The following text was sent out via email on October 12, 2022. Sign up for PEC email alerts →
Dear Supporter,
As reported in my last email, the Wilderness Crossing proposal continues to wind its way through the rezoning application process in Orange County.
Many of you attended the developer’s town hall on September 22 at Locust Grove Middle School. A large crowd of about 150 concerned residents was on hand to ask the developer’s representatives some tough questions (watch video recording).
One highlight was the developer’s comment that they have no knowledge of contaminants on site. This is surprising, given that the mercury contamination has been in local news headlines and discussed by both DEQ and the County, and further, the property’s eligibility for the Voluntary Remediation Program was noted at the Planning Commission’s public meeting on September 1. Another troubling comment from the developer was that data centers or distribution centers are being considered as possible uses in the proposed “economic opportunity zone,” which could require a transmission line extension down Rt. 3 or result in the addition of heavy truck traffic in the area.
In other news, according to County planning staff at the October 6 Planning Commission meeting, some revised proffers were received from the developer at the end of September and are currently under review by staff. So,it now looks like it may be November or later before the proposal comes up for a public hearing.
That being said, we hope you’ll stay engaged on the issue this month by attending our town hall on October 25:
Wilderness Crossing Town Hall
Locust Grove Middle School
6368 Flat Run Road, Locust Grove, Virginia 22508
October 25, 2022 @ 6 p.m.
For over 10 years, a coalition of historic preservation organizations, PEC, and the National Park Service has worked to raise awareness and concerns about threats to the Wilderness Battlefield. Recently, the Coalition’s efforts have focused on Wilderness Crossing, and now we are holding our own town hall on October 25 at 6 p.m., in the cafeteria of Locust Grove Middle School, 6368 Flat Run Road, Locust Grove, VA.
At this meeting, PEC and our partners will lay out the case against Wilderness Crossing and give you the information you need to make sure your voice is heard – starting now, and again in person once the issue comes before the Planning Commission and the Board of Supervisors. Please invite your Orange County neighbors, and I hope to see you there on the 25th!
So we can make sure we have enough seating and handouts, please RSVP to [email protected].
Event co-hosted by The Piedmont Environmental Council, Central Virginia Battlefields Trust, Friends of Wilderness Battlefield, Journey Through Hallowed Ground, Preservation Virginia, American Battlefield Trust, National Parks Conservation Association, and National Trust for Historic Preservation.
As always, more information can be found at pecva.org/wilderness-crossing. Please reach out if you have any questions.
Best,
Don McCown
Orange County Field Representative
[email protected]
(434) 977-2033 ext. 7047