Letters to the Editor

News Virginian
Published: April 1, 2008

On March 3, at the work session of the City Council, the planning board presented a comprehensive, detailed plan that would transform Waynesboro radically during the first quarter of the 21st century.

At no time did the board mention the psychological, cultural, economic, social and religious impact on Waynesboro if the plan were enacted and the city grew from a population of 22,000 people to 50,000 or more.

Left-wingers and radicals would demand changes in how Waynesboro conducts its business politically and economically. The calls for a "living wage," unions and greater citizen participation in decision making would follow.

With the addition of high-tech industries, the tourist trade and a college campus with an arts and crafts center attached, there would be a huge increase of immigrants wanting to work and live in Waynesboro.

Where would we house our new citizens- The demand for affordable housing would be constant and unrelenting. The housing patterns would be altered radically. The cost of land and homes would rise dramatically. One-family homes would be converted into two- and three-family homes. Zoning codes would change to accommodate more housing per lot. Basements and attics would become "living quarters."

Waynesboro's "institutional memory" would be replaced by the "cultures of change." The new memory would be based on what is true today and tomorrow. Traditions would be so "yesterday."
In a word, Waynesboro would become "their" town.

Many of Waynesboro's citizens would leave. Living here would be too painful. Low-income people would not be able to pay the increased taxes and fees. The cultural and political changes would be too demanding and threatening. Their churches would no longer be comfortable sanctuaries.

The fresh and open space would be a distant memory. The mountains would be blocked from view. The congestion would be too much.

This future transformation would be good and bad; good or bad; or just change.

The Rashomon Effect would be in effect; opinions would be based on your point of view.

Signed, That Damn Yankee.
Dave O'Brien
Waynesboro