City of Waynesboro

The commission held a discussion on the Waynesboro Together Comprehensive Plan Update, specifically focusing on land use, proposed goals and strategies, the city's six gateways and associated improvement toolkits, and the development potential of the Brucheum property.

The Planning Commission held a work session to discuss the land use section of the comprehensive plan update. Key discussion topics included an overview of the update process, existing land use policy documents, and main themes. The session also covered future investment areas for residential, commercial, industrial, and mixed-use development, as well as the downtown and Basic City areas, incorporating feedback from a recent public open house. Additionally, the commission reviewed draft land use goals and strategies, city gateways, and a market analysis regarding business and residential uses.

The meeting centered on a public hearing regarding a conditional use permit for temporary special events at 601 Alphan Avenue. Staff proposed 12 conditions for approval, including restricting events to 100 per year with a maximum of 100 guests each, limiting hours from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., enforcing noise ordinance compliance, requiring onsite parking, and mandating erosion control measures. A significant condition involves the applicant constructing a new property entrance from Mosley Street within two years. The commission held a discussion regarding the enforceability of these conditions and the procedures for potential permit revocation.

The meeting included a review of the budget report, with approvals for adjusted payment amounts to contractors Pine Knot Projects and Queen City Creatives. Discussions covered updates to the GART Attraction Map, a scope of work approval required for Beerwerks/RedOrange, the presentation of the Augusta County History Trail brochure, and planning for the VA250 initiative, specifically regarding events and land use permits at the Rockfish Gap location. A progress update was also provided regarding the SAW Outdoor Recreation Initiative draft report.

The City Council meeting agenda included the consideration of several budgetary items, specifically amendments to the 2026 and 2027 fiscal year budgets and the adoption of the 2026 Community Development Block Grant Annual Action Plan. Key project discussions involved authorizing the Port Republic Road Neighborhood Sign project, receiving an update on opioid abatement efforts, and initiating a referendum on an additional 1% retail sales tax to fund school construction and renovations. Further actions included property conveyance to the Waynesboro Redevelopment and Housing Authority and the approval of downtown road closures for upcoming community festivals.