Hopewell News

The public comment period for the draft environmental assessment for a proposed 1,000 room lodging facility at Fort Lee has been extended for an additional 30 days.
The extension is in reaction to the business community's concerns about how the lodging facility might affect the businesses in the area. The original deadline to comment on the facility was Sept. 7 but now it is Oct. 7.
A few weeks ago, representatives from Fort Lee had a meeting at Union Station in Petersburg with members of the business community about the proposed facility. Afterward, several concerned businesses formed the Greater Tri-Cities Hospitality Coalition, an ad hoc committee of businesses. The group had its first meeting Aug. 27.
Linas Kojelis, a representative for the group, said there was little advanced notice of the meeting and little time for the business community to respond to the proposed facility. Since then the coalition has been active contacting local and state officials, including members of the U.S. Congress, such as Rep. J. Randy Forbes (R-4th) and Sen. Mark Warner (D). The group recently sent a letter that was signed by 66 businesses in the area asking them to support a 120-day comment period.
A press release from the group to the newspapers in the area stated a 120-day extension would allow area businesses to collect information, coordinate with regional planning authorities, formulate questions, ideas and recommendations and enhance the dialogue with Fort Lee.
Jimmy Clayton, owner of Stay-Over Suites in Hopewell, said he was not satisfied with the 30-day extension. His business was one of those mentioned in the letter that Greater Tri-Cities Hospitality Coalition sent to the different public officials representing the area and the state.
"It's happened so rapidly the public notice process was never followed." Clayton said. "We don't think we'll get 120, but 30 days is inadequate enough time to really get what's needed."
Clayton appeared at the Prince George Board of Supervisors meeting Sept. 8 and asked the board to make a resolution asking Fort Lee for a 120-day comment period. County Administrator John Kines said they have already sent a letter to Fort Lee asking for a 120-day extension. County representatives are already scheduled to have a meeting with representatives from Fort Lee about the proposed lodging facility on Sept. 10, along with representatives from the Greater Hospitality Tri-Cities Coalition. But the coalition has asked Fort Lee to postpone the meeting until Sept. 15.
A press release from Fort Lee said the lodging facility is needed to support the soldiers, their families and personnel at the base and the population expands due to the consolidation of logistics training and other facilities to the base under the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure Act.
The press release goes on to say the facility will provide access to the Army Logistics University, library and fitness centers. The Army Logistics University had its grand opening in July, and it will consolidate over 200 courses previously offered at five other schools. The university will comprise of four schools: the Army Logistics Management College, the Logistics Leadership College, the Technical Logistics College and the Logistics Noncommissioned Officer Academy.
The press release said the installation's existing lodging capacity is inadequate to support the influx of soldiers and families. Fort Lee has 577 rooms for its population. On average, the daily demand requires 479 additional rooms in hotels beyond the installation's gates.
Once the expansion is complete, it is anticipated that the average demand will increase to 2,300. Adding the additional room still will not meet the total demand. Fort Lee officials are anticipating that the installation will still have to rely on businesses in the community to get the installation's lodging needs met. Fort Lee officials said off-post lodging could increase to 700 to 900 rooms on a daily basis.
A draft of the environmental assessment is available at the Fort Lee Environmental Management Office, Hopewell Library, Petersburg Library and the Army Logistics University Library. Copies of the draft can be requested from the Environmental Management Office. Comments about the facility should be addressed to Ms. Carol Anderson, Environmental Office, 1816 Shop Road, Fort Lee, Va. 23801-1604.