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By JON HEDDLESTON
nppahannock Newa Staff Writer
Rappahannock’s proposed zoning
ordinance met torrents of protest Au-1 gust 15 during a public hearing before | the Planning Commission.
Originally scheduled at the courthouse, the hearing was moved to the elementary school. More than 300 people jammed the muggy gymnasium where seating was at a premium; many people sat on the floor or stood lining the walls.
“This ordinance is a draft,” Richard “Dick” McNear, consultant to the Planning Commission, explained during opening remarks. “The purpose is to get citizens’ comments, review, and perhaps hold another meeting.”
Citizens virtually guaranteed more public hearings in the four hours that Allowed McNear’s overview explanation of the proposed zoning ordinance. Forty-four people marched to the microphone during the public hearing; seven spoke twice.
They aired a long list of concerns, among them:
Special-use permits for churches. Several speakers said they believed the requirement of a specialuse permit to construct or expand churches was in violation of their constitutional rights of freedom of religion.
McNear explained the purpose of requiring special-use permits for churches and schools. He said the special use was an effort to ensure protection of neighbors from other than “standard” Christian religions.
“Special-use permits for churches have long been decided,” McNear said. “They cannot be denied unless the county has a very good reason.”
“Why do you feel the county wouldn’t be safe if you just left the pub
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