Will Vehicle Fee Replace Proffers?

Posted on November 12, 2012 by hanoversfuture

This Wednesday, November 14th, the Hanover County Board of Supervisors will receive a report from its appointed Cash Proffer and Capital Funding Committee. Although a split decision, the committee will recommend the elimination of proffers. To offset the loss of revenue from eliminated proffers, the committee will propose that the Board of Supervisors implement taxes and/or fees, including a vehicle fee.

Remember the car windshield decal? In the past, the vehicle fee was required for every car, truck, trailer and motorcycle that used county roads. Farm vehicles were excluded. Car decals at that time cost residents $10. How much will this fee be, if revived? (Note: The Town of Ashland is excluded.)

What are proffers?

Proffers are a one-time fee paid by the developer to help offset the cost of services demanded by residents of new housing being built. Although the costs of services are ongoing, proffers are a ‘voluntary’ set amount to help the county, and therefore existing taxpayers, pay for the capital cost of schools, roads, fire/police, libraries and parks. Capital costs, for example, are buildings and major repairs.

Every new home built on a lot of less than 10 acres, one that was rezoned for residential construction, is subject to proffers. The proffer is rolled into the total purchase price of the new home. Proffer amounts are set by the Board of Supervisors and the monies are applied to capital costs, not services.

The Board of Supervisors meeting on Nov. 14th begins at 2 p.m. The Proffer report is early on the agenda. Please arrive by 2 p.m. because early agenda items move along quickly. It’s expected that no action will be taken at this time.

The committee summary and entire report is available on the county website – Board of Supervisors: Meetings/Agendas: Agendas: Nov. 14, 2012. Click on Item VII highlighted in yellow. A direct link isn’t available.

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Core Principles of the Commons

Posted on October 31, 2012 by hanoversfuture

“A commons arises whenever a given community decides that it wishes to manage a resource in a collective manner, with a special regard for equitable access, use and sustainability. It is a social form that has long lived in the shadows of our market culture,  but which is now on the rise.”  – David Bollier

Principles

  • Without exception, we all belong to our community, and we each have an equal stake in what happens.
  • We must recognize and repair the damage that has been done, and the inequities that have been created, by our current, market-based society.
  • The things that belong to all of us must be named, claimed, defended, protected, and improved. We have a mutual responsibility to take care of these commons and pass them on to the next generation in better shape than we found them.
  • We must honor our full humanity. We are not merely individuals and consumers—we are neighbors, community members, citizens, and experts on the places we live.
  • We are surrounded by abundance and opportunity that the market does not recognize or value. We must see and claim this abundance for the benefit of all.
  • Everyone should have the chance to participate in defining, restoring, creating, managing, leading, governing, and owning anything that is important to the future of the community.
  • People most affected by critical decisions must be included in the process of making them.
  • History, cultural distinctiveness and people’s personal stories are important factors in setting goals and making decisions, as well as simply understanding our community.
  • Sufficiency and resilience are the opposite of the folly of growth.

Reposted from On the Commons

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Upcoming Comp Plan Work Tomorrow!

Posted on October 17, 2012 by hanoversfuture

Comp Plan Work Session

Thursday, Oct. 18th, 4 p.m.

The Planning Commission Work Session will be reviewing and discussing the 2012 Comp Plan Update as scheduled.

Documents are now available by visiting the Hanover County website.

From the county’s home page:

1. Select 2012 Comprehensive Plan Update in the Special Notices box

2. Choose Information for the Work Session.

Informal public comment will be accepted. This PC work session is open to the public.

Three new land use concepts are being introduced and one is being tweaked – Multi-Use, Business-Industrial, Destination Commerce, and Rural Village.

With the exception of Rural Village, we’re uncertain if these concepts apply only to the Suburban Service Area (SSA) designated in the 2007 update or are intended to have a floating application.

The documents also identify several land use planning issues; a little something for everyone:

  • Suburban Residential Density – changing average planned density from 2 dwelling units/acre to 3
  • Rt. 33/Hylas Business Park – possible introduction of other uses because the area is larger than likely to be developed
  • Rt. 1/Cedar Lane Corridor – possible introduction of broader land use classifications
  • Rt. 1 Commercial/Industrial Land use Pattern – possible creation of a  new land use category allowing both industrial and business zoning
  • Pole Green Road – possible expansion of Multi-Use application along corridor
  • Creighton/Cold Harbor Land Use Designations – add designations that will expand investment options

We’d like to know:

  • Is any adjustment to the SSA intended?
  • What is the appreciable difference between the existing Mixed-Use and the suggested Multi-Use designations?
  • Why is Multi-Use deemed a good idea for the Rt. 33/Hylas Business Park that was supposed to be perfect for Mixed-Use?
  • Is ‘Business-Industrial ‘ a designation that will allow the continued stripping of Rt. 301? Or Pole Green for that matter?
  • Will there be a designation for the newly identified “Historic Route 1″?

You were invited to bring your thoughts and comments to the update process through three community meetings. This Work Session may address some of the ideas you generated.

Remember…the Comp Plan guides where and how we grow.

Where are these meetings held?
County Board of Supervisors and Planning Commission meetings are held in
the Board Room at the County Complex.  From Rt. 301 turn into County
Complex Road or Library Drive, look for the white-faced building toward
the back.  Ashland Town Council and Planning Commission meetings are
held in the Council Chambers, Ashland Town Hall, 101 Thompson St.,
Ashland.

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Historic road threatened by truck traffic

Posted on October 5, 2012 by hanoversfuture
VDOT Seeks Your Comment… 
…Restricting Trucks on Historic Road
Hickory Hill Road stretches from Hanover Courthouse to Rt. 1 north of Ashland; it’s part of the very old history of Hanover County. It passes through two historic farms, Hickory Hill and South Wales. The road has recently been resurfaced making it appealing to trucks to use as a short cut!
We don’t need or want trucks barreling down this scenic, country road. The majority of the road is barely wide enough for two cars to pass, or a car and farm equipment. Safety of bicyclists and wildlife are equally a concern.
Hickory Hill Road is being considered for through truck restriction by VDOT. That’s good! VDOT is asking for your comments – by phone or mail. This is an easy, no-brainer – support the restriction.
Call: 
or
Write:
Regional Traffic Engineer
2430 Pine Forest Drive
Colonial Heights, VA
When you call, you’ll get a recording that asks you to leave a message about the restriction. Simply done!

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Key County Players Meet Tomorrow to Review Comprehensive Plan!

Posted on June 12, 2012 by hanoversfuture

The Board of Supervisors, Planning Commission and Economic Development Authority will review preliminary issues identified by staff. Expect the BOS to authorize the Planning Commission to formally begin the 2012 update to the Comprehensive Plan.

WHEN:  Wednesday, June 13, 2 p.m.

WHERE:   Richmond Times-Dispatch Hanover Production Facility, 8460 Times-Dispatch Blvd., Mechanicsville

Issues:
  • Updating current demographic and socioeconomic data to evaluate changes that influence growth forecasts.
  • Reconciling suburban residential land use policies with adopted zoning regulations.
  • Evaluating policies that guide Economic Development Zones (EDZs).
  • Assessing the recommendations for Small Area Plans (SAPs) to determine consistency with current development trends.
  • Evaluating the Major Thoroughfare Plan (MTP).  Is it adequate to meet traffic projections based on potential land use changes?

View or download the .pdf of the Agenda Item X-Joint Meeting-BoS, PC, EDA to Initiate Review and Update the Comp Plan 2012

Ashland plans may include…more fuel, more floors

The Ashland Planning Commission will hear proposals for two zoning amendments and one Conditional Use Permit (CUP).

WHAT:    Public Hearing

WHEN:    Wednesday, June 13, 7 p.m.

WHERE:  Ashland Town Hall, Council Chambers, 101 Thompson St., Ashland

The PC will consider:

  •  An amendment to the “Planned Shopping Center District” that would permit convenience stores with fuel sales (with a CUP)
  • This would also allow an additional monument sign and it seems apparent that this first amendment needs to be approved in order for the next amendment to go forward.
  • An amendment to allow Martin’s (Giant) to build a retail fuel center on the property – the current Town Comp Plan indicates this would be an appropriate use.
  • A CUP request by the Virginia Truck Center to allow a building exceeding 35 feet high on the east side of Washington Hwy just north of Jamestown Road.  The current Twon Comp PLan indicates this would be an appropriate use.

Your Planning Commissioners need to hear from you!

Attend public hearings and voice your concerns.

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Preservation Virginia’s Most Endangered List: Ashland Theater

Posted on May 7, 2012 by hanoversfuture

Image

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.

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Upcoming Candidates Forum

Posted on April 14, 2012 by hanoversfuture

Ashland Town Council Candidates Forum

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

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