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Charlottesville Western Bypass: Not just a local issue

Charlottesville Western Bypass: Not just a local issue

In June 2011, the Albemarle County Board of Supervisors shocked constituents by holding an unpublicized, late-night vote to resurrect the Route 29 Western Bypass, northwest of Charlottesville. Since then, VDOT—under pressure from political interests in …
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Changing Perspectives: My time as a PEC Fellow

PEC’s Fellowship Program, which just finished its sixth year, gives college and graduate students a comprehensive look at the work PEC does in this region—with the hope that the participants will take what they learn …
| | Fellowship Program, The Piedmont View
Wine pour

Farm Wineries in the Piedmont: Finding the right balance

Over the past year, there has been an increasingly heated debate over whether and how local governments should regulate the entertainment activities of farm wineries in Virginia. This is a multifaceted issue with multiple interests …
Business Parks?

Business Parks?

Update: On December 13th the Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to pass the new Business Park zoning district. Nothing has changed since November, the vote was only put off to December due to a procedural …
A Tactical Training Facility in Orange?

A Tactical Training Facility in Orange?

A proposal is before the Planning Commission for a tactical training facility along with new zoning language that will allow such uses in agricultural and industrial zoning districts. The Commission is holding a public hearing …
Amendments to Facilities Standards Manual and Zoning Code

Amendments to Facilities Standards Manual and Zoning Code

The Loudoun Board of Supervisors is considering changes to the Zoning Ordinance and the Facilities Standards Manual that would concede the local government’s ability to protect the County’s natural and historic resources from development, as …
After a Town is Buried, Controversy Still Rages

After a Town is Buried, Controversy Still Rages

In Colorado and Virginia residents debate whether proposed uranium mills will help or hinder their economies …
| | Tales from out West
The Poisoned Well

The Poisoned Well

What can a Superfund site in Colorado tell us about potential uranium mining and milling in Virginia? …
| | Tales from out West
Healthy, Safer Families, and Communities

Healthy, Safer Families, and Communities

Arsenic and rocket fuel in our water. Gender-altering hormones and medications in our rivers and streams. PCBs, dioxins and pesticides in breast milk. Lead in children’s toys and women’s lipstick. Hazardous ingredients in air fresheners, …
| | Clean Water, Greening Your HOA
Painters of the Piedmont: PEC's 40th Anniversary Art Show

Painters of the Piedmont: PEC’s 40th Anniversary Art Show

The Piedmont Environmental Council is proud to bring together eleven of the leading artists working in the Virginia Piedmont region. The thirty works of art chosen for exhibition will highlight a cross section of artists …
| | Strong Communities