Jessica Bruce

The 2026 Rural Lands Plan defines the strategic direction for Clarke County's rural, unincorporated areas, integrating the former Agricultural Land Plan and Mountain Land Plan with new guidance for the villages of Millwood and White Post. The plan's core purpose is to preserve the county's rural character through resource-conscious land use management. Key strategic pillars include protecting and preserving farmland and open space, safeguarding mountain areas, and ensuring compatible development and historic preservation within the rural villages. It aims to balance growth with the protection of natural and cultural resources, supporting the agricultural community, and maintaining the quality of life.

The Board of Supervisors discussed various community concerns, including the environmental and health impacts of VDOT herbicide spraying. A petition was presented demanding a halt to broadcast spraying in sensitive areas. The Board received updates regarding fire and emergency services staffing, VDOT maintenance activities, and the Department of Social Services' new initiatives. Additionally, the Board adopted tax rates, user fees, and the FY2027 budget. Personnel and financial committee items were reviewed, including appointments, salary scale updates, and several supplemental appropriation requests for projects like Camp 7, school instructional materials, and employee bonuses.

The Rural Lands Plan, presented as a new component of the Clarke County Comprehensive Plan, outlines strategies for managing the county's rural, unincorporated areas. It consolidates previous agricultural, mountain, and village plans into a unified approach. Key focus areas include resource-conscious land use management, supporting the agricultural industry, preserving farmland and mountain areas, and planning for the future of villages like Millwood and White Post. The plan guides future land use decisions, zoning, economic development, tourism, and infrastructure investments, with a philosophy centered on protecting natural and man-made resources.

The committee discussed the status of Watermelon Park applications, specifically focusing on discrepancies in the site development plan and non-compliance with the existing special use permit regarding the number of recreational vehicle campsites and unauthorized structures. Representatives from the Virginia Department of Health highlighted significant concerns regarding on-site sewage disposal system capacity and the lack of reliable usage data, noting that the applicant needs to meet current regulatory standards and potentially obtain state variances before the county can proceed with the application. Additionally, the committee addressed the status of several deferred subdivision applications and discussed potential process changes for scheduling future meetings.

The public input meeting focused on gathering feedback regarding the initial draft of the Rural Lands Plan, specifically concerning mountain areas, agriculture, agribusiness, and agritourism. Key discussions included the impact of town annexation and development on the county, concerns regarding potential state-mandated housing, and the county's strategy to limit utility transmission lines and data centers. The commission and participants reviewed historical planning efforts, discussed the importance of joint planning schemes, and explored strategies for regulating agritourism and preserving rural character. Additionally, updates were provided on the development of the former Camp 7 property and efforts to improve pedestrian safety across Route 7.