Most vocal supporters of Dogwood plan don't even live here

Date published: 11/20/2002

Everyone is entitled to their views regarding the proposed Chancellorsville project and The Free Lance-Star is an excellent source for sharing voices on this all-important matter.

I fervently oppose this new town, and the letters to the editor I find most outrageous are the ones that support this massive development written by those who do not reside within Spotsylvania County.

Recent letters came from Doswell and Dunsville ["Dogwood development project would boost history," and "Plan will honor those who fought," Nov. 4], two locations which are approximately 45 minutes to an hour's drive from the Chancellorsville battlefield.

Glancing at a map, I do not believe either of these authors would be adversely affected from the oodles of construction possibly replacing this piece of historic, beautiful, rolling, countryside.

One of these same writers even had the audacity to complain that Chancellorsville battlefield was difficult to locate and further implied that Dogwood Development's proposed town would solve this "hassle" and inconvenience for tourists. Was it a hassle for men to bravely lose their lives on this land in 1863?

An even better example came from Washington, D.C. This letter declared 100 percent support for the new Chancellorsville ["Town of Chancellorsville would be a fine legacy," Nov. 5].

Yes, it would be a legacy all right: overly congested roads, higher taxes and more money than Ray Smith, the town's developer, could possibly know what to do with in a lifetime, all at Spotsylvania's expense.

Finally, a letter from Lynchburg, ["Battlefield can be saved in Chancellorsville," Nov. 5], asked for endorsement of this project out of concern for Spotsylvania's current encroaching housing development.

I had no earthly idea that putting 1,995 homes on this hallowed stretch of land would alleviate this problem but it sure seems like one heck of a creative and far-fetched solution to me.

Never, in my entire 25 years of living in this history-rich area, have I read a batch of letters so ludicrous in backing a plan which would not impact these writers' quality of life.

Deanna L. Budzynski

Spotsylvania

Date published: 11/20/2002