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By TODD FORTUNE
Rappahannock News Staff Writer
At its regular monthly meeting on April 21, The Rappahannock County Planning Commission discussed a report presented to them from the Ad Hoc Committee on Mountainside Development, and the telecommunications/PCS tower issue.
In addition, they acted on three family apartment requests.
All members were present with the exception of Dr. Werner Krebser. Also absent was County Administrator John McCarthy.
Mountainside
development
A report submitted to the commission by the Ad Hoc Committee on Mountainside Development was the topic of a lengthy public discussion.
Committee members Don Audette and Pat Saltonstall were present to answer any questions from the public and the commission.
The committee, appointed by the Planning Commission last year, has five members: Audette, Saltonstall, Joe Oliver, Bob Dennis and Chris Parrish.
They have been meeting since December on the subject. The report addresses issues related to development of mountaintop and mountainside areas in Rappahannock County.
The committee is concerned that unrestrained development in forested areas and on the mountains would harm agriculture in the county.
The committee believes that such development would increase soil erosion and reduce the ability of the mountains to absorb rainfall and snow melt, thereby increasing the risk of flooding at lower elevations.
The committee also fears degradation of scenic values to the county, which would impact tourism.
In addition, building on mountains would cause a problem for fire and rescue vehicles because they would have to travel on steep and narrow roads to respond to an emergency.
See PLANNING, Page A8
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