Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, January 12, 1992 TAG: 9201120184
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: D-7 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: AYLETT LENGTH: Medium
DEVELOPER'S RIVER PROJECT RAISES FEARS
Supporters of a $5 million development along the Mattaponi River say the project would be an economic boon to rural King and Queen County.But opponents say the 640-acre golf course and residential project could pollute the river and cost the county money in the long run.
"King and Queen has got to do something to give it some tax base," said the project's developer, William Cooke. "It's impossible for me to imagine that anybody would have a negative view of a project such as this."
Stevensville farmer Bo Prichard said the project needs further study.
"The river is a spectacular place. It's unspoiled," Prichard said. "It's so close to things, and yet it's been ignored."
People on both sides agree the Mattaponi is one of the last clean, undisturbed rivers on the East Coast. The Mattaponi winds for about 80 miles through Virginia's coastal plain, beginning in Caroline County and ending at West Point, where it joins the Pamunkey to form the York.
Scattered homes and fishing shacks - but no industries - dot its wooded banks. U.S. 360 crosses the river 27 miles east of Richmond.
The area is beginning to look attractive to Richmond commuters.
"Richmond is spreading out and there is more and more pressure on the river" for growth and recreation, said Rita Christian, director of development for the Virginia chapter of The Nature Conservancy.
Cooke, a 59-year-old Essex County businessman and developer, proposes to build an 18-hole golf course, 210 homes, a clubhouse and restaurant on 640 acres he owns along U.S. 360.
Some area residents and landowners are concerned about possible pollution from fertilizers and herbicides that may run off lawns and the golf course.