Board denies conditional use permit for recurring events at 'Field Day of the Past' site

The board disapproved a conditional use permit July 21 for an event facility proposed on a roughly 193‑acre property off Horse Trail Road after hearing staff reports, applicant statements and public comment raising operational concerns.

Planning staff outlined proposed conditions — limits on number of events (applicant had offered up to six per year), VDOT entrance requirements, parking wholly on‑site, sanitary permitting, buffers, security and an incident action plan approved by fire/EMS. Applicant Melinda Gammon said organizers had obtained VDOT permits for entrances and were prepared to meet county requirements. But several board members and staff cited outstanding concerns, including an unpaid bill to the sheriff’s office from a prior event and the logistical strain that repeated large events could place on county fire and EMS resources. One board member moved to disapprove the CUP, noting unresolved issues and the Planning Commission’s prior recommendation to deny; the motion carried by roll call with all voting aye.

Staff noted that if a future application addresses the outstanding operational and fiscal issues — including confirmed payment of outstanding invoices and a firmer plan for traffic and emergency services — the applicant could seek reconsideration through the normal public‑hearing process.