Citizens Voice Concerns over P.E. County Paintball Park

The regular meeting of the Prince Edward County Board of Supervisors was held on Wednesday evening, October 14. While no citizens spoke during the public participation portion of the meeting, there was marked concern from the public during a public hearing to review a special use permit.

On September 16, 2014, the Planning Commission held a Public Hearing to consider a request for a special use permit by Charles Neatherty. The permit was for the operation of a “Military Simulation Complex” on Tax Map Parcel 84-A-3, 4722 Sandy River Road. In short, the permit was for a paintball park, to operate on the 58.5 acres of the parcel. During operating hours there would be paintball gun and airsoft rifle discharge, along with considerable noise, yelling and possible whistle blowing, consistent with the operation of such a facility. There was enough concern from the public for the matter to be tabled and revisited during this month’s regular meeting. The Commission requested a more detailed site plan, operating hours and provisions for a buffer zone, in response to concerns voiced by adjoining landowners.   It is worthy to note that the applicant, Charles Neatherty, was not present at the September Public Hearing.

The Special Use Permit Application request was in fact revisited by way of a Public Hearing during the October meeting of the Board of Supervisors. During the hearing at least two citizens spoke, one very concerned about the proximity of the proposed recreation park to her well- established race horse facility. The concerns ranged from the possibility of ricocheting or stray paintball or airsoft gun rounds striking the children that played or very expensive livestock that grazed in the adjoining fields, to trespass issues, to reassurances that adequate insurances would remain in place for the facility to operate. Another citizen, Ms. Nancy Cook, spoke to the Board about the application for the recreation park with valid concerns about Sunday operating hours. According to the permit applicants, the Park would restrict Sunday operating hours to begin after 12:00 on Sunday. However, no provisions had been made for special church events that may occur after noon time on Sunday. The noise and nature of play at the park would be a potential, disrespectful distraction. She also spoke for the rest of the citizens in attendance when she cited the erection of a proposed eight foot fence around the property as unsightly to the neighborhood.

The Board of Supervisors recognized the concerns of the citizens as valid, noticing once again that the permit applicant was not in attendance to answer any questions about his endeavors. The Board voted unanimously to deny the application.

There were two other, very brief public hearings, again regarding special use permit applications by Verizon to erect two more towers, one at 175’ height and another at 195’ height. The height of both towers negated the necessity of lighting them. However, during the hearings the possibilities of Prince Edward County making use of space on the tower for official communications equipment was entertained by the Board and the representing Attorney for Verizon. Both Applications were passed unanimously by the Board with no comments from the public.

Another very important item discussed is the challenge that Pamplin EMS has responding to calls in its area. Volunteerism for the facility is also a factor to be considered, along with training hours, and low call volumes. All of these factors combined create the need for a dialog to be opened regarding the feasibility of paid employees for the Pamplin operation. The Board is currently reviewing itemized budget assumptions. “This is not a budget request,” Sarah Puckett clarified in the meeting, “This is the opening of a dialog.”

The School Board has requested a meeting with the Prince Edward Board of Supervisors to discuss the SOL scores for the county schools; however, they also want to discuss possible improvements and renovations at the schools. The Board made it very clear that meetings would be scheduled, but the initial meeting would be solely for the purpose of addressing the SOL scores issue. During that meeting there would be the opportunity to discuss renovations at the schools. “We need to talk about how to fix the SOL problem first,” Bob Timmons said adamantly. “We can’t continue to let the school go the way it is.”