Owners of historic Moonlight Drive-In seek broad special-exception for movies and events; planning commission tables request

Renee Blevins and family, owners of Moonlight Company LLC, asked the Washington County Planning Commission for a special-exception permit to reopen the Moonlight Drive-In as a movie venue and to host additional events such as concerts, flea markets and car shows on about 13.29 acres at 17555 Lee Highway.

Blevins told the commission the property was closed in 2013, that she and her partners have spent substantial funds restoring buildings and historic features, and that the site appears on the Virginia and National Historic Registers. "We really felt like this was such an important aspect to keep," Blevins said, describing the venue's cultural value and the owners' restoration work.

Owners said they have renovated the concession stand and bathrooms, tied the site to Washington County Service Authority water and spent roughly $500,000 on renovations so far. They said movies alone are unlikely to cover operating costs and the requested special exception would let them host other events to subsidize regular shows.

Neighbors raised repeated concerns about amplified noise and parking and urged restrictions on live concerts. Douglas Mead, a nearby resident, told the commission that the recent concert volume was objectionable: "The music was loud," he said, and asked that any live music permit include sound-abatement measures and traffic-control plans.

Commissioners and staff said the application packet lacked a detailed site plan, lighting and parking diagrams, a VDOT commercial entrance permit, letters or guidance from the sheriff's office on noise and traffic control, and Virginia Department of Health documentation for food preparation. One commissioner moved to table the application until those materials are provided and set the hearing to return on October 28; the motion passed unanimously.