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Resident proposes 'Humble Beginnings' tiny-home lodging near Haysi for Spearhead Trails riders
Summary
A Clinchco resident told the Haysi Town Council he plans a five-unit tiny-home lodging project called Humble Beginnings on an 11-acre site near Haysi to serve Spearhead Trails visitors; Mayor Larry Yates asked for a business plan and said the town is open to cooperation.
Donald Owens, a Clinchco resident, told the Haysi Town Council on June 3 that he is acquiring an 11-acre property near Haysi and plans to develop five tiny homes to provide lodging for Spearhead Trails riders. Owens said the business would be called Humble Beginnings and that his partner, Jacob Woodhurst — currently serving in the military — would help with funding. "The tiny homes could generate eight-hundred dollars a weekend when constructed," Owens said, and he told council he had discussed the idea with Spearhead Trails' owners, whom he said had approved the plan.
Mayor Larry D. Yates responded that the town needs people to step up and asked Owens to email a business plan to the mayor for further consideration. Council Member Debbie Wood asked Owens to keep the town informed. Owens said the property is outside the town limits and that he would install the units after VDOT opened the road to the site.
Why it matters: Haysi and other towns along the Spearhead Trails corridor have limited lodging near trailheads; additional short-term rental capacity could increase visitor spending in Haysi but also raises questions about land use, permitting and service capacity. This was a public comment, not a formal application; the council did not vote or take regulatory action at the meeting.
Next steps: Mayor Yates requested a business plan via email. Any permitting, land-use approvals or VDOT access changes would be separate processes and were not resolved at the June 3 meeting.
