Strong Communities

A thoughtful approach to land use planning, paired with decision-making that balances growth and development with natural and cultural resource protection, is vital to maintaining a healthy and vibrant Piedmont region.

chuck marohn

Keynote Speaker to Discuss Benefits of Strong Towns at PEC’s Annual Meeting

The leader of an organization that educates American communities on the benefits of smart planning believes that desirable urban communities can play a role in promoting rural land conservation …
Groups Release Safety and Traffic Solutions for Route 15 North of Leesburg

Groups Release Safety and Traffic Solutions for Route 15 North of Leesburg

With the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors scheduled to vote on a first phase widening of Route 15 for 3.6 miles north of Leesburg, a coalition of smart growth, conservation and preservation groups and numerous …
Fauquier County Updating the Rural Lands Plan

Fauquier County Updating the Rural Lands Plan

The Rural Lands Plan is a section of the Fauquier County Comprehensive Plan, and much as the name implies, it outlines land use policies and the desired future for the rural areas. This chapter is …
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A Ride to Surprise and Delight

About two dozen cyclists gathered on the evening of June 21, garlanded their bikes with lights and reflective decorations, and set out for a relaxed four-mile celebration of the Summer Solstice. The route through Charlottesville …
houses in loudoun county

Loudoun Plans for More Scattered Development

The Loudoun County Comprehensive plan is being revised through a process called Envision Loudoun. It is a particularly important policy framework for a county like Loudoun, which is consistently one of the fastest growing jurisdictions …
Fifth Street Hub: A Project with Momentum

Fifth Street Hub: A Project with Momentum

Charlottesville and Albemarle have many beautiful outdoor spaces but not enough connective greenway corridors. One project that will provide both is coming into view on the two localities’ southern border: the Fifth Street Hub and …
On the Ground -- Spring 2018 Update

On the Ground — Spring 2018 Update

Updates from the around the PEC region, organized by county. Albemarle: Biscuit Run and courthouse relocation updates. Clarke: County updates and ordinances. Culpeper: Waterloo Bridge update. Fauquier: Data centers, development proposals & stormwater pollution solutions. Greene: …
True North Decision Looms

True North Decision Looms

Last November, I wrote to you about a rezoning the Loudoun Board of Supervisors is considering for True North Data. The proposal will be back up for a vote on Thursday, January 18 …
About the Greenways Project

About the Greenways Project

The Piedmont Environmental Council (PEC) and the Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission (TJPDC) are working with communities in the Charlottesville and Albemarle urban core to envision and implement a comprehensive network of connective bicycle and …
New Legislators, New Building & New Conservation Opportunities

New Legislators, New Building & New Conservation Opportunities

With the elections behind us and the holidays consuming our thoughts, the 2018 Virginia General Assembly may not be at the forefront of everyone’s mind. However, the New Year is going to bring many changes, …