AUGUSTA COUNTY, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – The spot where the Blue Ridge Parkway meets Skyline Drive used to be a popular tourist destination that drew the locals, as well. But the hotel, restaurant and other attractions that once stood proudly atop Afton Moutain became a dilapidated eyesore over the years. When owner James F. “Phil” Dulaney passed away in July of 2023, many wondered if his family may decide to sell the property to developers and let it return to its glory.
On May 13, 2024, Augusta County posted notice of a grant application:
As part of a grant application process, staff will present information on a grant application for master planning of the Afton Mountain property at the next regular Board of Supervisors meeting on Wednesday, May 22, 2024, at 7pm in the boardroom at the Government Center in Verona.
Staff is applying for a Virginia Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) grant in partnership with the property owners. The CDBG grant would be for master planning services to establish a vision for the future redevelopment of the property.
Dulaney owned hundreds of acres on Afton Mountain, but the master plan would include only the property where business bustled, not adjoining forested land. Nor would it look at the future of Swannanoa Palace, which sits in Nelson County.
Additional information on the application and what it seeks will be included in the Augusta County Board of Supervisors’ May 22 meeting agenda, which will be posted here no later than Friday, May 17.
