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Wal-Mart attorney Tom Kleine, fifth from left, and members of his team listen to public comment on an application for a special-use permit to build a Supercenter near the Wilderness battlefield park in Orange County.
Orange County Planning Commission Chairman Will Likins (center) and other commission members listen to public comment on a proposal to build |
A public hearing last night on a proposal to build a Wal-Mart Supercenter near the Wilderness Battlefield park drew a big crowd, but little noise and no vote.
About 200 people turned out for the Orange County Planning Commission hearing on a special-use permit to build the Supercenter off State Route 3. A total of 73 people spoke, with opponents outnumbering supporters about 2-to-1.
Almost all of the foes said they do not oppose a Wal-Mart store in the county but think the proposed location would negatively affect the Civil War battlefield.
Supporters said the county needs the shopping, jobs and tax revenue the retail center would bring.
The audience sat quietly while Wal-Mart attorney Tom Kleine presented the retail giant's plan for a 138,000-square-foot Supercenter on 19.5 acres north of the intersection of State Routes 3 and 20.
The application also calls for three other parcels with a total of 98,750 square feet of retail, service and restaurant space on 14.5 acres.
The crowd also remained silent as speakers came forward to voice opinions on the proposal. About three-quarters of the crowd had drifted away by 10:30 p.m.
The county's staff has recommended approval of the permit application, but planning commissioners recessed around 11:10 p.m. without taking a vote.
"We've been thinking about this for over a year," said Planning Commission member Bill Speiden. "We need to consider all the information before us."
The commission agreed to meet June 11 to discuss the permit further. Its recommendation goes to the Board of Supervisors for a final decision.
Robin Knepper: 540/972-5701
Email: rknepper@earthlink.net
JDC Ventures is seeking a special-use permit to build a 138,000-square-foot Wal-Mart Supercenter on 19.5 acres north of the intersection of State Routes 3 and 20. The application also covers three other parcels with a total of 98,750 square feet of retail, service and restaurant space on 14.5 acres. The balance of the 51.6- acre property is largely in a flood plain and not proposed for development. Preservationists say a Supercenter and its traffic would destroy the ambiance of the nearby Civil War battlefield park. Supporters note that the land has long been zoned commercial and that the area is already the site of a Sheetz and other retail stores. |
