Suggesting a better spot for Wal-Mart

Contributed
Published: October 16, 2008

To the editor,
A few letters to the editor of the Freelance Star have stated that Wal-Mart is not needed in Orange County at the Route 3 and 20 intersection.
These articles stated increase of traffic at that intersection, increase air pollution, increase strain on police, fire and EMS, increase trash along roadsides, destruction of the rural views, and increase light pollution at night. I agree with these concerns. Green space is becoming scarce with all of the developments of shopping centers and community development in general.
As a volunteer at Ellwood, an 18th century plantation on the Wilderness Battlefield, I have seen and I feel the significance of these hallowed grounds. One can visualize the history that occurred here!
We cannot destroy this most precious place with all its history. It was here that American blood was spilled at the Battle of Chancellorsville and the Battle of The Wilderness in the Civil War. Building Wal-Mart at the intersection of Route 3 and 20 would destroy this historical site.
Has anyone checked the proposed area for Wal-Mart? Last known it is in a flood plane area; which was last flooded June 27, 1995. The people inside the 7-Eleven store were evacuated via rooftop door and taken away by the Lake of the Woods Fire and Rescue Tele-SQRT fire truck. In fact some of the firemen in an inflatable water rescue boat were almost swept away on Wilderness Run.
Although I do not frequent Wal-Mart, I think that it is needed in Orange County but not at the intersection of State Routes 3 and 20. A better location might be in Locust Grove at Routes 20 and 611. This location will draw Lake of the Woods, Fawn Lake, Wilderness Lake areas; as well as the town of Orange. The towns of Orange and Gordonsville are in need of Wal-Mart or other such stores that will ultimately increase the service quality of the other stores in the town of Orange.
Bruce Boyd
Locust Grove