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Middleburg council votes in favor of Johnson's five-star resort, spa.
After six years of debating and compromising, Middleburg Town Council voted Aug. 9 to approve plans for the Salamander Resort and Spa, a five-star resort that will sit on the historic town's northern shoulder.
Former Black Entertainment Television co-owner and Salamander entrepreneur Sheila Johnson started plans for a small upscale country inn in 2001, after buying the Harriman estate north of Middleburg for $7 million.
Since then, the project's plans have escalated into a grand resort and spa, with rooms ranging in price from $250 to $600 a night. Guest rooms, measuring 550 square feet, feature flat-screen televisions and custom-built Virginia-style furniture.
Town residents, business owners and the council's eight members debated the complex's positive and negative impacts on the community of 650 residents.
And ultimately, the votes to approve Salamander's application for development were nearly unanimous in favor of the resort.
Only council members Mark Snyder and Vice Mayor Darlene Kirk opposed the presence of a mixed-use village, which was part of the application.
The mixed-use village plans call for 30,000 square feet of commercial office space and about 50 housing units.
Snyder and Kirk argued that Salamander's plans would not provide adequate road access to the mixed-use village.
They were in the minority, and the mixed-use village passed, along with the plans for the 168 rooms and a restaurant that will be separate from the resort.
"I am really trying to hold back tears," said Johnson, who was escorted to the meeting by a dozen or so members of her development team. "I respect all the hard work and thought that has gone into this.
"I will not let you down. Prem [Devadas -- Salamander's lead representative] and I have poured our hearts and souls into this project. This resort is going to belong to everyone. Come up and get your massage, your facials, and use the trails."
A public discussion preceded the vote. Most of those who spoke before the council asked that it approve Salamander.
"Foot traffic is down in the town," said Middleburg resident Kim Hart. "We all know that, and I think this facility will help."
As part of the resort's charm, Devadas says, miles of foot and bike paths will lead through the resort grounds and connect the resort to the town.
"We relocated the resort from back in the woods out into the field" to be within walking distance of the town, Devadas said.
Sonny Underwood also urged the council to vote yes.
"It would be so nice tonight if everyone of you said 'yes' and [got] things going," he said. "Sheila makes a good neighbor. These people [Johnson and Devadas] live here."
The decision and Johnson's thanks to the community were greeted with applause from the town's residents and Salamander representatives who had crowded into the town's office building.
"I would like to extend my congratulations to Dr. Johnson," said Mayor Betsy Allen Davis, who did not vote at the Aug. 9 meeting and would have voted only to break a tie. Also not voting at the meeting was Council Member Catherine "Bundles" Murdock, who was on vacation.
The taxes on Salamander will add about $1 million annually to the town's $2.3 million budget.
Salamander could break ground as early as this fall. It is scheduled for completion in 2009.
Carmen Magana contributed to this article.
Contact the reporter at hhobbs@timespapers.com
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