Read on for a series of short updates from each of PEC’s nine counties.
Strong Communities
PEC believes that the work of protecting natural resources and the work of building better communities are integral to each other.
The Little Park that Could
Along the Rush River in the town of Washington, just a few miles east of the Shenandoah National Park, the 7.3-acre Rappahannock County Park is best known by locals for its pirate-ship playground, skate park, tennis courts, and picnic area. But, it has also come into focus recently for its natural beauty.
Turning a page on involuntary land loss
In 2020, Virginia proudly became the 16th state to pass the Uniform Partition of Heirs’ Property Act.
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.
Middleburg Planning Commission Conditionally Approves Banbury Cross Reserve Project
The Middleburg Planning Commission conditionally approved the Banbury Cross Reserve project at their special meeting in August, citing the three conditions noted in Loudoun County staff’s final report. Per Middleburg regulations, the applicant has 90 days to fulfill the conditions. Local news media have reported a lawsuit challenging the title to the property, which would have an as-yet unknown impact on the project.
Solarize Piedmont Back for a 2020 Campaign
Interested in going solar? We’re excited to announce that Solarize Piedmont, our joint campaign with the Local Energy Alliance Program, is back through the end of the summer. If you’ve been curious about getting a solar system for your home, farm or business, but haven’t priced it out, now is a good time to sign up for a free quote!
Week Ahead for August 3, 2020 (Alb/Cville/Greene)
Welcome to the Week Ahead newsletter for August 3, 2020. This continuing service from the Piedmont Environmental Council is intended to help you know what’s coming up in land use in Albemarle, Charlottesville and Greene.
July at the Piedmont Memorial Overlook
The native flower meadow our Piedmont Memorial Overlook property is almost at peak bloom!
This 50-acre property, which has one of the best views in Northern Virginia, is publicly accessible via Sky Meadows State Park. It’s a one-way 1.6-mile hike there via the Ambassador Whitehouse Trail, but many people make it a 4.6-mile loop that includes a stretch of the Appalachian Trail.
Walk Bike Ride: Join the Piedmont Mobility Alliance
The Piedmont Environmental Council is pulling together an alliance of organizations that share a vision of a better-connected community for walking, biking and other forms of active transportation in Charlottesville and Albemarle County.