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After listening to concerns of neighbors about potential for noise, litter, lights and traffic, the Rockbridge County Planning Commission voted 3-0 last Wednesday, Jan. 10, to recommend denial of a special exception permit for a special events venue near Fairfield.
Scott and Jessica Andrew of 66 Wind View Lane are seeking to hold weddings, receptions, reunions and other special events on their 57.99-acre farm east of the intersection of Borden Grant Trail (Va. 706) and Jonestown Road (Va. 707).
At a public hearing that was continued from Dec. 13, most of the citizens who spoke said the special events envisioned would disturb the peace and tranquility they now enjoy in this rural area.
Eric Walter said he’d moved there from Waynesboro to escape the “noise and lights. That’s the reason we chose our property. We don’t want to be disturbed. We want peace and quiet.”
Others complained about an “over-saturation” of special events venues in Rockbridge County. Such activities are causing a decline in property values, a couple of people suggested. Several people said they worried the events would draw too much traffic for the narrow, gravel roads leading to the farm.
A supporter of the Andrews’ plans described the couple as “very entrepreneurial people” who are “methodical” in their planning. The Andrews have addressed the concerns raised, this person asserted.
A retired contractor and teacher, the Andrews relocated to Rockbridge County after losing a family ranch in Sonama County, Calif., to wildfires in 2017. They said they are planning to invest $200,000 on improvements to a barn and related facilities for the special events venue.
At the conclusion of the public hearing, David Whitmore made a motion to deny the request for the special exception permit. Robert Kramer seconded the motion, which passed 3-0, with the support of Melissa Hennis. Commission members Robert Lucas and Shan Watkins were absent.
The recommendation will now go before the Board of Supervisors for its consideration. The earliest the item will be placed on the supervisors’ agenda is Feb. 12.
