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NORTHERN VIRGINIA DAILY Public involvement key in Avtex redevelopment Officials plan parks, soccer complex for site "An informed community is an understanding community." Public outreach is the key to the success of the redevelopment of the former Avtex Fibers complex, according to site manager Doug Bement. Openness and communication about the site have proven beneficial, but have only been incorporated in the last several years. Participation in such community events as the Trade Festival and Festival of Leaves has helped educate the public about the site, Bement said. "Four years ago, when FMC took active management of the site, there was suspicion, concern of health risks," he said. "Since that time, we're taking an ecologically damaged site and we're making it an advantage for the community." Redevelopment of the Avtex site, once home to a giant rayon plant, started as an idea in the 1990's. A conservancy park, business park and soccer complex are planned at the site in the future. An open house was recently held at the site, which also helped open the lines of communication as residents were able to talk one -on- one with representatives from the various groups with major involvement on site, such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Army Corps of Engineers, and the Front Royal-Warren County Economic Development Authority. "To have a face to talk to, rather than an announcement - these things promote conversation," Bement said. "That open, honest exchange of views is appealing to anybody, and our willingness to discuss sometimes thorny issues is the way that we would like to be treated and the way we want to do business." While the turnout at the open house was smaller than in the past, it also shows that the community is becoming more educated on the redevelopment, according to Stephen A. Heavener, executive director of the Front Royal-Warren County Economic Development Authority. "The fact that there were a lot less people leads you to think that they have a better understanding than they may have had a year ago," he said. "An informed community is an understanding community. Avtex has a long history, and this is just one new level of its history." Open communication is also fostered through meetings with the community. A multi-stake-holders group was formed, and recently branched out to form a citizen's advisory committee. The new group, which is still adding members, is aimed at being more focused and interactive. This will help the group better guide the redevelopment process, rather than just being informed on what is occurring on site, Bement said. "There are a lot of stories to be told, and the best have yet to come,' he said. |