On Thursday, June 6th, the planning commission voted 6-0 to recommend approval of a special use permit for the proposed nature retreat in Star Tannery on Turkey Run Road. The site is zoned for use as a “rural resort” with a special use permit. The approval included several conditions that help reduce traffic, noise, and views. Ultimately, the special use permit provides protection to the community that the stated vision is consistent with how it is built and then operated. The Board of Supervisors will vote on Tuesday, June 25th for a final approval. Several community members spoke at the public hearing emphasizing how the project will create jobs and diversify the tax base, but also preserve the rural character of the Shenandoah Valley. One resident noted the added stress that the retreat will put on Turkey Run Road, despite it generating less traffic than a housing development. We plan to be an advocate for this issue, working with VDOT to ensure any road issues are appropriately addressed in the future. We deeply appreciate how welcoming both the county and community have been towards us on this project. We look forward to continuing to build relationships with people, while we are transparent during the long construction process.
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