Southampton planners approve comprehensive-plan change and rezoning for Route 58 corner
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Summary
The Southampton County Planning Commission voted unanimously to amend the comprehensive plan and recommend rezoning roughly 19.4 acres at the intersection of Story Station Road and Southampton Parkway (Route 58) to mixed-use, contingent on traffic, stormwater and use proffers from the applicant.
The Southampton County Planning Commission voted unanimously to approve a comprehensive-plan amendment and recommend rezoning for a roughly 19.4-acre parcel at the intersection of Story Station Road (Route 611) and Southampton Parkway (Route 58).
Brian Lane of Paris Lane Design Group, representing the owner, told commissioners the project envisions indoor storage with future commercial use and a single stormwater pond. He said the application includes traffic improvements required by VDOT ‘‘the existing eastbound left turn lane will be improved to 200 foot storage and 200 foot taper,’’ and an exclusive westbound right-turn lane would be constructed. Lane said the applicant will address VDOT comments before any final site plan is submitted.
Commissioners pressed staff and the applicant on wetlands, notification of adjoining landowners and mitigation. Charles Rupert, a nearby resident, told the commission that recent timbering along Route 58 exposed houses to heavy truck noise and vibration, saying, ‘‘I’ve had windows rattle in my house because of the highway.’’ Jim Hart, another resident, urged corridor-level changes such as further speed reductions, noting past talks with VDOT that lowered the limit to 50 mph.
Staff confirmed that adjoining-owner notices and the traffic study were submitted and on file. Commissioners discussed the applicant’s proffers and use restrictions, and heard that any unexpected wetland impacts would require mitigation and permitting. After discussion, Doctor Edwards moved to approve the comprehensive-plan amendment; the motion passed on a roll-call vote. The subsequent rezoning motion (A-1 to B-2) also passed unanimously; staff will forward a favorable recommendation to the Board of Supervisors.
The commission emphasized the conditional nature of the approvals: traffic improvements and compliance with VDOT review are prerequisites for final site plan approval, and any wetland impacts must be mitigated. The applicant and staff said they will provide required documents and address the outstanding VDOT comments prior to development.
The planning commission’s favorable recommendation now goes to the Southampton County Board of Supervisors, which will consider the rezoning at a future meeting.
