Supporters tell Charlotte County board Tractor Supply brings jobs, tax base and convenience

Supporters of the Tractor Supply proposal told the board the project represents needed economic investment for Charlotte County and could prevent nearby localities from reaping the tax benefits if the project were denied. Vanessa Waddell urged supervisors to consider the countywide impact of rejecting the proposal, saying the county cannot "preserve itself into prosperity" and warning that investment could move across the county line to Lunenburg.

Representatives of Keeseville also offered explicit support: Stephanie Clay, speaking on behalf of the town, said Keeseville adopted a resolution backing the development and delivered eight signed letters from local business owners in favor. Farmer Bill David and Paul Newton likewise urged approval, saying the project would keep spending in Charlotte County and that property owners who meet county and state codes should be permitted to proceed. "If we deny this project, I don't think any company will give Charlotte County a second look," David said.