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David Waters wants to aim bigger. Last month, his plan for a Yogaville events center was reduced in size a bit by the Buckingham County planning commission. He had asked for a 300 person maximum for events. Concerned about traffic and parking, commission members had reduced that to 150. As part of the public hearing on Monday, March 24, Waters asked the commission to reconsider, showing he had areas to accommodate the cars. 

Several community members also showed up to give their support, saying this was needed in their area. 

“Gathering together outside and being in fresh air is something we don’t do very often unless we have a reason,” said Santoshi Young. “Intentionally having spaces where people can be together while enjoying the outside brings two very important factors together. And in the area we live in, it’s so far to travel to attend other events. I believe this space is very much needed.” 

Other residents pointed out that if you currently want to have a birthday party or other type of event, there’s only a few spaces in Buckingham County where that can happen. And as a result, the majority of them fill up pretty quickly. 

“I think everyone is in a common heart and a common spirit to make this thing be a positive thing for the community,” said Pastor Steven Fisk. “As a minister, I’m all for people coming together in a common spirit and in the blessings of being in this beautiful place and this beautiful county.” 

The special use permit is for properties located at 71, 76 and 80 The Way Road. 

The goal here is to put together a multi-use event center, which could house a monthly vendor’s market, as well as any seasonal festivals, birthday parties or other community events. Waters, who works as the administrator for the Village Sangha Association nonprofit nearby, would work with property owner Judith Evangelus to create a way for the community to celebrate events together. 

What about parking around Yogaville? 

With all that being said, what about parking, commission members asked. As mentioned, Waters wanted to lift the cap on attendees, going from 150 to 300 maximum. But the concern has always been where those people are going to park. Waters set up a parking plan with 40 on site at the property, 20 spaces allowed at the credit union site and 40 across the street at the Yogaville ashram maintenance facility, which he received permission for. Also, he reached out to Central Virginia Electric Cooperative, asking for permission to allow people to park under their power lines. The company gave approval for that. 

With the changes, the planning commission members said they felt satisfied that concern had been addressed, even if they still questioned how 300 people would fit. 

“I don’t see 300 people plus your vendors (getting in) but just because I can’t picture it doesn’t mean you can’t have it,” commission member Pete Kapuscinski said. 

Other concerns raised

Another concern had been raised by a nearby property owner, asking commissioners to put in a condition that the wooded part of the properties being used couldn’t be developed. Waters said he had no plans to do anything back there, except maybe in the future a small walking path, to let people walk through the woods and enjoy nature. 

The amended proposal, with now a cap of 300 people per event, was agreed to by the applicant and commission members. That’ll now go to the Buckingham supervisors for discussion in their April meeting.