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Planning Commission tables request to add pavilion and allow beer and wine at Starlight Banquet Hall
Summary
The Planning Commission unanimously tabled a conditional use amendment for Starlight Banquet Hall, giving the Board of Supervisors time to act on a pending Event Venue ordinance before the commission issues a recommendation.
At its Nov. 3 meeting, the Lunenburg County Planning Commission tabled a request by Wesley and Cassandra Williams to amend an existing conditional use permit for Starlight Banquet Hall to add an outdoor pavilion, outdoor sanitary facilities and to permit beer and wine on the premises.
Wesley Williams, the applicant, said he grew up in Lunenburg and wants to expand the site to rent a pavilion for events and allow beer and wine (he said he intended to pursue an ABC license). Williams told commissioners the business typically operates Friday through Sunday, that security cameras are installed inside and outside, and that renters who violate alcohol rules would forfeit deposits. "Put a restriction on it and give me a chance," Williams said in support of a limited alcohol allowance.
Several residents spoke in favor of the amendment. Vincent Gunter said he had to rent a Days Inn venue in South Hill for a recent 200-person Chargers reunion because there are limited local event sites; Barbara Jones, the former owner of Starlight Arena, and other community members urged the commission to support the applicants and allow beer and wine at the facility.
Assistant County Attorney Drew DiStanislao told the Commission the county's proposed Event Venue ordinance would be considered by the Board of Supervisors the following week and recommended the Planning Commission defer its recommendation until the Board acts. Commissioners asked technical questions about restrooms and portable units; Williams said he planned either permanent restrooms or permanent porta‑johns serviced by a vendor.
Commissioner Pennington moved to table the recommendation for one month to await the Board of Supervisors' decision on the Event Venue ordinance; Commissioner Trent seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. The application will return after the Board acts and any necessary CUP modifications will be considered at that time. The Commission set no new conditions at the Nov. 3 meeting.
