During their Dec 15 meeting (view recording) the Orange County Board of Supervisors voted (3-2) to deny the special use permit (SUP 20-10) for Mid Atlantic Pyrotechnic Arts Guild (MAPAG). Jim White made the motion to deny the SUP, based on inconsistencies with the Comprehensive Plan (e.g. rural nature of the A-1 zoning district being intended for use by agricultural operations and residential properties). The motion was seconded by Mark Johnson, who stated that the SUP brings very little to nothing for the residents of Orange County, and has the potential to severely impact residents’ enjoyment of their property.

The final roll call resulted in:

• 3 Ays (supporting denial of the SUP): White, Johnson, and Crozier. Crozier stated that his vote came “very, very, very reluctantly”.
• 2 Nays (supporting approval of the SUP): Frame and Goodwin.

PEC submitted multiple comments over the past seven (7) months, stating concerns with the impacts on the environment, noise and lighting impacts on county residents, and transportation/emergency response impacts created by the weekend events, proposed camping, and annual public event.

Thanks to those who took the time to submit public comments. Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions or comments.

~Chris

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Chris Hawk
Orange & Albemarle Field Representative
The Piedmont Environmental Council
[email protected]