Neighbors split as Planning Commission forwards rezoning request for Yankee Point Marina to supervisors

After an extended public hearing with residents and business representatives, the Lancaster County Planning Commission voted to forward a rezoning application for two parcels adjacent to Yankee Point Marina to the Board of Supervisors, with a majority recommendation in favor of reclassification from Residential General District (R-1) to Industrial Limited District (M-1).

Applicant Christopher Todd Patterson, speaking for Yankee Point Marina, told the commission he acquired additional adjacent land and bought assets from a closed boat yard to expand trailer storage and improve visitor services. "So we'll be able to provide people visiting this area the opportunity to leave their boats at Yankee Point," Patterson said, describing plans for trailer storage and a fuel-and-service operation aimed at attracting boaters and supporting a new boat ramp the applicant said had regulatory approvals pending.

Opponents, including a neighborhood petition delivered by Ken Noll, raised concerns about noise, traffic on narrow Oak Hill Road, potential industrial uses under M-1 zoning, stormwater and groundwater contamination from fuel and lubricants, and apparent ongoing code violations on nearby parcels. Noll said the change would "completely change our neighborhood" and asked the commission not to recommend approval. Other nearby residents described the change as spot zoning and said it would devalue property and increase risks to pedestrians on the narrow access road.

County staff told the commission the parcels are adjacent to existing industrially zoned land used by Yankee Point Marina and that the applicant submitted a notarized conditional proffer limiting some uses. Staff also said the Virginia Department of Health advised existing sewage disposal at the marina was compliant and that the owner was pursuing an upgrade. Economic development staff described the county's interest in preserving and expanding working waterfront businesses and said a marina expansion could increase visitors and local economic activity.

Commission debate reflected the split between neighborhood concerns and economic development interests. Commissioner Booth moved to recommend denial, citing the broad list of potential uses in the proffer and neighborhood impacts; that motion failed on a voice vote. Commissioner Sorson then moved to forward the rezoning with approval; the motion carried on a 3-2 division and will be considered by the Board of Supervisors.

The applicant told commissioners he would work with neighbors on screening and landscape buffers and said boats placed on the subject parcels would be trailered vessels rather than live-aboard boats. "If I'm given permission, we will make it attractive," Patterson said, noting prior conversations with neighbors about hedges and fencing.

Staff and commissioners noted that any additional structures or expansions beyond the rezoning would require separate permit reviews and septic approvals through state and county processes. The commission's favorable recommendation sends the application and the public comments to the Board of Supervisors, which makes the final decision on rezoning.