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Board denies Indigoacres LLC special‑use permit for retreat and events site
Summary
After a public hearing that drew multiple neighbors' objections on traffic, sanitation and environmental grounds, the Buckingham County Board of Supervisors voted to deny Indigoacres LLC's special‑use permit request for a retreat and events center (motion carried 6–0).
The Buckingham County Board of Supervisors voted to deny Indigoacres LLC’s application (Case 25 SUP 363) for a special‑use permit to operate a retreat and wellness center after a public hearing in which neighbors raised objections about traffic, sanitation, site planning and potential impacts on nearby gravesites and livestock.
County staff described the request as a planning‑commission case for tax map parcels near 1048 Rock Island Road in the Slate River magisterial district and summarized planning‑commission conditions proposed with the application (limits on event sizes and frequency, caps on temporary campsites, and other restrictions). Applicant Mr. Smearga said the proposal “fits squarely within the county's own special‑use permit guidelines,” told the board the family wants to provide family‑friendly programming, and said revisions recommended by the planning commission had been made. He also noted that one of the preliminary Valley Link corridors runs through his property.
Multiple neighbors opposed the request. Speakers cited concerns about inadequate site sanitation and drainage for large events, traffic on narrow rural roads, environmental damage and encroachment on agricultural activity and nearby grave sites. Several speakers said they had not been contacted personally before the application and delivered a petition the board received as public input. One supervisor said he must represent the majority view in his district and could not support the application.
After public comment the board moved, seconded and voted to deny the special‑use permit; meeting notes record the motion passed with six votes in favor of denial. The board did not adopt a substitute approval or conditions in place of the denial during this session.
What happens next: The applicant may consider further revisions, an appeal to the board or other procedural options available under county zoning and special‑use permit rules; no approval was granted at this meeting.
