So you own land in Augusta County? Have you ever located your neighborhood on the county’s planning map and wondered what all those pretty colors mean? You will have an opportunity to find out at “Planning Augusta,” the next program in the “This Place Augusta” series on Wednesday, Feb. 29, 7 p.m. at the Augusta County Government Center in Verona.
Augusta County officials will be on hand to describe the current Comprehensive Plan, go over maps and other materials, and explain the types of information all citizens should be aware of regarding their property. Learn what planning policy area your piece of land is in. See what kind of development is likely to happen around you according to the future land use map.
This informal session hosted by the Augusta Community Partnership will give county residents the opportunity to learn how county development plans are drawn up, what governs how land is used, and what the process is for changing to new uses. As a relatively quiet period in between county plan updates, this is a good time for people to familiarize themselves with the county’s development policies and discuss current and potential efforts to direct growth or achieve certain objectives.
This is the fourth session in the “This Place Augusta” series, intended to help area residents appreciate the past, understand today’s trends, and take part in the future of Augusta County.
The first talk, in October, given by Ken Fanfoni and Bobby Whitescarver, discussed the use, protection and the future availability of the county’s water resources. In November, historian Ken Koons described how, from the early settlement, productive farms in the countryside have spurred the formation of related industries in the towns. Last month’s talk by Steve Saufley gave the perspective of farmers today. His frank discussion clarified the forces that make it so hard for farmland to transition to the next generation of farmers.
On March 27, planner and award-winning author Sara Hollberg will present “Conserve as You Grow Augusta.” She will explain how (and why) policymakers and developers can incorporate conservation into their development plans.
The final session on April 30 will be Future Augusta, an opportunity for group discussion on the face of the county for the next generation.
The series is hosted by the Augusta Community Partnership and organized by the Valley Conservation Council, in coordination with the Headwaters Soil and Water Conservation District, and the Augusta County Farm Bureau. Funding comes from the Community Foundation of the Central Blue Ridge, and the USDA Forest Service’s Urban and Community Forestry Program.
The talks are free and all are welcome. The ACP will provide refreshments. For information, contact Sara Hollberg at 886-3541, or [email protected].
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