Over the last year, Fauquier has been working on an update to its Rural Lands Plan, a section of the County’s Comprehensive Plan that outlines land use policies in the rural areas. On Thursday, July 11 the Board of Supervisors is holding its second public hearing about the draft plan and will likely vote that night. We are encouraging them to vote to approve Version A.
Our Work
Safeguarding the landscapes, communities and heritage of the Piedmont by involving citizens in public policy and land conservation. Learn more about our work by browsing the subject areas below and find out how to get involved!
Loudoun Comprehensive Plan update nears June 20 vote
Thanks to intense community involvement by residents in the Transition Policy Area (TPA) and across the County, the Board has backed off of the Planning Commission’s (PC) vision for the future of the TPA. Instead of the ~24,000 additional units that were included in the PC draft, it now appears that the maximum additional units would not exceed ~4200 units. This total does not subtract out land that would not be developed due to streets and sidewalks, and other public infrastructure.
Managing Fill Dirt and Debris Disposal in Rural Areas
As construction picks up in the region, many of our localities are struggling with fill dirt and inert debris dump sites popping up in rural areas. On May 29, 2019, The Piedmont Environmental Council partnered with the Northern Virginia Regional Commission and Rappahannock Rapidan Regional Commission to host a workshop on this complex issue. The agenda included speakers from PEC, NVRC, the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, and the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality.
Action Alert: Loudoun Board to Decide Fate of Transition Policy Area
It’s been about a month since the public hearings on the 2019 Loudoun Comprehensive Plan, and it’s time for another quick update.
Support a More Connected Cville/Albemarle
The Jefferson Area Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan is an important milestone! It 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. Add your name or business/organization to our letter of support!
Train, bus, or something new? Australian professor talks Trackless Trams
As the population of Albemarle and Charlottesville continues to rise, a world-renowned professor of sustainability is encouraging us to imagine how a new generation of mass transportation could help create even better places to live.
Action Alert: Crunch Time for Loudoun 2040
In late March, the Loudoun Planning Commission voted to send the draft Comprehensive Plan (a.k.a. Loudoun 2040) to the Board of Supervisors for review and action. Unfortunately, the current draft plan reads like a speculative real estate developer’s wish list — and the increased scattered residential development would come at the expense of existing residents.
It’s time for Loudoun residents to speak up and weigh in with the Board. There are important public hearings coming up in April and letters/emails/calls to the Board can start going in right away.
Loudoun 2040: More of the Same or a New Path Forward?
The draft Loudoun 2040 plan outlines how and where the County intends to grow and how it plans to protect its natural and historic assets. Check out this blog post to learn more about what’s in the draft plan and what you can do to weigh in with the Loudoun Board of Supervisors. View slides/graphics from our spring 2019 community meeting presentations.
Action Alert: Board of Supervisors to Consider Loudoun 2040
On Tuesday, March 26, the Loudoun Planning Commission voted to send the draft Comprehensive Plan (a.k.a. Loudoun 2040) to the Board of Supervisors for review and action. Up until now, voices advocating for more residential growth have disproportionately influenced the draft.
It’s time for Loudoun residents to take back the process and be heard by the Loudoun Board of Supervisors. There are important public hearings coming up in April and letters/emails/calls to the Board can start going in right away.
“Rural Resort” Ordinance Amendment Proposed in Madison County
This coming Wednesday, April 3rd at 7pm, the Madison County Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors will hold a joint public hearing to consider a change to its zoning ordinance. If adopted, the change would allow “rural resorts” as a special use in agriculturally zoned areas. Update: the proposal was tabled at the April 3 meeting and there is time to weigh in prior to May 1, 2019.