Changes

 

Goochland supervisors hold regular public meetings. These sessions have bene livestreamed for several years, which became more important than ever during Covid lockdowns, to ensure that citizens can see what they are up to. Mechanisms to comment remotely have also been in place for more than a year, though few people took advantage of this option.

During one of the May 4 public hearings, a citizen contended that when they called the Community Development office to inquire about an application, they were told by member of county staff that the application was “a done deal”.

During deliberations supervisors clearly had conflicting views on the matters before them.  Board Vice Chair Ken Peterson, District 5, contended that those exchanges demonstrate that the board does not vote in lock step or make decisions before the public has been heard. Sometimes open meetings seem like a carefully choreographed performances,  and Board actions make you wonder.

The supervisors contend that they prefer to govern with a light hand. To further the goal of keeping 85 percent of Goochland “rural” they support “agritourism” as a means for property owners to generate revenue from their land without selling it to residential developers.

In its broadest sense, tourism is an industry that attracts visitors to experience what you have to offer, spend money, then go home to educate their children and go old elsewhere. Like “rural” agritourism may be in the eye of the beholder. This is not a bad thing, it provides maximum flexibility in interpretation. Sunflower festivals, events at Rassawek, farmers markets, and dear departed Field Day of the Past fall under the designation.

An application for a conditional use permit to operate a camp ground and place of public assembly submitted by Kim Hill for approximately 97 acres in the very rural far western end of the county was on the May 4 board agenda. These zoning categories are the closest to the uses that Hill intends for the property. Her enterprise, Crane and Clover, plans to offer overnight lodging for groups of no more than 32 for common purpose activities including workshops, reunions, team building exercises, yoga, and meditation. Hill’s goal is to bring several generations of her family together after being scattered across the country and make a living from the property. Her parents and brother reside in recently built dwellings there. Hill lives in Florida but expects to move to Goochland after her daughter graduates from high school next year. No overnight “camping” will occur between November 14 and January 2 to accommodate deer season.

Flower farming, to provide fresh flowers for guests and supply local florists is part of the plan. In addition to cabins and yurts, a greenhouse, catering kitchen, art studio, and a pavilion for classes and indoor meetings will be built on the property. No RV camping or overnight Air BnB type stays will be permitted.

Hill’s description of Crane and Clover was long on vision and short on details. For instance, when asked how many people the enterprise would employee, Hill casually counted off positions on her fingers, and promised to be a “fair wage employer and work with local businesses in a symbiotic manner.”  Where will these employees come from?  If they stay on site, even for a few days, where will they be housed. Deputy County Administrator for Community Development Jo Ann Hunter said that it is illegal to live in an RV in Goochland County.

A petition signed by 75 property owners, 95 percent of the immediate neighbors, urging that the supervisors deny the CUP had little impact on the board. The supervisors cited Hill’s modifications of her initial application as an indication that Crane and Clover will not degrade life in the area.

Hill pledged to be a benefit to Goochland by bringing much needed revenue and said that she had been in contact with the local “ag” community.  The immediate neighbors not so much.

Opponents of Crane and Clover contended that Hill waited two years to seek the CUP, during which time she allegedly spent close to $1 million on improvements but had little contact with nearby land owners.

Curiously, none of the supervisors asked how much Crane and Clover will charge for group stays. Given Hill’s description of lavish surroundings and catered meals, the price tag could be hefty. She also mentioned that guests would be transported to the site from the airport.  Hill said she will have “security” to ensure adherence to all rules of the CUP. Will people paying big bucks to revel in the delights of rural western Goochland follow the rules or feel entitled to do as they please?

Justifying their approval, supervisors contended that Crane and Clover will be a low intensity use. Hunter explained that Crane and Clover must have a detailed plan of development approved and comply with requirements of the health department for well and septic systems; fire-rescue for emergency access; and building codes. CUPs can be revoked if the applicant does not comply with conditions.

Only District 1 supervisor Susan Lascolette voted against the CUP. She said that support for the application came only from people who lived elsewhere in Goochland or out of state. She echoed the concern of neighbors about “strangers” staying overnight on the property.

Another supervisor observed that the CUP must be renewed in five years. He expressed the hope that that there will be no  opposition to Crane and Clover in 2026.

We hope that Crane and Clover realizes Hill’s wonderful vision and proves to be a successful enterprise that harmonizes with its surroundings, and a good neighbor.

The seeming lack of due diligence by the supervisors on this case, however, is troubling. As the county grows, we can expect more applications for non-traditional uses for land that has been farmed for generations opening a wide range of agriculturally related revenue generating possibilities.

 One supervisor contended that if landowners do not do anything that is illegal or interferes with the neighbors, they should be permitted to do as they please.  Another observed that this is not the first time that someone put up buildings for a commercial enterprise before obtaining necessary permits, expressing disdain for “the locals” who object. Perhaps the county needs to find a way to inform newcomers that there are zoning and land use rules here and encourage them to share their intentions with their new neighbors before they start to build.