Check out this monstrosity being built on Silver Lake, County property, leased by the Rainbow Riding Club. Citizens are wondering why there are no building permits for this construction. So we called, and this is what we were told…………………………….”since this is county property, we will not cite ourselves for improper building practices”.
WHAT????????????????????? So, what this tells us is that only regular citizens like you and I are held to a county standard. Really?
What may be most troubling, is WHERE was the legally required public hearing when this contract was created? Citizens were denied the right to comment on what would happen with THEIR public park land, public park land we all paid for through the Dominion Vally rezoning process.
This construction is on county PUBLIC PARK land that was leased to Rainbow Riding, but who is financing this building? If it is Rainbow Riding, well, they are a private entity LEASING public land, since when were they allowed exemption from building codes? Furthermore in their contract with the county, it states the exact opposite.
Pursuant the contract:
p2 b. All such improvements shall be constructed in a good and workmanlike manner, in accordance with all applicable governmental laws, ordinances and regulations, pursuant to approved site plans and building plans and therefore (if applicable ordinances and regulations require the approval of such plans), and after licensor obtains all required permits thereafter.
Where is the Environmental Impact Study? Where is the Public Facility Review? Where is the building permit? WHAT is this facility for? Is this just for private use by Rainbow Riding or will they charge a fee to rent it out for bigger horse events? If so, was there a traffic impact analysis completed?
What is very worrisome, when reviewing the contract with Rainbow Riding club, is that our county has basically given our public land away with little to no restrictions of what uses are allowed on County land.
p2 3. Improvements to Property. Licensee shall have the right to construct improvements upon the Licensee Area, which improvements include, but shall not be limited to, fencing, paddocks, barns, run-in sheds, an outdoor riding ring, equipment sheds, and an indoor facility containing an indoor ring, observation area, office suite…….
oh, but wait, if Rainbow Riding allows use of this facility for something other than passive recreation:
p4 e. In the event he Licensee desires to use or permit the use or permit the use of any portion of the property which shall be served by the Access Road for uses OTHER than passive recreation or/or equestrian trails, licensee shall so notify Licensor…….and good faith measures will be taken to eliminate or mitigate adverse impacts from use of access road.
In a nutshell, what this tells me, is that citizens have very little recourse to control what happens on 45 acres of Silver Lake, 45 acres intended for Passive Use only. Since when did County land become subject to private use only? This is a very disturbing and growing trend.
Finally, what disgusts me the most, is during the debate to DOUBLE the size of Silver Lake for public use via a partnership with Bull Run Mountain Conservancy, a public park intended for ALL citizens, the big push back from several Supervisors was concern over public land being “privatized”. And yet, time and time again, since the BOCS denied the BRMC application, you have seen that VERY “privitization” impact through the long term lease agreements with the Rainbow Riding Club(Silver Lake), Virginia Soccer Association (Witta Tract), and finally the Grizzlies Football (Avendale).
Prince William Conservation and Bull Run Conservancy were villifed for working towards this amazing public/private partnership, but in our local government, hyprocrisy thrives I guess.
Pinko has it right the new Rainbow Center was talked about. The link below is to the map used in the Public Hearings, and the chunck of land is marked as “A” – and notice it is a large section. Also notice all the picnic and recreational area is north of the dedicated area…
http://www.pwcparks.org/Portals/0/ParkDevelopments/conceptplans/Silver%20Lake%20Plan%20C%20with%20Environmental%20features.pdf
I just post this as a reference. I am in support of Rainbow as, like Pinko and Cindy, I have experience with them.
As for the County going around regulations and several of the other points raised about how this building slipped under the radar, well, don’t get me started…LOL! I have several fires still buring over several things done over the last couple of years.
@Moon-howler
MH I am sure I know who did what homework because that person is very reliable. What I am saying, though, is that it seems a lot of blame is being placed on Rainbow, which I don’t think is fair. When the Grizzlies got their field, no one thought they were to blame for wanting a field and advocating for it. In fact, people sympathized with the team because there was some underhanded stuff going on at the county level. Why is Rainbow any different?
I can totally see why people are upset, but again, I have to defend those who are running a charitable, credible organization. As you know, I rarely give government a pass, so if government did something wrong, far be it from me to tell people not to call it out.
I don’t think anybody is blaming Rainbow as a organization, some of their supporters, perhaps, BOCS, maybe, PWC staff, absolutely.
That’s the map I saw at the public meeting, Ray. Silver Lake bordered in green, Rainbow separate. I apologize if I was wrong – Pinko is expressing it better.
Agreed.
Raymond,
There’s no indoor riding facility for the Rainbow Therapeutic Riding facility located on the map/link that you provided.
Cindy,
I too attended the Park Authority at Mountain View Elementary School. Yes, a shooting range was mentioned. Does that mean we are getting a shooting range? No, it was a suggestion. Before a shooting range goes in, are we going to have any prior notice or will it just be installed?
Stirrup promised us a passive park at Silver Lake.
Here’s the definition of passive recreation –
Take another look at that picture and tell me how that picture fits with this definition…
Also, I have no issue if the facility is truly going to be used solely for the benefit of the children at the Rainbow Riding Center but after taking a look at the size and scope of the building I am concerned that the facility is intended for a broader use. Will Rainbow rent the facility to other organizations for events? Are they planning on events? What are the traffic implications etc… We have had no opportunity for questions or answers.
@Moon-howler #49
I agree and will go one step farther. We have no objective, rules-based process for land use in PWC at this time. Decisions are based on what is politically expedient for our esteemed Chairman and his sidekicks, in particular Covington and Jenkins (Nohe and Caddigan to a lessor extent). Our County Executive could not in a thousand years have obtained a job such as she now holds based on her experience, knowledge and skills. She owes her position to Stewart’s bullying the other BOCS members, and she knows she has a very large debt to repay him. Others in the County Government know that they will be toast if they don’t carry out her orders. Thus, Stewart has essentially gained control of whatever goes on in the County Government.
Recall also the glossy brochure we all received recently (some of us two copies at the same address). That was nothing but campaign material for Stewart for the upcoming election paid for with our tax dollars. It stated that printing and mailing cost 39 cents, but add to that the staff time needed to produce it and we’re looking at hundreds of thousands of our taxpayer dollars expended to reelect Stewart. Recall also the return address on the brochure – Office of Executive Management. Again, Melissa Peacor.
Stewart is a master manipulator and conniver. If you are supporting him and donating generously to his campaign (as are the developers) you can get anything you want from the County Government. Corey comes across as dense on the specifics and details of issues and governance. However, do not underestimate his ability and willingness to cross any line to deliver for anyone who supports him.
None of this will change unless we have a bi-partisan house cleaning of the Board of County Supervisors this November.
@Alanna
“Will Rainbow rent the facility to other organizations for events? Are they planning on events?”
Did anyone ask those questions of Rainbow? Just curious.
Couple of other things to note:
1. It is being constructed in the dead of winter and judging from the pictures has concrete footers and what appear to be concrete piers. I would certainly hope someone is inspected those.
2. Not wild about what I can see design-wise from a structural standpoint. I don’t know what else they are going to do to it but as it stands now it looks like it has an awful high windload for the existing support. That may change depending on how much of the facade is or is not left open.
3. Supposing, for arguements sake, that permits and inspections have been waived, who ultimately bears liability should anything happen, Rainbow or PWC.
I only ask because I can envision a facility full of “Rainbow Riders” being crushed like grapes as a result of a strong summer storm with straight line winds or a Metrodome like roof collapse.
READ MY LIPS: No one knew who it belonged to or what it was. There are no papers posted.
No I didn’t call Rainbow. I did not know it belonged to them. I wouldn’t call them if I did know that. What would I ask them? The issue is not with them.
@Moon-howler
What did you have for lunch? 👿 Razor Soup
@Lafayette
I’m irritating her.
I’ve been told I am so aggravating, I could make the Pope cuss.
And to think the Roman Curia has always thought that, when the Pope was using the word “pinko” in the middle of a string of expletives, he was just grousing about communists!!! What you learn on this blog!!!!
@Lafayette, I grow weary of saying the same thing over and over and over.
And now I am going to cross over …..Just because there are good organizations who do good things for people doesn’t mean they don’t have to go by the same rules. Helping emotionally and developmentally delayed kids is a good thing. However, how would the good people of PWC feel if the structure fell in on their heads?
How would some citizens of the county feel if all of a sudden the indoor riding facility became an indoor arena for horseshows, with lights blazing and enough traffic on Antioch Road to make us think the circus came to town? That’s not the plan, you say? Isn’t it? And how do I know that?
The lack of transparency is what grabbed people’s attention. Imagine driving down the road, country road, turning a corner and seeing a structure the size of Walmart. You didn’t know this structure was being built. This structure also just happens to be on land designated as passive recreation. There were public hearings and debates and the final decision was for passive recreation.
PWC has a lousy track record as far as transparency goes. Think earmarks. If this facility is just going to be used for theraputic riding, then they should have no problem with the questions we are asking.
If there is some other deal being cut, then I have every intention of stayinig on it like a duck on a bug. And meanwhile, neither Alanna, Elena or I are clairvoyant. How am I to know that someone hasn’t cut a deal with a saddle shop or a Walmart? That’s generally what building permits do: identify the owner.
Someone brought up an excellent question: if the structure injures someone, who is responsible? Rainbow? PWC?
Many phone calls were made before Elena posted this article. Not all phone calls were returned. That person knows who he is. That person might just be burning a little of his capital.
People can say la de dah all they want. They can praise the efforts of Rainbow for helping handicapped kids. That doesn’t excuse the lack of transparency.
I will have another bowl of that razor soup tomorrow if that is what it takes to keep Silver Lake from being further compromised.
Don’t know the date of this document, but it shows photos of the area:
http://www.pwcgov.org/docLibrary/PDF/006735.pdf
@Alanna
I pulled that map off the Park Authority’s website as it related to meetings last April. Dollars to donuts the document w/pictures Cindy posted is the same time frame.
@Moon
I would not be suprised about an increase in traffic. The regional events for Theraputic Riding Association of Virgina has been held for years up at Monrovia Park in Leesburg because of the indoor facility. That building is showing its age. I could see where a new, classy building would lead to shifting events.
And keep chomping the razor blades…add a dash of barb wire for added taste. As I said earlier, I have a few axes to grind in another area, and the points your raising Moon are excellent ones. Not much different than the things that occured that tick me off.
@Raymond, I expect there will be bleachers and a full arena for other events. That’s the problem.
I also wonder why nothing was said and why this building is going up in dead of winter. I remember much of the discussion and I don’t think for a minute that is all there is to it.
Funny, when you drive into Haymarket proper, you see that even McDonalds has had to conform to the architectural plan of the little town. Is that too much to ask for that some conformity 3 miles down the road? Nothing will surprise me with this one. Welcome to Prince William County. Opaque is the new transparent.
@Wolverine
🙂
http://www.pwconserve.org/issues/conservation/silverlake/index.htm
Let me share that as soon as we were aware of this building, we did ask the county, starting with John Stirrups office, which, to this very moment, has ignored ALL my very reasonable questions. The zoning adminstrator for PWC has been contacted and I have spoken with him via phone and sent him several quesions via e-mail. Many questions still linger.
Futhermore, there is not silt fence, no environmental impact study that I have been told about, NO review whatsoever. Suggesting that I don’t have empathy for children with special needs or that I would rush to judgement is unfounded. Neither could be further from the truth. I believe that therapeutic riding is invaluable, I have a very good friend, in CO, that offers it as to families in need on her B&B. However, providing a valuable service to the community does NOT negate proper process. This structure is NOT a barn.
Does everyone remember the woman who wanted to raise chickens on her AG property(just down the road from me I might add). Well, she was told, after a complaint by a neighbor, that she just because she lived in the rural crescent, it did not give her all the rights that go along with farming. To suggest that just because Rainbow Riding is in the AG district, they have the right to any farm related allowance, is simply not true, the chicken story is the best example to that exclusion.
Great post and good reporting. I know for a fact that ALL County buildings and agencies must adbide by building codes and permits and YES County agencies are cited for non-permits and violations…so that is not a true statement. Follow this to the top…the wife of the Brentsville District Supervisor is heavily involved, and one of its leaders, in the Rainbow Riding group…I am sure that connection doesnt hurt the organization
PWCovertaxed:
There is something fishy. Connecting the dots between the people who wanted to advance their own cause at citizens’ meetings, lack of transparency now, just sends up red flags and radar.
@Cindy B
Cindy, this line on p.2 jumped out at me: “Rainbow Riding will become a neighbor to the
park, providing an equestrian program for individuals with disabilities.”
So Rainbow isn’t on park land, per se. It’s on county land, but it’s not part of Silver Lake.
The next sentence reads, “The Park Authority will locate an equestrian ring, with trailer parking in the area adjacent to the Rainbow Riding property.”
Again, this looks like a separate area, but this time, it is unclear to me whether or not the equestrian ring is part of the actual park.
@Elena
Elena, I don’t think anyone is accusing you of being unsympathetic to the needs of the disabled. I know I am not. I just think we have to be very careful about separating out the fault of the government with the fault of Rainbow, no matter who is on the Rainbow board.
Of course there are politics involved (there always are). And of course, that’s irritating as hell. But there are so many people who have worked for Rainbow who have nothing other than the riders in mind that when I read all this negativity, it bothers me. I see them getting mixed up in a mess they didn’t bargain for and don’t deserve. (And I’ve been in positions like that too often not to sympathize.)
If Stirrup doesn’t call you back, he’s being a coward and a bad representative.
Now everyone can jump on the bandwagon and accuse me of calling Stirrup names. Go ahead. I’m waiting for it.
All the land in question is part of the Silver Lake proffer. All the land is owned by the county. The document labeled a proposal (by the Park Authority).
The equstrian ring has already been built. It has been there for about a year. There is a difference between an equestian ring and a building that is might become an indoor arena.
So Pinko, are you saying that you think it is ok to not have permits and go by county regulations if an organization works with handicapped children? Is it also ok to put any kind of structure on park land that belongs to all of us? (you know, that old tax payer thingie?) Who certifies the safety of that building, btw?
Actually, I believe the process is being questioned, not the intent of individuals or organizations. This county has a horrible track record for the ends justifying the means mentality. I will continue to question.
And for the record, Mr. Stirrup is not the only supervisor to ignore questions about the mysterious building. Another person has not returned phone calls. 2 out of 8 rises my ‘something’s fishy’ fish-radar.
Pinko,
You are not reading from the final document that was approved. But, for arguments sake, let’s say you are. Why has no one been able to answer some very basic questions that I, along with other citizens, are asking. What is being constructed has no environmental protections (i.e. a silt fence as one example). Futhermore, this is a huge indoor riding ring, not a barn. Can this be rented out in order for Rainbow Riding to make money? If so, what protections do the citizens have who live near Silver Lake, who travel a substandard country road multiple times a day, if there are large events held at this facility?
My biggest concern is why do special interest groups garner all these ameneties from taxpayers without our consent? This land, like the rezoning of Avendale, is paid for by taxpayers. What do I mean? Well, who provieds the infrastructure when high density housing is built? We do, every single tax payer. Toll Brothers traded Silver Lake for 400 homes to be additionally built at Dominion Valley. We know what they got, but what are the almost 400 thousand residents of PWC getting? A lake that now has a middle school, built on land that was identified as globally rare and in close proximity to the recreational lake. We have a non profit building out on land that is county owned but leased to them. And lets not get started on the Grizzly’s and Avendale. The dismantling of the Rural Crescent so kids can play football on PUBLIC land GIVEN to a private organization is simply unacceptable. The marjority of residents will not benefit from either project and yet, we end up paying for them. Where is the park land for ALL residents? James Long Park, that is a big soccer field, not there either.
Ultimately, what I find most offensive is the reason Bull Run was denied the opportunity to be the stewards of Silver Lake. It was because John Stirrup and Corey, along with Wally, John Jenkins, were all so terrified of public land being turned over to a private entity, such that all citizens MIGHT NOT have access. Mike May and Marty were the only supervisors who took a lead role in making the common sense argument for Bull Run Conservancy. In fact, John Stirrup was so afraid that a legally binding lease would not be enough to protect the rights of the County. Yet, you have all these new examples of private organizations gaining the same lease rights, and MORE, I might add, than Bull Run every expected. I simply will not be silent while there is such blatent hypocrisy. This isn’t about Rainbow Riding, this is about fairness and what is in the best interest of all citizens.
@Moon-howler
“So Pinko, are you saying that you think it is ok to not have permits and go by county regulations if an organization works with handicapped children?”
Nope. Not saying that at all.
“Is it also ok to put any kind of structure on park land that belongs to all of us? (you know, that old tax payer thingie?)”
The problem is, that land no longer belongs to “us” in a sense because it has been leased. The bigger question might be, do we believe public land should be allowed to be leased at all? Are there other cases in which public land has been leased?
“Who certifies the safety of that building, btw?”
Couldn’t tell you. Needs to be someone, obviously.
I also think the description for what is considered a farm building and what is not is VERY vague. If you are considered farm land, it seems you can build just about anything and call it a barn, yes? So maybe that is something that has to be looked into since our county has changed from a mostly agricultural region to something else.
@Elena
I agree that BRMC not being allowed to expand park land is ridiculous and a lose/lose. If the concern was land being closed to the public, then the powers need to admit any leased space is also closed to most of the public.
As for special interest groups getting their way–I think it’s about the money, the politics and the visibility of the group. The Grizzlies got enormous amounts of attention, for example, both in and outside the county government. There’s something to be said for pacifying people, even if you don’t want to do it. There’s also something to be said for pacifying people you WANT to pacify.
Park land usage–we all want a place. That’s what it comes down to, and that’s what someone from the PWCA said at a park authority meeting about soccer fields. If you are going to have a park that caters to one sector, then you have to do it for all sectors. Otherwise, you’re not being fair to the public at large–the public that pays the bills.
Here’s what I would like: a park with a lake to swim and fish in, one that has hiking trails and woods. And it would be nice to allow camping in such a park. Why can’t I get that? Because I don’t have money, influence or a huge group of big mouths with money and influence behind me. To boot, what I want would cost a lot in liability, upkeep and monitoring. The county doesn’t have that kind of money. Combine all those factors and you can bet I won’t get what I want.
Pinko,
I sadly agree, although, you do have small group of people with big mouths! 😉
@Elena
Oh I know. But we need some more, and some more with money. That kind of counts me out
🙂
Regardless of whether the County followed appropriate procedure for this particular building, I agree with Elena about the extent of taxpayer-funded parkland being used for private organizations being unacceptable – particularly after failing to work with Bull Run to gain even more acreage.. PWC has a dearth of parkland unless you’re a kiddo interested in playing soccer. My husband and I end up trekking into Fairfax County for a good hike, boating, etc.
@Posting as Pinko
If I were rich, I would open the kind of park I referred to. Then I would let BRMC run it. Ha!
Oh, and I want some floppy eared goats there, too. Then when the kids aren’t swimming, they can pet the goats.
@Censored bybvbl
We go to FF to cabin camp. Can’t do it in PWC. I think that’s pretty sad.
Pinko, Fairfax has a variety of parks – even took over a small park in my mother’s neighborhood. The nearest park to me has a very short walking trail, library, and soccer fields – and it’s several miles away.
There used to be goats at the private Silver Lake.
I think most people just want a quiet place where they can fish and picnic. Most want to get away from the sounds of Northern Virginia. That will never happen with that school sitting on top of Silver Lake. The county could have done something about that. They could have swapped property. They chose not to.
Deals were cut and more will be cut in the future. Silver Lake already is not the gem of Prince William.
Pinko, have you gone up to Big Meadow on the Skyline Drive to cabin camp?
Silver Lake used to have the electric hook up in each of those circles past where you can’t go now.
@Moon-howler
We’ve never camped there, but it would be good to go somewhere different. We go to Bull Run Regional a lot because of Splashdown. The kids love it. I like it too, when there aren’t many day cares.
We have also gone to Pohick Bay. I would not recommend it. The place was staffed by very rude, careless teens. The teen staff at Bull Run do a good job.
Used to swim at Half Moon Beach, but they are closed now. That was a gorgeous place–a quarry. Blue/green water surrounded by cliffs.
We swim at our in-laws’ place at Placid Bay, Colonial Beach. They have a nice lake and of course, the beach. But that’s two hours away.
No swimming at Big Meadows. But it is fun camping. You probably would need a double cabin and you have to book well ahead of time. The cabins are more fun than the motel or hotel.
There are also cabins at Westmoreland State Park, down below Colonial Beach.
Cabin camping at Prince William Forest Park.
http://www.nps.gov/prwi/planyourvisit/cabin-camping.htm
This national park has 37 miles of hiking trails and 21 miles of bicycle-accessible roads and trails over 15,000 acre piedmont forest. Check them out on Facebook, too.
@Cindy B
I thought you could only get a cabin there if you are with a group.
Individual cabin rentals are available in Cabin Camp 3.
just wanted to update that I did hear from Stirrups office today, they are looking into citizen questions and will get back to me.
I’m glad they got back to you. Keep us posted, Elena. Good work. Keep it up!
@Elena
Muy bien!
One more supervisor still needs to return a phone call.
At least the supervisors return your calls. Have you contacted one of your senators or congressmen lately?
No. My goals aren’t that lofty. And I am the one who didn’t get called back locally.
grrrrrrrrrrr.
Mr. Supervisor in question, would you please call MH back? We don’t like her when she’s angry. 🙂
Perhaps his office aid didn’t give him the message. Perhaps he forgot. And it is not Mr. Stirrup.
Just looked at Tuesday’s agenda and it looks like the Potomac Nationals are next in line to slurp at the public trough that Parks funding has become. Imagine my surprise in noting that the Nationals contributed $10,000 to Corey’s campaign and now he wants to fund $70,000 in repairs for their stadium with an additional $70 grand coming from the Parks Dept. These are the same people who can’t find the money to properly operate Silver Lake.