Reversal

Last night the Orange Co. Planning Commission reversed its approval of a special use permit for a Walmart Supercenter near the Wilderness Battlefield. Last month the commission had approved the plan on a 5-4 vote, but that meeting was deemed illegal because of a SNAFU concerning advertising of the public notice. Yesterday's meeting tied 4-4 (two commissioners were absent) which effectively means no approval or recommendation will be sent to the Board of Supervisors.

The Board of Supervisors seems, nevertheless, poised to approve the Walmart proposal since three of its five members have said they support it. But, there is still a chance to sway that vote as the supervisors will hold a public hearing on Monday, September 24.

More about the Planning Commission vote. Additional background info with links to help you get involved. Calling or emailing members of the Board of Supervisors may make a difference!