Residents urge board to reject Buc-ee’s proposal citing traffic, noise and environmental concerns

During the 3:00 p.m. public comment period, residents urged the Board to scrutinize a proposed Buc-ee’s development and raised transparency and traffic‑planning concerns.

Greg Goldstein reviewed documents obtained via FOIA from Stafford County and VDOT and alleged county staff and contracted consultants changed traffic‑study assumptions and methodology for the site’s analysis, saying the result understates future traffic impacts. Goldstein said consultants estimated a study cost near $233,000 for additional traffic work and that VDOT continued to question background‑development assumptions assigned in the model. He urged the board to ensure accurate information reaches FAMPO and the Rappahannock River Crossing consultant so regional transportation planning reflects county development.

Several nearby residents followed. Carissa Stankovich described walking the site and finding six grocery‑size bags of trash within the first 100 meters and said she feared increased noise, honking and traffic would harm the neighborhood's character and residents’ quality of life. Peter Stankovich and Darla Stencavage said Buc-ee’s would not fit the county’s 2040 vision, would draw non‑local traffic, and could divert business from nearby small businesses.

Board members did not take action during the public‑comment period; the speakers asked the board and staff to ensure full transparency of planning documents and traffic analyses and urged careful review as any application moves through Planning & Zoning and VDOT processes.