Have Your Say About the Future of Bealeton!
The Mintbrook Comprehensive Plan Amendment proposal was considered by the Board of Supervisors at the May 14th meeting. Land Planner Frank Cox, of the Charlottesville based Cox Company, represented the developers, Bealeton Gateway, LLC. Mr. Cox gave a presentation of the conceptual site design. The drawings showed six residential neighborhoods, a town center, and extensive stormwater management ponds. Mr. Cox explained his client’s plans for the mixed-use project might include 700+ homes, recreational facilities, and a fire station.
Nine community members, including three CFFC members, made comments about the presentation and the proposal. Many of the speakers expressed grave concerns that what was shown in the presentation images is not what would actually be constructed. The documentation required for a Comprehensive Plan Amendment proposal is vague and not binding. One speaker called the conceptual plans a “bait and switch”. Other speakers had issues with the extreme impacts shown to Bowen’s Run, which bisects the property from north to south. Several residents of the adjacent Meadowbrook community spoke about the scale and density of the proposal. Calling the plan “Reston in Bealeton”, one neighbor asked the Board not to allow the night sky to be hidden by all the new lights that this proposal would add to the area.
The Board echoed many of the sentiments expressed by the public. Chester Stribling (Lee District) questioned the honesty of the proposal and assured those in attendance that the Board will do right by the citizens. Ray Graham (Cedar Run) had concerns about the proposal’s impacts on schools and stressed the importance that the proposed commercial development be timed to offset the costs to the county of the residential development. Peter Schwartz (Marshall District) said that he would not approve just a pretty picture. The plan would have to be translated into enforceable rules to earn his support for the proposal. Holder Trumbo (Scott District) stated his discomfort with “blind” comprehensive plan amendments. Terry Nyhous (Center District) had no comment.
The public hearing is open for 90 days. This is your opportunity to be heard on the future of this significant parcel in the Bealeton Service District. Call or write your supervisor with your comments as soon as possible. The density, scale, and environmental impacts of this proposal are not in the best interest of Bealeton or the County as a whole. Make sure your supervisor knows what you think!
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