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At the August 4 meeting of the Rappahannock Supervisors, C. L. Goode’s rezoning for a proposed Flint Hill subdivision will come up for action. We’d like to be able to speak out unequivocably on the issue but we have problems seeing the proper course for the Supervisors to follow. Accusations of fence straddling have been tossed ohr way and we’re probably guilty. We’d like to see legal grounds for denying the rezoning application. Were just not sure that they exist.
We want farm land preserved and we’re committed to the safeguarding of Rappahannock’s rural character. We realize subdivision development invariably means greater demands placed on schools, fire and police protection, roads and trash disposal—demands that just as invariably result in higher taxes. And higher taxes mean the disappearance of more land from agricultural use tolling the death knell of Rappahannock County as we know it.
Proponents of Goode’s development point to the need for additional housing to stop the exodus of young people from the county. It’s a valid argument until one realizes that Goode’s houses will fall near the $80,000 bracket, well out of the reach of most young families. The buyers of Mountain Slopes homes will not be Rappahannock natives. Instead, they will be part of the influx from suburbia.
But, the man has followed all the rules and regulations for five-acre lot subdivisions allowed by Rappahannock’s zoning and subdivision ordinances and it appears that he’s been given the runaround by county government. It may be true that it’s not the county’s responsibility to lead developers by the hand but when the Planhtng Commissioners themselves aren’t sure of the sequence of procedure in subdivision approval, then it’s unreasonable to expect the subdivider to be an expert. After all, the Planners wrote the ordinances.
Goode’s subdivision also may exceed slope requirements on part of his 70acre tract, depending on how county ordinances are interpreted. However, this would only mean that he will possibly have to settle for 10 lots instead of the 14 he now plans.
Our big problem with supporting a vote to deny the rezoning lies with the precedent established last year in action to rezone four times as much acreage for the Lindgren-Massie subdivision.
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