Salamander Middleburg Saga

It appears that the Salamander Resort and Spa saga is not going to end anytime soon. Recently Salamander Hospitality LLC requested to be allowed to build an additional 48 rooms to the 120 rooms already approved at the Salamander Resort and Spa by the Middleburg Council.

Some council members appear irritated by this additional request. And one probably can understand their irritation considering the intensity and the duration of the negotiations that have already taken place between the council and Salamander Hospitality LLC. It took a long time to get here. In fact, Councilwoman Bundles Murdock has already indicated that she would not consider this additional request.

Salamander Hospitality LLC claims that the additional rooms are necessary to make the project financially viable, citing increased construction costs. Apparently the council wants to know impact of adding 48 rooms on water and sewer systems, and also the impact on traffic.

What I find interesting, is that the Town of Middleburg is currently in the red, the town is struggling to stay afloat financially. Recently the town considered instituting a personal property tax. I do not understand why they are not jumping at Salamander Hospitality LLC. This resort will bring more jobs, broaden the tax base of the town. I have also heard some people complain that the resort will bring the big box retailers to Middleburg, which will destroy small businesses. That concern is unfounded, big box retailers don't follow hotels/spas, they follow homes. Most visitors to the resort will not be spending time looking for big box retailers.

Bottom line, the Middleburg council should ensure that the new water and waste-water treatment plants that Salamander is building is sufficient, work with Salamander to address traffic concerns - once this is done, the request should be approved without further delay. Many towns and cities all over the country would love to have the Salamander Resort in their community. Middleburg is lucky to have Salamander, the council should work with the developers.