Planning commission recommends approval of Opal Davis’s campground permit with conditions after mixed public comment

The Smyth County Planning Commission on May 22 recommended the Board of Supervisors approve a special-use permit for a campground and recreational vehicle park proposed by Opal Davis at 322 Old Deerfield Road in Sugar Grove.

The recommendation followed a joint public hearing that drew several neighbors who opposed the plan, citing trespassing, traffic, past water problems, limited emergency response and concerns about property condition and values. Supporters, including Gator Cornett of the Rye Valley Water Authority, said the water authority could handle demand and vouched for the applicant.

During the hearing, Opal Davis said she and her siblings inherited the parcel from their late father, David James, and described plans for a seasonal campground with water and sewer access, two playgrounds, fire pits, picnic tables, a fish-stocked pond, a camp host and security. Davis said she had completed a perc test and expected a septic design to be approved; she also confirmed she had not yet recorded the deed but said she would do so if the project advanced.

Residents raised several concerns: James Purefoy and others warned of increased trespassing and traffic; Melissa Lee and Deidre McGeachy cited property neglect, past water issues, limited notice of the hearing and questioned infrastructure capacity; Janice Foreman said she had reported the site as a public nuisance and worried about reduced property values. Foreman’s claim that property values would be reduced was contested by commissioners asking for evidence.

Gator Cornett, representing Rye Valley Water Authority, told the hearing that prior water problems resulted from a temporary air lock and that the authority could handle the campground’s needs. County staff confirmed Old Deerfield Road is state-maintained and that VDOT would set entrance and road standards. Davis said the campground would be seasonal, limit stays to seven days (renewable for another seven with a site change), prohibit horses and ATVs and would not host amplified concerts; Mr. Williams noted that any music festival would require a separate Special Use Permit and Board approval under the Music Festival Ordinance.

After discussion, Commissioner Lea Meadows moved to recommend the permit subject to conditions: recordation of the deed, VDOT approval for access and any road requirements, maintenance of detailed visitor records, operation only during a defined season, and no storage of campers during the off-season. Tony Dean seconded the motion and the commission voted 7-0 to recommend approval.

The Planning Commission’s recommendation goes to the Smyth County Board of Supervisors for final action. Staff noted that VDOT must respond on entrance and traffic-control requirements and that Mrs. Davis had requested a speed-limit change and was awaiting a reply.