Support For Orchard Business

Laid off from a job in New Hampshire and excited about developing a new, seasonal business here, Michael Richard may have overlooked or skipped some of the steps with the city.

But the Bristol, Va., Planning Commission and City Council should forgive him on those points when it holds a joint public hearing Oct. 13 to consider his request. Michael and Lisa Richard aim to turn an agricultural hobby into a small produce business along Old Abingdon Highway in Bristol, Va.

Last week, the Richards asked the city Planning Commission for a special exception to operate a retail or agricultural business on land that is zoned for business and residential purposes. They need the exception to operate what was described as a modest pick-your-own produce business at 224 Old Abingdon Highway.

This property is the former GlenMary bed and breakfast, which the couple has owned for about eight years. They recently moved back to Bristol after Michael Richard was laid off from his job as a real estate executive in New Hampshire.

Earlier this month, the pair began clearing the property and installed a split-rail fence. The Richardses first asked to expand the number of apple trees on the property, but when they asked to have a pick-your-own berries business “we told them that was a lot further than they’re allowed to go,” City Planner Jay Detrick told the Bristol Herald Courier.

Traffic safety controls also are key, especially since the property is adjacent to a little league field and busy business intersection. We support plans for access to the site from Old Abingdon Highway, not Valley Drive where the little league field and an adjacent gas station sits.

The Richardses are in a familiar situation in this prolonged recession: Laid off from one job, forced to make a move and looking to start a new business or expand an existing one. Bristol needs more eager business owners and we welcome the Richardses’ efforts.

But going forward, the Richardses must forge a relationship with city officials so they learn what is expected of them into the future. That way Bristol can help this couple build a business that is profitable, safe and benefits the city.