In our last newsletter, we shared great news regarding the demise of the ill-conceived Western Bypass. As you might recall, a major blow to the project had been delivered back in February, when the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) announced serious reservations about the viability of the project. It made it clear that the necessary federal approvals were indoubt unless VDOT reevaluated the entire project, including a new review of alternatives.
Maps & Resources
Western Bypass Shelved
Big things are happening, or rather not happening, with the costly Western Bypass of U.S. Route 29 just north of Charlottesville. We’re enthusiastic to report that the ineffective project has come to a halt, and we’re hoping this time it will be a permanent road block. With the Bypass off the table, we can finally get to work on fixing Route 29 for the majority of its travelers.
Coming Together to Save the Historic Waterloo Bridge
Last fall, VDOT announced plans to possibly close the Waterloo Bridge to vehicular traffic due to safety concerns. PEC shared the news with local community groups and historic preservation advocates, which sparked overwhelming support for the bridge’s rehabilitation—support that transcended the usual demographics and organization affiliations.
The Great Homecoming: An Open House at the McAllister Cabin
Despite some rainy weather, nearly 250 people visited the McAllister Home as part of an event that celebrated Albemarle’s Mountain Heritage. Bob and Carroll Gilges, who own the building and surrounding land, graciously opened their property to the community for the event. PEC sponsored and organized the celebration with help from Doug Decker, Phil James, and Larry and Debbie Lamb, who had family connections to Sugar Hollow and throughout Albemarle County.
Area Residents Give to Greenway Expansion
Give Local Piedmont was a community-wide online giving challenge that sought to inspire folks to make donations of $10 or more to local nonprofits for 24 hours on May 6. Part of a national campaign, Give Local Piedmont supported the effort for Culpeper, Fauquier, Madison and Rappahannock Counties. And the good news is—it worked!
Proposed Natural Gas Line
This May we received word that landowners had begun receiving notices from Spectra Energy, referencing a proposal for a new natural gas pipeline through Virginia.
Making Progress at the Piedmont Overlook
It’s been busy at the Overlook these past few months! PEC is in the final year of a cost-share agreement with the Natural Resources Conservation Service to improve the property’s habitat and increase its biodiversity. The marquee part of this grant is the creation of a 17-acre native grass and wildflower meadow on land that was formerly a pasture dominated by tall fescue.
Lending a Lens
At PEC, we have the privilege of working with countless individuals who are dedicated to protectingthis wonderful region. Carl Zitzmann is one such person. Some of you might not immediately recognize his name, but there’s a good chance that you’ve seen his photographs in one of our publications,weekly news emails, or on our website.
On the Ground – Summer 2014
Read "On the Ground" updates for Albemarle, Clarke, Rappahannock, Fauquier, Madison, Greene, Orange and Loudoun Counties.
Conservation Milestone at Gilberts Corner
Weathered barns, historic buildings, forested rolling green hills and pastoral open fields with large bales of hay—this is the view surrounding the intersection of Routes 15 and 50 in Loudoun County, known by many as Gilberts Corner.