File photo
By Matt de Simone
The Botetourt County Board of Supervisors approved a special exception permit (SEP) Tuesday for a nearly 7,000-square-foot vision care facility in Daleville Town Center, clearing the way for what officials described as the final piece of the mixed-use development.
The permit allows Fralin & Waldron Inc. to construct the facility on a 0.876-acre parcel on Town Center Street adjacent to 70 Broad Street in the Amsterdam District. The site is currently occupied by the Botetourt Farmers Market.
Because Botetourt County’s zoning ordinance requires all medical care facilities to obtain an SEP, the request came before the board for a public hearing and consideration of project-specific conditions.
The board approved the request with six conditions recommended by the Planning Commission. Those conditions require the project to be developed in substantial conformance with the submitted concept and building elevation plans, prohibit invasive landscaping in favor of native species where feasible, require compliance with the county’s noise ordinance and all applicable development regulations, and limit the approved use to a vision care facility by excluding other medical, dental or health care services.
During the public hearing, residents voiced concerns about the loss of green space within Daleville Town Center, the future of the Botetourt Farmers Market, potential conflicts of interest and the possibility of other medical uses occupying the site.
One of the primary topics during the board’s discussion centered on the future of the farmers market, which has operated from the Town Center property for several years. Supervisors sought clarification on whether the market would continue and what plans exist for a future location. County officials said the market is expected to continue operating while efforts continue to identify a permanent home for it.
The discussion comes more than four years after previous Botetourt Farmers Market managers outlined plans to establish a permanent location and develop a mobile market during a presentation to the board in early 2022.
Before the public hearing began, supervisors verified that Board Chairman Mac Scothorn, who was absent from the July meeting, had a personal interest in the project and would not participate in discussion or vote on the request.
Planning staff also noted the vision care facility represents the final planned development within Daleville Town Center, bringing completion to the long-envisioned mixed-use project.
The public hearing also prompted a broader discussion about the county’s use of the term “Special Exception Permit.” Following comments from a resident who said the terminology is frequently misunderstood, the board directed the Community Development Department to add a review of the term to its work plan as time and resources allow. Supervisors authorized staff to explore alternative language that more clearly communicates the purpose of the approval process while remaining consistent with the county’s zoning ordinance and applicable legal requirements.
Construction will move forward following completion of the county’s site plan review and permitting process.
In another public hearing, the board unanimously approved amendments to Botetourt County’s Sign Ordinance creating a new “Industrial Park Directory” sign classification. The changes, developed collaboratively by the county’s Community Development and Economic Development departments, are intended to address deficiencies in the existing ordinance by allowing directory signs within industrial and commerce parks.
Additionally, the board voted to deny a resolution seeking a Virginia Department of Transportation Revenue Sharing Grant for the proposed Eagle Rock Greenway, a project estimated to cost approximately $4.84 million. The grant would have provided up to $2.19 million in state funding, with Botetourt County responsible for a local match of approximately $2.65 million. Board members indicated they intend to revisit the project and pursue funding opportunities when the greenway becomes a higher priority for the county.
