Editor, Gazette-Journal:

Progressive localities have well-established “home business” restrictions in their rural or residential districts, but the Mathews Board of Supervisors is muddling through two applications that test their vision for Mathews. A new resident just moved a hauling business from Gloucester, disturbed nearby residential neighbors, and wants to label his activities as an uncanny version of “home occupation.” All this, without a single permit in hand.

With fines levied and paid, the Applicant now seeks the county’s assistance to stretch the definition of home occupation (by zoning amendment) and get a conditional use permit for his operation in the county’s Rural District. If approved, this permit will generate a tsunami of incompatible “home occupation” applications across Mathews. Many will be coming to your neighborhood soon.

Most astute decision-makers would send the Applicant packing … to the nearest Indust...