Op-Ed
By Adam Stevenson The Virginia Department of Transportation recently proposed improvements at the Rt. 7/287 interchange. The project scope “includes lengthened and widened ramps and expanded turn and through lanes along Rt. 287 between Eastgate Drive and the westbound Rt. 7 entrance/exit ramps.” It also includes “expanded pedestrian access to the W&OD Trail and traffic…
By Charles Houston I don’t think land use will change much with the upcoming new zoning ordinance that’s being written now. I hope you can accept life under Loudoun’s existing zoning, which has been harmful to rural Loudoun. The zoning rewrite is based upon the 2019 General Plan, adopted after much input from a group…
By Charles Houston Byne Rood was in the sunroom when her husband returned from his office. She had a wan smile and was still in barn clothes. “What’s up, Byne?” queried Robert. “You don’t look happy.” “I’m just puzzled. Maybe a bit irritated.” “’bout what?” “You know how much I’m trying to follow the new…
By The Board of Directors of Save Rural Loudoun Angry interventions at the County Board of Supervisors meeting on Feb. 1 demonstrate why the County must act soon to reduce projected residential growth in Loudoun’s rural areas. In that meeting, a dozen or so residents of the recently built rural subdivisions surrounding Lucketts bitterly protested…
We are opposed to the Loudoun County Department of Transportation and Capital Infrastructure’s SPEX-2021-0025 application to provide lighting for Scott Jenkins Memorial Park. We strongly disagree with the applicant’s statement that “The development of the site will not negatively impact the area in any unusual or significant way above or beyond what is normal for…
By Charles Houston We know many political -isms: conservatism, liberalism, libertarianism, progressivism, populism. To me, the paramount-ism is populism, as immortalized in Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address: Government of the people, by the people, for the people … That dictum surely applies to local issues, especially regarding how land is used. Loudoun’s people should control how our…
By John P. Flannery There may be no zero carbon footprint but we still have it as an environmental goal. The next generation is working on how we attack carbon emissions – and, sometimes, it’s downright fun. This narrative begins with a young Landon Hughes, about 4 years of age, when with his Mom, Cameron…
By Charles Houston You Should Not Ignore Zoning I know, I know. Zoning sounds as dull as dirt. Put this in the proper context and you’ll see why it’s critically important. When it’s approved, the new zoning ordinance will govern how much Loudoun should grow, what it will look like, and whether western Loudoun will…
The Loudoun County Board of Supervisors has voted to approve new names for Harry Byrd Highway (Route 7) and John Mosby Highway (Route 50) within Loudoun County. The Board’s vote follows its September 2020 decision to inventory Confederate and segregationist symbols in the county, such as roads, buildings, markers and monuments, for renaming consideration. “People who supported…
That’s right, Loudoun County is planning to raise your Real Estate Taxes in July 2022 while reducing the taxes data centers pay. This is not my opinion but, planning guidance given to the County staff in preparation of the FY2023 Budget by the Board of Supervisors Finance Subcommittee. This plan was developed during two meetings,…