwards auto-inspection business with conditions after neighbors raise environmental and buffering concerns

Planning commission sets April 28 public hearing for revised comprehensive plan and debates language on local land‑use authority

Commission forwards large rural event-and-lodging SUP with VDOT conditions, asks applicant to notify county of large events