THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Monday, September 5, 1994 TAG: 9409050053
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B4 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: ASSOCIATED PRESS
DATELINE: HAYMARKET LENGTH: Medium: 64 lines
As the proposal for a Walt Disney theme park nears its first hurdle in the Prince William County approval process, both park and county officials say several key issues remain unresolved.
The county planning commission will hold a public hearing Saturday on rezoning 3,006 acres for the Disney's America history theme park project, and could vote then on the $650 million deal.
But the commissioners say a potential stumbling block is the possibility of Disney's America seceding from the county or seeking annexation by the nearby town of Haymarket.
``We could resolve everything but annexation, and I would vote against it,'' Planning Commission Chairman Greg Gorgone said. ``And if we resolve annexation and everything else goes against the county, I'd have to evaluate that at the time.''
Faced with the possible loss of projected tax revenue, the commissioners asked Disney at an Aug. 27 work session for a written commitment to remain within the county's jurisdiction for 50 years.
``If we don't have some commitment that the benefits coming out of this will come to Prince William County, then I can't support this,'' Commissioner Frank R. Milligan of Occoquan told Disney representatives at the work session.
Disney officials said they might consider a 20-year agreement on annexation.
``It's 20 years from when is the question,'' Milligan said. ``Twenty years from the day we approve the rezoning I think is not enough. Twenty years from build-out seems better.''
Disney's America development director Dana Nottingham said company officials are reluctant to promise never to seek annexation because of actions future county boards might take.
On the entertainment company's side, Nottingham said concerns about restrictions on fireworks and air shows are as important to Disney as the annexation question is to the county.
In a report on Disney's application, the county planning staff recommended the air shows, which are part of a special use permit application, be denied.
Planners also recommended that the commission require Disney to keep its proposed fireworks to 400 feet rather than the proposed 800 feet.
``Fireworks are a significant element of Disney parks and one in which we have little room for compromise,'' Nottingham said.
``We have to be assured of our right to have nightly fireworks before we can begin construction,'' said Claudia Peters, a Disney's America spokeswoman.
Peters also said a proposed annual review of the special use permit is also unacceptable.
``We would consider an annual administrative review to address safety issues and to ensure that we're complying with the permit conditions,'' Peters said.
Planning commissioners will meet again with Disney representatives Wednesday for a another work session.
KEYWORDS: DISNEY'S AMERICA by CNB