In this email:
1. Critical public hearings on Feb. 9 & 11
2. Overview of the proposed zoning changes
3. Speak out on Loudoun Power Line Proposal

1.  Critical Public Hearings Feb. 9 & 11
Dear Neighbors,

Please join us in defending rural Loudoun at public hearings on February 9 and 11. Please plan to attend or submit comments in support of the proposed zoning changes. Whether you live in Ashburn, South Riding, Sterling, or Lovettsville - what happens in rural Loudoun affects us all.  Find out how Loudoun's rural zoning impacts the county's economic development.

The Board of Supervisors is reviewing changes to Loudoun's rural zoning that would reduce the number of new houses allowed from 45,876 to 13,936.  Compared to the current zoning, 1 house per 3 acres, the proposed changes are a much better option for Loudoun County.

Reducing the number of new houses in rural Loudoun will:

• Prevent our roads from being completely clogged with new east-west commuter traffic.
• Protect an important revenue stream for the county.  Loudoun's rural economy is a net generator of income to the county treasury.
• Save taxpayer dollars: every 3 acres maintained as rural/agricultural land in Loudoun saves citizens, both suburban and rural, more than $6,000/year.
• Free more money for needed infrastructure improvements in eastern Loudoun.  
• Maintain Loudoun's rural landscape, important for recreation, tourism, the environment, and historical preservation.

When commenting on the proposed changes, please be sure to:

1. Urge the adoption of these changes as quickly as possible;
2. Mention that the proposed changes are better than the current zoning because they will reduce the number of new houses built in rural Loudoun;
3. Thank the Supervisors and Planning Commission for moving forward with these changes; and,
4. Mention what community you live in.

If you care about our taxes, traffic, and our quality of life.....it's critical that you speak up!

2.  Overview of the Proposed Zoning Changes
The proposed changes would reduce the number of new houses allowed in rural Loudoun to 13,936.  Compared to the current zoning, which allows 45,876 new houses, the proposed changes are a much better option for Loudoun County.

The proposed zoning changes impacts an area of 230,000 acres that stretches from east of Route 15 to the Blue Ridge Mountains, from the Potomac River south to the Prince William County line.  (See the county's map; available as a PDF file from the county website.  Also see our map, which includes roads)

Current zoning, A-3: 1 house per 3 acres.  Would allow up to 47,876 new houses in rural Loudoun.  Rural businesses are not protected.
Proposed new zoning:  Essentially 1 house per 10 or 20 acres.  Would allow up to 13,936 new houses in rural Loudoun.  Rural businesses gain some important protection.

Why does rural Loudoun matter to the entire county?
What Loudoun's Growth Plan Outlines for Rural Areas
What is Loudoun's rural economy?

For greater detail, please reference these documents, compiled by the Piedmont Environmental Council.  The files will open as Word documents.

Overview of Proposed Zoning Changes
Development Options with Proposed Zoning Changes

3.  Speak Out on the Loudoun Power Line Proposal
Dominion Virginia Power (DVP) is planning to build an above-ground, high voltage transmission line from Leesburg to Hamilton.  The power line has the potential to harm some of Loudoun's most beloved public spaces, including the W&OD Trail and Oatlands Plantation. 

Please take a few moments to submit comments online to the State Corporation Council (SCC) and urge them to order DVP to bury the power line underground.  To submit comments, scroll down to case number PUE2005-00018 and follow the instructions.

The SCC will also hold two public hearings at the County Government Center on February 8 and 9.  The hearing on the 8th will be conducted in two sessions, the first beginning at 1:30 PM and the second at 7:00 PM. The hearing on the 9th will begin at 9:30 AM.

Please speak up!  The protection of our historical, cultural and recreational resources is important to the quality of life that residents of Loudoun and the region enjoy.

Thank you for your support,
Andrea McGimsey
Campaign for Loudoun's Future
http://www.loudounsfuture.org/
info@loudounsfuture.org

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Together, We're Fighting to Protect the Quality of Life in Loudoun

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