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Council approves rezoning of 15 Industry Way after applicant and staff address access and safety issues
Summary
Following a public hearing where the applicant explained site access via an at‑grade railroad crossing and described safety measures, Staunton City Council approved rezoning 15 Industry Way from I-2 Heavy Industrial to B-2 General Business, following the Planning Commission's unanimous recommendation.
Staunton — The council voted to rezone a roughly 12‑acre residual parcel in Green Hills Industrial Park at 15 Industry Way from I‑2 Heavy Industrial to B‑2 General Business after a public hearing and staff recommendation.
Planning Manager Tim Hartless outlined the parcel's history and access constraints: earlier subdivision and adjacent Best Buy and FedEx sites left the parcel cut off from the rest of Green Hills. Hartless said staff did not identify issues that would preclude rezoning, but noted the comprehensive plan designates the area as heavy industrial; staff recommended rezoning because practical access aligns the parcel with neighboring B‑2 parcels along Commerce Road.
Applicant Jason Bartley, who founded Green Hills Equipment, told council his business had used the parcel for display and storage and had secured an agreement with the railroad for an at‑grade crossing. Bartley said the company holds insurance and has safety measures in place, and he described the two small carport‑style buildings on the site as constructed without permits out of an early misunderstanding; he said the owner will work with staff to bring the site into compliance.
Councilor Campbell moved approval; the motion was seconded and passed by roll call. Hartless said if rezoned, the applicant will be required to submit a site plan, secure building permits for the existing structures and obtain a railroad crossing agreement with the Shenandoah Valley Railroad as part of site plan review.
What happens next: The council's ordinance adoption clears the way for the applicant to pursue required permits and a site plan; staff will oversee compliance and the railroad crossing agreement process.
