Transition Policy Area - Citizen Input to Loudoun Comprehensive Plan

A presentation intended to influence decision-makers to resist increasing density in Loudoun County's Transition Policy Area. Developed by the Transition Area Alliance, the Aldie Heritage Association, League of Women Voters of Loudoun County, Loudoun Wildlife Association, Loudoun Residents for Reasonable Growth, and The Piedmont Environmental Council; in cooperation with the Loudoun County Preservation and Conservation Coalition.

Transcript

1. The Transition Policy Area -Citizen input to the Comprehensive Plan Revision A presentation developed by the Transition Area Alliance, the Aldie Heritage Association, League of Women Voters of Loudoun County, Loudoun Wildlife Association, Loudoun Residents for Reasonable Growth, and The Piedmont Environmental Council; in cooperation with the Loudoun County Preservation and Conservation Coalition.
2. This is the Transition Policy Area. It’s less than 7% of the land of Loudoun County, yet contains some of the most important watersheds, nature habitats, and valuable open space in Loudoun. It was designed as part of the county’s comprehensive plan in 2001, which called for limited development and for keeping 50-70% of the land as open space. As the new comprehensive plan gets developed, it is critical to maintain these objectives. Why? (maps courtesy of The Piedmont Environmental Council)
3. With farmland to the west and suburban development to the east, the Transition Policy Area has a surprising abundance of birds and other wildlife (source: Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy)
4. The streams and associated wetlands in the Transition Area provide natural habitats for wildlife, and are part of a “green infrastructure” for the area. Importantly, they provide drinking water to three public water supply intakes, including the critical Beaverdam Reservoir.
5. The area is rich in natural resources and history. Historic roadways, African American village sites, Civil War memories , vestiges of the region's milling history and more; all help to tell the story of the county and the country's past. The area lies within the Journey Through Hallowed Ground National Heritage Area.
6. Significant portions of the area are protected by conservation easements and developer promises, but large areas are also planned for development.
7. During the Envision Loudoun public input sessions, many residents voiced the need to preserve open spaces in the new comprehensive plan. However, pressure to rezone and add denser development will continue. The choice is simple : Protect the open space in the existing Transition Policy Area; Or Open it up to increased development.
8. Many voices have raised the issues of high taxes, too much traffic and overcrowded schools resulting from development that exceeded the capacity of an area to absorb it. An alternative vision ​embraces natural and recreational connections and opportunities and habitat preservation for the benefit of all Loudoun residents. Visualize, as this map displays, ​​connecting trails, bike paths, and green space throughways that take advantage of ​currently protected land. A New Vision
9. …an area for biking and hiking- …for birdwatching and canoeing - And protected water sources.
10. The Vision Imagine hiking along stream beds and seeing a bald eagle or a wood turtle. Imagine biking through tree-lined green spaces. Imagine clean drinking water for current and future generations. Imagine abundant parkland adjacent to Loudoun’s suburban developments. The Transition Policy Area as a space that protects valuable habitat and creates recreation resources while preserving our vital and diminishing open green spaces.
11. Bottom line: No increase in density in the Transition Area Meet housing demand with Silver Line density, not with commuters from Transition Area. Avoid capital costs associated with Single Family Homes ($50k/unit), vs. multi-family homes ($27k/unit). Address Eastern Loudoun’s shortage of parks – land too costly there – find the parkland in Transition Area while it’s still there. Keep new roads appropriate to the area (no six-lane; bike paths adjacent; roundabouts for flow) Hold developers to the open space they promised.
12. Open Space Once it is gone, it is gone forever.