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AN interesting debate has shaped up in neighboring Fauquier County, and how it is resolved could affect the future of that county’s still viable agricultural industry. Officials and citizens in Rappahannock would do well to pay attention; how Fauquier handles its problem could have a devastating effect on Rappahannock, as well.
The issue, brought to a head by a recent vote of a threemember majority of the Fauquier Planning Commission, concerns the “compatibility” of farms and subdivisions—of cows and cottages. A majority of the commission voted to deny a preliminary plat which they think violates the policy goals and stated intentions of the county’s Master Plan, an important one being the enhancement of an existing rural, agricultural economy.
When the specific subdivis - ion application was sent to a public hearing, a number of farmers in the agricultural neighborhood which would have been affected complained that they foresaw nothing but trouble by having such a housing project plunked down in their midst. There is a great deal of evidence that their fears are justified.
Loudoun farmers around Hamilton—which, incidentally is situated in what some geologists say is the most fertile strip of farmland on the entire East Coast—recall how new townhouse and tract residents raised a howl when neighboring fields were “dressed” with fresh manure. And farmers in Prince Will
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