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HomeMy WebLinkAbout7/14/2026 - Email - Deidre Rea - Travis Bell petition for commercial kennelWARNING: This Message Is From an External Sender, Use Caution! This message was sent from outside the Roanoke County email system. Report Suspicious ‌ From:Deirdre Rea To:Rhonda Perdue Subject:[EXTERNAL] - Public comment re: Travis Bell application Date:Tuesday, July 14, 2026 11:21:11 AM As I am unable to attend this evening's Board meeting as it relates to the Travis Bell commercial kennel application, I am submitting here my public statement for the board to review. Multiple people have spoken at the 2 public hearings of the Zoning board addressing how a commercial kennel in this location is problematic. Points have been made on how this does not meet the CORE 200 goals, addressing breaches in specific ordinances by the Zoning Board to push this application through, environmental concerns and issues related to noise, traffic and privacy violations. We have brought pictures as evidence of a minimal barrier yard (produced, in part, from the private vote by the Zoning board to decrease the property distance from 100 feet to 46 feet) and addressed a 100 year old septic system that is inadequate to handle the grooming business. We have referenced the law with Section 30-92-2, point D, which states “Where a conflict may exist between standards, the more stringent standards shall apply.” Our statements have been treated dismissively and the concerns glossed over with a Board member stating he heard “nothing but emotion.” Section 30-92-2 was ignored. Ms. Camerlinck states my residence is over 200 feet from the kennel so it is not a problem. So am I now to have to remain inside my house? My yard and property are 46 feet from the kennel. I moved here to be away from commercial endeavors where I can enjoy my yard and property. Now when I am outside, I hear dog fights when the dogs are let into the yard with Mr. Bell yelling at them. So let me now ask - who exactly benefits from having a commercial kennel in this location? Not the clients – the clients who signed their support as neighbors, in fact, are driving between 5 and 12 miles up the mountain to get here. It is not convenient for them. Not the dogs – despite having 3 acres, the dogs are kept in a 280 sq foot yard – about the size of this room- with a visibility screen around it so the dogs can’t see out. They may as well be in a parking lot downtown. Not the neighbors – with noise, increased traffic and decreased privacy Not the local streams flanking the house And not the County- We have been assured by realtors and appraisers that our property values will definitely decrease up to 20% if this is approved resulting in decreased tax revenue for you. Logic would find only one person who benefits – the owner- so he can claim his home as a business on taxes. So I have to ask, will this board move against all their voting constituents in favor of one person? Based on what rationale? Given the dismissive disregard the residents have experienced from the Zoning board and the lack of thoughtful consideration of their concerns, the only one I can surmise is a conflict of interest. This bears investigation by the Board of Supervisors and a continuance before making a final decision. Dr. Deirdre Rea 6820 Sugar Rum Ridge Rd.