Rockbridge
John C. Holmes was granted a special exception permit by the Rockbridge County Board of Supervisors on Aug. 11 to continue operating a commercial kennel out of his home at 159 Anderson Farm Road in Rockbridge Baths.
Holmes operates a breeding operation for Bichon Frisės dogs. He said he breeds one or two litters a year. The SEP allows for four females and two males for breeding, including visiting study dogs but excluding puppies 16 weeks of age or younger.
The property, which is in an agricultural and general uses (A-2) district in the Walkers Creek magisterial district, includes a house and 5.06 acres of land. The front yard is fenced and the dogs are allowed to roam in the front yard and house. The nearest neighbor is 100 yards away.
Supervisor Leslie Ayers asked Holmes about a dog he’d taken to the SPCA. He said he’d been given the dog and it had behavioral issues and didn’t get along with his other dogs, and he was unable to find a home for it.
The supervisors voted 4-1 to approve the SEP, over Ayers’ dissent.
Buena Vista
Tractor Supply Plans Progress
Plans for a Tractor Supply store at 397 E. 29th St. in Buena Vista received the support of the city’s Planning Commission at its regular meeting last Tuesday, Aug. 12.
The Commission approved certificates of appropriateness for a demolition of a portion of the former Fox-Trot Boots & Apparel building and the design plans for the new Tractor Supply store. The Commission recommended approval of a conditional use permit for a larger sign for the new store.
The new store will have 25,000 square feet of indoor floor space and 15,000 square feet of outdoor floor space in a fenced-in display area. Two office buildings to the west of the store are to remain under current ownership.
Keith Carter of Reece Real Estate, the developer for the project, said $3 million is being invested into the new store. The company is to lease the building to Tractor Supply.
During a public hearing, a couple of citizens said they were pleased with the prospect of a Tractor Supply locating in Buena Vista. “I’m thrilled that Tractor Supply is coming in,” said Bill Braddy, making a point that was echoed by Kathy Janiczek.
