Perfection is the enemy of the good.
Gustave Flaubert
French realist novelist (1821 – 1880)
The Daily Progress has a good article about the stalling of the Streetscape project. Please read the whole thing.
“We don’t want the charm of downtown to die away,” Trigo said. “That’s why we have to keep the businesses alive and work together.”
The Albemarle County Board of Supervisors already has appropriated the money as part of its capital improvement plans, but Marshall said he and other CCAC members are worried the money will be spent on other county projects if property owners don’t get on board.
“Downtown needs this to happen and time is slipping away,” Marshall said. “This is a project that will benefit everybody, [but] the county needs to find a way to reassure [property owners] they are going to hold contractors to a schedule and stick to it.”
My question is this – if we don’t take advantage of this opportunity now, when will we? We’re not going to get a perfect plan – but we need to insist on getting this started and finished as soon as possible. What better time than the midst of a recession to prepare for the other side?
Secondly, I’m going to borrow tfjtolson’s comment from the Daily Progress in its entirety:
I want the business owners of Crozet to know that while they build it (the streetscape) we will keep coming. I want them to stay in business and I want Crozet to have the improvements.
Therefore, as a Crozet resident, I pledge to keep patronizing their stores during the construction.Who will join me in this pledge?
Update: More at C-Ville.
I relocated to Crozet from No. California early this summer with my family. I am so charmed with the town and the warmth of the residents here. The downtown is an odd mix of an endearing small town- feel choked by the crush of traffic, no parking and lack of walkways and bikeways.
As a sustainable designer with a keen interest in community planning for a thriving and healthy future I was thrilled to hear of the new Streetscape plan- with sidewalks and trees and better traffic flow, so that people could really make use of the center of town perhaps even without having to drive there!
Without shoulders on the roads, sidewalks or bike paths I would hesitate to walk or ride a bike into town (or to Crozet Park or the proposed library) with my elementary school-aged daughter. New roads with sidewalks for pedestrian usage and newly planted trees for beauty and ecologic health would encourage further, thoughtful growth instead of allowing for unplanned sprawl. What a wonderful time in Crozet’s history to see this influx of funds and improvement!
It saddens me to see the delays that could all but destroy these plans. Communities must pull together to ensure that their town centers continue to thrive. With the addition of more cars and more people to this area, it is imperative that we strike now while the funds are accessible. Finances evaporate from projects like these as a result of dilatory behavior. The result is poor and potentially dangerous traffic flow, lack of pedestrian-friendly town centers and retail/commercial dead zones. An example is what you see along 29 north of Charlottesville- with one strip mall after another blighting the lovely countryside. Crozetians should unite and fight to maintain and uplift their small town center feel. The whole community (including the existing shop owners) will suffer in the long term if delays continue.
Leslie – Thank you for the insightful comment; your comment is one of the reasons I continue to write RealCrozetVA.
You need to face the fact that not everyone agrees with you. Having govt.
step in a create their version is not the natural progression of a community. Crozet is not a town. It is a community. It is too bad that you moved to an area that you are so desperate to change… Allowing all
the plastic housing to be built is a prime example of an unatural expansion
of a community. Now, you want these same people to have the opportunity to destroy the rest of it. Dangerous traffic flow?? I am far more scared of people like you…
I would also like the Crozet business owners to know that I will continue to patronize their establishments during the construction, because I see the Streetscape project as a great thing for the community of Crozet.
By the way, I am a born and raised Albemarle County resident.
Edward – I think that what we’re seeing here is a version of the community’s vision for what the Downtown Crozet area should be. It’s certainly not perfect (as nothing ever is, and God help us, we know it never is when government’s involved) but it’s a better vision than allowing development to continue in Old Trail and 250 alone … if we let that happen we’ll look back in five years and lament our collective inaction.
I agree wholeheartedly with this:
I think that the damage to the area should be limited to Old Trail and 250.
Mass Market U.S.A. has been dropped into the area and while we have to learn to live with it, we do not have to allow it to grow. Do developers
enhance the natural beauty of an area with these large tracts of plastic
houses? If you are new to an area and did not realize where you were or
you are making money off of the destruction of it I understand your logic.
Old Trail is Old Trail, not Crozet. Do with it what you please. Then I suggest you rename it Anytown or whatever corporate slogan that you
want…
Wow, dude, you need to chill just a bit. Last time I checked 250 (on the western side) looks nothing like Mass Market USA. Crawl out of your bunker and take a trip to that part of the world – 29 North.
I think crozet has done an admirable job of balancing growth (partly accomplished by the dismal real estate market mind you) and perserving the past.
I also agree with the comment that Jim highlighted above.
Yes this all sounds beautiful. The underground wires would be great for downtown.
However, taking property away from business owners, and making access difficult for service businesses is not good for business. How many of you that comment have a storefront business?–or do you work from home and dream of a lovely walk through downtown.
I used to work on the downtown mall. It was a nightmare. Yes it was a nice place to go for a concert, or out to dinner—however, running errands like getting a haircut, dropping off my drycleaning, going to a dr.s appointment would be very difficult. Parking will be cut-off to these very viable businesses and they will be forced to move to a strip center where customers can easily access their front door.
The very idea that you people think that what is best for our businesses is for you to enjoy tree-lined streets is ridiculous.
If you don’t like what we offer, go back to where you came from.
In response to Trolley: Why do you think that Crozet has done an admirable job of balancing growth? Crozet is not a town. There is no
local Crozet govt. You really do not know of what you speak… Crozet used to have industry and a way to enjoy a middle class lifestyle. Now
we are just a bedroom community with a bunch of people that want the place to change to suit them. Why would you move to an area you did not like? I realize there is no point suggesting that you go back to where you
came from. Maybe you could go somewhere else and advise them on what
is needed. And, route 29 used to look like 250 does now. Can you under
stand the meaning of this? Dude?
Edward – Is it just Old Trail that you dislike? It’s hard to understand the vehemence of your reaction, so please help me out. I am a”new resident; I’ve been here about 4 years, and I live in one of the developments you probably consider “plastic” (I likened it to Disneyworld’s Main Street when we first looked at it). But what I love about living here is walking to the park, to the pool in summer, to church, to restaurants, to the Farmer’s Market, and even to the pharmacy or grocery store. We love what’s here, and we enjoy being a part of it. I also love the people in my neighborhood. I’m excited about the new library, being a book person, but I’m ok with the current library and think we’re very lucky to have the folks who work there. I shop at Great Valu unless it’s closed. I really love it here. I think we do have tree-lined streets–the ones I walk on, anyway–and I don’t think we’re anywhere close to Mass Market USA. The fact that Mr. Maupin knows me by name every single time I go in–even when it’s months between visits–tells me how far we are from Mass Market USA. I think people are trying to preserve that, not destroy it. And if they’re not, I ask you simply to remember that all the new folks aren’t the same, just as all the old-timers aren’t either. Thanks for reading.
OK, OK, Crazy Eddie, I stand corrected – Crozet is not a town. And you obviously have an issue with the new communities. So let’s agree to disagree about gov’t involvement and plans for the future. Let’s forget the fact that developers are building affordable housing too. I mean, the newer communities in Crozet could have easily become Glenmore West. Let’s also turn back the clock see a thriving frozen food industry and no other intruders from the “outside” or their opinions. I’m also not sure why you feel Crozetians can’t enjoy a middle class life, but I’ll leave that to your middle of the night ramblings.
Look communities evolve, they aren’t created via immaculate conception. Our community is evolving and along the way the County gov’t (I know we have one of those) is trying to drive the bus. We all should be happy that they are trying to improve downtown. Clearly you don’t want downtown improved – OK, that’s fine, but if it isn’t improved an Old Trail-type development will fill the void and then we are you? Crozet as a community will have evolved all the way to extinction.
What is considered affordable housing? What does Frozen Food have to
do with Acme Visable? You somehow believe that changing Crozet will
improve it. I think that you are wrong and expect something for nothing.
Who is actually pushing for this? Could it be that the Developers, stuck
with empty units and stalled in building out their projects feel the need
to force their idea of improvements down our throats? Old Trail should
stick to improving itself instead of trying to be the center of it all. Down
town Crozet? Is that where they fly the flag?? Crozetians? Are they
from New York or New Jersey? And, where in Crozet can you work one
job and be able to afford the rent on a home? Yes, I will always be opposed to your way of thinking and communicating.
I think a compromise is needed between the streetscape master plan and the local businesses which will be affected by loss of parking and easy front door access.
how many of you know who are excited about strolling the walkways as the current plan stands–will visit the local insurance office when parking is difficult, will get your haircut when parking closeby is scarce, and who bring in armloads of laundry and drycleaning when you cannot get into the drycleaners easily.–I do not think you will use a stroller for these errands.
Again, enjoying the walking space and the front porch on the Mexican restaurant does not help these small businesses. How many of you are patronizing them now?
I say hurray for public forums such as these as well as the upcoming meeting on the 30th! Thank goodness we are not all made alike, because the world would be a pretty boring planet if we were. This sort of interchange is certainly the place to see what we are all made and how we handle ourselves while dealing with our fellow human beings. Keeping our minds and opinions diplomatic and open allows everyone’s opinions to be heard.
I have lived in some communities that saw massive growth in the seventies. Some of it was planned and some of it was haphazard. Some of it was controlled and driven by developers as well as local businesses – while in other locales community members took greater control of their town’s developments. There are all sorts of examples out there as to what this place might look like twenty years from now. Let’s hope we can look back and say,”That was a great plan!”
When it comes to changes affecting towns, villages, hamlets or cities, it is of the utmost importance to have long time residents as well as newbies voice their opinions. A great deal of involvement from all sides is what creates the most wholesome and healthy places where growth is controlled and well thought out. And unfortunately for some of you who have seen the population surge in the Crozet area- growth is likely to continue, no matter what anyone wants.
In public forums where many minds meet here is really only one rule…
The rule is that the lens that everyone should be looking through while examining the issues at hand – be one of COMMUNITY. It is far too easy to become embroiled in a personal battle when one focuses solely on one’s personal desires. You might possibly win that battle- and to lose the war.
The big picture here involves all those living here. Although some have been here longer-maybe even all of their lives, it does not make their opinion any more important OR less important than others living in the area.
I think a wary eye should be focused on the goals of the developers and I agree that it is a frustrating situation that Crozet is not a town with elected officials that can take control of the future here…but we are living in Crozet, VA, not communist China or elsewhere in the world where common folks don’t have any say in what happens at all.
In many countries we would not even be allowed to voice our opinions on line without the threat of being jailed or worse.
Let’s not be paranoid, let’s be proactive!
The master plan is a broad plan to be sure. (It is available online for inspection.) The plan is a proposal with certain pieces that go together to make the whole. The issue at hand seems to be the downtown street rehab so that would be a good place to focus our energies.
For example, how can we encourage locals to continue to use the downtown businesses through the construction phases rehab because we DO want them to survive? In the recent survey published by the Crozet Gazette, all those polled – from long term residents as well as new comers – agreed that open space, safety and traffic as well as local resources were at the height of their concerns and one of the reasons they want to live here.
Perhaps a survey should be done of the downtown businesses to see what they feel they need to survive during the construction of new streets as well as what they would like to see available to them as a result of the construction (more parking, sidewalks, signage, etc.?).
Hope to see you ALL at the meeting on the 30th.
Bring your friends- and an open mind!
I think that the point that is being missed is that people really want to limit growth in Western Albemarle County. The County, using taxpayer
money, wants to remake an area into something they think would be better. They might as well build a mall on 250 and call it Crozet. Why would you want to move to an area without hiking trails, multiple coffee
shops, bike lanes, sidewalks, in short a planned out urban area that leaves
nothing out, if that is what you crave? You paid dearly to come here yet,
now you want to change it. I’m afraid that you are the death of a community, not the beginning. The realtors and developers are growing fat off of you because they know that it won’t be long after you have remade the area into what you left you’ll be moving on again. Downtown
Crozet, where is that? Do you have a clue where the boundaries are?
Crozet Business? Thank God For the Dollar General Store…
Edward –
Here’s the thing, though. Crozet is going to grow – it’s a Designated Growth area.
But – we have the chance to effect positive growth so that we don’t look like Pantops or 29 North, God help us.
Because the County has promised that Crozet is going to grow, and are doing everything they can to ensure that, through zoning policies and the like.
Downtown Crozet – C-Ville
Downtown Crozet boundaries are probably located here.
The “realtors and developers” line worked until about 3 years ago. 🙂 As a Realtor, I’m certainly not getting fat … more like lean and mean.
BRC –
I go to the Mudhouse a lot, and will go to Greenhouse Coffee when it opens. I go to the pharmacy whenever I needo. I see my insurance agent at Panera once a year – never have a need to go to his office, don’t do drycleaning, and my kids’ dentist is in Charlottesville, and get my haircut up 29 North at Chung’s b/c it’s great. We eat at Fardowners once in a while and haven’t been to La Cucina in a while for some reason.
People won’t stop going to the downtown places unless they have reason to — in that the places aren’t viable, not because of the Streetscape project. I think we underestimate people if we think that the project will lead people to go elsewhere.
Thank you for answering with my exact point. OF course, you want treelined walkways and lots of sidewalks, regardless of how it affects Thriving Businesses=====your main interest is the restaurants. There are lots of other people who do business in downtown Crozet whose access would be limited by awkward parking/entering/exiting.
Interesting, for all your love of Crozet businesses, many of the everyday things you seem to do somewhere else.
BRC –
I’ve never said that I patronized only or all Crozet businesses … I choose to do things elsewhere simply because they are better for my needs. For example, if a better barber than Chung’s were in Crozet, I’d go there, but I just haven’t had that experience yet. Same can be said for insurance or any of the other businesses (I’d love to see a comprehensive listing of crozet businesses … I think I’ll work on something like that)
Would sidewalks negatively affect businesses? In the short run? Long run?
I think that a lot of traditional businesses simply don’t need storefronts, but that’s an entirely different conversation.
Thank you, sincerely for your thoughtful comments and conversation.
I do not think that Crozet needs to add sidewalks to survive. And yes, in the long term, I think the loss of parking and accessibility would negatively affect these businesses.
I also think that your off topic comment about store fronts goes hand-in-hand with your lack of understanding in this issue. If it goes your way, it sounds like we will have all coffee houses, and parks in downtown Crozet instead of businesses. Not eveything can be done in front of a computer , on your i-phone, or in your house,
Interesting that a realtor would not know the boundaries of Crozet. Why
bother with details though? You will just move on. The simple fact is that
Crozet does not have to be destroyed. Govt. plans are by design easy to
change. I doubt any of you are here long enough to realize this but, The
meeting at Western Albemarle means nothing, Just a show to make you
feel important. I do not know what will happen but the loudest outcry
was over the huge influx of people wanting something other than what is here. Why should the County pay to create what YOU want. What is here
now has been running along just fine for quite some time. I suggest a huge
fence around Old Trail and then you could create your perfect world.
Paved walking trails, wi-fi spots, nowhere to work though…
brc –
Again, I may be an anomaly in that I don’t go to many stores, but things are shifting away from everything needing physical spaces.
Umm … I never said I didn’t know the boundaries of Crozet, but that raises an interesting question – what are the boundaries to Crozet to you?
Why assume that I or anyone else will “just move on”?
If we concede to complacency and assumption of inevitability, then we really will have lost.
How do you mean? In my experience, people want Crozet to be good and nice, not necessarily different.
A wider question – why is wanting things to be different inherently “bad”?
Things change, sometimes good, sometimes bad, but I would argue that not even considering change is short-sighted in and of itself.
Before they were stolen/taken down? The boundaries of Crozet were
pretty well marked. About change, there has been huge change already.
Large tracts of plastic housing have been built. Large numbers of people
have moved in, some with jobs most with a source of external income.
Now, some Urban Planner wants to tear up the main street into their
view of anyplace U.S.A., using our money. And, the plans for the IGA/
Great Value shopping center are worse. Do you really believe that this is normal change? Totally changing a rural community into what??
If you really enjoy this area how can you favor this? Or, do you see an
opportunity for profit? This would not be the first area destroyed by
realtors and developers…. One thing that I am enjoying though is that
as these people come here thinking they have left certain things behind,
nope, the predators are sure to follow. And they are.
Edward,
I moved to the Shenandoah Valley for work, and found a great quality of life for my wife and our 1 year old daughter in your evil “plastic housing” development of old trail. I had to leave my home state and hometown because the economy there is stagnant. People are having a hard time paying their mortgages and feeding their families right now in the midst of this recession- and you are hatefully condemning economic growth and new housing in your town.
You sir, are clearly an idiot.
Fitzgerald,
If you moved to Old Trail you do not live in the Shenandoah Valley.
How would destroying Crozet with Taxpayer funds improve the economy? What did you do to try to change the area you left? Did you
suggest that they remake your hometown to improve the economy?
Again, Crozet is not a town. If you are going to call people names you
should at least try to figure out where you are…
Since being from here is such a topic of importance, can you tell me where you were born and raised Edward Strauss?
Edward Strauss has been spouting negativity on message boards for years. Even back in 2003 (probably even well before that), he had negative words to say about the area:
http://www.slashtravel.com/showthread.php?t=4593
(See the last post in the chain)
There are plenty of others, but I won’t bore everyone with them.
Edward, if you hate the area so much, why are you still here?
Ok, I’ll bite. One at a time though. The Topic of Importance is destroying
an area with tract housing and taxpayer money. With developers and
realtors cheering it on. If you actually enjoy the area why do you want to
make it into something else. To Haters R US: I wish you would post everything you can find on me. I don’t hide. I have my opinion and you
can hide and moan all you like. Too bad you have such a negative name.
Why do you hate the area so much that you want to spend taxpayer money to change it? Can’t you find a safe, urban area to live in?
This is so typical with you people, you do not like the message so you
go after the messenger. ..
Edward – MEOW! You are a classic case of NIMBY. forget about building a wall around old trail as you suggest, but let’s build it around the unicorporated area that we like to a call the town of Crozet. You keep saying that people move here then want it changed, but maybe people moved here with the hopes that change was coming…
I realize that much happens without taxpayer harmony, but once again there is a plan in place (one that keeps evolving too) and I’d rather see something that resembles a plan then developers running amok.
If things were left alone years ago, in true capitalistic fashion, during the hot real estate years, developers would have been completely flattened Crozet to put up “plastic housing”. Then of course the current housing market would have left “ghost towns” of cul-de-sacs. Take a gander at the excess in Las Vegas, Phoenix, and Florida.
I recommend you build a wall around yourself.
And you are a case of not being able to cope with the opinions of others.
People move here, say they love it, blah, blah , blah, then want someone
to change it for them into what they like. Well, you can change your world
just you plan to be the one who pays for it. What developer would attempt
the Streetscape deal in Crozet? All the land is not for sale and there is no
benefit in tearing up the main street. Plus you need county govt. to steal
the right of way. A real fools paradise. You mention the above cities. What we are starting to have in common with them is the same flood of
mindless people coming to a place they no little about, buy more house
than they can afford, in an area that can not provide the employment
needed to pay for the lifestyle that is desired. And then, if we could only
change it, build a few more coffee houses, a dollar tree, whatever, maybe
you will feel better. Hopefully the external income will not run out before then… Oh, I do have a wall around myself. Thanks for the suggestion.
It was very nice to meet some fellow Crozet town members at the meeting last night as well as leaders who are putting their time in to help make this area of development be more sustainable. Contrary to what one might hear, all projects included in the Master Plan are making good progress, and are on schedule.
There is a wealth of concerned and interested citizens in this community. That is one of the real attractions of this place. It takes a lot of volunteer time and energy to create something that is worthwhile and well thought out.
It does sound like we all need to put our heads together on fundraising for the new library and continued support of our City Park. (Attendance of the Crozet Arts and Crafts Festival helps the latter.)
Edward
I recently drove thru Old Trail and found the homes to have different looks and features, interesting architecture and NO VINYL.
Why do keep referring to Old Trail as “plastic”? There is NONE in Old Trail.
Tonight, my son and I walked around my “plastic” neighborhood. I am sure that at one time it was a field or something, here behind Crozet Park. Now it has homes developed by someone, called a developer, and sold by people called realtors. And it’s lovely. Kids play outside until it gets too dark. Folks let their toddlers answer the door, because it’s a safe, kind place. Everyone my son greeted, as he sold popcorn for Cub Scouts, smiled and thanked him, whether they bought or not. We saw friends, my eye doctor, women I exercise with, kids he plays soccer with, and people we’ve never met before. It’s a neighborhood. I didn’t build it. I don’t feel a need to change it. I do give my input about plans, when asked. I feel lucky to live in a beautiful, safe, friendly place.
Edward, fight hard for the place you love. Work for what you believe in. And remember that the folks on the “other side” are not necessarily evil or stupid. They might just be happy with something different from you.
What you describe above is normal life in Western Albemarle County.
Where you live exists because of previous peoples efforts to preserve
rather than wholesale change. But, the County Govt. seems prepared to
remake an area that has naturally evolved. This change will effect you.
How and, whether it will be good or bad remains to be seen. Careful for
what you wish for. You just might get it and just like your life there are no do overs… To the other person that thinks there is no plastic in Old Trail
, there is. And, just like plastic is not vinyl, there is no Town of Crozet.
There are plenty of plastic signs of pathetic business in Old Trail though.
ACAC signs for example. Stuck in the ground throughout the area. Since
that could be a sign of your future you should help them out by cleaning this mess up. Naw, let someone else do it…
Was not talking about signs Edward. I was talking about the siding of the homes.
Ok, lets narrow it down. Vinyl is Vinyl, not plastic. Are you claiming that there is no vinyl in Old Trail?? Or, are you claiming there is no plastic in Old Trail? Or, do you not really know and just want to say something which is fine since the name of this blog, Real Crozet, just motivates me to no end… Now, where the repo benches are by the railway underpass in
Crozet, is that real stone against the bank of dirt or ? Image that stuff everywhere. Streetscapes! Thats been done before. Rent the movie
Pleasantville.
Edward,
Is your goal to make everyone in Crozet as miserable and bitter as you seem? Someone above already asked why you continue to live in a place that you seem to be so disgusted by, but you ducked the question. So I’ll repeat it and see if you can give a straight answer since you already said above that you “don’t hide” from the truth. Why do you live somewhere that makes you so bitter?
Hasn’t everyone tired yet of giving this responder the feedback and audience he seeks? Keep your thoughts on the good things instead; there are more than enough of them. We are blessed to live in his area. Love your neighbors, your family and yourself. Don’t spend precious energies feeding unnecessary obsessions–your own OR those of others.
Interesting. Some folks will always consider new residents “from away”, as they say in a small town in Maine. Your not considered a “local” unless your grandparents, parents, and yourself were born and raised in that area. The ‘true’ locals are resistant to change, even if your efforts are to improve the area socially and economically. Growth here is inevitable. It provides opportunity. What is wrong with that?
When I see people carrying groceries, and kids riding their skateboards on Jarmans Gap road, maybe its time for a sidewalk…or when the shelves of books at the library are ready to collapse, maybe its time to expand. As our population grows, our community responds to accommodate. Efficient and planned growth is smart.
You avoid lots of questions Edward Strauss!
Some change is great change and Crozet is need of a dash of change … there are lots of great opinions on here such as Leslie’s, Katrien, Mike and Trolley! It’s important for everyone to voice their opinion! Lets all have a open mind!
But I really do think Crozet can be expanded in a positive way
It wouldnt hurt to have a CVS here and a nicer Library etc.
Thanks for the continuing conversation everyone, and welcome to those of you who are commenting for the first time.
It’s conversations like this that help to refine the plans that will hopefully be implemented.
sJan – I agree with you up to the point of the CVS; in a perfect world, Crozet (and Albemarle County, really) will be able to withstand more chains moving into the area. To my evolving definition of what I want Crozet to be, CVS and the like are anathema to what I would like to see. I realize that that’s a somewhat contradictory viewpoint, but it is what it is. 🙂
Mike, you do not want me to have an opinion so you call me bitter. What
is your point? I have clearly stated that I oppose the Streetscapes plan
that will destroy Crozet as it now stands. I also can not understand why people move to an area that they desperstely want to change. If you can not understand that, that is your problem. How would you know that I am bitter? Whoever Joe Crozet is, If you are so blessed why do you want a
drastic change like Streetscapes? You all like to make up your silly names
and whatever but, what have I avoided? To people that want some change
Streetscapes is not . It is drastic change. But, once the damage is done and
you do not like it you’ll just go somewhere else…
Elsewhere on this blog there is something about a car being hit and damaged outside the Mudhouse. It is sad when something like this happens.
Do you think that this is unusual?
Do you think that the expansion of the area has also caused and will continue to cause crime to go up? With the Streetscape project taking
away of available parking do you see more of these problems arising?
To the person that suggested a CVS: If I had to choose between mulitiple
overpriced coffee houses and restaurants and a decent drugstore out by
Harris Teeter I would have to go with the drugstore.
All you have to do is look at Charlottesville to see the future you all seem to crave. With a 25% poverty rate it is no shining star…
Edward
Drive thru Old trail again soon and you will see there is no vinyl on these homes.
The homes are quite unique and NO vinyl.
I agree with the comment Concerned wrote, Old Trail does not look bad!!
What is unique about the homes in Old Trail? Cutting edge design not
found anywhere else? What is unique about tract housing? Will you feel this way once it is built out? But, if you are happy to be in it,be happy. Be
so happy in fact, that you are satisfied to the point that you do not want to change everything and force others to live like you.
Edward
What would Western Albemarle and the Crozet area look like if every home in Western Ridge,Highlands, Grayrock,Grayrock North,Waylands Grant,Bargamin Park,Westhall,Cory Farm and Old Trail look like if they were all on 2 acre lots along our rural roads and farms in the Crozet area?
There would be very little rural beauty left in the Crozet area.
In rural terms 2 acre lots are not large. If you travel outside the immediate Crozet area you will see that the 2 acre concept works quite well. In my opinion tract housing does nothing to enhance rural beauty. For this area to remain rural the tract housing must stop. Streetscapes must go away. Of course, If you want an urban area with a view of the mountains in the distance, that just could happen… Now I will ask what
would Western Albemarle and the extended Crozet area look like without
the above mentioned housing developments? Has their been an improvement? Less jobs, more expensive, more people, less opportunity,
changing lifestyle. No right answer but, you do need to look at the whole picture.
We’re adding a billion people to our planet every 15 years. Do you really think you’re going to escape the “more people” phenomenon when you live 15 mins. outside a growing metropolitan area? Cities grow, and they usually grow outwards, not upwards, it’s a fact of life. Residents usually respond one of three ways: 1) They accept it; 2) They don’t accept it and move farther out where they can find the rural atmosphere they prefer; or 3) They don’t accept it but don’t move farther out and incessantly complain and grow bitter.
Edward
Can’t you see Albemarle Co. is trying hard to protect the rural areas by creating designated growth areas where housing density is concentrated in the growth areas where there is public water and sewer available and the master plans are established to deal with the growth in these areas.
Such good input from so many people. I believe you came here from some other place at one time did you not Ed Strauss? Local governments that plan for growth and how best to contain/mold that growth actually protect farmland and open space from people just landing and sprawling wherever they happen to land. Larger acreage lots do not necessarily work in that plan. Unfortunately for you- you chose to live in a place where others have followed.
Native Americans didn’t have a choice when “the others” came. They basically lost the war and were killed off by disease or weapons. At least you can either 1) learn to adapt to your new neighbors 2) find a location that is a bit further removed. We come in peace.
Local government is part of the problem. The Jarman Gap problem came
about when the County allowed the housing before road upgrades were
in place. They thought that the state would solve their problem. Nope.
Water will be the next issue they will want to be saved from. They are
really lost but will tell you what you want to hear. Sorry to hear that you are not mature enough to tolerate an opinion other than what you want.
I and others will continue to oppose you. Streetscape project will not
provide water, jobs, or any real improvement to the people that live in
the area. How mant times do they have to tear up and replace the sidewalks for you to realize that the vast majority of people do not stroll up and down them. That money is badly needed elsewhere. Moving to a
area and then wanting to have local government change it to their liking is
an amazing concept to me. There is always the chance that the economy
will worsen or the predators will increase. Maybe that will save us…
The funny thing is that you people are so easy to notice. Just in my trips
to the Post Office. Get out of your car, lock your car, head down,mail letter, unlock car, stagger off. Or, park in handicapped spot cause the
other 3 are full ignoring the rest of the whole lot. But, what I am supposed
to do they cried in terror at the suggestion that they are more screwed up
than they even imagined. If I thought there would even be a slim chance
that Streetscapes would help I could tolerate it but, I don’t see it.