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The folks who live in Brownsburg are passionate about preserving the village’s rural and historical character. That would be an easy conclusion to draw for anyone who attended or viewed online the past two meetings of the Rockbridge County Planning Commission in which a rezoning request for a Brownsburg property was considered.
Sam and Beth Rowe applied to have the circa-1785 Lucas House they purchased a year ago rezoned from residential to business so they can operate an Airbnb there. The Rowes operate an Airbnb in a similar historic property in Augusta County that has gotten rave reviews for how it’s run. From all reports, the property is well maintained and the guests haven’t caused any disruptions for the neighborhood.
Their Brownsburg neighbors, however, have decidedly mixed views about what the Rowes are planning. Some welcome the prospect, emphasizing that Brownsburg is a welcoming place whose residents like to share the village’s history with visitors. Others view the prospective business as an unwelcome intrusion into the peaceful and quiet ambiance of the neighborhood.
Sam Rowe, a retired dentist, points out that Brownsburg was once a bustling community with many thriving business. “It had stores, taverns, blacksmith shops and overnight lodging facilities to accommodate guests taking the stage coach between Staunton and Lexington.” He said he would like to continue this tradition of commerce. “The guests that come to stay at the Lucas House will generate revenue for Rockbridge County – stores, meals, wineries, breweries, the horse center, museums, restaurants and the sort.”
Amy Moore, a Brownsburg resident who faced a similar zoning battle a few years ago when she and her husband sought unsuccessfully to bring their woodworking business into the village, supports the Rowes’ plans. A mother of four, she welcomes visitors. “Brownsburg is an amazing place. If you have not been there, come on out. Walk the streets of Brownsburg. If you’re walking through the town and you’re looking at the houses, I’ll probably be one of the first ones to say, ‘Hey, did you get your walking brochure?’ There’s a brochure that encourages you to enjoy the town, to walk through the town.”
Other Brownsburg residents worry commercialization of the community will be its downfall. Dee Papit noted that the village is getting another Airbnb in a building that was rezoned for business a decade ago when someone wanted to operate a food truck on the property. The business lasted less than a summer but the business zoning stayed in place. A second Airbnb in the tiny village would be too much, she contended. Two such businesses, she said, would disturb the “quiet residential setting and high quality of life” enjoyed in Brownsburg.
There are about 20 houses in Brownsburg, observed Jeff Shingleton. Each residence lost to a business represents a loss for the bucolic community, he contended. Protecting the rural ambiance of the community should remain uppermost in the minds of planners, he said.
“A place like Brownsburg calls for extra attention and creativity in planning,” said Catherine Gilliam Burns. “This is one of the few Rockbridge County historic districts that is included in both national and state historic registers. The potential for use of the very generous historic rehabilitation tax credits is enormous. With good planning and good community cooperation and respectful communication, Brownsburg could be revitalized and be a flourishing community for all who live here and visitors who will boost Rockbridge County tourism.”
Her hope, she said, is that when the Planning Commission reviews the land use section of the county’s comprehensive plan, “I and my neighbors would be able to have good conversations and explore tools that would lead to the adoption of … an overlay district that would both protect the unique character of Brownsburg and stimulate innovative and entrepreneurial land use that would benefit all.”
We concur with this view of future planning for Brownsburg so as to preserve what is so special about this historic rural village. We don’t necessarily disagree with any of the views expressed concerning Brownsburg’s future, though different speakers drew different conclusions about whether the Rowes’ rezoning request ought to be approved.
Following the conclusion of the public hearing at last week’s meeting, the Commission voted unanimously to recommend approval of the rezoning. We agree with this recommendation and urge the Board of Supervisors to follow it.
We also agree with a sentiment expressed by one of the speakers who opposed the rezoning: “Let’s respect the opinions of neighbors in attendance whose views are different from our own,” said Mike Smith. “Let’s participate in this democratic process without allowing this to divide us.”
