By Matthew Young
RealWV, www.therealwv.com
The Greenbrier County Commission, on Tuesday, held a public hearing regarding the county’s updated Comprehensive Plan.
As stated at the hearing’s opening by Commission President Lowell Rose, “Please keep in mind when making comments that the Comprehensive Plan under consideration today does not apply to the incorporated municipalities, such as Lewisburg, Alderson, Rainelle, Ronceverte, etc.”
Those wishing not to speak publicly also had the opportunity to submit their comments in writing, Rose further explained. However, all written comments were required to be submitted by the close of Tuesday’s meeting.
Despite the meeting having been advertised for several weeks, only one resident, Dawn Kieninger, was in attendance to speak, and no written comments were submitted.
Kieninger began by expressing her sadness that the plan reflects a decline in the county’s population, and shared her concerns that such a decline endangers the funding mechanisms of public schools, and other necessary public resources. Kieninger also noted the increasing scarcity of affordable housing.
“The only thing that really surprised me (about the Comprehensive Plan) is that I don’t see any mention of agrotourism,” Kieninger said. “If that’s not something you want to pursue, I’d like to point out that it’s something that helps farms stay afloat. It can draw tourism to the area, and bring tourism dollars in without really needing to affect the infrastructure all at once.”
“If you would consider supporting that, or heading that way, that would be great,” Kieninger added.
Commissioner Richie Holliday, who is also a member of the County Planning Commission, acknowledged Keininger’s comments, adding that both the County and Planning Commissions are aware of the housing shortage, as well as the value agrotourism provides Greenbrier County.
Before Rose brought the brief public hearing to a close, Commissioner Tammy Tincher noted that, “I would just acknowledge the work of our Planning Commission, and our Planning and Permitting Department.”
“The time and energy that has been placed on this project to make every effort to get as many comments and input as possible, I’d like to acknowledge that,” Tincher said. “Everybody on the team did try to do everything possible to get as much input, and make the project as publicized as possible – to make sure everyone was aware, and had the opportunity to make comments.”
“I appreciate the effort that everybody put into it,” Tincher added. “Hopefully, the idea that there was no public comment at the Planning Commission meeting, and limited here, means that it is something suitable that most of our residents feel positive about.”
