Applicants seek special‑use permits in Marion for day care relocation and small RV park

At a joint public hearing with the Planning Commission on April 23, two applicants described Special Use Permit requests in Marion: Gena Stanley seeks to relocate Tender Tots Learning Academy to 620 Railroad Drive as a child day center; Chris Saufley seeks approval for a small RV park behind 1200 Highway 16.

Gena Stanley said she owns Tender Tots Learning Academy and wants to buy and renovate a smaller building to operate on Monday–Friday, with drop‑off from 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. and a closing time of 5:30 p.m. She said she plans a drive‑thru style drop‑off and is working with VDOT on commercial entrance approvals; she expects to maintain her current staffing level of 15 and to fence outdoor play areas to meet Department of Education requirements. Board and Planning Commission members asked about safety near the adjacent railroad and whether VDOT would require an ingress/egress study; Stanley said VDOT had mentioned the possibility but she was unsure of final requirements.

Applicant Chris Saufley described plans for a roughly six‑space RV park to support short‑term stays tied to a harvest‑host program at a nearby distillery. He said he is working with the Department of Health on bathhouse requirements and coordinating with VDOT on bridge access; he described a wet‑weather creek on the property but said campers would not be near that area.

No decisions were made at the hearing; the Board and Planning Commission closed the public comment period and adjourned the joint meeting.