Public waits to see if supervisors will do the right thing

Date published: 10/3/2002

I attended the informational meeting several weeks ago on the Mullins Farm rezoning, and have been following the many letters and articles in your paper. Some excellent points have been made; however, a few important factors have been missed.

(1) Was anyone offended that Ray Smith, the developer, spent a good portion of his presentation explaining the Battle of Chancellorsville? To my knowledge, he has no credentials in this area, though he did tell us several times that he had read four books. If one were to believe him, one would think that the battle occurred on only 35 acres (which he plans to make into a park).

(2) Several people have stated that Mr. Mullins has the right to develop his land. This is correct--he already has been granted rezoning from the current farmland to 250 homes and 55 acres of commercial business. The issue at hand is revising the initial request, increasing it to 2,300 homes and many more businesses, including three hotels and a convention center.

(3) The developer has offered to donate land for schools, and fire and rescue stations. This is only a small portion of the total sum of equipment, buildings and personnel required for these much-needed services, and will cost the developer a pittance. The county is left with the majority of expenses to provide these services.

(4) Many editorials and letters have made mention of the stress this huge development will put on county and statewide infrastructure and services, not to mention the added load to the taxpayers. These are important issues that have yet to be resolved by the county, and should not be glossed over. This rezoning will impact the life of every resident and taxpayer in this county. Taxpayers--wake up!

The entire country is watching our Board of Supervisors. Wouldn't it be refreshing to have them step up to the plate, do the right thing, and say no?

Ellen Crum

Spotsylvania

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Date published: 10/3/2002