# Smyth County Planning Commission & Joint Public Hearing 10.22.26

The Smyth County Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors held a joint public hearing on zoning matters, advertised for October 22, 2026 (the meeting metadata lists October 23). Laurel Creek Energy Storage 2 LLC requested a special use permit for a battery energy storage facility near the Broadford substation. The applicant described a roughly 20-acre, 375-megawatt project, separate from the previously approved 250-megawatt facility, and discussed grid reliability, safety and emergency-response planning, recycling, and decommissioning. The county representative recommended carrying forward the 30 conditions imposed on the earlier project, with a proposed change to the construction-start deadline. The applicant said it was awaiting PJM study results, expected more schedule information in January 2027, and estimated a 12–18-month construction period once work begins. No permit vote or award was recorded; the Board closed its portion of the hearing and adjourned while the Planning Commission proceeded to deliberate. No contract or purchasing decision was identified.

The hearing also covered Donald and Ellen Roberts’ request to rezone approximately 2.75 acres on Lee Highway in Atkins to Agriculture Rural so they could build a home. Public comments were heard on both applications. No decision on that rezoning request was recorded in the transcript.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Industries:** Energy & Utilities, Construction & Infrastructure
**Topics:** Physical Infrastructure
**Published:** October 23, 2026

### Sources
- [Smyth County Planning Commission & Joint Public Hearing 10.22.26](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3h8K5hyjxPg) - Smyth County