In these emotionally and physically trying days of COVID-19 quarantines and social distancing, many people are increasingly turning to iconic parks, trails and green spaces for solace, exercise and restorative access to nature. And that’s great news.
Strong Communities
PEC believes that the work of protecting natural resources and the work of building better communities are integral to each other.
Reconnecting To Our Premier Outdoor Destination
The Charlottesville-Albemarle Regional Planning Organization is applying for a VDOT SmartScale grant in the 2020 cycle to build a shared-use path along Route 20, connecting Charlottesville sidewalks and bike lanes to the entrance of Piedmont Virginia Community College and the Saunders-Monticello Trail and beyond. In doing so, the project will link Charlottesville and Albemarle communities together and integrate the area’s most popular trail into the regional network and bring numerous economic, environmental and health benefits. The $2.5M grant request will be submitted this summer.
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.
Culpeper Land Use Update – March 25, 2020
Culpeper County has decided to cancel nonessential meetings through April 7th, with some publicly available streaming for essential meetings. To continue following essential meetings, refer to the Culpeper County Board Docs website and the Board of Supervisors’ potential meeting schedule, which was approved during the March 24th virtual meeting.
Fauquier Land Use Update – March 25, 2020
The COVID 19 pandemic and social distancing required may have turned our world upside down, but it has not completely stopped. Here at PEC, we are working remotely and continue to try and provide you with connection to your community during these trying times. This includes connecting you to the important decisions being made at the state and local level.
On the Ground – Spring 2020
Updates from around the PEC region, organized by county. Albemarle: Morven East and City Comp Plan. Clarke: Planning & Water Quality. Culpeper: Clevengers Corner, History and the Hazel River. Fauquier: Sanctuary at Barrel Oak & Community Planning Initiatives. Greene: Streetscaping and Community Mobility. Loudoun: Land Use Planning. Madison: Criglersville School & Zoning Ordinance Changes. Orange: New County Administrator, Gordonsville Park. Rappahannock: “Beaver Believers” make a splash at local event.
The Rapidan River-Clark Mountain Rural Historic District
The Rapidan River – Clark Mountain Rural Historic District is a nearly 40,000-acre historic landscape in Orange County and parts of Madison and Culpeper Counties that has been determined eligible for listing on the Virginia Landmarks Register and the National Register of Historic Places for its high concentration of historic resources dating from the prehistoric period through the 1930s.
BikeCville is Back!
BikeCville is a series of relaxed all-ability group bike rides in Charlottesville, VA, hosted by The Piedmont Environmental Council and other local organizations. The purpose is to have fun while raising the visibility of cycling, encouraging hesitant cyclists, educating and fostering the region’s advocacy network. All rides are free, open to all and appropriate for anyone who can ride for half an hour.