
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: THURSDAY, June 8, 1995                   TAG: 9506080087
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: C-4   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: RICHMOND                                LENGTH: Medium

PRESERVATIONISTS BATTLE CAR TRACK AT CIVIL WAR SITE

Preservationists made it clear Wednesday that they dislike a draft ``memorandum of agreement'' that could lead to construction of a motor-sports park at a Civil War battlefield in Culpeper County.

Benton Ventures Inc. wants to build the park, which would include a Formula One racetrack, on 515 acres at the Brandy Station battlefield. Opponents are concerned that traffic, noise and litter could undermine the area's historic integrity.

Representatives from 17 government agencies and private groups, including historic preservation and property-rights organizations, discussed the project at a meeting conducted by the Army Corps of Engineers. The corps is considering Benton Ventures' application for a federal wetlands permit.

The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the memorandum draft, which seeks to allow Benton Ventures to develop the property with minimal impact on historic resources.

Andrea Ferster of the Brandy Station Foundation complained that the memorandum considers only impact on the 515-acre site, not on surrounding battlefield areas. The Civil War battle was fought on about 10,000 acres.

``We have acknowledged there are other historic areas out there,'' said Bruce Williams of the corps. But he said the corps' authority does not extend beyond the project site.

Ferster argued that as the decision-making body that ultimately will determine whether the project is built, the corps is obligated to take a broader look at the impact.

Others participating in the meeting noted, however, that such problems as noise and traffic were considered during the county's regulatory process.

``Pretty clearly, the noise, dust, odors and traffic are not compatible with viewing a Civil War battlefield,'' Tersh Boasberg, an attorney for the Association for Preservation of Civil War Sites, said before the meeting.

``We don't think the corps should issue a permit if it's going to result in the destruction of a Civil War battlefield.''

County Administrator Steve Miner said the corps will hold the record open for a week to receive additional comments.

by CNB