Supervisors Maintain intergrity of Rural Crescent

Elena

Well folks, here is a great recap from the Prince William Conservation Alliance about Tuesdays Board Meeting. Corey, John Stirrup, Mike May, and Frank P all held true to their pledge to protect the Rural Crescent from high density development. At least from that land use perspective, they maintained the integrity of the best smart growth land use tool this County has in its “back pocket”. On the Lueking property CPA, it was a unanimous denial by ALL supervisors. Classic Concepts CPA was able to garner two votes, Jenkins and Covington, all other six Supervisors voted to deny.

However, the buffer areas were not so lucky. Why are buffers so important? It isn’t just about creating a workable transition from the development area to the rural areas, but MORE importantly, its about protecting the Occoquan Reservoir and its ability to survive as a healthy water supply for millions of citizens! It will take some time, but I will get the votes for the SRR also.

Semi-Rural Residential properties, intended to buffer the Rural Crescent and protect the Occoquan Reservoir, did not fare as well. Supervisors initiated five of the eight proposals to increase densities in Semi-Rural areas, on properties covering approximately 155 acres.

Just click here to read more of PWCA’s comprehensive analysis!

Cheers or Jeers?

MoonHowler

Today’s New York Times has an opinion piece that is sure to bring cheers or cheers from our not so subtle readership. Obviously the writer had chosen sides, so it is very much an opinion.

Notes From the Immigration Battlefield

Published: March 18, 2009
Here’s a thought. What if illegal immigrants really aren’t America’s worst nightmare? A lot of energy has been spent insisting that they are, but are they really as dangerous as, say, zombie banks? Or as evil as retention bonuses?

In truth, our biggest domestic menace never was waiting outside Home Depot, hoping to clean your basement. Unauthorized immigrants are not about to destroy anything, not even when they get angry and loud and march in large groups. On the contrary, they are inspiring. Their ethic of self-reliance and hard work is one that Americans should recognize and celebrate.

Read More