Anglers deal stirs strong opposition
By Jason Peck
"This is a way to harness growth," Steve Vento said. "This isn't a way for unbridled growth."
With that argument, Vento tried reassuring the crowds that Culpeper Utility Partners’ plans to build more than $100 million worth of water and sewer capacity would mean a positive step for Culpeper.
Nearly everyone in the crowd disagreed. Almost 20 speakers stood up at a public meeting on Thursday June 26 to voice their opposition, and nearly all of them received a round of applause from the audience for their time. By contrast, only one person spoke in favor of the proposal.
"I see this as a way to pad the pockets of those pushing for it," resident Danielle Aylor said.
And resident Desy Campbell claimed to have a petition against the project with more than 450 signatures.
"Some of them (the names on the petition) may be your neighbors," Campbell said.
Proponents say the plan could lead to job growth, and give county supervisors control of future growth. Opponents say that the plan would only lead to more growth, and leave the county with millions in debt if CUP couldn't pay for the project.
If approved, the companies would construct a complete water and sewer system for the county, including pump stations, a wastewater treatment facility and miles of water and sewer lines. Items such as water lines and sewer lines would be competitively bid, having no deadlines.
Angler Development heads the partnership, which includes companies such as John T. Hazel, Angler Environmental and Dewberry and Davis.
The plan would have Angler recouping the cost over the next 25 years by selling tap fees – charges residents pay to tap into the water and sewer system.
But with the housing market slowed, many doubt that Culpeper will ever grow like it did in the boom years. And if Angler cannot sell a certain number of tap fees, the county must step in and buy them instead.
CUP officials say that their model would not require county supervisors to rezone any property.
"I've seen so many articles and so many comments that this is going to change the complexion of Culpeper," Vento said. "It will not...we are not standing before you tonight, nor will we stand before you five years from now and say you need to rezone a piece of land."
Gerald Newman of Stevensurg worried about the impact that construction of the water pipes and plants would have on his water quality. Newman has his own well.
"You have to dig a deep well, right?" Newman asked. "Is that going to affect a guy like me in Stevensburg?"
Dairy farmer Doug Mayhew also challenged previously confidential documents, which showed Angler Development receiving a $5 million development fee.
“I thought the county charged fees to developers, not developers charging fees to the county," Mayhugh said.
Mayhugh also questioned whether the companies could sell the tap fees, given the sluggish economy.
“In a depressed real estate market, with depressed real estate values, I don’t see how they can guarantee anything at this point," Mayhugh said. There’s a lot of ifs in this project.”
Dan Holmes of the Piedmont Environmental Council criticized Angler for providing county supervisors little time to assess the project.
"It has a time line here, we're going to be facing a decision in a month or so," Holmes said. “The reviewed financial information was just released 48 hours ago on this project ... the draft comprehensive agreement – that hasn't been made available. How soon will we get that before a decision is made?”
Perry Cabot of Concerned Culpeper Citizens admitted that he lacked the data for a proper analysis of the pros and cons. However, he added that some of the questions raised "may well override all others." In particular, he questioned how Culpeper would avoid the pressure to sell tap fees.
"We want to grow," Cabot said, "but not at the price of compromising our principals."
David Rowe, also of CCC, agreed.
"This is essentially an investment in the future," Rowe said. "but what are the odds of a fair return?"
You may contact Jason Peck at 825-9882 or e-mail jpeck@timespapers.com.