Appraisal ordered for Crow’s Nest

By RUTH FINCH
The Free Lance-Star

Date published: 9/22/2005

Stafford County’s supervisors are considering, among other options, condemning Crow’s Nest to spare the 4,000-acre peninsula between Accokeek and Potomac creeks from development.

The board voted unanimously last night to get one more up-to-date appraisal of the monetary value of Crow’s Nest, after a closed session to discuss the property.

Kandy Hilliard, the supervisor whose district includes Crow’s Nest, declined to discuss the condemnation suit or other measures the board is discussing in closed session regarding the peninsula.

But a condemnation suit cannot go forward without a more up-to-date appraisal, she said.

“We are considering all options,” she said. “We are really very serious about saving this property.”

Her motion for the new appraisal came after more than two hours of testimony from preservationists across the region on why Crow’s Nest should be spared from development.

A coalition of organizations has been urging preservation of Crow’s Nest for nearly two years, ever since the state’s plan to buy the peninsula for a state park fell through.

Last night, preservationists employed every method they could think of as they pleaded to the Board of Supervisors for Crow’s Nest to remain undeveloped. The peninsula is home to several species of rare plants and animals.

They put their message into a video. They shouted it and sang it at a rally. They threatened supervisors with consequences during the November election. They asked the supervisors, what would Jesus do.

“If we all agree that Crow’s Nest should be saved, why hasn’t it happened,” said David Croteau, a member of Save Crow’s Nest. “Who is running this county? How can one out-of-town corporation stop the will of the people and the will of this board?”

Supervisors asked the crowd to be patient.

“Don’t go away and think that just because we aren’t doing anything now tonight that nothing is being done,” said Supervisor Jack Cavalier. “Keep in mind that these are contract negotiations. They are very sensitive. But I remain optimistic that we can pull this out.”

Last night’s rally and speeches were meant as an 11th hour appeal to prevent development on the peninsula.

Preservationists want to turn it into a park, but the owner, K&M Properties of McLean, has plans to put 680 homes on the property.

The plans will be coming to the Planning Commission for final approval this fall, and the Planning Commission has no leeway to reject the plans if all the county’s requirements are met.

To reach RUTH FINCH: 540/735-1971 rfinch@freelancestar.com

Date published: 9/22/2005