Prepare for growth
G. Carleton Ray asks the question, “Is Albe-marle for sale?” [Opinionated, February 21]. Under present circumstances it appears that our beautiful countryside is being swapped for development at a breakneck speed!
Mr. Ray makes many interesting and valid points. One may ask, what is the solution? With the long-term population growth projected for our area in Crozet, the Breeden tract south of town, continued development on Route 29 North, eyes on southern Albemarle, plus plans for Pantops and the Zion Crossroads area, some thought may be given to a more regional and collaborative strategy. How will our community accommodate what certainly will be an explosion in residual developmental based on what is already in the works? Even smaller projects on the table like Rivanna Village and Pantops play into the overall traffic and congestion picture.
Growth is not inevitable. However, the pace has accelerated and projects have been proposed in Albemarle’s urban ring at an alarming rate. This is not only here but in the adjacent counties, and in the valley as well. Crozet may become “Crozet City” or “Waynesboro East” based on projections being tossed about. Zion Crossroads may become “Short Pump West.”
Mr. Ray asks if Albemarle is at its tipping point. How can our community sustain itself when there is not a cohesive strategy to be able to manage what lies ahead? Currently, I very much enjoy my 10-minute commute into town on Route 64 from Keswick. But “Loudounization” is a certainty without some deep breaths. One sees this on 29N today. The Hydraulic/29 interchange won’t be much fun with an Albe-marle Place in place. And a Meadowcreek Parkway or a Ruckersville Byway won’t alleviate this.
While government, public agencies, activist citizens and organizations work diligently on solutions, commuters and businesses can take part in the dialogue to help support and participate in what is an inevitable change in the way we live. Public and alternative transportation options exist. Resources are available and encouraged where concerned citizens have a voice in impacting positive change. Now is the time to participate in a healthy dialogue. There are many admirable people who have worked hard on these complex issues for years, simply to make a positive contribution.
What’s the long-term regional plan? Who is the leading voice of responsible stewardship to preserve the beauty and quality of our community? While we are on a march toward living in a much more urbanized area, one hopes that with some sensitivity, patience and open-mindedness, we can work together to ensure that our area retains its uniqueness and its character.
Pete Armetta
Keswick
Abstain from abstinence-only ed
I applaud Meredith Richards’ op-ed [“Against abortion? Then prevent pregnancy,” Opinionated, February 14]. She brings up many important points. One question I have about the pharmacist issue is, do pharmacists realize that not all women take birth control pills just for birth control purposes? Often they are prescribed for hormone imbalances. Does a pharmacist still have a choice whether to fill it or not? Can they also decide not to fill Prozac or insulin or any other medication they don’t “feel” right filling? And are these same pharmacists filling Viagra prescriptions?
As far as the abstinence-only programs, we need to just look at the cold, hard facts from the state of Texas, where ever since their abstinence programs have been in effect there has been a steady rise of teen pregnancy and STDs. Is that what we want for the whole nation?
Ms. Richards made a very good point about the restrictions that are trying to be placed on women’s reproductive choices. There was a major shift in dynamics once women had those choices, and certain politicians would like a return to the ’50s so it can be like it was in the “good old days” where “women knew their place”—which was home taking care of the kids and baking cookies.
As a mother of three teenagers I can guar-antee you my children are well informed of the choices and of the current political environment. They also know how important it is to vote and how that is the way to bring about change.
Denise Benson
Charlottesville
CORRECTIONS
In the February 21 story “Local pols ask UVA to increase pay,” we incorrectly reported which group sponsored the new “living wage” resolution directed at the University. It was UVA’s Living Wage Campaign.
The February 21 story “Love me, build me, chapter 5” reported that Kurt Wassenaar owns Medical Automation Systems. Accord-ing to Wassenaar, MAS “is a privately held business and its shares are held by a number of investors and employees.”