By A. Dionne Waugh / Lynchburg News and Advance
November 8, 2003
BEDFORD - As Bedford’s population climbs, the city and county have struggled to keep up with the needs and services that residents require.
The challenge lies in balancing those needs while preserving the cultural, historical and environmental resources.
That’s why several local organizations brought Shelley Mastran, a private preservation consultant and an author of several books, including co-authoring “Better Models for Development in Virginia,” to Bedford Thursday evening.
The discussion focused on “The Dollars and Sense of Community Planning,” and outlined six main principles for better development along with several strategies to implement them.
The event was sponsored by several groups, including Bedford’s Citizens for Land Preservation, Bedford Main Street and the Western Virginia Land Trust.
Mastran’s six principles are:
• conserving natural agricultural and scenic assets;
• maintaining a clear edge between town and countryside;
• building livable communities;
• preserving historic resources;
• respecting local character in new construction;
• reducing the impact of the car.
More than 50 citizens attended the event. Several also asked questions during the discussion afterward.
County Planning Director Philip Thompson said the county has been studying and trying to incorporate different parts of the principles into its current update of the comprehensive plan as well as zoning laws.
The city updates its comprehensive plan every five years and did so again this year, changing its zoning rules accordingly. City Planning and Community Development Director Bart Warner said that though there’s a lot of energy and enthusiasm in the beginning of the effort, it usually wanes over time.
“The crucial part is the zoning ordinance. The zoning is where we have to put our teeth into,” he said.
For example, Warner said he liked the amount of participation he received for the future development of the Burks Hill Road area, but would like more.
Mastran explained several examples of ordinances localities can enact against billboards, large signs and design restrictions.
“As Ed McMahon (my co-author) would say, billboards are litter on a stick,” she said. “Localities need to take aggressive action and place easements.”
In talking about the importance of farmland, Mastran said that farmland always paid its way.
“Though it doesn’t give much in taxes, it costs less in services. By contrast, residential development almost never pays its way because of the services needed like police, fire, schools,” she said.
Warner said the event was beneficial for him.
“Development impacts us on a daily basis and very intimately,” he said, “and I think there’s a sense nationwide that the way we’re growing just isn’t right. When you used to hear about new developments, people were excited. Now when you hear about one, you’re also hearing from opposition groups about it.
“We need to decide what we want, how we want it and get it. ... There’s no reason to settle and I think we can do that in a non-antagonistic way.”
