The Warren Sentinel

May 6, 2010

EDA to review restrictive covenants for Royal Phoenix

By Angelle Barbazon

Officials are hoping to amend contractual restrictions that have delayed James Madison University’s plans to use Royal Phoenix as a satellite campus.

The Front Royal-Warren County Economic Development Authority plans to review the site’s restrictive covenants and seek input from town and county officials. The covenants, which are overseen by a panel of stakeholders, dictate what the site can be used for and currently prohibit schools and several other uses. All amendments must be approved by the Department of Justice.

JMU wants to use the space for its adult degree program. Between 15 and 20 students would take classes two nights a week with an instructor teaching via an interactive video connection from a remote location. JMU was supposed to start setting up equipment at the site in March.

U.S. Rep. Frank Wolf (R-10th District) asked the EDA in late March to submit a letter to the Environmental Protection Agency explaining how JMU intends to use the space at Royal Phoenix.

“The EDA is very anxious to have the ability to offer higher education to the citizens of this community,” EDA Executive Director Jennifer McDonald wrote in an April 7 letter to EPA remedial project manager Kate Lose.

McDonald said the EDA had not received a response to the letter as of April 23.