The final meeting of the Greene County Planning Commission has two work sessions that could serve as a preview for some of the locality’s biggest policy topics for 2025.
One of them is a review of a proposed new zoning district intended to attract 21st century businesses.
“High-tech enterprises such as information technology, national security, biotechnology, advanced specialty manufacturing, and other companies classified as ‘technology’ businesses provide high-paying, low-impact employment opportunities and new revenue sources from economic development,” reads the staff report for the proposed Technology / Flex Research and Development.
The report notes Greene’s proximity to the National Ground Intelligence Center, the University of Virginia, and James Madison University. The district would also serve as a way of identifying regulations that could be in place to protect health, safety, and welfare.
“This district is designed to accommodate a mix of technology-driven, research-oriented, and light manufacturing uses that align with the county’s vision for economic development and high-quality job creation within a campus-like setting,” reads the statement of intent in the proposed ordinance language.
As currently written, the language would allow several uses by right including, research and development facilities, and advanced manufacturing.
Data centers would be allowed by-right if they are subordinate to another use, but would be allowed as a primary use with a special use permit. A property owner would also need a special use permit for a conference center, testing facilities, and pilot production facilities for testing new technologies.
There is no map provided in the five-page staff report.
The other work session is on agritourism and changing the rules for events at farm wineries, farm breweries, and events at agricultural operations. The Planning Commission also discussed this at their November 20 meeting according to the minutes.
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