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Prince Edward planners approve recommendation for restaurant at former Green Bay gas station
Summary
The Prince Edward County Planning Commission voted to recommend a special-use permit allowing Dogwood Properties to convert a vacant former gas station at 8306 Patrick Henry Highway into a restaurant, subject to standard site and occupancy conditions; the matter now goes to the County Board of Supervisors.
The Prince Edward County Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend approval of a special‑use permit for Dogwood Properties LLC to convert a vacant former gas station at 8306 Patrick Henry Highway in Green Bay into a restaurant.
Michael Love, Prince Edward County planning staff, told the commission the 1.5‑acre parcel (tax map Parcel 107‑8‑44) is zoned A‑1 agricultural and was properly advertised for public hearing. "VDOT did look at this. Actually a restaurant generates less traffic than a gas station," Love said, and he noted the site will require any entrance improvements to be permitted and a building official to declare occupancy after renovations.
Applicant Paul Ward, identified at the hearing as a longtime restaurateur, described plans to remodel the former filling station, add bathrooms and a kitchen, and operate daily from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., closed on Christmas. "We're gonna open a restaurant," Ward said, adding he hopes to open by July and that the remodel will create seating for about 43 to 45 patrons plus an outdoor patio with roughly six picnic tables.
One resident, Donald Sura, spoke in support, saying he had known Ward for years and had not experienced problems with Ward's previous restaurant operations.
After brief discussion the commission moved to approve the special‑use permit subject to the staff conditions in the packet and forwarded the recommendation to the County Board of Supervisors. Commissioners Fuller, Gilliam, Hart, Hogan, Page and Pringaman voted yes.
The planning commission noted that the Board of Supervisors makes the final decision; the item was scheduled for that board's public hearing on June 10.
