Food Business Would Be Asset, Deserves Support

Thank you for your editorial on Tuesday in support of the Richard family’s plan to plant a fruit garden on their property on the corner of Valley Drive and Old Abingdon Highway in Bristol, Va.
We are all being encouraged to “eat locally” – not only because it is healthier and fresher food, but because it cuts the pollution caused by having to ship food long distances. This project will allow more people to follow this advice.
The family already has an apple orchard on the east side of their property, and what they plan to plant on the west side will be low growing plants that won’t restrict the view at that corner.
Their entrance and exit will be on Old Abingdon Highway, not on Valley Drive across from Eastern Little League field, so won’t pose a danger to families and children going there. There is already a nice split rail fence along the roads, which will keep people from entering the property except by the designated entrance.
So I encourage the Planning Commission and City Council to approve the request from the Richard family.

Anne Corley
Bristol, Va.