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Looking at the possibility of alternative sources of energy, Halifax
County Supervisors on Monday night gave their unanimous approval to
changes in the County Code which will allow for small wind energy
systems. "I think it's a step in a positive direction to look for
alternate energy sources," said ED#6 Supervisor Wayne Conner. He added,
"Just see what's happened to gas prices in the past two days."
The only member of the public to comment, Tom Fennimore of the Nathalie
community, said he supports the use of windmills which, he noted, are
changing like computers every year and are the energy of the future for
the young generation. The code changes were necessitated by a request
for a conditional use permit from Don and Jenny Hockstein who want to
build a power generating wind turbine on their farm on Deer Ridge
Trail. The Hochsteins said they are working with James Madison
University to conduct a wind study which will help them to determine
the size of their wind turbine, as well as the height that it will
require for maximum performance. They noted they are working with USDA
also, which offers incentive programs to wind energy projects.
The couple advised Board members that they are trying to establish an
on-grid power system where they can generate sufficient electricity,
not only o power their farm, but to also sell back the excess energy to
Dominion Virginia Power. Later in the hearing, a member of the
audience, Cheryl Watts asked about the height of the towers that will
be needed for the operation.
The height of the towers is limited to 175 feet, said Zoning
Administrator Robbie Love. The permit for the Hochsteins was approved
unanimously.
Following a third public hearing, the Board unanimously approved a
conditional use permit for Mrs. Doris D. Chism who asked for permission
to expand her Pathways Youth Services Group/Foster Home on Bagwell
Drive from a five child capacity to eight. Mrs. Chism and her daughter,
Sherry, spoke to Supervisors about what they hope to do at the home
which has been in operation over the past three years. They noted that
they work closely with the Department of Social Services and help to
save the county money by keeping local youth at home, rather than
having to house them elsewhere. Mrs. Chism said she switched from
having girls at the home to housing boys back in February of this year
and has had a full capacity since that time.
Supervisor William Fitzgerald, who serves as chairman of the Board of
Supervisors as well as serving on the local Social Services Board,
acknowledged the need for more spaces for local youth. Mrs. Chism said
her home had been issued a three year license in February of 2007,
indicating that they had met all state requirements.
Following was the fourth public hearing on a request from Arlene
Gurganus for a conditional use permit to allow her to operate a day
care center on US Route 58, a half mile west of its intersection with
Industrial Park Road. Ms. Gurganus said she hopes to have up to 25
children in her care and perhaps to offer child care over the week-end
for third shift employees. She told Supervisors that she has just
received her college degree in Early Childhood Development and
currently is working in a childcare center. Her permit was also
approved with hours set at 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 a.m. Monday -Friday and
Friday to Sunday for third shift night care.
The final public hearing focused on a request from Cingular Wireless
for a conditional use permit for the construction of a 199 foot
telecommunications tower on Route 501 South near its intersection with
Whitt Loop Road. Will Dibling, who represented Cingular, told the Board
that the proposed tower will provide coverage along Route 501 on the
southern portion and some coverage in Virgilina along Route 96. The
tower, Dibling said, will provide co-location opportunities for four
other carriers. Supervisors enthusiastically approved the conditional
use permit, saying the county needs better cell phone reception.