Several of the Jefferson County residents who spoke during the November 12 workshop for the Mountain Pure concept plan [link] identified themselves as presenting research prepared by the Jefferson County Foundation (JCF). Dr. Christine Wimer, the president of the organization, is a regular presence at public meetings throughout Jefferson County.
The proposed Mountain Project in Middleway is just one of many recent issues and projects for which the foundation has provided analysis and recommendations. According to the JCF website, the organization was formed as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in 2018 to support scientific analysis and legal advocacy work in response to community concerns related to the Rockwool factory that had been announced just before Thanksgiving in 2017. The foundation’s stated mission is to advocate for accountable local government and sustainable development that balances economic vitality and quality of life for residents while maintaining the rural heritage and natural environment of Jefferson County.
In response to an inquiry from The Observer, Dr. Wimer (image above right, presenting at the Ranson City Council) reports that over the past year, in addition to its current work on the proposed Middleway bottling facility, Jefferson County Foundation worked to raise awareness of the Bird Hill development concept plan; provided recommendations to improve the Comprehensive Plan drafts for both Jefferson County and the City of Ranson; worked to stop the addition of a new Preferred Growth Area around the future site of the Shepherdstown Elementary School; worked to stop a proposed high-density rezoning proposal for the Harvest Hills subdivision; and worked to improve the Ranson zoning text amendment redefining the industrial zone.
Wimer highlighted what she feels is the most impactful and important accomplishment of the foundation this year — a modification to the Rockwool Ranson factory air permit. According to Wimer, “Rockwool was quietly working to reduce the protections in its air permit. The Foundation intervened with the WV Department of Environmental Protection in Rockwool’s appeal of its air permit on behalf of Jefferson County residents and was successful in blocking the company from markedly increasing its particulate matter emissions.”
Dr. Wimer also noted that JCF relies on the tax-deductible donations from hundreds of supporters to fund expert scientific evaluation and legal work necessary to support its mission. Details about the foundation’s work on these projects and its current activities can be found online at JeffersonCountyFoundation.org.
By Staff Contributor