Nestled in the picturesque Shenandoah Valley is the quaint little historic village of Browntown. Surrounded by the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, Browntown is the quintessential small town. Browntown is surrounded by the Shenandoah National Park and Skyline Drive. Further commercial development is threatening our way of life, safety and much more. Edwin Wright has proposed multiple commercial developments in Browntown off of Gooney Manor Loop. 

We all love Browntown for its natural beauty, its peace and quiet, but it is a work in progress. Dump trucks, well drilling rigs, etc., make it to Browntown, every day, and they bring change. Edwin Wright, who owns a great deal of land in the Gooney Valley, has recently made four conditional use applications, which are on Warren County’s zoning agenda. They are for recreational uses of land on Gooney Manor Loop. The applications have been advertised, and there will be a public hearing. We will all have an opportunity to weigh in on this matter, Nov. 10, at 7 pm during the Planning Commission meeting at the Government Center. This appears to be a choice between residential or recreational use of agricultural land within Gooney Manor Loop. 

Here are the following Conditional Use Permits that he has applied for:

CUP2021-10-07 – Edwin Wright – A request for a conditional use permit for a commercial campground. The property is at 2905 Gooney Manor Loop and identified on tax map 47, lot 12. The property is zoned Agricultural.
CUP2021-10-08 – Edwin Wright – A request for a conditional use permit for a rural events facility. The property is at 2905 Gooney Manor Loop and identified on tax map 47, lot 12. The property is zoned Agricultural.
CUP2021-10-09 – Edwin Wright – A request for a conditional use permit for a commercial campground. The property is at 0 Wellspring Road and identified on tax map 44, lot 25. The property is zoned Agricultural.
CUP2021-10-10 – Edwin Wright – A request for a conditional use permit for a rural events facility. The property is at 0 Wellspring Road and identified on tax map 44, lot 25. The property is zoned Agricultural.

A group of neighbors have formed Stop Browntown Commercial Development and oppose these permits. There are MANY reasons why:

1. Safety- Lack of appropriate fire/rescue in a timely manner for such a large scale venue, no cell service, people consuming large amounts of alcohol and then driving... this list could go on and on.

2. Traffic- We do not need more traffic on Browntown Road, as it's already a tough curvy road to navigate with areas that are very narrow.

3. The environment- The impacts on well water (water table) needed for that scale of development alone should concern people that live in the area. The environmental impact study isn't expected to take place until after the permit approval. This is just unacceptable to residents. It should take place before.

4. Noise and Light Pollution- Having a concert in Browntown, the sound would travel and the light would impact the beauty of our rural area. 

5. Inexperience of owner- Edwin Wright has already explained at the town hall meeting that he has no experience running a business like this. Yet, he's proposed to build a business that includes camping (not planning on having any staff to run in on a daily basis) AND wedding/event/concert venue, which he also has no experience running. He did state that he could be there as much as needed, however he also stated maybe 20 hours per week. Approval of these permits will give every advantage to an inexperienced Mr. Wright to the detriment of the entire community. 

Please oppose these permits and leave Browntown the rural and amazing community that it is. Please sign this petition if you are OPPOSED to these changes happening in and around Browntown. Thank you.