HENRY COUNTY BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS  MINUTES OF MEETING May 29, 2024  The regular meeting oft the Henry County Board of Zoning Appeals was held on Wednesday, May 29,2024, in the Summerlin Board Room ofthe Henry County Administration Building at 1 pm. Chairman Manker Stone, Paul Setliff, Lisa Spencer, and Deborah Hairston were in attendance with Mike Hall absent. Recording Secretary, Wanda Setliff, Panner/Community Development Specialist, Micah Montgomery, and Director of Planning, Zoning, and Inspection Motion to approve the minutes of April 24, 2024, was made by Paul Setliff, seconded by Lisa  Lee Clark were also in attendance.  Spencer, and followed by a unanimous vote with one absent.  S-24-03John C.Draper  A request for a Special Use Permit has been received under Section 21-302 of the Zoning Ordinance to allow for the construction and use of a gymnasium facility on 40+ acres. The property is located on the west side of Spencer Preston Road, just north of3101 Spencer Preston Road, in the Horsepasture District and shown on Tax Map 49.1(2)/3-13, 13A, 16-18, 21. The The property is not located within a designated Growth Area as defined by the Henry County Comprehensive Plan. The use should not create additional demand for public utilities. Asa recreational use, staffconsiders this to be consistent with the Comprehensive Plan. Staff has reviewed the application and suggests the BZA add the following minimum conditions  property is zoned Agricultural District A-1.  as part ofany motion to approve.  County's noise ordinance must be observed building permits being issued. The public hearing opened at 1:05.  Engineered Site Plan must be submitted and approved prior to any land disturbance or  Manker Stone asked if anyone present would like to speak on behalf of the Special Use Permit. Mr. John Draper, the owner ofI Won't Stop Family LLC, has been training kids in Martinsville & Henry County for the past 12 years. Throughout this time, he has faced challenges due to the lack of available facilities for a small business. Consequently, he has decided to build his own Mr. Paul Setliff asked the applicant if he thought there was enough business in teaching kids to play basketball to generate revenue. Mr. John Draper responded, "To be honest, Ialready havea  gymnasium in order to continue training kids and sustain his business.  business training 300 kids, with 90 kids per week."  1    Mr. Setliff asked if he is considering hosting tournaments at this facility, which could increase traffic in the neighborhood. John Draper responded, "It depends. I want to start with youth leagues first, and then possibly move on to tournament plays. There are a lot oft travel basketball teams without facilities to hold tournaments." Mr. Draper mentioned that he has explored all available options to rent a space at local churches, the YMCA, and is currently running his Deborah Hairston asked Mr. Draper, "If the armory is not going to be a viable place for you eventually, what ift the armory decides to stay? Would it not be more cost-effective to rent there instead of building?" Mr. Draper responded, "Of course, it would be more cost-effective, but a Lee Clark asked Mr. Draper about the estimated cost of building the facility, considering its size. Lisa Spencer asked Mr. Draper if he had visited the bank to inquire about a loan. Mr. Draper confirmed that hel had been to the bank and that his loan request had been approved. Manker Stone mentioned that he understands Mr. Draper owns the land for the proposed gymnasium. However, he asked if any thought had been given to purchasing an existing building. Mr. Draper confirmed that he had looked into existing buildings. When Mr. Stone asked about a building in the Bassett area, Mr. Draper replied that he didn't like the location in Mr. Lee Clark told Mr. Draper that if the facility is approved, it has the potential to change the character of the neighborhood with increased traffic. He mentioned that during a tournament, there could be 400-500 cars passing through the area on a weekend and inquired about Mr. Draper's plan to minimize the negative impact on the neighborhood. Mr. Draper acknowledged Mr. Clark's concerns but expressed uncertainty about what he could do to mitigate the traffic Manker Stone asked if anyone else wished to speak on behalf of this request, and no one came forward so, Mr. Stone asked if anyone wished to speak in opposition to the project. Richard Reynolds, who resides at 3020 Spencer Preston Road, expressed concerns about the gymnasium being built in the neighborhood. Living directly across from the property, he believes that the increased traffic will alter the peaceful nature of the neighborhood. Mr. Reynolds values the current quiet and peaceful environment and hopes to maintain it. Fitzhaugh Mayhan of 3264 Spencer Preston Road followed Mr. Reynolds and expressed similar concerns. He also mentioned that he felt the proposed change would decrease his property value. Mr. Mayhan stated that the current traffic conditions are unsafe, and he believes that the John Draper returned to the podium, saying, "I understand all the concerns. Iwill try to figure out better ways to help the traffic coming in. Iftournaments become something I move forward  business out of the National Guard Armory.  small business owner can't depend on them."  Mr. Draper responded, "It will cost at least one to two million dollars."  Bassett because it's too far out and he prefers to be close to the bypass.  effects.  proposed change would only make it worse.  with, Iwill prepare answers to your questions." The public hearing closed at 1:34.  2    Manker Stone asked for comments from the board. accommodating al large number of cars. Mr. John Draper responded, "Yes, Iwould."  Paul Setliff mentioned that traffic is a concern for him and that the road is not suitable for Deborah Hairston, would you be willing to offer your space for other church activities or events? Lisa Spencer shared that while the idea is wonderful, she believes it will change the atmosphere  of the neighborhood.  The public hearing was reopened at 1:36.  Dana Reynolds raised concerns about potential contamination of Horsepasture Creek due to the  construction ofa a new gymnasium and the installation of sewer drains.  The public hearing was closed at 1:38.  Manker Stone asked John Draper where he was planning to put the gym on the property. Mr. Draper explained that it would probably be located from the middle to the back of the property. Mr. Stone explained that typically, with a request like this, the BZA (Board of Zoning Appeals) would require a condition stating that the gym must be a minimum of 500 feet off Spencer Preston Road and leave at least a 200-foot natural buffer. He asked ifJohn Draper would be able Lee Clark explained to Mr. Reynolds that if the project is approved and developed, DEQ would Paul Setliff made a motion to deny the Special Use Permit, and Deborah Hairston seconded the  tov work with this request, to which John Draper replied, "Yes."  bei involved, and a stormwater plan will be in place to protect the creek. motion followed by a unanimous vote of4 4-0 with one absent.  The meeting adjourned at 2:03.  dlk Lee H. Clark, Secretary  3