Greene County authorizes purchase of parcel adjacent to county park and seeks planning review

The Greene County Board of Supervisors voted to authorize the county administrator to proceed with purchasing a parcel adjacent to Greene County Park to protect trails and preserve opportunities for future park expansion. Staff said the parcel "cuts into" the park's master‑plan footprint and, if sold to a private owner and developed, could alter the park character and trail access.

County staff recommended using proffer money rather than general taxpayer funds to acquire the land and asked the board to also authorize a resolution directing the Planning Commission to review the parcel for substantial accord with the county comprehensive plan. Staff described possible uses for the land — expanded athletic fields, trails, parking and program space — and noted the acquisition supports long‑range planning goals.

Megan Myers, representing herself and members of the Greene County Parks and Recreation Foundation, urged the board to approve the acquisition as fiscally prudent and a rare opportunity to secure adjoining land. "Adjacency does not come available often," she said, asking supervisors to act now to preserve open space before private development occurs.

The board approved two motions by roll call: one authorizing the county administrator to proceed with the purchase pursuant to Va. Code §15.2‑1800 and one authorizing the Planning Commission to review the proposed land for substantial accord with the comprehensive plan. Supervisors recorded aye votes and the motions passed.