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Commission recommends CUP for Harvest Christian Fellowship; staff conditions include seating cap and buffers
Summary
The Planning Commission recommended approval of a conditional‑use permit for Harvest Christian Fellowship on Walnut Grove Road with conditions including a 255‑seat cap, landscape buffers and lighting limits; commissioners pressed applicants on traffic and stormwater protections.
The commission recommended approval of a conditional‑use permit to allow a church development on Walnut Grove Road with a 255‑seat sanctuary and 12 staff‑recommended conditions, including tree preservation, a 25‑foot enhanced thoroughfare buffer, lighting limits and an expiration if no construction begins within three years.
Applicant David Walker told the commission the congregation typically draws 90–100 people on Sundays and that about 70% of its members live in Mechanicsville and Hanover County. Nearby pastors and residents questioned how additional churches along the corridor would affect Sunday morning traffic; Alvin Lin, pastor of a neighboring church, asked whether intersections and turn‑lane warrants had been fully considered. Staff said VDOT had reviewed the submitted turn‑lane analysis and provided no comments.
Commission discussion focused on vehicular access, stormwater and potential off‑site impacts; commissioners sought assurances about planting standards and future expansion. After questions and rebuttal the motion to recommend approval carried; the case will move to the Board of Supervisors for final action.
