Dinwiddie planning commission recommends Tyndall rezoning after residents cite traffic, dust and noise concerns

The Dinwiddie County Planning Commission voted 5-1 on Nov. 13 to recommend approval of rezoning case PD-24-14, a request from Tyndall Corporation to rezone about 2.15 acres from A2 agricultural to M2 Industrial General, subject to proffered conditions.

Staff recommended the rezoning, saying the parcel is in the county's Northern Dinwiddie employment center and that utilities are available. Planning staff and the applicant described the proffers that would govern development, including prohibiting an airport, asphalt-mixing plant or flea market on the parcel; requiring paved site entrances for 50 feet; constructing a roughly 6-foot earthen berm along the Aldridge Road frontage; planting evergreen buffering (minimum 6-foot height, 10 feet on center); directing exterior lighting inward and downward; and constructing a 50-foot taper lane within the right of way as shown on the concept plan.

Why it matters: The property sits directly across the street from Tyndall's existing plant. The applicant and staff said rezoning the small parcel would allow a better alignment of entrances and move new buildings further from nearby homes, while supporters pointed to prospective jobs (the applicant estimated about 200 employees at full build-out) and additional tax revenue.

Residents who live along Aldridge/Alders Road urged the commission to reject the rezoning. Larry Cole of 5016 Alders Road told commissioners, "We have several issues, trash, dust, noise ... The tractor trailer is taller than that," and said a 6-foot berm would not screen heavy trucks or stacked concrete. Other speakers raised breathing and health concerns, damage allegedly linked to existing operations, and the disruption of 24-hour truck traffic.

Applicant Matt Roberts, attorney for Tyndall, said the manufacturing activity would be contained inside the building and that the rezoning request affects only the small 2.14–2.15-acre parcel where a house once stood. "This rezoning tonight is an improvement ... and ultimately, a benefit for the county," Roberts said, adding the larger assemblage already carries industrial zoning.

After discussion, an unidentified commissioner moved to recommend approval under Virginia Code Section 15.2-2286(a)(7). Roll call recorded five votes in favor and one opposed; the commission transmitted the recommendation to the Board of Supervisors. The chair advised residents they will again have an opportunity to speak at the board meeting, scheduled for Dec. 17 at 7 p.m.