Preserving Paxson-Airmont: A Rural Community at Risk

By Larry Campbell, Vice President on behalf of Friends of Paxson-Airmont, a 501(c)(3) Charitable organization

Western Loudoun County—including the Paxson-Airmont community—is one of Virginia’s most valued rural landscapes. It is defined by open pastures, historic farmsteads, stone walls, and a way of life shaped by conservation and responsible land stewardship. That character is now at risk.

JK Land Holdings, LLC in combination with The JK Community Farm, a nonprofit known for donating produce to food-insecure families, is seeking Loudoun County’s approval for a Minor Special Exception to build a large banquet/event center on land protected by a conservation easement. The proposed facility would accommodate over 200 guests, include parking for 100 vehicles, and route all traffic through a narrow gravel road serving the surrounding residential and agricultural community.

This is not simply a matter of scale. The proposed development is sited on land protected by a permanent conservation easement held by the Land Trust of Virginia. That easement was created to safeguard agricultural use, preserve open space, and prohibit commercial development inconsistent with rural conservation values.

In its submission to the County, JK Land Holdings offered the following justification:

“The minor special exception use is anticipated to help generate revenue to offset the increased cost of farm operations and food production …The ability to host private events such as corporate functions and weddings will also offer opportunities for those that acknowledge the importance of feeding others to hold their events in a location that respects the rural area and contributes to a life-sustaining cause.”

This rationale raises three core concerns:

1. Conflicts with Charitable Principles

Charities should not rely on commercial ventures that negatively impact local communities. The JK Community Farm’s mission is commendable, but a fundraising strategy that harms neighbors, increases traffic and noise, and alters the land’s intended use undercuts the public good it claims to serve. A charitable mission does not justify imposing costs on others. Public benefit should not be pursued through private harm.

2. Undermines Public Trust and Legal Privileges

Nonprofits receive special tax treatment and public support based on the expectation that they operate in service of the common good. If those privileges are used to pursue commercial activities that disrupt communities or violate land-use restrictions, the result is a loss of public confidence. Charities must be transparent and accountable—not acting as commercial businesses operating under a nonprofit banner.

3. Erodes Local Planning and Community Standards

Local zoning laws and land-use plans are in place to protect the character, environment, and safety of rural communities. When a nonprofit seeks to bypass these protections, it sets a precedent that charitable intent can override community norms. A good cause cannot excuse harmful actions. A development that violates conservation protections, disrupts rural life, or strains infrastructure is not justified by its fundraising potential.

As neighbors and stewards of this community, we are concerned that this project violates both the letter and the spirit of the conservation easement. If approved, it will permanently alter the rural character of the Paxson-Airmont community.

We call on the Land Trust of Virginia to uphold the easement and protect the public interest. We also ask Loudoun County officials and fellow residents to recognize the long-term consequences of this proposed development: once rural land is converted to commercial use, it rarely returns to its original purpose.

What we need now is responsible stewardship, thoughtful planning, and the collective will to protect the land for future generations.

Please visit https://paxsonairmont.org to learn more and join our effort.