Preservation Virginia 2012′s list of places, buildings and archaeological sites across the Commonwealth that face imminent or sustained threats to their integrity or in some cases their very survival includes the Ashland Theater.  The listing is intended to bring attention to the threats described and to encourage citizens and organizations to continue to advocate for their protection and preservation.

The Ashland Theater, a centerpiece of Ashland’s main street has sat vacant and/or under used for 17 years. A group of local leaders in the Town of Ashland will be holding roundtable discussions to determine how the theater can be restored and reused.

Threat:

This former neon-illuminated downtown icon is becoming an eyesore and is in peril of becoming a negative symbol in the midst of revitalization efforts. The theater is deteriorating from neglect and disrepair.

Recommendation:

Local supporters should undertake a feasibility study to determine the viablity of re-purposing the theater into a performing arts venue, to support Ashland’s Main Street vision of being a thriving “destination location” for arts and culture and a prime heritage tourism destination.

Wednesday, April 25 – 7 p.m.

Ashland Town Hall Chambers

Moderated by Bill Roberts

Co-Sponsors: 

Coalition for Hanover’s Future

The Herald-Progress

The League of Women Voters

Randolph-Macon College

WHAN

*** ELECTION DAY ***

Tuesday, May 1, 2012,

Vote at the Ashland Town Hall

The reality:  UDAs were actually a bipartisan and fiscally conservative Virginia initiative. Both Governor Tim Kaine and Republican Speaker of the House Bill Howell strongly supported the 2007 law designed to reduce the costs of infrastructure and burden on taxpayers.

• UDAs reduce transportation costs to the state and also save on water and sewer, police and fire, school busing, and other costs.

• The traditional neighborhood development envisioned by UDAs is reflective of the beloved, historic Virginia towns and our older suburbs that engender a sense of community that we have lost as a result of scattered development.

Take Action: PLEASE OPPOSE any bill that would make UDAs optional and that would remove requirements that localities report their UDA plans to the state.

Tell your legislators that you support UDAs because they will save taxpayers money by reducing infrastructure costs for transportation, water and sewer, police and fire, school busing, and more. Tell them that you oppose:

• Senate Bills: SB274 (R-Smith), SB291 (D-Lucas)

• House Bills: HB92 (R – R. Marshall), HB794 (R- Rush), HB869 (R -Rust), HB729 (R-Dudenhefer, exempts Stafford),

Also, please oppose the inclusion of the UDAs in the Governor’s “unfunded mandates on localities” bills, SB129 (R-Stanley), HB1295 (R- Byron). Again, UDAs will save money by reducing “unfunded mandates” on the state’s taxpayers by reducing infrastructure costs.

Why not give your legislator a call?

Localities are mandated both to have a Comprehensive Plan and to review it every five years. Hanover’s Comprehensive Plan is a rolling 20-year plan advanced at each update. With this review and update the guidelines are set for the 2012-2032 time frame.

The Planning Commission will schedule workshops and hearings that will unfold over approximately one year until the final public hearing and vote by the Board of Supervisors.

Workshop: FY12 Comprehesnsive Plan Update

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

7:00 pm

What is the Comprehensive Plan?

The Comprehensive Plan is a means by which local government officials and citizens express their goals for the future of the community. The Virginia General Assembly requires that each locality adopt a Comprehensive Plan, and further mandates the Plan be updated every five years.

A Comprehensive Plan is not a regulatory document; it serves as a “guide” to planning future land use, transportation, public works, community facilities, historic resources, economic development, finance, communication facilities and housing.  Because it is only a guide, the Plan can be changed with notice and opportunity to comment, and land use zoning decisions do not need to “match” the Plan, but should be consistent with its general terms.  Even though a “guide,” citizens and government officials alike often rely heavily on the Plan’s designation of land uses.

The Planning Commission, citizens who have been appointed by the Board of Supervisors, is “charged with” the responsibility of preparing the Comprehensive Plan or its update.  The Commission relies upon the advice and expertise of the planning staff and, ideally, input from citizens of the locality. The Planning Commission advises the Board of Supervisors and the Board ultimately makes the final decisions regarding the Comprehensive Plan, again, ideally with input from citizens.  

How Does It Affect You?

The update of the Comprehensive Plan will set the pace for future growth and development and/or preservation of the County as each of the above referenced entities are addressed in the update process.  Once a feature or condition is actually shown in a plan, even if only a guide to planning, such features often dictate the direction of future growth.

Why Should You Participate, Attend Workshops and Hearings?

The Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors need to hear their constituents’ thoughts and ideas about growth and development, transportation, economic development, parks and recreation, historic resources, and the preservation of character of Hanover County. This is an opportunity to speak out about your vision for your community and participate in determining the future of Hanover County.