NK truck stop owners look to relocate, not expand

Owners of a controversial truck stop, located just south of the Interstate 64/Route 106 Talleysville interchange in New Kent County, are promising to not expand the facility and to explore relocating further east on the interstate.

Jack Wilson, an attorney for Pilot Travel Center, advised county Planning Commission members during their June 16 meeting that his clients aim to iron out concerns county officials may have about the truck stop.

“We want to bring the facility into compliance with the [county] zoning ordinance, and we have been working with New Kent staff to do this,” he told the commission.

Wilson said plans are to file a conditional use permit application so that the Talleysville site can be brought up to par with other Pilot travel centers. The company owns 270 travel centers in 40 states, he added.

“We’re looking at ways to prevent trucks from staying there for long periods,” he said. “A new, updated scale should help since the scale there now is part of the problem.”

Wilson said Pilot does not own the existing truck weighing scale, but the company plans to install a more efficient system. Plans, however, do not include expanding the overall facility.

“We’ll make sure services are limited to fueling trucks and cars and fast food,” he said.

“There will be no service facilities for trucks or massage parlors and no more than 30 parking spaces for tractor-trailers,” he said. “We will also work with the sheriff’s department on a security plan for the site.”

Wilson said Pilot is exploring a new site for its travel center further east on I-64, possibly at the Route 33/West Point interchange.

“Particularly if a barge port comes in,” he added.

But county officials have noted that even if approved, opening a barge port off Route 33 on the Pamunkey River is at least 10 years away. For now, a feasibility study for a barge port is only in the preliminary stages. Pilot officials, meanwhile, have not approached the county concerning a new site.

Wilson said the company expects to file for a county permit to cover the next six years at its present location.

“By then, we’ll probably look at a new location,” he added.

Pilot’s plans, however, appeared to strike a favorable note with at least one commission member.

“I like what you have to say about moving it,” commission member Jack Chalmers told Wilson. “The truck [parking] limit is still a problem. Trucks are parking on 106 and where they’re not supposed to.”

Wilson responded, “Pilot’s desire is to work with the county and develop a site that reflects the community.”