.jpg)
County Attorney Cites Technicality On Earlier Vote
A contentious issue – whether or not to allow a special events venue at Irish Creek – that was thought to be settled last month is to be revisited this Monday, June 10, by the Rockbridge County Board of Supervisors.
The Board on May 13 voted 3-2 against granting a special exception permit to Lew and Kendra Hamilton to operate a special events venue on property they own off of Black Bear Trail on the east side of Irish Creek Road (Va. 603), approximately 4.06 miles east of the intersection with South River Road (Va. 608).
That vote followed another 3-2 vote the same night in which the supervisors voted against rejecting the special exception permit for the special events venue. Both votes came after a public hearing in which 22 citizens spoke against the special events venue.
At the supervisors’ subsequent meeting last Tuesday, May 28, County Attorney John Dryden announced that action with regard to the request for the special exception permit had not been taken because an affirmative vote to either deny or approve the permit had not been taken.
“There were only two failed motions,” he said.
Therefore, he advised the supervisors that an affirmative vote was necessary to resolve the issue.
, page B14 He said the supervisors had 30 days from the May 13 meeting to act on the issue.
That meant the supervisors would have to take a vote on the matter at either last Tuesday’s May 28 meeting, or at the meeting this Monday, June 10, to meet the 30-day deadline. Chair Leslie Ayers said it would seem only fair to wait until the June 10 meeting to act so those who have an interest in the issue could be notified of the plans for a new vote. The rest of the supervisors agreed so the new vote is an agenda item for the June 10 meeting.
Although they hadn’t been officially notified of the issue being resurrected, many of the neighbors who’ve opposed the special events venue had heard about the attorney’s interpretation of the earlier votes. They were back in force at last week’s meeting to restate their opposition. The earlier public hearing was closed so they made their views known at the citizens’ comments portion of the meeting.
This time, 11 citizens expressed their opposition to the plans. Richard Conner said his house is directly across from where a new bridge would be built to accommodate the special events venue. Headlights from vehicles traversing this bridge would shine directly into his house, he said, creating “complete misery” for him and his family. He anticipated that his property values would plummet as a result.
“Not all change is good,” observed Tony Tyree. “Some things should be left as they are. Irish Creek is one of them.”
“I’m blown away that we’re still having this discussion,” said Jeanne Oliver. “Amazingly, we’re still having this debate. Shame on any of you who are still considering approving this.”
