Commission recommends denial of proffer amendment for The Ponds near Island Ford airstrip

The Rockingham County Planning Commission on March 3 recommended denial of REZ26-0090, an applicant request to amend proffers on a 1.384-acre portion of The Ponds subdivision (Tax Map 142-14-23, -24, -35, -36 in Election District 5) that currently limits residence construction within a buffer near the Island Ford airstrip.

Senior Planner Kayla Yankey told commissioners the proffered layout is conceptual and that the proffers restrict construction of residences within a two-hundred-foot buffer near the airstrip. County Attorney Tom Miller explained that the airstrip predates The Ponds subdivision and that the buffer is aeronautical in purpose.

Applicant Nathan Blackwell said The Ponds subdivision is nearly completed and that, because the lots are platted, he sought the amendment to proffers to allow sale and construction on those lots. Several neighbors spoke at the public hearing in opposition. Michael Heard said he was "comfortable living next to the airfield" but believed placing homes close to the runway would be "ill advised and high risk." Steven Kozup and Terence Campbell also opposed the amendment, citing proximity and safety concerns.

Commissioner Keith Sheets asked what would happen to the Special Use Permit for the airstrip if it were not used; Zoning Administrator Kelly Getz said the SUP expires after two years of non-use and County Attorney Miller noted that the proffer restricting construction would also expire if the SUP expired. After public comment the commission voted 5'to 0 to recommend denial of the proffer amendment.

The Planning Commission's recommendation will be forwarded to the Board of Supervisors for final action.