Smith deserves praise, not condemnation, for his plan

Date published: 9/17/2002

I have been reading with interest the letters concerning the matter of building a new community in the Chancellorsville area on 800 acres. I have noticed that many of the letters come from people from out of the area, who seem to be encouraged to write by some advocacy group. Many of the letters have false information about the area.

It occurs to me that the project proposed by Ray Smith does several commendable things. One, it provides good planning for the county, consistent with the county's planning guidelines. Two, he has made some proffers to assist in several community needs. Three, he will be taking several years to develop the total package, so that the county can assimilate the residents who will be moving in.

Much of the county indicates little planning. It might be called urban sprawl. It is better to use good planning, which Ray Smith's project exemplifies. I trust the county will give support to this good planning, as it has already in the Lee's Hill plan and others.

As far as whether or not this land should be set aside for additional historical park land, I believe it should be noted that we have approximately 8,900 acres already set aside for remembering the Civil War.

Mr. Smith, as I understand it, has indicated he is willing to proffer some land for additional Civil War remembrances. We can best celebrate the heritage of our nation by continuing to develop a progressive plan for the future. We have a great amount of land set aside to perpetuate the memory of the Civil War in this area. Can't we get along with that amount, in general?

And why not commend people like Mr. Smith, who come up with great plans consistent with the already adopted planning process developed by our county officials?

Robert Regan Jr.

Locust Grove

Date published: 9/17/2002