If pictures say one thousand words, this organization has and will have a lot to say.The press conference held today at the Paramount announcing their launch was attended by several members of their Board of Directors, politicians and, of course, the media…. They are a refreshingly non-biased organization whose goal is to educate the public on issues in a clear, concise manner that will foster discussion, public knowledge, involvement and action.Realizing that young people are not involving themselves due to choice or apathy, yet expect to have conversations about growth, environmental issues, transportation, issues, etc., the site has a blog. Blogs have proven to be an excellent and efficient format to engage young people and the public in general.Seeing Mitch van Yahres pitch his idea for a Ruckersville Parkway, Meredith Richards pitch cvillerail.org and Connie Brennan of the Nelson County Board of Supervisors ask for a regional partnership showed the level of interest and head start this group has already.In the words of Chairman Michael Bills, Charlottesville Tomorrow aims to be “profoundly non-partisan,” provide information that is “lucid, graphic and compelling” and an “advocate that people act.” Brian Wheeler mentioned the barriers to the public getting involved and their goal to help remove those barriers and that they want to “enable the public to learn more about the issues.”This group has high aspirations, more than adequate funding and superior leadership.
Browsing Category Politics
Old Trail hearing this evening.
Tonight is the night for Old Trail’s rezoning. Referencing the first quote from the developer, if they were “intending” to make the changes, they should make them prior to approval.Most of the items that the Planning Commission added were items we were going to do anyway, and they just wanted us to iron out the details,†said Justin Beights of Beights Development Corp.“I think we’ve done our best, I think it’s a good plan, and I hope it’s something that the county supports,†he said.Those who support the plan have pointed to its close following of the county’s neighborhood model and its potential to bring new customers to the businesses of downtown Crozet.But others have expressed concerns about strains on the school system, a lack of sufficient recreation space and Old Trail businesses that may take money away from downtown.David Wayland, president of Crozet Community Association, asked the 44 attendees at Thursday’s association meeting if anyone felt comfortable with the rezoning. No one raised a hand.Most of the frustration, though, has been directed at the county for not funding long-term improvements outlined in Crozet’s master plan, such as parking, better roads and sidewalks.We shall see…. The Board of Supervisor’s agenda for this evening.Sadly, money talks.
Transportation Progress?
From today’s DP – With Old Trail coming, we should make sure that the roads in Crozet are usable,†Supervisor Sally H…. Wyant, whose White Hall district includes Crozet, said his mindset on road improvements has changed.“I’m almost at the point now where the roads are not what I think we should have an emphasis on, but it should be sidewalks and bike trails and maybe mass transit,†Wyant said…. My feeling is that mass transit may not be in the cards for three years, five years, ten years, maybe even twenty-five years; but I think that it must be considered when looking at the regional transportation needs. I hope that the Alliance for Community Choice in Transportation folks see this and use it as a stepping stone to further this discussion.
Another Big-box development?
Good story in this week’s C-Ville about another potential development on 29 North.The area Wood wants rezoned comprises 230 acres on the west side of Route 29N and south of the Hollymead Town Center (most of which was also developed by Wood). He wants the zoning changed from industrial service to mixed use, allowing development that Wood said would be similar to the Hollymead Town Center, including a big box “larger than 65,000 square feet.  He said an unnamed retailer would fund the extension of Berkmar Drive in that area, a road project the County also wants to see.This is progress at least, but it potentially conflicts with the current Places 29 Master Plan that is underway. Anybody with interest in the future of the 29 North Corridor should either attend the work sessions or at least read the discussions.Growth on the 29 North Corridor is doing many things.
Bloggers liable?
This article in the WSJ is especially in light of the recent Blogger Summit I attended.
Forum Watch is out.
IN THIS ISSUE: Important Dates Zoning Issues Master PlanningWater Supply Transportation Policy Other Land Use Editorial Important Dates September 14 – Local Governmental Forum Chamber of Commerce see www.cvillechamber.comSeptember 14 – Albemarle County BOS work session – Overlot grading 6:00 pm ACOBSeptember 20 – TJPED Economic Development Symposium http://www.tjped.com/ 9:00 am PVCCSeptember 20 – Albemarle Planning Commission Hearing Lighting Zoning Text Amendment 6:00 pm ACOBSeptember 21 – Fluvanna BOS meeting development work session 7:00 pm FCGC ACOB – Albemarle County Office Building CCH- Charlottesville City HallGCAB – Greene County Administration BuildingFCGC – Fluvanna County Government CenterPVCC – Piedmont Virginia Community College Return to Top Transportation Policy Meadowcreek Parkway – The efforts to generate federal dollars in support of a Meadowcreek Parkway interchange were successful to the tune of $27 million dollars…. Story and map see http://www.timesdispatch.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=CDP/MGArticle/CDP_BasicArticle&c=MGArticle&cid=1031784482548 Return to Top Zoning Issues Albemarle County Neighborhood Model Zoning Text Amendment – The previous iteration of the ZTA is now available online at http://www.albemarle.org/department.asp?department=planning&relpage=5236 Albemarle County staff held a focused discussion on March 31st 2004 to discuss the changes to the zoning with members of the development, building, real estate and community at large…. A map of the study area can be found here http://www.albemarle.org/upload/images/Forms_Center/Departments/Board_of_Supervisors/Forms/Agenda/2005Files/20050504/Northerndevelopmentattachb.pdfReturn to TopOther Land UseAlbemarle County Mountain Overlay Committee – This committee is now idle waiting for staff to draft proposed language for a Mountain Overlay District (MOD) Ordinance…. For additional details on their current deliberations, please contact neil@freeenterpriseforum.org .Albemarle County Lighting Zoning Text Amendment The Free Enterprise Forum has submitted a zoning text amendment to ask Albemarle County to reconsider it’s prohibition of spilled light on pedestrian walkways and right of ways.
Blogging Summit.
I am excited and privileged to attend the blogging summit happening today. I hope it is as productive and interesting as I expect it to be. There is a good interview with the Executive Director of the Sorensen Institute at Cvillepodcasting.