Dear Preservation Partner,
By now you are probably aware, and if you are not, please visit cvbt.org for information, that on April 24, 2023, the Orange County Board of Supervisors, in a 4-1 decision, voted to approve the rezoning of the Wilderness Crossing development project in the northeast part of the county. This controversial decision makes possible the creation of a 2,600-acre mixed-use commercial, industrial, and residential complex that developer KEG Associates III envisions including up to 5,000 residential units, 732 acres of towering and noisy industrial buildings, data centers, and warehouse distribution key points.
During the County Board public hearings, numerous concerned citizens and organizations, including CVBT, spoke out opposing the project and expressing a range of concerns, including the negative impacts to the area's ecology, infrastructure, and historic resources. No one spoke in favor of this massive development project.
To counter the potential catastrophic damage this effort could cause, CVBT recently joined with several other concerned organizations and individuals as plaintiffs in a legal challenge to overturn the rezoning ruling. In CVBT's press release on this matter I noted that, "A project of this magnitude is unprecedented for this significantly historical area. Orange County apparently failed to follow proper procedures and also failed to reply to several queries from the National Park Service and other public entities."
CVBT is not opposed to responsible and thoroughly planned development. However, when we see threats to our past and ongoing preservation efforts being undermined by procedural failings, poor choices, and lack of concern for citizens' wishes, we feel we have an obligation to act and protect the Wilderness battlefield and its surrounding historic area.
This legal battle is one that is likely to be drawn out and expensive. Please consider donating and join our efforts to effectively contest the Wilderness Crossing rezoning decision.
Each and every gift is sincerely appreciated and sends a message!
"CVBT will continue to advocate to do the right thing for the area and our nation’s history.”
Sincerely, Tom Van Winkle, CVBT President
Yes, I Want to Support the Wilderness Crossing Fight