NORTHERN VIRGINIA DAILY
Article date: November 19, 2002

Advisory board meets to discuss cleanup process

Group hopes to bring together governing bodies

By: Mary Beiler

Formed in an effort to help guide the redevelopment process at a former rayon manufacturing facility on the South Fork of the Shenandoah River, the Avtex Advisory Committee met for the first time on Monday night.

The meeting concentrated on background information about the site and the cleanup process, and getting an understanding of the role of the committee.

The idea to form such a committee cam out of the Multi-Stakeholders Group, which includes local residents and a few local government officials. Those officials, however, lacked direct input on the process.

County Administrator Douglas P. Stanley said it makes sense for such a committee to be formed of government officials, since they are the ones who will ultimately be making decisions about the site.

The other purpose of forming this committee is to create greater cooperation between local governing bodies, he adds.

Local resident Ray Grimm was elected chairman of the group, while Front Royal Planning Commission member James Eastham was named vice chairman.

Some members of the group are more informed on the Avtex site than others, prompting questions from those who are less familiar. Overall, they could agree that the redevelopment project is massive and complex.

"It is an elephant," said site manager Doug Bement.

Committee members said they thought the first meeting went well, adding that they hope the panel can accomplish its goal, which is to help move the project forward.

"I think it's a great opportunity for us as a general group of the community to look at this thing and give some input," Grimm said. "I think we've certainly got our work cut out for us."

Retired banker Frank Utley agreed.

"I think we have a good representation of Warren County - [it's] a step in the right direction," he said. "Hopefully what we accomplish will lend itself to meaningful and positive results."

Grimm suggested that all committee members tour the site to become more knowledgeable.

The board did take one action during the meeting, recommending the transfer of the proposed soccer complex from the Front Royal-Warren County Economic Development Authority to the county so that funds can be more quickly secured for the project.

The committee will meet on an as-needed basis.

Committee members include: Supervisor Tony F. Carter, Councilman Fred Foster, EDA Chairman Ronald L. Mabry, Warren County Planning Commissioner Mark Bower, Front Royal Planning Commissioners Eastham and Joseph E. Duggan Jr., Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Kelly Walker, Meryl Christainson of Friends of the Shenandoah River, and residents Grim, Utley, Gary Heaton and Scott Dueweke.