Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Commercial Recreation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Planning Commission recommends approval for Checkers LLC rappelling operation with eagle-protection condition
Summary
The Page County Planning Commission voted unanimously (5–0) to recommend approval of a special-use permit for Checkers LLC to operate guided rappelling trips at 9751 US Hwy 340 N, adding a condition requiring compliance with state and federal eagle-protection law and several other revisions to draft conditions.
The Page County Planning Commission voted March 24 to recommend approval to the Board of Supervisors of a special-use permit for Checkers LLC—operator Mark Harris—to operate a commercial outdoor recreation area offering guided rappelling trips at 9751 U.S. Highway 340 North in Rileyville (tax map 8-(A)-103).
Staff member Josh Hahn told commissioners that his follow-up research did not find a documented Native American site association specific to the Keyser Farm site near the proposed campground, though he noted the river corridor has a high likelihood of archaeological significance. Commissioners debated permit term length and environmental protections; Sandy Davis said she favored a shorter term (15–20 years) while others favored 15 years given the scale of investment.
Commissioners removed a drafted penalty schedule from the conditions and agreed to a condition referencing compliance with state and federal protections for bald and golden eagles. Hahn read the agreed language aloud: "As it relates to bald and golden eagles, the permittee, or his successors and/or assigns (Lessors), shall be in compliance with the Code of Virginia, including but not limited to § 29.1-521, and federal regulations, including but not limited to the Bald and Golden Eagles Protection Act (15 U.S.C. 668- 668d)."
Applicant Mark Harris confirmed he would help clarify insurance/certificate-holder language and did not object to the revisions discussed by the Commission. After final edits were agreed, Commissioner Ken Johnson moved that the Planning Commission recommend approval with the revised conditions; Commissioner William Turner seconded the motion. Vice Chair Catherine Grech called the roll and the motion passed unanimously (5–0).
The matter now goes to the Board of Supervisors for final action. The minutes record the Commission's amendments (strike of the penalty schedule, insertion of eagle-protection compliance language, and specification that the County be named as an insurance certificate holder).
