On January 6, 2022, Prince William Conservation Alliance hosted a panel discussion on data centers… from the Rural Crescent to the Occoquan Reservoir.
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.
Warrenton Seeks Massive Boundary Line Adjustment
In December 2021, Fauquier County released maps of an area the Town of Warrenton proposed for addition to the Town in closed session discussions. These maps reveal that the Town of Warrenton seeks to expand its boundaries by 1,750 acres—a full 60% increase in land area.
Wilderness Crossing: New Residential Development or Potential Superfund Site?
In November 2021, PEC learned that of the five formally-named gold mine sites located on the proposed Wilderness Crossing residential development, none of them have been closed and cleaned up – a process called “reclamation.”
Your input needed on planning efforts in Albemarle and Charlottesville
Charlottesville and Albemarle are in the midst of major planning efforts, and both are thinking about their capital budgets, which is a big part of how those plans get implemented. At this time, the two localities seem to be heading in different directions when it comes to quality-of-life infrastructure.
Weigh In: Culpeper County Comprehensive Plan
Culpeper County is undertaking a review of its existing Comprehensive Plan and needs your feedback!
Loudoun’s Environmental Commission Needs Your Feedback
As Loudoun County grows, the board of supervisors has recognized the need for improving environmental sustainability, health and resilience. Protecting natural resources, preserving energy and pivoting to renewable alternatives are essential to those goals.
To that end, this year the board empaneled a new environmental commission, which began meeting in late July 2021.
National Parks, Rural Prince William Under Threat
As PEC’s deputy director of land use, I am writing to let you know about several local issues that have both regional and national implications. Put simply, the rural area of Prince William County, also known as the “Rural Crescent,” is under threat. Three different proposals are being considered, each unique in scope, but together represent the urbanization and industrialization of the remaining rural lands in Prince William County.
Rural Crescent Under Threat in Prince William County
Learn about three proposals that could change the character of Prince William County forever.
Briefing Paper: Resources for Climate Action Planning in Albemarle County
This climate action planning brief was prepared for The Piedmont Environmental Council Albemarle County board and represents insights provided by a variety of resource specialists. The goal of the paper is to provide context for climate change in Albemarle County, as well as to establish a common vocabulary and highlight specific strategic areas, such as forest and farms, with potential to inspire successful adaptation strategies.
AT&T Tower Proposal Threatens Scenic Ridgeline and Violates County Code
At 6 pm on Tuesday, Sept. 14, the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors will hold a public hearing on a proposed AT&T monopole tower to be built on the ridgeline of Short Hill Mountain in northwestern Loudoun. The 125-foot monopole would be located at an existing AT&T communications facility in an agricultural zoning district.