Let the supervisors do their job
Editor:
I live around the corner from Exit 162, and a development site of interest for a possible truck stop. In researching the related proposed text amendment change to Botetourt zoning standards, I attended and spoke at the related Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors meetings.
I’ve come to the conclusion to trust our neighbors who we elected to the Board of Supervisors.
I am not anti-development. I am opposed to any new buildout in our county of high-capacity diesel fuel pumps or overnight tractor-trailer truck parking. Why? Because it is bad for my property, my community, and my county.
So how come my feathers are not ruffled over talk of a truck stop in Botetourt? Because, I trust the people who we elected to do the right thing for all of us.
I don’t always see eye to eye with any of them. Yet, after hearing them speak to the issue, I believe they will do the job for which they were elected. They will fully investigate the proposed change of the zoning standards and how it could bring about a truck stop resulting in:
- Crime, bringing to my neighborhood more drugs, gangs, violence, prostitution, human trafficking, etc.
- Horrific traffic, inevitably leading to accidents
- Fuel tank leaks (not if, but when, per my geologist husband), leading to environmental damage and possibly impacting our water
- Air, sound, water, and light pollution which would destroy my quality of life and drop my property value
- Loss of revenue for the Town of Buchanan, because why would travelers coming off the interstate bother to come into our town when they can “grab and go” and get on down the road?
Our current elected supervisors are our neighbors. They have the legal and ethical responsibility to investigate every possible scenario and opportunity brought before them.
A few weeks ago, I was deeply concerned about the possibility of a new truck stop being in Botetourt County.
Today, I recognize it is important to let our elected supervisors know my stance. It is important to pass on to them all documentation found which may assist in their assessment of a consideration before them.
For me, it’s now time to let our Board of Supervisors do their job. They do this job for all of us.
Arleen Boyd
Buchanan
