Despite Statements to Contrary, NHA Management Entities Really Do Manage

On October 8, 2008, the Planning Commission of Prince William County, Va., held a public hearing to consider changes to sections of its Comprehensive Plan, the basic roadmap for long-range development and growth used by governing officials of this most rapidly expanding suburb near Washington, D.C.

Among the items discussed were land-use policies that, if approved by the public and Board of Supervisors, would establish specific areas for commercial and residential development, called Centers of Commerce and Centers of Community, guided by Smart Growth principles as defined by the Environmental Protection Agency.

An estimated 50 people signed up to speak.

In quick succession came this from two: If the land-use changes go forth as proposed, certain road-widening plans would ruin the look of the recently-declared Journey Through Hallowed Ground National Heritage Area, a 175-mile swath of land that runs along scenic roadways and properties through Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania.

The proposed six lanes would not conform to the vision of the JTHG NHA, they said. The better option is to keep the number of lanes at four.

The remarks are significant because they undercut a major theme of heritage area supporters--that NHA designation is a national honor, not another government regulation.

Link to Part One: http://www.heartland.org/policybot/results.html?articleid=24200