The Land Resources Corporation has brought their proposed massive development back to Fayette County officials for approval – with significant modifications. The LRC’s previous proposal to build 2200 homes on and near the rim of the New River Gorge drew intense opposition from paddlers and many other river enthusiasts from across the country. Now, the LRC has modified their proposal to meet some of the public concerns raised. The new proposal for the development promises to not develop the lands within the National Park boundaries, to avoid the gorge rim and ridgetops to some extent, and to maintain their commitment to protecting water quality.
These elements of the revised proposal would meet most of the interests raised by AW in our comments on the past version of the proposal, however these elements will not necessarily remain in the design of the development without strong support from the public. We ask that paddlers maintain their voice in this issue by attending two upcoming meetings and calling local decision makers. These opportunities are as follows.
Monday, August 22nd, 3pm: The Fayette County Planning Commission will meet at the Memorial Building in Fayetteville regarding the new proposal, and decide upon what recommendations they will make to the County Commissioners regarding this issue.
Thursday, August 26th, 11am: The Fayette County Commissioners will meet and make a decision on whether to allow the development to go forward as planned, based in part on the recommendation of the Planning Commission.
The three county commissioners are: mat wender, ken eskew, john lopez. They can be contacted through the Fayette county courthouse:
County Commissioner Matt Wender
Fayette county courthouse
P.O. Box 307
Fayetteville, wv 25840
The Planning Commission Members are:
Area Code 304 CALL MONDAY MORNING!
Gene Kistler 574-2577 (work) 574-2021
Charles Dummitt 574-1000
Guy Dooley 658-4415
Wanda Dickinson W-465-8221 C-673-4709 H-465-6198
Gary Harding 575-0056
Norville Ellison 877-2157
Jesse Bibb 228-7498 (cell) 469-9510
Dianna Smallwood 574-1176 ext. 2165
Al Gannon 237- 6358 (cellular) 469-4642
Pat Day 469-3634
Doug Maddy 640-0303 252-2244
Debbie Sizemore 256-2163 (office)
Leon Coope 640-7000 (cellular) 574-1358
Ask the County Officials to assure that:
- No construction takes place in the National Park Boundaries
- No construction takes place on the gorge rim or in locations visible from the river or public overlooks.
- Water quality is protected
- Public access to existing recreational resources is maintained
Thanks to everyone who helped protect the New River Gorge earlier this year – your calls, letters, and attendence at meetings worked!