The Board of Supervisors voted 4-1 to rezone 32 acres from Agriculture A-1 to Residential R-1 to make way for a new 28-lot subdivision next to Ashley Plantation when it met in regular session last week.
Ashley Investments LLC, whose principals are Sam Camp and Norman Mason, asked for the rezoning last year so they could build single-family homes that would be accessed from Scarlet Drive in Ashley Plantation. At first, they asked for the rezoning to allow for 51 lots, but revised that down to a final count of 28 lots after a November Planning Commission recommendation against the rezoning and after meetings with the Planning and Zoning staff and neighbors to the property.
Several Ashley Plantation property owners still expressed concerns over the rezoning and added residential lots.
Increased traffic, having enough water and water runoff issues were the main concerns.
The property is served by water and sewer systems, which allows for the R-1 zoning, even with more lots.
The revisions since the original rezoning request for 51 lots satisfied most of the supervisors.
Buchanan District Supervisor John Williamson III made the motion to rezone the property, noting the lot sizes are compatible with the existing development. His motion also included approving the construction of the public road that will serve the development. It also includes proffers offered by the developers.
Amsterdam District Supervisor Todd Dodson voted against the rezoning without commenting during the supervisors’ evening session last week. Previously, he had concerns about having just one entrance to the new section of homes, and after the meeting said that was the main reason he opposed the rezoning.
As required, the road and cul-de-sac that will serve the development, have a 40-foot “stub out” for a possible future road that could connect to Trinity Road. That was not a requirement for the rezoning, however.
Other Business
In other business, the supervisors:
- Implemented a $300 application fee for anyone who makes an appeal to the Botetourt Building Code Board of Appeals. This board rarely meets.
- Appointed Scott Caldwell as the Valley District representative on the Board of Zoning Appeals.
- Approved a variance to the noise ordinance so Hollins University can have music until 11:30 p.m. at its cotillion April 29 at Fincastle Vineyards near Troutville.
- Made number of revisions to the county’s Personnel Policy Manual.
