Franklin County board authorizes fast‑track for Summit View substation and Boone development tied to housing grants
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Summary
The board approved expedited review for a planned power substation at Summit View Business Park and moved to fast‑track rezoning/special‑use permit hearings for a Boone Real Estate project; the actions are linked to $500,000 and $1,000,000 grants for workforce housing and infrastructure.
Franklin County supervisors voted to fast‑track two planning actions aimed at accelerating local economic development and housing infrastructure. At the organizational meeting the board authorized a comprehensive‑plan amendment and concurrent special‑use permit process for a planned substation in the Summit View Business Park and approved expedited hearings for a Boone Real Estate rezoning and two special‑use permits.
County Administrator Whitlow told the board the Summit View Business Park project is connected to recent economic activity at the park, including construction for Traditional Medicinals. Whitlow said the county secured a $500,000 award from the Tobacco Commission and $1,000,000 from Virginia Housing (applied through the West Piedmont Planning District Commission) to support infrastructure for a workforce housing project tied to development near the business park. "That is for infrastructure and support development for housing," Whitlow said.
Supervisor Carter moved to initiate the plan amendment (map 9.5) and to authorize staff to fast‑track the special‑use permit application; the motion carried by roll call with all present voting yes. Planning staff explained that "fast‑tracking" means the Planning Commission and Board hearings will be scheduled in closer succession (both in February) rather than in separate months, and that statutory public hearings will still be held to allow community input.
Supervisor Tatum moved to expedite the Boone Real Estate rezoning and related special‑use permits; the motion, seconded by Supervisor Quinn, passed unanimously. Board members stressed that public hearings remain part of the process and that fast‑tracking is intended to keep projects aligned with grant deadlines and economic‑development timelines.
Staff said traditional public‑notice and hearing procedures will be followed; the Planning Department will prepare packets and public‑hearing notices for February.