Banbury Cross Reserve is the first major cluster subdivision application in at least 10 years in the AR-2 Rural Policy Area to move forward. It sets a precedent for other developers who may contemplate larger scale residential subdivision opportunities in the area. PEC remains concerned with the unnecessary impacts of intensive rural housing development associated with the proposal.
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.
Loudoun Outdoors Guide
With over 10,000 acres of parks, public lands, and other natural areas, opportunities abound in Loudoun County for the outdoor enthusiast. Our print guide highlights the best parks and publicly accessible natural areas in Loudoun County for the outdoor enthusiast, especially those new to the area or with a renewed interest in getting outdoors to hike, bike, paddle, fish, or experience the county’s diverse natural and historic landscapes.
Whiteoak Canyon Trailhead
SYRIA, VA: The new 35-foot span bridge across Cedar Run offers hikers and nature-loving community members improved access to the popular Whiteoak Canyon trailhead and opening up three miles of stream habitat to native fish for the first time in decades. The effort is a public-private partnership between Shenandoah National Park, The Piedmont Environmental Council, Trout Unlimited, and the local landowners, the Graves family.
Ten Ways to Make your Business More Bike-Friendly
Many people tell us that they would like to bike to work. Although the roads themselves may be daunting often the problem lies at their destination–their place of employment. Happily, there are some simple things employers can do to make their businesses more bike-friendly.
A Dirty Secret: How Construction Waste is Making its Way Onto Rural Lands
Steve and Jennifer Rainwater’s world was turned upside down in 2017 when an access road was built along their property line and hundreds of dump trucks started arriving to dump dirt, non-stop, on a section of the property, behind their house. The new access road created runoff and flooding problems that damaged their pastures and a small pond that had provided fresh water for the horses. Although silt fences were used in places, they regularly collapsed and were generally ineffective. The view from their second floor has changed from woods to a never-ending construction site.
Greenways Plan Complete. Next Step: Implementation
Albemarle and Charlottesville reached an important milestone this spring when the Jefferson Area Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan received final approval. This document maps a comprehensive network of bike lanes, sidewalks, and shared-use paths that connect Charlottesville and Albemarle neighborhoods to schools, shopping, downtown, and natural areas while also identifying bicycle connections to and among adjoining counties.
On The Ground – Fall 2019
Updates from around the PEC region, organized by county.
The Sanctuary at Barrel Oak Application
The owner of Barrel Oak Winery would like to build a hotel, restaurant, and event center on a 50-acre parcel next to the existing winery. The site is about 2 miles west of Marshall on Grove Lane. The application requires the approval of four special exceptions: 1) Lodge/Resort, 2) Event Facility, 3) Above Ground Storage Tanks, and 4) Alternative Onsite Septic System exceeding 1,200 gallons per day. The applicant has asked for a 10-year approval, including a 5 year grace period while construction is underway.
Rt. 15 Decision Expected
On Thursday, July 18, staff will present the Rt. 15 Safety and Operations Study for Phase 2 of the corridor review at the Loudoun Board business meeting. The staff report and study detail findings for potential fixes along the roadway from Montresor Rd. north to the Potomac River. There are two main options under consideration…
Connecting Community: A park and trail effort in Gordonsville
Parks, trails, and sidewalks help weave a community together. Simply put, when we are connected to gathering places, we become better connected to each other. A walkable town or neighborhood allows for a stronger ‘sense of place’ to develop. This notion is behind a collaborative effort led by The Piedmont Environmental Council, residents and local businesses in Gordonsville, Virginia. The energetic group and initiative are called Town to Trail.