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  Community Clips Smart Growth News for the Washington, DC Region February 16, 2006 In this issue:
Kaine Town Hall Meeting in Woodbridge February 21 Although Governor Kaine continues to talk about the need to link land use and transportation, the debate in Richmond has shifted to demand for more money without tying that money to comprehensive reform in land use and transportation planning. Powerful lobbying groups have pushed the "spend more money" message, but have not supported needed planning reforms. Without significant land use reforms and the willingness to reevaluate spending priorities among large and unaffordable project lists, most new money for transportation would be wasted. Citizen participation can make a difference. At a rally outside the General Assembly building in Richmond last week, over 200 Virginia voters who had traveled from around the state called for stronger growth management policies. As a result, key Democratic and Republican legislators joined Governor Tim Kaine to address the crowd on the need to link land use and transportation. Your continued participation is critical to winning better planning, less traffic, and better communities. Support a comprehensive plan for growth. Attend a town hall meeting in Woodbridge Tuesday, February 21, at 7:00 pm. Learn how you can take action. Montgomery County Ag Reserve Gains Additional Protection On Tuesday, February 14, 2006 the Montgomery County Council unanimously approved a piece of legislation that would limit the ability of large institutions to build in the Agricultural Reserve. After the vote in November prohibiting the extension of water and sewer, this decision is another critical vote in protecting the Agricultural Reserve from development that would be inappropriate for the rural character of the Reserve. Read an article about the decision in the Gazette. Loudoun Considers More Protection for its Agricultural Zone The Loudoun County Board of Supervisors is reviewing changes to the County's rural zoning that would reduce the number of new houses allowed in its rural agricultural area from 47,876 to 13,936. The proposed zoning changes would save tax dollars by reducing public infrastructure needs and freeing funds for public services in eastern Loudoun. Protecting the agricultural zone would also protect rural businesses and the agricultural economy that provides a positive net tax benefit for the county. Learn more at LoudounsFuture.org. VDOT Blocks Limits on Scale and Cost of I-81 Expansion The Virginia Department of Transportation opposed a bill sponsored by most of the Shenandoah Valley delegation that would have blocked proposals for four truck lanes the entire 350 mile length of the I-81 corridor. The bill, which lost by one vote in committee, would have targeted I-81 improvements to areas with critical safety needs, truck climbing lanes, and rail projects, while protecting the scenic and historic values of the corridor. The issue is important to Northern Virginia and other metro areas because the estimated $13 billion or higher cost of truck lanes would consume significant state money. Already, $170 million in federal and state funds have been allocated "off the top" of Virginia's transportation funds to the I-81 project. Learn more. Vienna Metro Update -- Supporting Living Near Transit Following a long and thoughtful public hearing, Fairfax County and the developers of MetroWest continue to negotiate the proffer commitments to ensure community benefits and traffic reduction goals. The transit-oriented development includes a mix of stores, homes, and offices near the Vienna Metro station. The Coalition supports the full inclusion of a robust transportation management program, and completion of retail and office early enough to so that residents and Metro commuters can meet their needs within walking distance of the project. The Planning Commission will vote on the project in March. A separate proposal for a third Metro parking garage, would run counter to reducing peak hour car trips and would undermine the trip reductions gained through the MetroWest demand management program. The $30 million plus cost of the garage would be better used to support more frequent bus service to the Metro, safer pedestrian and bicycle access, and other community amenities to support those who would live within walking distance of Metro. This should be matched with expanded transit investment beyond Vienna to offer transit options for commuters who would otherwise have to drive to Vienna Metro or commute through nearby communities. Virginia Local Control of Utilities Threatened A provision currently attached to proposed legislation in the Virginia General Assembly threatens to undermine local control over the placement of utilities. The loss of local control could affect Loudoun County's leverage in dealing with Dominion Virginia Power's plan to build an above-ground, high voltage transmission line from Leesburg to Hamilton. The power line has the potential to harm some of Loudoun's most beloved public spaces, including the W&OD Trail and Oatlands Plantation. Read an alert from Loudoun County Supervisor Jim Burton to learn how you can take action. Smart Growth Recognition Applications Due from Developers by March 15 The Smart Growth Alliance Smart Growth Recognition Program reviews proposed development projects subject to strict criteria. The jury is composed of environmentalists, architects, developers, government planners, and affordable housing advocates. The goal is to encourage good design, choice in transportation, mix of housing types and mix of uses, and help win support for smart growth projects. Developers who have a project in the Washington area that is currently, or soon will be, under review by local government agencies should apply by March 15. Learn more at Smart Growth Alliance. Upcoming Events
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