A developer is proposing to build upscale houses along a 10 mile section of the rim of the New River Gorge. The 4300 acre development would impact vistas in the gorge and would forever change the character of this beautiful national treasure. The development requires a zoning change by the Fayette County Planning Commission and approval of the County Commissioners in order to move forward. The Planning Commission and County Commissioners can stop this project dead – but can also usher it forward. At least one Commissioner has already publicly supported the development.
The matter will come before the Fayette County Planning Commission at 3 p.m. Feb. 22 in the county commission room.
The National Park Service is taking a strong stand against this development – a large portion of which lies within the NPS boundaries on a private in-holding. Please read the NPS press release for additional information: http://www.nps.gov/neri/news_020405.htm. The development is also adjacent to Babcock State Park, through which Manns Creek flows.
View a map of the development: Map of Proposed Development
Help Stop the Development!
Persons who wish to comment on the developer’s proposal have these options:
1. Attend the Public Hearing on Feb.22, 2005 at 3:00pm, held by the Fayette County Planning Commission, in the Fayette County courthouse in downtown Fayetteville, WV. Persons wishing to speak at the hearing must sign-in before the hearing starts. The Planning Commission will then forward a recommendation on the re-zoning request to the Fayette County Commissioners, who will meet at 10:00am on Feb. 25, 2005 in the Fayette County Courthouse to rule on the re-zoning request.
2. Submit Written Comments Today to the Fayette County Planning Commission, Fayette County Courthouse, PO Box 307, Fayetteville, WV 25840. The hearing is Tuesday, February 22nd, so get those comments in the mail ASAP!
State that you strongly oppose the proposal by Land Resource Company proposal to construct a housing development called the Roaring River Development overlooking the New River Gorge, for which LRC is asking that about 4,300 acres of land owned by Rush Creek Land Company be changed in zoning from rural residential and land conservation to planned unit development. Let the Commissioners know that you travel to Fayette County to paddle and enjoy the scenery and that development along the river will impact your experience, and that you will be less likely to recreate in their county if this development occurs.