Pittsylvania County center plans shot down

By John Crane
Danville Register & Bee

Published: May 21, 2008

CHATHAM — The Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors has unanimously shot down a controversial proposal for a small shopping center on Mount Cross Road. Numerous county residents voiced their opposition to the plan during a public hearing Tuesday night.

Richard and Jane Holbrook requested that the board rezone two parcels of land at Mount Cross and Stony Mill roads totaling 3.9 acres from residential combined subdivision to industrial district/light industry. However, after hearing neighbors’ objections, Tunstall Supervisor Tim Barber filed a motion to deny the proposal, with Dan River Supervisor James Snead seconding the motion.

During its May 6 meeting, the county Planning Commission voted 4-3 that supervisors grant the request.

Residents said the center, which would have included a pizzeria, would make already dangerous traffic even more treacherous and noisy. About 10 residents spoke against the plan.

“If it (the proposal) were to go through, I would probably sell my house and move,” said Margaret Reynolds, who lives across from the property with her husband, Paul.

Layne Mills, owner of Mills Grille & Grocery, spoke neither for nor against the plan but said 90 percent of his customers who talked about it opposed it.

Residents also expressed concerns about a grease pit on the property and stray animals that would gather at the dumpster there. Also, the area has plenty of pizzerias and another one would disrupt a relatively peaceful neighborhood, they said. 

Tom Cahill, speaking on behalf of the Holbrooks, said the center would provide 15 jobs and add to the county’s tax base.

After the meeting, Cahill said he respected everyone’s viewpoints and the board’s decision.

Contact John R. Crane at or (434) 791-7987.