BV Planners Split On B&B Expansion
A rezoning proposal that would have allowed the Blue Ridge Abbey bed and breakfast in Buena Vista to expand its accommodations so as to become a de facto hotel failed to garner the support of the city’s Planning Commission on Jan. 13.
Since gaining zoning approval last February, the Blue Ridge Abbey has been operating successfully as a B&B in a restored Victorian house at 2068 Chestnut Ave. that dates to 1903 and was formerly known as the Jordan House.
A conditional use permit was approved last February for the operation of a B&B and special events venue at 2068 Chestnut Ave. and at an adjacent carriage house building at 2056 Chestnut Ave. The CUP allows short-term B&B rentals of up to five bedrooms in each building. Renovations have not yet been completed to the carriage house.
Owner Daniel DeSouza told the Planning Commission that the high demand for the B&B rentals has been to such an extent that he wants to offer additional accommodations. He is proposing that he be allowed to offer lodging accommodations of nine bedrooms in the Victorian house and seven in the Carriage House and to construct 10 small, one-bedroom, Victorian- style units on an adjacent, vacant tract of land to the south.
The current R-3 (residential limited) zoning precludes the expansion that he is proposing, which would, in effect, turn his lodging facilities into a hotel, under the city’s zoning rules. R-3 allows only B&Bs with a CUP. In order for a hotel to be permitted, the property would have to be rezoned to mixed use (MU) and a new CUP issued.
Tom Roberts, the city’s director of community development, acknowledged that there is a demand for additional lodging facilities in Buena Vista. However, he said he thought the one proposed for 26 units would be out of place in a residential district.
Several citizens who spoke during a public hearing, including one who spoke on behalf of St. John’s Methodist Church, which is across the street from the Blue Ridge Abbey, said the location was inappropriate for a hotel. The increased traffic and activity associated with a hotel would run counter to a residential setting, they contended. They pointed out that there are plenty of other locations in the city’s business district where a hotel would be a welcome addition to the city.
Roberts recommended that the rezoning move forward to allow 16 rooms between the two houses but not to permit construction of the 10 additional units.
Marilyn Cash made a motion to this effect that failed on a 4-3 vote. Cash, Sarah Henson and Harold Kidd supported the motion while Dennis Hawes, Bryson Adams, Melvin Henson and Kathy Janiczek voted in opposition.
The rezoning proposal, with the Planning Commission’s negative recommendation, will now go before City Council.
