By daphne McCullough

By daphne McCullough

Arundel Newspaper Writer The Rappahannock Board of Zoning Appeals adjourned Thursday, January 12, a few minutes before midnight, without ruling on the Rappahannock Ski Area’s application to reopen as a year-round recreation centr. After five hours, Chairman Josef Gardiner called a halt, assuring, the audience that BZA members would study “all the testimony” before reaching a decision at an unspecified future date.

Gardiner explained later that the BZA would not meet again on the matter. Instead, the BZA would be polled for their vote and the result announced to the Clerk of the Court.

The little courthouse was bursting at its seams when Gardiner brought the public hearing to order. Almost 200 spectators packed the building.

Much of the testimony given during the five-hour meeting was repetitive. Opponents of the ski area's application again addressed potential environmental damage, traffic problems and increased demand for fire, rescue, police and road maintenance services. Those in favor of granting the request claimed it would mean more jobs, tax revenue and recreation opportunities without increasing the demand for county services.

Although very little new information was added to the record, several important points were raised.

Next Step Or Last Step?

“Is this the next step or the last step?” asked Newbill Miller, toward the close of the evening, noting Moore had promised him in private conversation that all the current plans for the Harris Hollow operation would be made public. Specifically, Miller asked Moore if his future proposals for the property included condominiums.

‘‘One day,” Moore answered, he’d like to see a “many structured, rustic" motel at the ski area. He maintained that his current commercial zoning allowed motels as a use permitted by right. However, he noted that the ski area management