A series of short updates from around the PEC region – Albemarle & Charlottesville, Clarke, Culpeper, Fauquier, Greene, Loudoun, Madison, Orange & Rappahannock.
Planning and Zoning
PEC believes in smart growth planning and decision-making that enhances communities, reduces vehicle miles traveled, and protects natural, cultural and historic resources.
Standing with St. Louis…And Now Aldie
When a developer, Mojax LLC, bought the Howards’ ancestral land in 2017 and proposed a development of 27 homes with individual wells, the community was understandably concerned. “As a widow and a senior citizen on a budget, the development could drive up the taxes and force me to dig a new well, which I can’t afford,” said Peterson. Besides the water issues and property values, residents worried about losing the historic cemetery, undiscovered graves of enslaved people, and the cultural history of the place.
Zoning Changes Proposed in Advance of a New Warrenton Master Plan
Back in July, we told you about the Town of Warrenton rushing through a new master plan. In response to concerns raised by residents like you, the town planning commission formed a subcommittee to redraft the plan. We were heartened by the pause and have been waiting on an updated draft. However, in a truly “cart before the horse” move, the planning commission is now set to consider related (and somewhat controversial) zoning changes at a public hearing this coming Tuesday, December 15.
Week Ahead for October 19, 2020: An important week for affordable housing
The community has called for more affordable housing, and several major projects are on the dockets at local meetings this week.
Week Ahead for October 12, 2020: Fifeville multi-family proposal, recycling buildings in Albemarle, and Greene to begin comp plan review
In the rhythm of our local government, the second full week of a month is usually a bit more slow. Yet, there are key meetings worth knowing about so you can listen to the discussions.
PEC Requests Denial of Rezoning Request within the Germanna Wilderness Area Plan
The Orange County Planning Commission held a public hearing on Oct. 1, 2020 for a rezoning requested by Signature Series Development, LLC. The application would rezone a 75.8-acre parcel from ‘C-2 Conditional’ and ‘R-4 Conditional’ to ‘Planned Development – Mixed Use’ along Route 3 located in the Germanna Wilderness Area Plan.
Albemarle County Adopts Climate Action Plan
On October 7, 2020, the Albemarle County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to adopt its draft Climate Action Plan.
Week Ahead for October 5, 2020 (Alb/Cville/Greene)
Even at this moment of heightened uncertainty after seven months of the pandemic, local government in our area continues to move along under conditions that have shifted. This week features major meetings with items ranging from the climate action plan in Albemarle to a look at the many Council-appointed commissions in Charlottesville. Consider paying extra attention to local issues this week.
Take Action: Ask Your Delegate to Oppose SB 5106
PEC is asking that you contact your Delegate and request that they oppose Senate Bill 5106. This legislation would extend the sunset date for various local land use approvals (plats, rezonings, special use permits and exceptions, etc.) that were valid as of July 1, 2020 for another 2 years (until at least July 1, 2022).
Orange Land Use Update – August 20, 2020
On August 19, 2020, Orange County’s Planning Commission held a meeting to discuss two items: (1) The Preliminary Plat Review of the Winterberry Creek/Garrett Street LLC. subdivision application and (2) the Orange County (RV) Resort LLC Special Use Permit.