Residents tell Powhatan supervisors repeated nearby shooting makes neighborhoods unsafe; board pledges review

Multiple residents told the Powhatan County Board of Supervisors on March 23 that frequent shooting near homes in the Glen Ridge area is creating unsafe conditions for families and children.

Virginia Morgan told the board she has gathered maps, photos and service records and believes existing local ordinances do not adequately protect residents in R‑2 residential zones. Melissa Adams said she and her family own firearms but described repeated activity — sometimes lasting hours and occurring multiple times daily — including the use of tannerite and improvised devices that, she said, have occurred within roughly 50 feet of property lines and have made outdoor activities unsafe.

A young resident, Annalise Toney, described having to run for cover while walking home from the bus and urged supervisors to act to ensure children can play and walk to school safely.

Robert Powers, the District 3 supervisor, echoed the speakers’ safety concerns and said the board must seriously consider responses as the situation evolves. Mark Kinney said he intended to work with Mr. Powers on addressing safety issues in the district.

No ordinance change or formal staff directive was adopted during the meeting. Planning Director Ligon Webb and County Administrator Will Hagy answered procedural questions about land‑use and lease arrangements in a separate agenda item but did not present a proposed zoning amendment. Several residents asked for board action, and supervisors indicated they would review the information and consider next steps at future meetings.

The board did not vote on any specific regulatory change at the March 23 session.