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August 16, 2005
New River Gorge Housing Development News
Schuyler Crane (RIP), from DC, at Heuco Tanks. Fayetteville, WV- Land Resource Company of Atlanta has renewed its application to rezone 4300 acres near the New River Gorge, as reported here at WVNS news on July 28, 2005. Last February the rezoning application was withdrawn amidst large public outcry.
When withdrawing the original application, a realtor for LRC named Scott Barfield said the firm planned to file a revised application that will eliminate a 613-acre tract owned by Rush Creek Land Co. within the boundaries of the New River Gorge National River.
At this time I'm working to find out if that is indeed the case with the new application, stand by for updates.
Economic Study Shows 10,000 jobs will be created:
Here's a column related to the economic impacts of tourism and travel, and the development in question is mentioned. Dr. Tom S. Witt is a professor of economics and director of the West Virginia University Bureau of Business and Economic Research, whose study shows that the development will generate 10,000 jobs in Fayette County during the construction phase, and that there will be an increase of nearly $5.8 million in property taxes paid to Fayette County.
Now, the climbing, whitewater, and environmental communities are generally opposed to the development, citing the unique natural resources offered in the area. I believe some sympathy toward the generally depressed economic nature of the area is necessary. I know many climbers live in cosmopolitan cities within driving distance of Fayetteville. In places like DC We've enjoyed the boom in housing, technology, and construction. I'd hate to see Fayetteville change, I'd hate to see any part of the Gorge degraded. But I can't blame Fayette County residents if they approve the development.
Posted by WiredNut at August 16, 2005 07:35 PM
Comments
I would agree that some development is acceptable but a good degree of planning should be involved to ensure the proper balance of development and conservation is found to preserve the gorge.
Interesting paradox: beautiful place, people come, people destroy beautiful place, people leave. Long term residents are no better off than before, and now they have forfeited the beautiful natural setting they had in the beginning.
Posted by: tj at August 17, 2005 10:34 AM
The thought of some day looking out across the new river gorge and seeing 75 homes along the rim make me ill.
Here is the latest on development at the NRG.
Lawsuit filed to block annexation of land near gorge
August 20, 2005 5:00 AM
FAYETTEVILLE, W.Va.
The National Parks Conservation Association and a Fayetteville resident have filed a lawsuit to block the Fayette County Commission from approving Fayetteville's annexation of a proposed housing development on the rim of the New River Gorge.
The lawsuit was filed yesterday in Fayette County Circuit Court by the association and Maude Brunstetter, who is active in historic preservation issues.
The town of Fayetteville last week asked the county commission to approve its annexation of more than a thousand acres where Gary Driggs wants to build more than 500 homes. Driggs has said about 15 percent of the homes would have a view of the New River, but the rest would be built near state Route 16.
Lawyer Thomas R- Michael attended the commission meeting and said the annexation was a "backdoor" way to get the development going without following the county's zoning laws. Michael represents the conservation association and filed yesterday's lawsuit.
Information from: The Charleston Gazette, http://www.wvgazette.com
Posted by: Derek at August 20, 2005 06:23 AM
I have lived near the gorge my entire life, it's practically in my back yard. The thought of looking out onto the beautiful NATURAL landscape of those mountains and seeing houses is enough to enrage me. How is it possibly a good thing to destroy such natural and historic beauty? Yes this project would create jobs.. but only temporary ones. Think about the future and how having houses destroy the natural scenery of the gorge will effect our tourism!
Posted by: Anonymous at January 18, 2006 07:39 PM
TJ, you can pick up a PUKE BAG up at the NPS Canyon Rim Visitors Center,then walk out to their overlook and look across the river soon and make use of the Bag.
Posted by: JIm at March 17, 2006 06:19 PM