Homesteaders group pushes county for permanent Reliance Road hub; staff and VDOT flag entrance, right‑of‑way and permitting issues

A group calling itself Homesteaders of Warren County updated the Board of Supervisors on plans for a proposed homesteaders— hub and farm‑product marketplace on Reliance Road and said it has grown to roughly 300 members and a large volunteer list.

At the work session the group said it answered Parks & Recreation—s questions, compiled reservation and vendor recommendations, and has community partnerships with local farms, the Warren Heritage Society, and small businesses. They described the project as a "closed‑loop" local food effort intended to keep produce and dollars in the county.

"We have more volunteers that are kind of sitting in the wings waiting and ready to assist with the groundwork once we get the green light," a homesteaders representative said, describing outreach and a recent public meeting.

Concerns raised by staff and VDOT: county planning staff and the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) flagged infrastructure and access requirements for the Reliance Road parcel the homesteaders prefer. VDOT comments supplied to staff indicate a "preferred" 320‑foot separation point for a commercial/moderate‑volume entrance; staff said the existing entrance sits closer to an approximately 280‑foot point that aligns with current right‑of‑way. Staff also said the existing entrance pavement is about 37 feet wide and that VDOT—s minimum is usually 20 feet for lower‑volume entrances, that sight distance at the site meets about 500 feet, and that VDOT can treat an entrance as a low‑volume design if expected traffic is under 50 vehicles per day.

"A low volume entrance would be an option if the group is expecting 50 or less vehicles per day," a county staff member told the board, noting VDOT—s e‑mail guidance. Staff added that VDOT may waive or vary standards in some cases, but the county and applicant must discuss specifics with VDOT.

Alternate sites and permits: county staff reminded the group that Rockland Park and a privately owned site (Sunflower Cottage) with an existing commercial entrance had been discussed as alternatives; staff also said county attorney review indicated farmers‑market style stands could be allowed as a by‑right retail use, subject to permitting and Parks & Recreation reservations. Staff said any final site concept should show ingress/egress, parking and lighting and that parks and rec could manage vendor permitting.

Technical and community issues: homesteaders addressed concerns about the existing entrance condition (showing photos of curbing and pavement) and potential traffic. They also said Reliance Road is posted "no through trucks" though staff clarified that restriction limits cut‑through truck traffic but does not ban trucks for deliveries. The group reported having fielded interest from about 300 members and said it has roughly a dozen business supporters and local partners.

Next steps: staff suggested scheduling a scoping meeting with VDOT and the homesteaders to clarify what entrance improvements (if any) VDOT would require and whether an alternate entrance location would be acceptable. Supervisors encouraged a concept plan and recommended working with Parks & Recreation so the county can identify necessary improvements and health and safety issues before any final approvals.

Ending: the homesteaders said they would continue to coordinate with Parks & Recreation and county staff and that they would prepare a concept plan and follow up on VDOT—s scoping guidance.