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Neighbors press Greene County planners on traffic, parking and water for proposed church/school
Summary
Several nearby residents urged the Planning Commission to scrutinize parking, driveway access, water hookups and possible property‑tax effects after an applicant sought a special‑use permit to convert a barn into a church and private K–8 school.
Multiple neighbors addressed the Planning Commission during the public hearing, asking planners to examine how the proposed church and school would affect daily traffic, student drop‑off, parking and sewer/water service.
Anna Brown said the project felt like a recurring pattern for the property owner and worried that parking could spill onto adjacent lots: "I was kinda surprised that they're not required at all to do any kind of site plan because parking is an issue," she said. Brown also asked whether the property would be required to connect to public water and raised the possibility that church designation could affect property‑tax status.
Anthea Hazelden highlighted weekday school impacts distinct from weekend services, noting the applicant's materials list weekday activity as 7AM–10PM and asking the applicant to clarify anticipated school traffic. Rick Thomas, who identified experience as an Air Force fire marshal, pressed staff and the applicant on fire‑suppression capacity and queuing during drop‑off and pickup.
Planning staff and the applicant responded that building‑permit and site‑plan reviews — not the SUP hearing — will determine occupancy, fire‑safety requirements and whether additional infrastructure or parking improvements are necessary before occupancy. Staff reiterated that conditions on the SUP will require VDOT review of entrances and compliance with parking regulations; final occupancy numbers will be set by the building official and fire marshal.
