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Planners endorse Williams Wharf Oyster request

The Mathews County Planning Commission voted Tuesday night to recommend that supervisors approve two applications for conditional use permits. The permits are expected to be taken up by supervisors at their next meeting, at 1 p.m. Tuesday in the historic courthouse.

An application by William “Billy” and Robin Hooper of Williams Wharf Oyster Company was approved on a 4-1 vote with conditions that were placed on the business subsequent to the public hearing held in October. Commission member Bill Whitley cast the lone dissenting vote.

The recommended conditions include removing a driveway and sorting deck the couple had installed without permits, limiting business activity other than indoor office work to only one parcel, and not storing oyster shells on the property.

One additional condition—that a planned hatchery be operated with no more than four employees—was expanded to allow eight employees during periods when product is being shipped. Employees of the o...

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