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!

Take Six

There is a bit of a lull in the Wilderness Battlefield - Walmart controversy because of a SNAFU in notice about the public hearing. Now there is a proposal by preservationists for a study to search for alternative sites. Some on the Orange County Board of Supervisors are resisting. But, the study would be funded by private money, not tax dollars, and would only take six months.

Six months seems like a reasonable time to take a second look before consigning a piece of American history to the bulldozer, bricks, and shopping carts. Let the Orange County Board of Supervisors know what you think - tell them to "Take Six."

Forward, march....

Monday, Monday

This promises to be a busy Monday evening. Capturing the Valley headlines is the GOP forum and a decision, perhaps tonight, to nominate a replacement candidate for Chris Saxman who surprised all by quitting the race in the dog days of summer. There is speculation all over the place, including here, of which candidate the local party chairs will pick behind closed doors. One thing is sure, whoever is picked won't please everyone. While the 20th leans R, a split in the GOP will give the Democrat, Erik Curren, an unexpected opening and make this a very interesting contest.

Another meeting in Staunton this evening may start the discussion about the fate of the annual July 4 celebration. Back in the day, it was called Happy Birthday USA and the Statler Brothers performed along with other national names, bringing in tens of thousands of fans and lots of dollars for charities and other local causes. The parade and daylong activities continued even after the Statlers stopped performing. But, the costs of the event are rising and Staunton City Council has cut funds for next year.

Across the mountain, the Orange County Board of Supervisors will take up Walmart's invasion of the Wilderness Battlefield at a forum tonight. It isn't to late to register your views. This may be a local decision but the ramifications go far beyond and will affect Virginia tourism and our heritage.

Save the Wilderness Battlefield

Do you believe a Walmart Supercenter belongs within sight of both the Wilderness Battlefield? Do you want to see the historical significance of this irreplaceable battlefield marred forever by more pavement, more traffic and more development that a Walmart Supercenter will bring in its wake?

In spite of being offered an alternate site and in spite of Governor Tim Kaine and Speaker of the House Bill Howell urging the Orange County Board of Supervisors to reconsider, Walmart is still pursuing this location next to the Wilderness Battlefield.

If your answer is Hell No! visit the Civil War Preservation Trust to learn the facts, to send a message to the Orange County Board of Supervisors, and to find out what more you can do. Time is short. The Orange County supervisors will make a decision in just a few weeks.

Not in Virginia's Backyard

A couple of breaking stories remind us of what is special about Virginia heritage and environment. 

Orange County  Actor Robert Duvall, a descendent of General Robert E. Lee, invaded Orange County to deliver a simple message to Walmart - not here, not on this sacred land. The mass retailer wants to build a "Supercenter" about a mile from the Wilderness Battlefield. Lee and General Ulysses S. Grant fought a bloody battle 145 years ago at the site. Over 250 historians, including filmmaker Ken Burns and David McCullough, have joined the effort to block the Wal-Mart project so close to a important piece of Virginia and American history. 

Orange County planners will have a public hearing on May 21. The final decision rests with the Board of Supervisors. Contact them a urge them to say NO to Walmart at this location. Learn more at NO WILDERNESS WALMART.

Duvall spoke from the porch of Ellwood Manor. A photo of our July of 2006 visit. The former plantation has been partially renovated.

This monument is a short distance from Ellwood Manor. More info.

Augusta County  Arthur J. Fisher has been finded $145,000 by the State Water Control Board for destroying a rare Virginia wetlands. Quarles Pond, near Stuarts Draft, is the largest sinkhole pond in the Shenandoah Valley and it believed to be 15,000 years old. It supported a number of rare insects and plants. The fine is the largest wetlands penalty imposed in the state. In 2003, Mr. Fisher had been notified he would need a permit for any construction disturbing the wetlands. In addition to the fine, the consent order requires he restore the wetlands and will be subject to monitoring for 10 years.

Some things are precious and need to be preserved even if private landowners are inconvenienced and cannot use their land as they may desire. Yes, at times private property rights must give way to the greater good for our generation and the next.