Beard Mountain Vineyards to get public hearing for Greene County event space

The Greene County Board of Supervisors will meet at 5:30 p.m. in the administration building in Stanardsville at 5:30 p.m. for the second meeting of the month. They go into closed session at the beginning and will resume at 6:30 p.m. (agenda)

In July, neighbors of a proposed farm winery at 12955 Dyke Road successfully convinced the Board to defer a public hearing on a special use permit for a structure larger than 4,000 square feet. While the use of the land as a farm winery is protected by Virginia law, localities can provide some regulation such as limiting structures.  (read my previous story)

A presentation from staff describes how a 20,000 square foot production building would be by-right, which means Supervisors don’t get a say on that project. What they can decide on is whether to grant the permit with an event space over 4,000 square feet. The Planning Commission recommended approval on a 2-1 vote with conditions.

The presentation from Beard Mountain Vineyards describes how the proposed plan is for a Scottish Village with a 26,000 square foot event space along with parking for a maximum of 150 vehicles. There would be an open-air patio courtyard, a terraced lawn, and a seating area. They would plan to have two events a week with a maximum of 210 seats. This presentation also offers comparisons to other venues such as Early Mountain Vineyards, Haze Mountain Vineyards and Brewery, and Stone Tower Winery. 

The applicants claim the venue will generate hotel stays for guests who may not want to travel to and from Charlottesville and could encourage creation of more bed and breakfast style accommodations. 

There are 57 pages in the summary of community input, many of whom are opposed with some accusing staff of favoring the project. (read the comments)

After the public hearing there will be an update from Dave Hundelt, the interim director of water and sewer as well as Tom Hutka who is listed as the new director. 

Before you go: The time to write and research of this article is covered by paid subscribers to Charlottesville Community Engagement. In fact, this particular installment is from the August 26, 2024 Week Ahead edition of the newsletter.