People had a lot to say about the proposed Green Ridge Recycling and Disposal facility, set to be located on approximately 1,200 acres and collect household waste, demolition and industrial debris and offer a recyclable facility on the Cumberland-Powhatan county line off Route 60.

The community meeting held Thursday at Cumberland County Elementary School stretched for approximately three hours and saw several dozens speakers who represented County Waste of Virginia, the company heading the facility, and residents of Cumberland, Powhatan and surrounding counties.

Concerns from residents included decreases in home value, health repercussions, negative effects on the elderly and children, increased traffic, odor, lighting and the environment.

Residents expressed frustration that despite having suspected and seeing evidence of a large-scale project in the county, they alleged the county did little to inform them until less than two weeks before the community meeting.

Seeing members of the community come together, get to work and hold their government accountable, as well as press necessary questions about the impacts of the facility, demonstrates the democratic process. This Thursday meeting, as well as the community meetings that will be held June 14 and June 28, 6:30 p.m. at Cumberland County Elementary School offer a chance for both facility representatives and county residents to receive a clearer perspective on one another’s viewpoints, and to understand the impact the facility can have.

A pervading sentiment could be that the facility is already done, that the voices of residents do not matter. We believe your voices can enact change, and we urge you to continue to use them.