Accomack County Planning Commission votes to rezone Darby Farm

The Accomack County Planning Commission has voted unanimously to recommend rezoning nearly 370 acres of farmland in Assawoman for industrial use tied to Virginia Space.

The Virginia Spaceport Authority wass seeking to rezone part of the Darby Farm property from agricultural to industrial, paving the way for aerospace manufacturing and assembly operations supporting the Wallops Island launch complex.

The proposal included proffers requiring annual emergency training for local fire and rescue crews, limits on how the land can be used, and a future subdivision of the property.

One resident spoke in favor of the project, citing its potential for space tourism. While officials discussed possible rocket engine test firings, Virginia Space says those would occur on Wallops Island, except as a last resort.