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Planning commission backs 19.4-acre comprehensive plan amendment and rezoning for mixed-use project on Route 58
Summary
The Southampton County Planning Commission unanimously recommended a comprehensive plan amendment and a conditional rezoning to allow a 19.4-acre mixed-use project (indoor storage and future commercial use) at the Route 58/Story Station Road intersection; applicant agreed to VDOT-mandated access improvements and a rear stormwater pond.
The Southampton County Planning Commission unanimously approved a recommendation to amend the county comprehensive plan and to rezone roughly 19.4 acres (Tax Parcel 76-36) from low-density residential to mixed use for a project presented by Bridal Lane/Parish Lane Design Group.
At a public hearing, the applicant, Bridal Lane, described a two-part proposal that would reserve about 3–4 acres up front for eventual commercial use (including a potential store with gas pumps) and locate indoor storage and contractor-oriented space behind it. "This is an application with conditions," Bridal Lane said, noting VDOT comments must be addressed before any final site plan. The applicant described VDOT-required access improvements including converting the existing eastbound left-turn lane and constructing an exclusive westbound right-turn lane with 200-foot storage and 200-foot tapers, and a shared through-left/exclusive right configuration for site ingress and egress.
Residents raised concerns about potential noise and wetlands. Charles Rupert said recent timber clearing along Route 58 increased highway noise near his home and rattled windows; he asked whether a sound wall or replanting could protect nearby houses. The applicant and staff said the proposed development would avoid wetland disturbance where possible and that on-site mitigation or replanting would be used if impacts occurred.
Commission members discussed technical details in the traffic and stormwater reports, including a single stormwater pond (BMP) sited at the property's low point to meet Virginia stormwater regulations. The applicant told the commission existing properties operated by the owner generate roughly $26,000–$30,000 in property taxes annually and said this development would add contractor uses and indoor storage that the county currently lacks.
After questions about supplemental documents in the agenda packet (proffers and restricted uses), commissioners moved and unanimously approved the comprehensive plan amendment and the rezoning request, with Chair Michael Drake announcing the amendment and rezoning would proceed to the Board of Supervisors as the next step.
The commission recorded the approvals as unanimous on roll call. The applicant acknowledged the commission's support and said they would address VDOT comments and follow the county's conditional rezoning requirements before filing a final site plan.
