Staff reports on proposed Apple Harvest Drive development and concrete block walls at Showers Lake

County staff briefed members on two property issues during staff updates: a potential by-right development in the Window World zoning district on Apple Harvest Drive, and recent concrete block walls installed at a property on Showers Lake.

Staff described a lot on Apple Harvest Drive between Route 11 and New York Avenue — directly across from the BB&T branch on Route 11 — where a dilapidated building has been torn down and the parcel is being considered for redevelopment. Public comments in the meeting noted interest by a car-wash operator for one corner and a Jiffy Lube for another. Staff said the proposed uses appear to be allowed "by right" in that zoning district, meaning the county would not need to review the proposal unless the applicant requests variances.

Separately, members discussed changes at 54 Showers Lake, where staff observed additional concrete block walls. Participants disagreed about the walls' height: some estimated about 4 feet, while another said the wall looked "over 5 feet." The staff comment in the transcript stated that a wall over 5 feet would require a permit. A speaker noted the property appears to be owned by an LLC registered out of Virginia; staff said they would check county assessor records and the Secretary of State to identify the owner.

No formal actions, permits, or variance requests were recorded during the meeting; staff indicated that only if an applicant seeks a variance or permit would the matter return to the panel for formal review. Members asked staff to follow up on ownership and permit status for the Showers Lake property.