Pete Kauneckas announced the addition of 223 signatures to the petition against Bluff Point Planned Unit Development (PUD) bringing the total number of signatures to 843.

“There are on record 74 people who expressed their support to Bluff Point development. There are 843 signatures opposing development to the 74 supporting. It clearly shows by an 11 to 1 ratio that the citizens of Northumberland County are opposed to the proposed Bluff Point PUD,” said Kauneckas.

In regards to this petition, two people said they were solicited for signatures.

“Even though we’re for the project we received a letter and a petition requesting our signature opposing the project. The letter we received was definitely one-sided and a little bit scare tactic. It doesn’t explain the by-right option at all,” said Kelly Dameron of Wicomico Church.

Linda Herring, also of Wicomico Church said her signature was solicited at the Reedville Independence Parade although she did not sign the petition.

“I ask that you strongly consider the number of signatures and how they were obtained,” said Herring.

The Bluff Point Holdings’ master plan calls for development on 315 acres of the 898 acres it owns. Project features include a boutique resort hotel and spa, private residences, marina and a harbor village with restaurants, shops, chapel and gathering spaces. The proposed development is to contain 530 private residences and 90 hotel rooms.

Ida Hall of Citizens to Protect Bluff Point read an email from Virginia Institute of Marine Science dean and director John Wells to John Swaddle, director of environmental science and policy program stating “Given our concerns and the local opposition you may want to take another close look at what is being proposed and possibly rethink the William & Mary support. Unless there is new compelling information, we will need to withdraw any previously implied endorsement and back away from the project.”

Hall said Dr. Mitchell Byrd of the William & Mary Center for Conservation Biology wrote a similar letter to Swaddle.

Hall also noted there was no plan for erosion control along the marsh. The property is eroding at an average of seven feet per year, she said.

Ron Herring of Wicomico Church said approximately 14 feet of erosion would have been avoided if the project had been approved already.

“We need to act on it if we want to preserve that piece of property,” said Herring.

John Burton of Heathsville voiced his support for the project because of the employment opportunities it would offer.

“Also we need the revenue that’s going to be created by the completion of the project,” said Burton.

“Granting this special exception seems to me that it will set a precedent for the use of unsuitable land,” said Donna Gruel of Bluff Point.

The Bluff Point PUD consultant’s report will be presented to the supervisors at the September meeting. In a letter, developer Tom Dingledine consented to delay voting on the Bluff Point PUD until the regular supervisors meeting in October.