Pittsylvania planning commission recommends rezoning for retail site on Mount Cross Road over resident objections

The Pittsylvania County Planning Commission voted 5-2 on June 3 to recommend that the Board of Supervisors rezone two parcels on Mount Cross Road from RC-1 residential combined subdivision district to B-2 general business to allow retail development.

The recommendation followed a presentation by Carrie Hutchison, attorney for Brett's and Company, who said the project would “invest over a million dollars in the county” and that the developer had confirmation “from VDOT staff that as proposed, this will meet all their traffic regulations.” Hutchison and Gregory Stewart, identified as a representative of Brett's and Company, also discussed site layout, topography and market analysis done for the prospective tenant.

The rezoning drew several residents to oppose the change during public comment. Margaret Reynolds, who said she lives across the street from the property, told commissioners, “We do not need a retail business which will give us more noise and traffic. We are strongly against rezoning from residential to commercial.” Dennis Gibson, who lives adjacent to the site, said, “I am strongly against having a business right next door to my house,” citing speeding and safety concerns on Mount Cross Road.

Developers and their engineer described site constraints and mitigation options. Gregory Stewart and Matt Hastings of Summit Engineering said site topography limits building placement and that a privacy fence and other buffers are required by the county’s UDO between commercial and residential parcels. Hutchison said the tenant (identified in the hearing as Dollar General) uses market metrics and studies to locate new stores and that proximity to another Dollar General does not alone preclude an additional location.

Commission members asked about metrics, traffic, buffers and whether an alternative parcel on the property could be used for stormwater or to shift the building farther from homes. Hutchison said design choices would be finalized after survey and environmental testing and that developers would work with VDOT on turn lanes or other safety measures if required.

Mr. Webb, a member of the Planning Commission, moved to recommend approval; the motion was seconded by Mr. Brown. The commission’s recommendation passed 5 in favor, 2 against. The commission record shows no individual roll-call attribution of the two opposed votes in the public transcript.

The Planning Commission’s recommendation will be forwarded to the Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors, which has final authority on rezoning.