As the pandemic enters its third month, many institutions of local government have managed to get public meetings going again. It is crucial for the public to have access to information to what is happening and to have context by which our decisions are made. The goal of this newsletter continues to help you know what is happening and to let you know how you can get involved.
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.
Fauquier Land Use Update – May 4, 2020
As we enter the month of May our communities remain under orders to maintain social distancing. Fauquier County has adopted a significantly reduced budget and is implementing a new public hearing format which allows for both in person and remote participation (see more detail below). The Town of Warrenton is working on revising their 2021-2026 CIP and FY 2021 Budget with a series of worksessions and public hearings in May and adoption planned for June 9.
Week Ahead for April 20, 2020 (Alb/Cville/Greene)
The new normal is one where more and more business is being conducted online and that includes local meetings. Last week, the elected bodies in Albemarle and Greene held public hearings and took comments virtually. While we would prefer these meetings to be held in person, there is no end in sight yet for the social distancing restrictions that are helping to limit the spread of COVID-19.
Week Ahead for April 13, 2020 (Alb/Cville/Greene)
We are now a month into the state of emergency caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. While much is still uncertain, we do know that local governments across Virginia are beginning to test the waters in terms of what business can be conducted via electronic public hearings.
Week Ahead for April 6, 2020 (Alb/Cville/Greene)
Another week of quarantine begins across Virginia, with local government activity continuing but without public meetings. This is a list of what we know is happening for this week and into the rest of the month. It will be updated as new information becomes known.
Orange Land Use Update – April 6, 2020
The pink and white blooms of the dogwoods bring with them an update for Orange County. Last week, during a special meeting on April 2nd, the Board of Supervisors officially named Theodore “Ted” Voorhees as the new County Administrator.
Fauquier Land Use Update – April 3, 2020
As I wrote last week, the Covid-19 pandemic is upending a lot, but our local governments are continuing to function and provide the vital services we depend on. One way Fauquier County has stepped up to address this crisis is by working with the PATH Foundation to provide internet hotspots at several locations throughout the County. According to Fauquier Times recent interview with Supervisor Gerhardt four locations are up and running and several more should be active soon.
Loudoun Land Use Update – March 30, 2020
On Wednesday, March 25th, the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors held a special meeting to adopt a 60-day Emergency Ordinance (click to download) that will guide the Board’s actions during the previously adopted local State of Emergency. …
Madison Land Use Update – March 27, 2020
Madison County declared a local state of emergency on March 13. According to the Madison Department of Planning and Zoning, the March 26 Budget Work Session was conducted via teleconference. The upcoming Planning Commission meeting on April 1 is tentatively scheduled to continue as planned. The status of subsequent county meetings will be determined after the April 1 Planning Commission meeting.
Orange Land Use Update – March 27, 2020
The Orange County Board of Supervisors “passed an emergency ordinance allowing meetings of the Board of Supervisors, the Planning Commission, and other County boards, commissions, authorities, or public bodies to be conducted electronically. This action ensures the continuity of operations for Orange County…” and “guidance on how meetings will be handled will be included as each meeting is announced”, according to Interim County Administrator, Brenda Garton.