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April 26, 2024 Editor, The News-Gazette: The Irish Creek and South River communities, as well as surrounding areas, have been virtually unchanged for generations. However, a major change is being proposed. About 4 miles up Irish Creek Road from the junction with South River Road, a huge wedding and event venue is being planned.
No environmental impact studies have been done to assess the damage from septic leaching, sedimentation, and overall pollution of a pristine stocked trout stream. No groundwater impact study has been done to see if the underground water supply (wells) will even be adequate to support this operation. This is slated to be a 50-event-per-year venue, with 175 guests per event with caterers, musicians, amplified music, bartenders (alcohol will be served).
We are worried that wells in the area will go dry. Other problems (but not all) will be noise and light pollution in a quiet and unlit area. There will be a huge increase in traffic on a very narrow, unmarked and unlit road. There is no signage whatsoever warning about the many blind curves and hidden driveways on a poorly maintained road. We think this area is absolutely and totally inappropriate and unsuited for this project.
Petitions opposing this project are currently circulating with hundreds of signatures and more will be obtained. We urge all citizens of Rockbridge County to contact their district supervisor and also the other four. Contact info is available at the Rockbridge County Board of Supervisors website, www.com. rockbridge.va.us.
A board meeting is scheduled for May 13, at 5:30 p.m. at the county building, 150 S. Main St., Lexington. Show up and let your views be known. If this is allowed to happen to Irish Creek, an area which has never had any sort of commercial exploitation, it can happen to any area of the county. Never think you are safe from development. We need to save something for future generations.
CLIFFORD and KATHY TOMBLINE TONY and BETTY TYREE GEORGIA PIPPIN Irish Creek
