NL’s Calvin Trice: ‘Approval, well wishes for Afton popcorn vendor’

Ronald King addresses BZA as Carrie Eheart listens.

By Lynn R. Mitchell

Staunton News Leader reporter Calvin Trice has a great article about Thursday’s Augusta County Board of Zoning Appeals hearing where Ronald King, owner of King’s Gourmet Popcorn on Afton Mountain, appeared to request a permission to continue his business (see Approval, well wishes for Afton popcorn vendor). Calvin wrote:

Augusta County’s zoning board approved with considerable hope and enthusiasm the permit application for the Afton Mountain vendor known as the popcorn guy to continue his tourist season food truck business.

With their unanimous vote Thursday, members of the Board of Zoning Appeals even threw in the option for Ronald King to add another trailer and more seating to King’s Gourmet Popcorn.

Board members and those who spoke on King’s behalf backed him for continued success and for the chance that his business could be a revival point for the once-thriving regional gateway.

Calvin provided more information about the area that was once a bustling tourist watering hole, and even mentioned a “local blogger” who addressed the board in support of Mr. King:

Local blogger Lynn Mitchell rallied social media support for King’s Gourmet Popcorn. In remarks during the hearing, she called the business “a ray of sunshine on Afton Mountain,” and noted to the board the response from bicyclists who back the stand.

“They appreciate having somewhere to stop on the mountain to snack and have a drink,” Mitchell said.

Much appreciation for the coverage of a well-deserving entrepreneur who is, indeed, a ray of sunshine in the blight that currently sits on Afton Mountain.

See also:
– Popcorn man victorious with Augusta County Board of Zoning Appeals
– My remarks
– Afton Mountain’s popcorn man

Photo by Lynn R. Mitchell
August 7, 2014