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“Weve got to allow for natural growth from the residents of this county,” he insisted, saying that a 2.8 percent growth rate is necessary “to sustain a society.” If Rappahannock doesn’t permit residents to divide property for their children, then in 20 or 30 years, “you’re not going to recognize half the names in this county,” he told the Planning Commsisioners, adding that the newcomers also won’t recognize the names Massie, Fannon and Fletcher. In order to have a 2.8 percent natural growth rate, the provision for family subdivisions must be liberalized, Col. Bingham insisted, “and if you don’t want to rewrite it, I’ll be glad to rewrite it for you,” he said, adding that he has a friend, “someone from the National Security Council,” who will help him.
As to the potential for abusing the family transfer exception to density requirements, those who use the provision to subdivide land for sale will be “no different from the big landowners who are selling land for $2,000 or $3,000 an acre while they’re being taxed at $250 an acre (through the use value assessment program),” Col. Bingham maintained. “It tears me up to see people (who must apply for a special exception) humbled and humilated because they only have two acres,” he said, calling for lot size for family transfers to be limited only by Health Department requirements. If such a change isn’t forthcoming, “if I don’t see a little more equity in the system, I will fight for a change in the form of government in this county,” Col. Bingham warned, adding “Gentlemen, I honestly feel you are in violation of the Constitution.
“I love Rappahannock County. I don’t want to see it over-populated,” the Jackson District representative concluded. “But if you allow for natural growth, that precludes rapid development.”
No reason for planning
If Col. Bingham’s recommendations are accepted and blanket approval for family transfers given with the only limitation being a
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