No subject

County's announcement about the project; a map of the preliminary site plan;
a list of key points outlining MRAC's specific concerns about this project;
alarming photos of the existing Faulconer Construction facility; letters we
have sent to our community and County leaders on this project; and steps you
can take to make a difference.

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** CONTACTS **

Since the May 25th meeting at Murray Elementary, the following individuals
have volunteered to be the organizing committee for the Morgantown Road
Action Committee (MRAC).  If you have any questions, please contact us and
we will put you in touch with person who can address your question or
concern.

Thomas Hutchinson
Representing property owners
(h) 434-295-8781
(w) 434-924-1723
<mailto:teh at virginia.edu>

Christopher Hyland
Representing property owners
<mailto:cdhyland at msn.com>

Phil Marx
Representing property owners and Murray Elementary
(h) 434-979-4919
<mailto:bmw at rlc.net>

Jack Taggart
Representing property owners
<mailto:jack.taggart at tremblaysmith.com>

Debbie Stockton
Representing property owners
<mailto:dlmagnolia at earthlink.net>

Brian Wheeler
Representing Murray Elementary
(h) 434-984-2233
(w) 434-951-7700
<mailto:bwheeler at albemarlematters.com>

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** Faulconer withdraws preliminary plan! **

Faulconer Construction withdrew their preliminary site plan shortly after
receiving feedback from the County's Site Review Committee on May 17, 2001.
This means Faulconer has no plan ready to go before the County Planning
Commission at its June 19, 2001 meeting.

In the meantime, MRAC committee members are pursuing information on all the
important facets of this project including:
* watershed/wetlands protection and well water safety issues;
* traffic and public safety issues;
* disturbance of forest and critical slopes on the site;
* Faulconer's environmental and safety record;
* engaging the County School Board to insist the safety of children at
Murray Elementary is a priority;
* protection of historic burial sites on property;
* organizing a meeting between MRAC and Faulconer;
* health department review of septic needs on site;
* analysis of other contractor sites in area and their property's zoning;
* review of light-industrial (LI) zoning and eligibility of Faulconer's
operation;
* coordination with other environmental organizations;
* and a review of plans for storing hazardous materials and explosives on
site.

Think we have left something out?  Please contact us with your suggestions.

The Albemarle Planning and Engineering Departments have already requested
Faulconer to revise its plans to eliminate the proposed lake, to insert
building setbacks of at least 100' from the two streams on the property, and
to eliminate critical slope disturbances.  This is going to severely
restrict the site's development.  However, we are still at the early stages
and we need to assess Faulconer's next plan when it is submitted.

We can't help but ask why on earth they would want to locate their
headquarters here in the first place.  The access to Route 250 is going to
be very difficult for these huge industrial trucks and it is not convenient
to I-64.  Further Route 250 is restricted by the low train bridge at Ivy.
But Faulconer seems intent on developing the site they purchased for
$335,000 in January 2000.

We also can't help but think this aberration in the County's zoning plans,
placing light industry adjacent to two schools and a rural residential
community, is in dire need of being changed as it would be very unlikely to
be proposed and approved today.  Re-zoning this area would be no small
challenge given the obstacles placed by the General Assembly on a County's
ability to make these adjustments.  There are so many alternative uses for
this property that could either protect it as a forest and watershed
resource and/or allow for low-impact commercial activity.

Stay tuned to EyesOnIvy and the website for new news on the Faulconer
Project.  If you haven't written a letter to the County expressing your
opinion yet, please see the website for a list of people to contact.

Thanks for supporting our community.


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