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Harris resort
Elizabeth Harris spoke to the commission regarding her plans to construct a conference center/resort on property she recently purchased west of Sperryville, near Mountainside Market.
She said that she went to great lengths to achieve certain objectives. Those objectives include creating something that is environmentally friendly, providing a place for people to stay for less than $100 per night, and giving special attention to people with special needs (i.e. handicapped people).
Ms. Harris worked with the Nature Conservancy, soil experts and Mark Malik, who has done landscaping work with the US Park Service and state parks in the past, among other individuals. All drain fields would be internal, and they already have Health Department blessing on a well site. She also commented that they will follow VDOT’s recommendations for access.
There will be 15 platform campsites, a lodge, picnic area and trails. Some trails and at least five campsites will have wheelchair access. The lodge and wheelchair accessible trails will be open all year. With the exception of the picnic area, Mrs. Harris said that no areas will be visible from neighboring properties. There will also be a pond and a swimming pool.
Malik was one of four individuals who spoke in favor of the application. Also speaking on Ms. Harris’ behalf was James Russell, former owner of the property. In addition, Ms. Harris presented signatures from 81 people, most of whom live in the area, who feel that the county needs something like this.
Fourteen people came to oppose the application. Those who spoke included Barbara Adolphi and John Dodson, neighboring property owners. Among their concerns were noise pollution, visual pollution, privacy, the effect on property values and whether or not Ms. Harris is trying to put too much on the property.
These individuals want to keep the area quiet. However, McCarthy pointed out that the U.S. 211 corridor west of Sperryville is zoned “commercial.” A number of business
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