To: The Van Zandt County Commissioners’ Court
Van Zandt County, Texas

Re: Proposed camp development near VZ County Roads 2918 and 2922

We, the undersigned residents, property owners, and members of the Van Zandt County community and the surrounding area, respectfully submit this petition to request transparency, public information, and meaningful community involvement regarding the proposed development of a camp on approximately 80 acres of property in the vicinity of VZ County Road 2918 and VZ County Road 2922.

We understand that the property has been acquired by an Islamic-based Foundation and that plans for a new camp development may be under consideration, although construction has not yet begun.

Our purpose in bringing this petition forward is not to oppose lawful private ownership or responsible development. Rather, we believe that residents who may be directly affected by a significant new development should have access to accurate information about the proposal and an opportunity to understand and comment on matters that may affect their community.

At this time, members of the surrounding community have questions concerning the identity and nature of the ownership, the parties responsible for the proposed development, the intended use of the property, the scope of the proposed camp, and what County approvals or development processes may be required.

We respectfully request that Van Zandt County provide, to the extent permitted by law, information concerning:

The current ownership of the property located in the vicinity of VZ County Roads 2918 and 2922.
The individuals, organizations, corporations, LLCs, nonprofits, or other entities involved in acquiring, developing, financing, owning, or operating the proposed camp.
The intended purpose and nature of the proposed camp, including whether it is intended to serve children or youth and the anticipated size and capacity of the facility.
Any development plans, subdivision plats, applications, permits, infrastructure requests, or other filings submitted to the County concerning the property.
The applicable zoning, subdivision, development, environmental, wastewater/septic, road-access, drainage, fire-safety, and other requirements that may apply to the proposed development.
Whether any applications or requests concerning this property have been presented to the Commissioners’ Court or any other County office, and, if so, when those matters were considered or are scheduled to be considered.
Whether public notice, hearings, or opportunities for affected property owners and residents to provide input are required under applicable County or state requirements.
The anticipated impact of the proposed development on surrounding residents and County resources, including traffic, road conditions, water, wastewater, drainage, emergency services, noise, lighting, environmental conditions, and the character of the surrounding rural community.

 

REQUEST FOR COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
We respectfully request that the County ensure that residents have a meaningful opportunity to receive information and provide input before any County action that would substantially advance or authorize the proposed development, to the extent required or permitted by law.

We further request that any applicable public meetings, hearings, agendas, applications, plats, and other relevant records concerning the proposed development be made readily available to the public.

OUR REQUEST

We ask the Van Zandt County Commissioners’ Court to:

• Provide transparency regarding the ownership and parties behind the proposed development;

• Provide the community with available information concerning the proposed camp;

• Identify all County approvals, permits, applications, and development processes that apply;

• Ensure that all applicable notice and public-participation requirements are followed;

• Provide affected residents with a reasonable opportunity to ask questions and express concerns; and

• Carefully consider the potential effects of the development on surrounding property owners, roads, infrastructure, public services, safety, environment, and the rural character of the area.

We recognize the right of property owners to use their property in accordance with applicable law. At the same time, responsible development requires transparency and consideration for neighboring residents and the broader community.

We respectfully ask the Commissioners’ Court to take this petition under consideration and to help ensure that the residents of Van Zandt County are informed, heard, and given a meaningful opportunity to participate in matters that may significantly affect their community.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Respectfully submitted by the undersigned residents and property owners of Van Zandt County, Texas.

We have a right to conserve our way of life, and be informed upon every and all decisions that could drastically change the county and its surrounding areas. Especially decisions that will affect our children. This isn’t about religious freedom. It’s about conserving American values that all too often take a backseat to protect the feelings of others. On behalf of the people who voted for you, please disclose changes that are being discussed in this community, so that we might have a say and have a reasonable amount of time to voice our support or concerns. Thank you!