Bristol, Virginia, October 23, 2025
News Summary
The Bristol, Virginia Planning Commission is preparing to consider a rezoning request for the former Washington-Lee Elementary School site after a previous meeting was canceled. Community members will soon have the opportunity to voice their opinions. Meanwhile, local developments include an Amazon Web Services outage affecting various institutions and the appointment of a new executive chef at the Washington County Virginia Moose Lodge.
Bristol, Virginia – The Bristol, Virginia Planning Commission is set to consider a rezoning request for the former Washington-Lee Elementary School site. This significant development is on the agenda after the initially scheduled Planning Commission meeting for Monday was canceled due to a lack of quorum. The meeting is expected to be rescheduled later this week, allowing community members to express their views on the matter.
In addition to the rezoning request, Bristol finds itself amidst a series of local developments and challenges. An ongoing Amazon Web Services outage is causing disruptions globally, affecting numerous organizations, including governmental agencies, universities, and companies. This outage highlights the increasing reliance on remote computing services in today’s digital landscape.
In local news, the Washington County Virginia Moose Lodge has appointed Jody Hazelwood as its new executive chef, signaling a change in leadership that may bring new culinary offerings to the community.
On another front, the Sullivan County director of schools has declined a request from Club America to host an assembly featuring women’s sports advocate Riley G, reflecting ongoing dialogue around the participation and promotion of women in sports.
Significant traffic modifications are proposed at the intersection of Thompson Drive and Stanley Street near Abingdon High School. Stakeholders aim to enhance safety and accessibility in this busy area, particularly for students and their families.
In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, a local homeowner is taking measures to clean up damage sustained a year ago in Southwest Virginia, highlighting ongoing recovery efforts in the region.
Dr. Miller has received a nomination for his extensive work in expanding access to comprehensive dental care for underserved populations, showcasing the importance of equitable healthcare initiatives in Bristol and beyond.
Earlier developments included a proposed rezoning ordinance for an RV park on Stage Coach Road in Bristol, Virginia. This proposed location is situated near exit 7, next to Ernie Sullins Clothing, and has raised concerns among neighboring homeowners. Residents have expressed strong opposition to the rezoning due to fears of disturbances and increased traffic in the area.
The proposal suggests establishing 20 RV spots and plans for 10 cabins intended for short-term rental. City council members postponed the vote on this ordinance from June to August 12, citing the need for public input and discussion around community concerns. Councilman Neal Osborne pointed out that Stage Coach Road’s narrow design is not suitable for heavy traffic, particularly if RVs are permitted.
The financial implications of the RV park development are significant, with maintenance costs for Stage Coach Road estimated to exceed $200,000. Councilman Osborne raised concerns about the lack of funding from VDOT for needed road improvements, which places additional financial pressure on the city.
While potential benefits of the RV park include increased tourism and lodging tax revenue, residents remain apprehensive about the financial burden of road maintenance. At a recent city council meeting, the proposal for the RV park faced unanimous opposition, indicating strong community sentiment against the project. Mayor Becky Nave has shown support for an RV camp in Bristol but disagrees with the chosen location near residential homes.
The city council additionally enacted an ordinance to facilitate the repair, removal, or securing of structures posing public health or safety risks, a measure that may assist in managing properties like Virginia Intermont College.
Marking the community’s calendar, the 2025 Bristol Rhythm and Roots Reunion festival is scheduled for September 19-21 in downtown Bristol, promising to be a highlight for local culture and entertainment.
FAQ
What is the Bristol, Virginia Planning Commission considering?
The Bristol, Virginia Planning Commission is expected to consider a rezoning request for the former Washington-Lee Elementary School site.
When was the Planning Commission meeting originally scheduled?
The Planning Commission meeting scheduled for Monday was cancelled due to a lack of quorum and is expected to be rescheduled later this week.
What major global issue is currently impacting services?
An Amazon Web Services outage is currently causing major disruptions globally, impacting remote computing services for many governments, universities, and companies, including The Associated Press.
Who was appointed as the new executive chef at the Washington County Virginia Moose Lodge?
The Washington County Virginia Moose Lodge has appointed Jody Hazelwood as its new executive chef.
What significant changes are proposed near Abingdon High School?
Major changes are proposed for the intersection of Thompson Drive and Stanley Street near Abingdon High School.
What ongoing local recovery effort is mentioned?
A local homeowner is actively working to clean up damage caused by Hurricane Helene a year ago in Southwest Virginia.
What is Dr. Miller nominated for?
Dr. Miller has been nominated for his efforts to expand access to comprehensive dental care for underserved populations.
What does the proposed RV park seek to establish?
The proposal seeks to establish 20 RV spots and future plans include 10 cabins for short-term rental.
What were the residents’ concerns about the RV park?
Homeowners neighboring the proposed RV park spoke out against the rezoning, expressing concerns about potential disturbances and increased traffic.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Planning Commission Meeting | Cancelled due to lack of quorum, to be rescheduled. |
| Amazon Web Services Outage | Globally impacting remote computing services for various organizations. |
| New Executive Chef | Appointed at the Washington County Virginia Moose Lodge. |
| Proposed RV Park | Seeking to establish 20 RV spots and 10 short-term rental cabins. |
| Community Concerns | Opposition from residents about disturbances and traffic increases. |
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Additional Resources
- WJHL News – RV Park Rezoning
- Wikipedia: Bristol, Virginia
- WCYB News – Concerns Over RV Park
- Google Search: Bristol Virginia RV Park
- Herald Courier – RV Park Debate
- Google Scholar: Bristol Virginia City Council
- Herald Courier – Local Development
- Encyclopedia Britannica: City Planning
- Herald Courier – Government Politics
- Google News: RV Park Development Bristol
Author: STAFF HERE BRISTOL WRITTER
The BRISTOL STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBristol.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Bristol, Sullivan County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion, NASCAR races at Bristol Motor Speedway, Border Bash concert series, and the Hot Bristol Night Car Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bristol Chamber of Commerce, Believe in Bristol, and the Birthplace of Country Music, plus leading businesses in healthcare, manufacturing, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Ballad Health, Strongwell, and Bristol Motor Speedway. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
