Mecklenburg supervisors deny special-exception permit for 25-site Eastland Creek RV campground

The Mecklenburg County Board of Supervisors denied a special-exception permit for the proposed Eastland Creek Recreational Campground, a 25-RV-site development on parcel PRN 39853 on Phyllis Road, following a lengthy public hearing that drew dozens of residents. The motion to deny, made by the supervisor representing District 7, carried after the board voiced its approval.

The application was introduced by planning staff, who said the planning commission recommended denial. Design engineer Gerald Hooten, representing the applicant, described a plan with 25 RV pads, on-site boat storage and refuse containment, private well and septic service, an on-site stormwater management area and proposed site rules including quiet hours and no-trespassing signs along a Dominion Power easement. Hooten said the site "is slated for 25 RV sites" and that the owners volunteered to coordinate with VDOT on the commercial entrance and to post no-through-traffic signage.

Attorney Tessie Bacon, who represented owner Olivia Tanner Fector, told the board the plan "is a very well put together comprehensive plan" and argued the proposed use fits the zoning criteria. Bacon said the applicant would accept conditions and that, in her view, "there's been no rational reason" presented to deny the permit.

Residents who spoke during the public comment period strongly disagreed. Crystal Neehme, who said she is a lifelong Mecklenburg County resident and president of the Kuskawilla Land Association, told supervisors she submitted a petition with "338 signatures" opposing the project and raised concerns about overcrowding, inadequate waste management, increased traffic on narrow roads, and loss of agricultural character. Sterling Jones, a neighbor who said his house sits directly in front of the proposed site, warned of safety problems if large rigs and boats must pass each other on Route 707 and asked, "who's gonna deal with these unruly campers in this park?" Robert Lee and other speakers cited measurements of Phyllis Road and wildlife concerns, including a bald-eagle nest reportedly less than 300 feet from the property line.

Owner Olivia Tanner Fector spoke in support of the project, noting her family's long history operating Tanner Farm Park and saying the proposal was intended to be "family friendly" and managed with on-site rules, background checks for tenants, and a large on-site dumpster to avoid straining local services. Fector also said the planning and zoning staff report listed reasons recommending approval.

After hearing the testimony, the board voted on a motion "to deny this application based on the recommendation of the planning commission." The chair called for the vote; the motion carried.

What happens next: The application was denied at the meeting; any further appeals or resubmissions would follow the county's special-exception and appeals processes.