By Matt de Simone
The Botetourt County Board of Supervisors tabled two requests made by Fralin & Waldron for a Special Exception Permit (SEP) for a Wawa convenience store and electronic signboard located on the corner of Glebe Road and Roanoke Road in Daleville.
The Botetourt Planning Commission recommended the denial of the SEP earlier this month. According to staff comments, the planners previously received several written public comments from 12 individuals against the convenience store, citing several existing convenience stores and additional traffic added as a result of this development. Several residents spoke in opposition of the SEP during the Jan. 8 meeting.
Citizens continued to share their comments during last week’s public hearing about the proposed store in Daleville. Many were opposed to the project while some spoke in favor of the Wawa. One resident noted that there are not many electric vehicle charging stations currently in Botetourt, which would give owners of those vehicles a place to charge closer to their homes and workplaces. Another comment noted the “hundreds of thousands of dollars in tax revenue” that the county would receive if the store is developed.
Graphics courtesy of Botetourt Co.
The main subject of contention from county residents is the traffic and safety hazards that could potentially come from a new gas station/convenience store at the corner of Glebe and Route 220. Some citizen comments suggested relocating the Wawa elsewhere in Daleville closer to I-81. One citizen stated that the traffic study conducted by the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) was “flawed.”
Following Valley District Supervisor Mac Scothorn’s motion to table discussion until the county has a better grip on the traffic evaluation, a representative of the developer involved in the project noted that even if the board tables discussions on the matter to further look into the traffic study, VDOT already approved the project and could deny any off-site road improvements. A VDOT representative contacted a county representative prior to Tuesday’s meeting clarifying that “no physical improvements are warranted for the proposed entrance on Glebe Road.”
The applicant noted that all requirements were met with county staff and VDOT regarding the SEP and is happy to meet with them to discuss the request further.
Amsterdam District Supervisor Steve Clinton initially moved to deny with respect to the convenience store and signage and was seconded by Blue Ridge District Supervisor Walter Michael. The remaining board members voted against Clinton’s motion. Scothorn motioned to table the discussions for up to 60 days on the store and the sign, which was seconded by Fincastle District Supervisor Brandon Nicely. The board voted in favor of tabling discussions on both SEPs, 4-1, with Buchanan District Supervisor Amy White voting no.
To watch the Jan. 23 public hearing in its entirety, visit Botetourt County’s YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/@botetourtcountyva).
