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Residents raise alarms about an 800-acre development and county contract mailings during public comment
Summary
Multiple residents urged caution about a potential 800‑acre development near Farmville and alleged repeated undated county mailings tied to a contract are costing taxpayers tens of thousands per mailing and may total millions; commissioners heard the concerns during public comment but took no immediate action.
Several residents used the public‑comment period at the Lee County Commission meeting to press officials on two community concerns: a large private development proposal and alleged improper county mailings.
Jo Jo Van Horn told commissioners she and neighbors discovered a large timber tract owned by an Atlanta investment firm is in early stages of a multi‑use urban‑style development that could reach about 800 acres near Farmville. Van Horn said she supports development rights but urged the commission to consider timing and local character, noting she had met with Commissioner Cannon and county staff to learn how the approval process works.
Earlier, an unidentified resident (public commenter) said he retired from teaching and has been tracking county mailings tied to a contract; he claimed each mailing cost about $20,000 and said his tracking suggested the total cost to taxpayers could be between $7 million and $10 million. He asked for a copy of the customer contract (he referenced contract number 01‑981‑0) and warned the pattern could lead to a future class‑action lawsuit.
Lance, a separate resident, returned the quarry issue to commissioners and pointed to a consent decree related to the Shady Grove Quarry, saying neighbors continue to worry about groundwater and road impacts.
Commissioners acknowledged the comments. Staff and commissioners provided procedural guidance — for example, how to engage with planning and county engineers — but no immediate regulatory actions or votes were taken in direct response to the public comments; the concerns will remain on the record for future follow‑up or agenda items.
