Planning commission recommends rezoning of 224 acres near Hurt for M‑2 'advanced manufacturing'

The Pittsylvania County Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend that the Board of Supervisors rezone about 224.24 acres near U.S. 29 and Hurt from residential and agricultural districts to M‑2 heavy industry to allow advanced manufacturing uses.

Matt Rowe, the county’s economic development director, told the commission the rezoning request seeks to eliminate spot zoning and create a contiguous industrial footprint at the former Burlington Mills/Clotman Mills site. "There is no interest to locate a data center, or a power plant on the site," Rowe said, adding that the site lacks sufficient gas and electric infrastructure for a power plant or a major data center and that any future tenant would be subject to required environmental reviews including Phase I assessments and state and federal permitting.

The public hearing drew extensive comment. Jeff Love of the Staunton River District urged commissioners to reject the change or delay it until more information is disclosed: "The board of supervisors is requesting the zoning change instead of the property owners," Love said, adding that M‑2 allows a wide range of heavy‑industry uses and that citizens have not been given enough specifics to make informed comments. Katie Whitehead, speaking for the Coalition for the Protection of Pittsylvania County, criticized what she described as fast‑tracking ahead of a comprehensive plan update and called the public notices and timing "confusing."

Other residents voiced concerns about potential water, air and noise impacts, loss of trees and property access, and a need for more transparency from economic development and the industrial authorities. Supporters said the county needs jobs and the tax base. Albert Miles, who said he worked at Burlington Mills in the 1970s, said the site could bring employment: "The county needs economic development. The county needs jobs," he said.

Commissioners pressed staff about environmental safeguards and process. Rowe reiterated that any specific project would require additional environmental and regulatory review by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, the Army Corps of Engineers when applicable, and local erosion and sediment control oversight.

After discussion the commission made a motion to recommend approval of Case R‑26‑007 as submitted; the motion passed 7‑0. The recommendation will go to the Board of Supervisors, which will make the final decision.

What happens next: The Board of Supervisors will consider the planning commission’s recommendation at a future meeting; any specific tenant or project would still need permitting and separate regulatory reviews before development could proceed.