The Outer Beltway is a road proposal for a second beltway, further out than I-495, that has been repeatedly attempted since the 1980's. It has failed repeatedly because studies have again and again shown that the road would encourage more sprawl and not reduce traffic congestion. The reason for this is that most of the traffic congestion in our region needs to move east-west, while this road would be north-south through those areas.
Our Region
PEC focuses on nine counties and one city in the northern Piedmont of Virginia: Albemarle, Charlottesville, Clarke, Culpeper, Fauquier, Greene, Loudoun, Madison, Orange, and Rappahannock.
We also team with local organizations to promote thriving communities and healthy natural resources in a much larger region, including the Shenandoah Valley, the central Piedmont, and the Journey Through Hallowed Ground Corridor. In addition, we are proud to serve as fiscal sponsor of the Coalition for Smarter Growth, an organization that focuses on land use and policy in the greater Washington D.C. area.
Alternative Onsite Septic Systems Forum
Alternative Onsite Septic Systems or AOSS is a term that has become increasingly better known as more developments include these systems in areas where septic was historically impossible. Understandably many citizens are concerned about this new technology and the regulations controlling their use and maintenance. Come out Wednesday night at 6pm to the John Barton Payne Building to learn more about these systems!
Myths and Facts about Widening Belmont Ridge and Northstar
5 Myths About the 6 Lane Widening of Belmont Ridge Road and Northstar Boulevard.
Belmont Ridge Expansion to Six Lane Highway Instead of Four
Update: On May 2nd, the Board of Supervisors voted on the proposal to further expand Belmont Ridge Rd. and Northstar Blvd. past the four lanes planned to six lanes. Residents along both roads, spoke out against the proposed changes via email, the public hearing, and at a public input session on May 1st. The Board voted 8-1 to expand Northstar Blvd. but retain the current four lane plan for Belmont Ridge with a 150 foot right of way, siting the importance of providing freight access to Dulles Airport and connecting Loudoun and Prince William. Janet Clark, representative of the Blue Ridge District, was in favor of maintaining four lanes on both Belmont Ridge and Northstar. She voted in opposition to this compromise, siting it's impact on Northstar residents and the inconsistency of the proposal with Prince William's plans of only four lanes. You can can read more about the decision in the Leesburg Today or watch the Telecast, click item 6. CPAM 2012 – 0001 Northstar Blvd./Belmont Ridge Rd.
Support Nature & History, Support the Cool Spring Battlefield Park
Update: Today, March 5th, the Board of Supervisors voted to reject the park proposal in a 3 to 2 vote. To read more about thier decision see the Clarke Daily News article available online.
Creekside—More Development and More Traffic on Rt. 29
Update: At its February 28th meeting, the Greene County Board of Supervisors narrowly approved the Fried Companies requested rezoning to increase density on their 400+ acre parcel with a 3-2 vote. Supervisors Lamb and Peyton voted against the project while Supervisors Deane, Cox and Frydl voted for the project.
Mintbrook Proposal Passes
Update: The Mintbrook proposal was up for public hearing April 12th. Although there were a number of community members present who spoke against the proposal, it was approved with a 3-2 vote.
“Village of Catlett” Proposal
Update: After years of consideration and seven public hearings, the Village of Catlett proposal was finally voted down. This over-sized development never made very much sense, but it was kept alive based on a promise from the developer to provide sewer to Catlett at no cost to taxpayers. In the end, the Board realized that was not likely, and turned the project down on a 3 to 2 vote. However, the developer has decided to challenge the denial, so the county and the developer are currently in litigation. We will keep you updated as we find out more.
Subdivision Ordinance Changes Being Considered
On June 7th the Orange County Planning Commission voted unanimously to retain the time-phased component of the subdivision ordinance until an alternative is in place. We will keep you informed as this issue progresses.
Developer Still Considering 275 Homes in Clevenger’s Corner
Update: At its April public hearing, the Culpeper County Planning Commission made a recommendation to deny the rezoning by a vote of 9-0. With the resignation of Supervisor Tom Underwood and his replacement with former Supervisor John Coates, the Board of Supervisors have agreed to delay the public hearing on the rezoning until its July meeting.