Save the Mullins Farm and save Spotsylvania

Date published: 11/21/2002

I am writing as a concerned citizen of Spotsylvania to urge my fellow residents to call and write their elected officials and oppose the proposed rezoning of the Mullins farm.

This pristine parcel of land is privately owned, but is actually part of the Chancellorsville Battlefield off State Route 3. The proposal calls for rezoning that would allow for massive development of this land. This would entail the creation of a small city, similar to that of Reston Town Center, right in the middle of the already congested Route 3 corridor.

Not only is development of this land a tragic loss of our nation's legacy, it's not even cost-effective. The price tag to taxpayers could be millions. This would be the penalty for shortfalls that often occur with development of this nature, i.e., required roads, schools, fire/safety personnel and health-care facilities.

Developers often promise to cover at least some of the costs, but we know from experience this seldom happens. Woodbridge is a prime example of this shortfall.

The developers need to start taking responsibility for their actions, and I will not stand by and let this atrocity to occur in my own back yard. If the rezoning does occur, there will be trouble ahead.

A good example for a viable solution could be to look to the Meadowood Farm acquisition in Fairfax County. The federal government purchased that land as parkland and swapped land in exchange (the Lorton prison property). The property was saved, which was quite a blessing for the entire community.

I have sent letters to the county Board of Supervisors and Planning Commission to get the message across, but they are already leaning toward allowing this rezoning. Save our county!

Deborah Kenney

Spotsylvania

Date published: 11/21/2002