Residents of Louisa and Goochland express concern about planned rest area in the area

LOUISA COUNTY, Va. – Louisa County officials will soon decide whether another gas station and rest stop is needed in the area.

Love’s Travel Stop hopes to find a location in Louisa County in the coming months. According to documents filed, the possible location of the rest stop and convenience store is on Cross County Road or Route 522 in Gum Spring.

It is a 52-acre property located near Interstate 64 and just over a mile from the Goochland County line.

The planned project is causing controversy among local residents. More than 100 people carried signs and signed the petition and gathered in a crowded room on Wednesday evening to voice their opinions.

“I would say most of us don’t want this here for very good reasons,” said one person, whose comment drew applause from those in the room.

Love’s staff listened to the concerns of Louisa and Goochland residents at a neighborhood meeting Wednesday evening.

The meeting was a prerequisite for Love’s approval process.

Louisa County Commission staff collected feedback from the meeting to present to the commission prior to its decision.

Love’s staff said they have held three more neighborhood meetings to gather feedback since submitting their application in January 2023.

“We’re your neighbors. We’re not bringing a bunch of people from out of state to work here,” said Char Bruner of Love’s.

Some participants at the meeting expressed concerns about the impact the additional traffic in the area would have on police and fire departments.

They expressed concerns about the possibility that Louisa County would have to rely on Goochland County because Goochland authorities are closer to the proposed site.

Others expressed concerns about the impact on the quality of water supplies in Louisa.

“Can you guarantee with 100% certainty that your travel ban will not affect the quality of my water,” one person said.

Love’s staff answered every question. They left it up to the county to process law enforcement responses, but said they had to present their plans to first responders, who only gave them feedback.

They also cited water studies showing that the region had sufficient water to be immune to the impacts and said they had strict procedures and precautions in place to prevent environmental hazards.

“We have to adhere to the standards that the state requires. It’s in our best interest to make sure we don’t cause problems with the water, that we have water and we don’t compromise it. We do everything that’s required of us,” Bruner said.

None of those present spoke in favor of the project.

The majority stated that they believed this project was not consistent with the wishes of the community.

“You’re here for your business. We want your business to succeed, but this is our home, man,” said one community member.

The Planning Commission will hear the proposal for the site at its August 8 meeting. The commission can either reject it, delay it or accept it.

If adopted, the draft law will go to the Supervisory Board for final approval.

Rely on CBS 6 News and WTVR.com for in-depth coverage of this important local story. Anyone with more information can Send a tip by email to [email protected].

SHARE on social media to spread the word!