.jpg)
A divided Rockbridge County Board of Supervisors voted 3-2 Monday to deny a special exception permit for a special events venue requested for a farm near Fairfield.
Scott and Jessica Andrew of 66 Wind View Lane were hoping 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).
Leslie Ayers, who cast the deciding vote, said the barn where the special events would be held was too close to neighbors. “It’s extremely close,” she said. “There’s not enough buffer.”
Bob Day, who represents the South River District that encompasses the Andrews’ farm, said he’d received numerous calls from neighbors who opposed granting the permit and he pointed out that the Planning Commission had recommended denial of it.
Jessica Andrew addressed the various concerns that had been raised during two public hearings on the proposal that were held by the Planning Commission the past two months. Amplified music would be held in an enclosed structure, she said, and she proffered to have the special events end by 9 p.m. on weekdays and 10 p.m. on weekends. She said she would abide by the county’s lighting ordinance and trash would be picked up promptly taken to the landfill following special events.
To suggestions that there are too many special events venues in the county, she said her adult children had experienced trouble finding any that were available for their weddings. “The venue is much needed,” she insisted.
An entrance/exit with more than sufficient sight distance has been approved by the Virginia Department of Transportation, said Andrew. “There will be visitors to our farm,” she said, noting that she was planning to hold agritourism events that are permissible under the county’s zoning regulations.
Neighbors who spoke at Monday’s public hearing reiterated their concerns about the potential for noise, trash and lighting that would disturb the peace and tranquility of the rural nature of the agricultural area. “Protect our quality of life,” Jan Moore urged the supervisors.
“I ask you to deny the permit,” said Liz Murtagh. She said she didn’t know if the parking area planned would have gravel or asphalt but that either way, it would increase runoff to nearby Moores Creek. “It’s not harmonious,” she said of the plans. “It does not fit the comprehensive plan.”
Day made a motion to deny the permit that was seconded by Jay Lewis. Day, Lewis and Ayers voted in favor of the motion while Dan Lyons and David McDaniel voted against it.
