Planning commission approves conditional use permit for River City Breadbasket at 505 N. Winchester Ave.

The Waynesboro Planning Commission on May 20 approved a conditional use permit allowing the LifeWorks ProjectRiver City Breadbasket to operate a client-choice food pantry at 505 N. Winchester Ave.

The permit is required because the property is zoned RG-5 (General Residential District) and food pantries there are permitted only by conditional use. Planning staff told the commission LifeWorks is considering purchasing the building from the church that currently owns the property; if the property is no longer owned by the church the separate ownership triggers the conditional-use review required under city zoning rules.

Planning staff said the Breadbasket opened on Oct. 7, 2023, and currently serves about 500 households each month. "That door swings open more than 500 times, to provide food for our neighbors," said Adrian Young, a River City Breadbasket representative. Staff reported the pantry operates two days a week (Thursday late afternoon/early evening and Friday around midday), which limits peak traffic, and that the site provides approximately eight spaces along the frontage and about eight spaces off the alley. Staff recommended approval and noted any future building addition would require site-plan review and a reassessment of parking requirements.

During the meeting one commissioner disclosed a potential appearance-of-conflict: they said they sit on the board of trustees for the church selling the property and volunteer at the Breadbasket, and the commissioner recused themselves from the planning commission's discussion. No members of the public had signed up to speak during the public hearing; the commission closed the hearing before voting.

A commissioner moved to approve the conditional use permit and another commissioner seconded; the motion carried on a voice vote with no recorded opposition. The commission did not attach additional conditions beyond standard site-plan and zoning compliance; staff indicated they would answer any compliance questions as site changes are proposed.

LifeWorks representatives told the commission the pantry receives USDA staples and other donations through Blue Ridge Area Food Bank and local retailers, and operates as a client-choice pantry that also distributes donated hygiene items and pet food. Applicants said maintaining the location and expanding services could allow additional programs for children and support for people experiencing homelessness on the neighborhood's west side. Planning staff reiterated that any physical expansion would trigger further review under the city's site-plan and parking rules.