Not Initiated but Not Gone Either
On March 6, Supervisors considered the proposed initiation of a Comprehensive Plan Amendment (CPA) for a 320-acre property located within the Rural Crescent, between Bristow Road and Route 234.
This proposal, called Mid-County Parks & Estate Homes, seeks approval to build 118 new homes, more than triple the allowed density for Rural Crescent properties. In exchange for the density bonus, the developer proposes to “save” land, most of which is unbuildable, to form a ring around the new residential community.
After hearing the many citizen comments opposing the plan, Supervisors decided they would not vote on the Mid-County Parks & Estate Homes CPA, which means it was not initiated.
Instead, Supervisors issued a staff directive calling for a joint review of:
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2014 Rural Crescent Study, which proposes removing approximately 14,000 acres from the Rural Crescent to create a “transition area,”
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Mid-County Parks & Estate Homes CPA,
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Zoning Text Amendments for Purchase of Development Rights, Transfer of Development Rights, and revisions to the County’s Rural Cluster Ordinance.
Planning staff said they would hold several community meetings and be prepared to return to the Board with recommendations in six months.
So what can you do to get prepared for the next attack on the Rural Area, to authorize sprawl and ultimately higher property taxes?
Answer: Get smart. Get effective. Get involved.
The Prince William Conservation Alliance offers talks, walks, and on-line resources so people who care can get familiar with the complicated jargon and processes, then figure out how they want to engage. Your first opportunities are:
