Moneta cabins spark controversy

By Justin Faulconer

Published: November 4, 2008

BEDFORD — The Bedford County Planning Commission postponed action Monday on a proposed five-cabin campground in Moneta that drew mixed reaction from neighbors.

Just more than a dozen people spoke during a public hearing, most opposing the Spring Valley Farm Campground on Horseshoe Bend Road. Some residents of Meadors Spur Road, near the site owned by Garland Simmons, said the campground would lower property values, attract sex offenders and disturb the neighborhood.

“This is a nice area,” said Thomas Woods, speaking in opposition. “I would like it to stay that way.”

Others, however, said the project has merit and would prove worthwhile for tourism and nearby businesses.

Shannon Simmons, the son of the owner, said it would not become a trailer park atmosphere and renters would be checked. It is intended as a family-friendly site for honeymooners and couples, he said, rather than traditional campers with RVs and tents.

The cabins would not be served by public utilities and is currently zoned Agricultural Residential (AR), which requires a special-use permit. The Board of Supervisors will get the final say after the commission makes a zoning recommendation.

The cabins have already been built without proper zoning and building permits, said George Nester, the county’s director of community development. The number of cabins wouldn’t exceed five due to the lack of public utilities.

After debating its land use, the commission agreed to hold off action to allow county staff time to work out further details with Simmons.

“If we can come up with some good conditions, I don’t have a problem with this,” said Robin Hartman, a commission member.

Lynn Barnes, who serves the district where the campground is proposed, said it was a case where a property owner ignored county procedures, built some cabins and now they don’t fit in with the area.

“I just feel it is an inappropriate use of this property,” Barnes said.