[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-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",[32,75,87,99],{"_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",6591916,"mediaKeyId","3000570-ef37a66c8ea383c4f8d68ed7463f221c","parentId",3000570,"title","Amherst County approves Monacan Nation special exception limited to powwow, restrooms and educational use","audioSeconds",1812,"startMs",619000,"endMs",2431000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3000570-ef37a66c8ea383c4f8d68ed7463f221c&start=619&end=2431","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3000570-ef37a66c8ea383c4f8d68ed7463f221c/thumbnail_619000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6591916/Amherst-County/Virginia/Amherst-County-approves-Monacan-Nation-special-exception-limited-to-powwow-restrooms-and-educational-use","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6591916-afc87d4a3bb964dec57a9b1328347be9/orig.mp4?Expires=1775428399&Signature=bw2OoPon9no6lqDjz-8YyXfleHWB9-a-1tMCbPQVXVkneIS7r~EKGe-oVHkE8~qgasv9AfUVPtXYqyGk5YLIjRPpK8yQTepEDZBj8PkEr04EJSwJrUv2d7RK~HEefUq5C6~Rue-dI~ZPjL6uDWQ70VUrQ9LXoFeWJb-GwgvOFV4Pu5XdiJdowMXX19EkSy3c7pHVUpC9UiEfewn0o0wLyAPe1ttHztz7jUvwZCU~urLIRJbl1yf3Q6ZROJn1MUlmXQXmqCszwdMjUVNFYQ8LTYfncHMcLWuMeLAJH5cCtnj~N0bkBNI6OOEkt5wO1pkH6FX2-tY78UnjUXufMTlLOQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","County of Amherst","date","2025-04-16T00:54:10.723Z","article","The Amherst County Board of Supervisors on April 15 approved a special-exception zoning permit for the Monacan Indian Nation to host the annual powwow and limited educational events on property at 225 Laurel Cliff Road, and allowed two small restroom structures and regular agricultural uses on the parcel.

County planning staff said the application seeks permission for “fairs and festivals and other similar uses” devoted to promotion and education of Monacan history and asked the board to attach conditions addressing parking, entrances and public-safety coordination. “All rules and regulations of section 7-1 public entertainment for public events over a 150 people shall be met,” planning staff said, and noted parks-and-recreation permits are required for large events so county public-safety agencies can respond.

The action matters to neighbors because the parcel sits amid narrow country roads and nearby residents voiced concerns about traffic, unclear limits on event types and the size and purpose of the proposed restroom building. “We have traffic from Elon 130 that comes through there going to Amherst,” said Helen Fernieh, who lives on Seated Gate. “I am opposed to fairs. Powwow is okay.”

Tyler Creasy, with county planning staff, outlined the site and recommended conditions developed by the planning commission: a parking attendant for events with more than 75 attendees; written permission required for any off-site parking; any new or modified entrances must be permitted by the Virginia Department of Transportation; and the map’s existing High Peak Road entrance would be restricted to emergency use only. “Staff believes the surrounding community may experience an impact from traffic during larger events such as the powwow,” Creasy said, while noting the parcel is zoned A-1 and contains existing dwellings, agricultural land and a lake.

Representatives of the Monacan Nation and volunteers described current operations and limits. “We understand that we only have our powwow one weekend a year,” said Chief Shields, identified as a Monacan representative. Shields said the proposed restrooms are small — two stalls on the women’s side and one stall plus one urinal on the men’s side — and that porta-potties would still be used during the powwow. Monica, who identified herself as the volunteer in charge of parking for the tribe’s events, said the group has managed parking successfully at prior venues and that the High Peak drive has not been used for event ingress or egress.

Several neighbors urged the board to narrow allowed uses. “We don’t want to be having all this public entertainment,” Brenda Burton, a High Peak Road resident, said. Anita Unruh said she supported Monacan cultural uses but opposed opening the site to unrelated fairs and carnivals and asked for clarification on the restroom facility’s scope.

After discussion, a motion to approve the special exception with limits — allowing the powwow, restroom structures, agricultural uses and educational events for schoolchildren while excluding broader fairs and carnivals and confirming the High Peak entrance is emergency-only — was made by Supervisor Wade and approved; board members signified their support by voice vote.

The board’s approval includes the planning commission conditions and requires the county’s standard parks-and-recreation permitting for any public event above the attendance threshold so sheriff’s, fire and other agencies are notified and, if necessary, engaged.

Planning staff said if the Monacan Nation sought to host an event beyond the approved scope, the tribe would need to return to the county for additional approval.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","April 15, 2025 Amherst County Board of Supervisors Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","The Amherst County Board of Supervisors on April 15 approved a special-exception zoning permit for the Monacan Indian Nation to host the annual powwow and limited educational events at 225 Laurel Cliff Road, and allowed two small restroom structures and agricultural uses while restricting larger fairs and the High Peak Road entrance to emergency use.","taxTitle","Amherst County, Virginia","taxId",30502,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6591912,"Resident urges stronger litter enforcement; supervisors ask staff for recommendations",3014,282000,3296000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3000570-ef37a66c8ea383c4f8d68ed7463f221c&start=282&end=3296","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3000570-ef37a66c8ea383c4f8d68ed7463f221c/thumbnail_282000.jpg","/articles/6591912/Amherst-County/Virginia/Resident-urges-stronger-litter-enforcement-supervisors-ask-staff-for-recommendations","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6591912-ba76b35d8fc767deb72b7f0cba0a2f94/orig.mp4?Expires=1775428399&Signature=gViH5PxhV0FM7bURU2T6UqWcOuoztTBUu1N5kIxtr2tmoq9Bnn3onVloLxHbqSBQTsJq1Z29jtaP-i4FiQbnTD66poex8HHr-xl4Fi4WnduRcWFgO1tA2pasilCQcXzVjCkbgKMNwvjxB4rk87W3g8DYzhtn1KtkNZrnfB2lUgT9VRs73O5rIAzZO3ZjrfOBfBbVfFWQAaD47NEJ0lO~WUTXY1G1bap2BNsMLLLUAJWn3lzq2pfyg7c25xP0oEgkTW6bYY~I5rUQ~LJSbrA5DWT6JtimSoERq8XmTnrvgPPB2Pz029dxWFzroKjvAAjZIvL4A10bXz2y9opC9Mt8Vg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Kara Jones, a Madison Heights resident, told the Amherst County Board of Supervisors on April 15 that litter along county roads is worsening and urged stronger enforcement and higher fines to deter illegal dumping and roadside littering.

“I have a really big concern with the trash problem in our county,” Jones said during the public comment period. She cited Glade Road, Amelon, Odinsbow and Wildwood and described having seen heavy litter on roads in other states with strict fines. “With a $15,000 fine, you’re gonna really think hard before you throw a piece of trash out the window,” Jones said.

Board members acknowledged past efforts — adding trash cans at county buildings, working with volunteers and engaging VDOT — and asked staff to provide a recommendation on combating litter, including enforcement and public information strategies. “If you could come back, you got a call? I’ll put together a recommendation, bring staff together and bring it back to you, the board supervisor,” said Supervisor Bryant as the board discussed follow-up.

Supervisors noted the county has previously used volunteer cleanups, required businesses to provide trash receptacles in some locations, and coordinated with VDOT and civic groups to clear major corridors. They asked staff to compile options and present a plan to strengthen accountability and reduce recurring litter hotspots.","A Madison Heights resident urged Amherst County supervisors to adopt stiffer fines and accountability measures for roadside litter; the board asked staff to prepare recommendations, citing past efforts such as trash cans at county buildings and volunteer pickups.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6591914,"Board reappoints Franklin D. Campbell and appoints Virgil Coleman to Building Appeals Board",127,2909000,3036000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3000570-ef37a66c8ea383c4f8d68ed7463f221c&start=2909&end=3036","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3000570-ef37a66c8ea383c4f8d68ed7463f221c/thumbnail_2909000.jpg","/articles/6591914/Amherst-County/Virginia/Board-reappoints-Franklin-D-Campbell-and-appoints-Virgil-Coleman-to-Building-Appeals-Board","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6591914-a0583febf9a22798721fe9e70f6a72ed/orig.mp4?Expires=1775428399&Signature=fkJyimwaTuphkbUzQx8V6xEyOMK3fwUuKu-hjlmy4IIM-x2qDA9b5jiEsDMphuiG5i~zZDvZxTkIVeql9jFkG~WuM5riX2FTnwm6DqLmuEVwxmMDWCGRoubdeK3lW2dwUrQ92HP6BR5vVtoktHGuayBW5~REuE~Xdt6vIHVekxh2IQ9pXaf23VfT7KCUBwBDPtiEqEN4R8DQmY05gLmFXJOyt-urUUWYcCvk~bCBH~zX6m65Kc2PuTTbVHmJIiVSjAOpkjmg~pKyWb1333ZUd9WCE5rYEyuRC9714OVJlIALY82cpRx8T78cNZVAbC5C9xWe0vcEni5qg4SQ43~7uw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Amherst County Board of Supervisors on April 15 reappointed Franklin D. Campbell to the Building Appeals Board for a term ending April 30 and appointed Virgil Coleman to fill an open term expiring April 30, 2028. The board voted by voice after a motion from Supervisor Ward.

County staff said they had advertised three vacancies — two from 2024 and one expiring this month — and received letters of interest from Campbell for reappointment and from Virgil Coleman for the remainder of a term. The board approved both appointments and directed staff to continue advertising to fill the remaining vacancy.

The appointments fill seats on the board that adjudicates appeals of building-code and permit decisions; terms and the remaining vacancy will be posted for additional applicants.","The Board of Supervisors reappointed Franklin D. Campbell to a term ending April 30 and appointed Virgil Coleman to fill another term ending April 30, 2028; staff will continue advertising for the remaining vacancy.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6591915,"Board gives trucking business owner 60 more days to correct site work after noncompliance",390,2471000,2861000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3000570-ef37a66c8ea383c4f8d68ed7463f221c&start=2471&end=2861","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3000570-ef37a66c8ea383c4f8d68ed7463f221c/thumbnail_2471000.jpg","/articles/6591915/Amherst-County/Virginia/Board-gives-trucking-business-owner-60-more-days-to-correct-site-work-after-noncompliance","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6591915-94f15462f059a28c4604a2bc5c68b273/orig.mp4?Expires=1775428399&Signature=mM0xTUexHHj2qIJEq7WLTuh9LuIxTGHomRoHFAudN5Pg-Q2jBqhpNL~2NYMm8Yg6XLsLlPidujmAS9AwiATkRTtaNToGRqpvMPpIp74vWBdztbzft6Tru1eM~m7MejRmHM~JWAudWuahRGZDu7lMr73pr5i3Ms19BwOuaWDEnIi9wzUGn2vDRPojWoz9Td2ggx-rXr0O6Ht2ZoqVQ3fo5hlxfiUkJml1ZI4W8Qbsir6s6a8pbqYOwxQQIwKehvdHRMDN6hudsAyB70zawlgnqC3GBK1c~COQe6L2j16TkWyL1HeuXk5vbbKp-fj96nIkQ5PLuR0PGzFv-kvDRZrV3w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Amherst County Board of Supervisors agreed by consensus on April 15 to return in 60 days to consider revocation of a special exception previously granted for a trucking business at tax map parcel 82-A-158, after staff reported the site remains out of full compliance with the approved site plan.

Planning staff told the board the property has partially addressed some items but still needs permanent seeding, erosion repairs, gravel placement, and removal or relocation of miscellaneous items including a conex storage box. “Staff would recommend that we give Mr. Waldron an additional 60 days to bring this into compliance,” the planning presenter said, and included photos taken the afternoon of the meeting documenting unfinished work.

Timothy Waldron, the property owner, told the board he is completing repairs using his personal income as funds become available and asked for additional time. “I work a full time job and then in order to purchase the stone, I have to work a couple of weeks, get a paycheck and I'm using my paychecks to bring this project into compliance,” Waldron said.

Staff and supervisors discussed more frequent follow-up to avoid last-minute compliance pushes; a supervisor asked staff to check in with Waldron every two weeks. County staff said they observed progress but noted the site still does not meet the approved plan’s erosion-control and stabilization requirements. The board directed staff to return with the matter in 60 days for further review.

The item originated as resolution 2024-11 (revocation of special exception 2020-380) and had been tabled at earlier meetings to allow the owner time to address VDOT entrance requirements and site stabilization. Planning staff said the property’s conditions included restrictions on onsite materials and required specific entrance work and drainage/stabilization.","Supervisors agreed by consensus to revisit a resolution to revoke a trucking-business special exception after staff found partial progress but outstanding erosion, seeding and entrance issues; owner Timothy Waldron was given 60 days and agreed to regular check-ins.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Amherst County approves Monacan Nation special exception limited to powwow, restrooms and educational use

Resident urges stronger litter enforcement; supervisors ask staff for recommendations

Board reappoints Franklin D. Campbell and appoints Virgil Coleman to Building Appeals Board

Board gives trucking business owner 60 more days to correct site work after noncompliance