The Board of Supervisors was scheduled to vote on new Parks and Open Space policies at their October 16 meeting.

However, other Agenda items scheduled before Parks and Open Space generated considerable discussion and the meeting extended into the wee hours of the following morning.

The Prince William Conservation Alliance was there at 3:15 A.M. when the Board finally opened discussion on Parks and Open Space policies.

Brentsville Supervisor Wally Covington began with a request for deferral and requested a work session before voting. He cited problems with the definition for open space, concerns about the role of government, specifically referencing the Bull Run Mountain Conservancy proposal at Silver Lake.

Supervisor Covington also said he thinks we might have more trail miles than the proposed plan includes, highlighting the new trail miles added at Bristoe Battlefield.

Dumfries Supervisor Maureen Caddigan supported a deferral, citing concerns about trails in her district.

Coles Supervisor Marty Nohe said he supported a deferral as well as a work session based on his concern that there was a lot of confusion about whether the Comprehensive Plan should include fiscal constraints.

Occoquan Supervisor Mike May said he could support a deferral but emphasized the need for the County to move forward quickly.

Supervisor May referenced citizen's hard work and requested that the Board receive a copy of all the current proposals - staff, Planning Commission and citizen versions - for review and discussion at the work session.

The Board deferred their vote on the Parks and Open Space policies by a 6-2 vote, with Chairman Corey Stewart and Gainesville Supervisor John Stirrup voting in opposition.

The Board did not establish a new date and did not open the public hearing.

NEXT STEPS:

The County has been working on new policies for Parks and Open Space for over two years. Citizens have submitted a draft proposal and Planning staff has now rewritten their proposal five times.

IT'S TIME TO MOVE ON!

At their November 20 Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m. session, Supervisors are scheduled to vote on the Silver Lake proposal (ongoing discussions may result in changes so check back here for updates).

This meeting is a great time for citizens to share their views on new policies for Parks, Trails and Open Space as well as weigh in on public recreation choices for Silver Lake.

1. Find out more - attend our Member Meeting (open to the public) on November 13, 7:30 p.m. at McCoart Government Center, Potomac Room, directions.

2. Click here to email your views on Parks and Open Space to all Supervisors AND request a date for a Board decision in January 2008.

3. Speak at Citizen's Time at the November 20 Board meeting, 7:30 p.m. at McCoart. Share your views and request a Board decision.

4. Write a letter to the editor to share your views with Prince William citizens.