FACT:  The vision of the Hughesville Revitalization Plan was supported by an overwhelming majority of Hughesville residents as documented by county planning staff during their scheduled outreach meetings prior to the establishment of the Hughesville Revitalization Citizens’ Advisory Committee.

FACT:  The Hughesville Revitalization Plan was supported by the Hughesville residents and unananimously approved by the commissioners.

FACT:  A planned employment park, a special overlay zone, has been approved as a tool to spark revitalization on Hughesville’s main street.

FACT:  A reuse for the barns on main street is in the planning stages.  This reuse would help establish main street as a destination place and encourage infill and revitalization on main street.

FACT:  Since the completion of the bypass, many businesses have united to host and sponsor events on main street, creating an interest in and attention to Hughesville.  Many businesses and residents are committed to putting in the work it will take to revitalize main street.

FACT:  At the time of the 2006 Comprehensive Plan update, the Harley-Davidson dealership already existed inside the PFA on already commercially zoned property and both the bypass and the tobacco buyout were known variables, so, there has been NO change in the character of the neighborhood, nor a mistake in zoning.

FACT:  Chaney Enterprises knowingly purchased the AC zoned property, known as the Jenkin’s property.

FACT:  Chaney Enterprises generated revenue by surface mining the property.  Chaney Enterprises can now sell the property for residential use, and again, potentially generate additional revenue from the sale.

FACT:  Chaney Enterprises is not satisfied with the revenue already generated from this property, or from the potential revenue from the sale of the property as AC zoned.  He, therefore, has requested the property be rezoned to IH or Community Commercial, whichever the commissioners would prefer, so that he can make more money. 

FACT:  IH Zoning or Community Commercial zoning in Hughesville is inconsistent and inappropriate zoning according to the county comprehensive plan, the Hughesville Revitalization Plan and Smart Growth which states such zoning belongs in the development district.

COMMENTS:  From a business standpoint, I understand  Chaney’s desire to always want to make more money.  What I don’t understand is why the commissioners don’t just say NO.  Aside from the Smart Growth issue that neither IH or CC is consistent with the comprehensive plan or the Hughesville Revitalization Plan, and the fact that there has been no substantial change in the character of the neighborhood or a mistake in the zoning, as commissioners, isn’t it their job to decide the needs and  wishes of the many, outweigh the needs and wishes of a few?  Why is it Hughesville’s problem that Chaney Enterprises decided they want more money?  Why should the vision of a revitalized main street be cast away because one business wants more?