Bedford town officials have given the go-ahead for a travel park catering to recreational vehicles to be established on a seven-acre site along Longwood Avenue and Independence Boulevard in Virginia.
The Bedford Town Council unanimously approved a conditional use permit on Tuesday, which includes 35 lots for recreational vehicles with visitor amenities, set to be completed in two phases.
Christopher Blair, the applicant, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, “We need to bring people to Bedford to visit Bedford and have that ‘wow’ factor for Bedford. That’s what we are trying to develop here in that part of town.”
The 7.4-acre property, located in a business-zoned district, currently features two vacant buildings undergoing renovation, one of which will house bathrooms for the travel park.
The project is set to include tree placement for neighboring properties, limited visibility with no entrance from Longwood Avenue, pedestrian safety improvements, and a sidewalk to the nearby Food Lion shopping center.
Town Manager Bart Warner highlighted that the travel park’s use for RVs was added to the town’s zoning ordinance in 2022 through a conditional use permit process.
During a public hearing, several town residents expressed their support for the new RV park. Ed Adams, who lives a quarter-mile away from the proposed site, said, “It’s good for the economy. It’s good for tourism in this area. The people that brought this piece of property have done a tremendous job. As a town, we need to move on and accept change.”
Blair emphasized the importance of tapping into the RV travel industry, which generates billions of dollars in economic activity across the country.
He believes that the ideal location, combined with nearby attractions such as the National D-Day Memorial and the Peaks of Otter, will bring business to Bedford.
The RV park aims to provide a camping experience for visitors, with bathrooms, pavilions, and water, sewer, and electrical hookups available at each lot.
Blair described the targeted RV users as “good people, safe people, honest people,” who are eager to spend money and enjoy their surroundings.
The RV park will be subject to Virginia Department of Health campground regulations. Blair informed the council that the goal for next year is to have the first phase of 25 lots up and running, with thorough marketing to ensure the project’s success.
For RV park owners and operators, the approval of the Bedford travel park permit showcases the growing demand for recreational vehicle accommodations and the potential for economic growth in local communities.
As the RV industry continues to expand, similar projects may emerge across the country, offering increased opportunities for investment and collaboration with local businesses.
This development also highlights the need for RV park owners to keep up with regulatory requirements and adapt their facilities to cater to the evolving preferences and expectations of RV users.
Did you hear? The Bedford Town Council just gave the thumbs up for a cool new RV park! It’s gonna be the go-to place for RV lovers looking for a unique camping experience in Bedford. Can’t wait to check it out!
Isn’t it awesome news? The Bedford Town Council gave the thumbs up for a cool new RV park! It’s gonna bring more visitors and buzz to town. Can’t wait for all the fun times ahead!