Posted on January 31st, 2007 by Jim Duncan
From the minutes of the Crozet Community Association January 11, 2007 Meeting: July 4th Fireworks- The Fire Dept announced that they will not be sponsoring the July 4th Fireworks in 2007, due to the high cost of fireworks…. Other sponsors are encouraged- estimated costs are $5,000 for 15-20 minutes and $10,000 for 25-30 minutes of Fireworks. If you’ve enjoyed the wonderful annual fireworks at Crozet Park, it’s time to lend your support…. Respond here and let’s get started to keep the fireworks going in Crozet!
Filed under: Community, Crozet | 2 Comments »
Posted on January 30th, 2007 by Katrien
He speaks from experience, as he built his own “net-zero” house in Charlottesville–a house that costs $30 per month to operate completely and often earns (rather than costs) him money from the power company, due to its solar panels…. Folks there had other good, immediate, and easy suggestions for ways to make your own energy use more efficient:-turn off your computer (and everything else) at night-put a timer on your hot water heater so that it works in the morning and evening, but not all day, when there’s no one there -buy only energy efficient appliances, such as “Energy Star” appliances–front loading washing machines, for exampleBigger changes you can make:-install a geothermal heating system (will pay for itself in 7 years, according to Mr. Brown) -install solar panels to make use of the sun’s energy–a 2400 square foot house could install a $20,000 system and run coal/nuclear power free — if that sounds daunting, realize that just about ANY roof space can be utilized to collect solar energy Mr Brown suggests that if you are building a new house, you can make it a “Net Zero” house–that is, a house that costs nothing for energy use–by paying 15 - 25% more per square foot…. Work for things already in place in many states –rebates for installing solar panels; a deal in which people using solar power get paid the peak rate for the energy their panels produce, and pay the non-peak rate for whatever energy they use off of the grid…. Good news: Albemarle County has joined the Kyoto Protocols and has also changed to LED lights in all of its traffic lights and exit lights, reducing energy use enormously.I left the meeting inspired, ready to make a difference instantly in my own home and more slowly but surely in my community.
Filed under: Community, Crozet, Green | No Comments »
Posted on January 30th, 2007 by Jim Duncan
This new permit will modify our existing SUP and will allow Old Trail to host events other than golf related events. The ability to use the new Pavillion for these affairs is consistent with Old Trail’s “inclusive” philosophy, namely, as a place where all are welcome, and would allow all the opportunity to host gatherings in the Pavillion. These uses could range from birthday parties, garden clubs, book clubs, private dinners, business meetings (for example, in March the Albemarle Bar Association will hold it’s annual meeting here in late March), Old Trail Owners Association meetings, to Crozet Community Association. These uses are consistent with our original vision for the clubhouse, we were advised to add these uses to our existing Permit to avoid any future problems for those that will want to use the clubhouse in the future.Thanks to OTV for the heads-up.
Filed under: Crozet, Growth, Old Trail | No Comments »
Posted on January 29th, 2007 by Jim Duncan
In spite of all the griping and moaning about growth in Crozet (much of it warranted, mind you), it’s refreshing to read this in today’s News Leader:”It is a paradigm shift for the people, and a paradigm shift for us,” said Supervisor Wendell Coleman, who points to Old Trail as an example of the kind of development he says Augusta County needs.  “If we do it right, like they’ve done in Crozet, we can all live together and be happy.”How ’bout that?A few homes on the market in Old Trail.
Filed under: Crozet, Old Trail | No Comments »
Posted on January 24th, 2007 by Jim Duncan
The “middle” roundabout - no signs yet.The “first” roundabout - with VDOT-mandated signs.Wider view of the roundabout.The third roundabout (not pictured) remains naked as well. In due time, VDOT will get their signs, I am sure. At least they can’t take away the mountain views.
Filed under: Crozet | 5 Comments »
Posted on January 21st, 2007 by Jim Duncan
It has applied to the Albemarle County Planning Commission for permission to hold up to 104 special events on its property each year, up from the twelve events permitted now. Some local residents think this would cause all sorts of problems: noise, lighting, traffic, wine drinking drivers, etc. and intend to speak against the Special Use Permit…. Please read the enclosed staff report and if you wish to state an opinion, please come to the PC meeting Tuesday at 6 PM at the County Office Building in the auditorium…. King Family Vineyards is located here.PDF is at the County’s website and below.If anybody who reads this blog happens to attend, please feel free to report how it goes.Regarding the drinking and driving - this is a valid concern, but one that could be addressed responsibly by those who choose to attend tastings, or by hiring a driver.
Filed under: Crozet | No Comments »
Posted on January 18th, 2007 by Jim Duncan
Camp Jeep returns to Nelson County July 26-28 this year. Learn more here. For those of you who don’t know, Nelson is just south of Crozet. It will be held at the Oak Ridge Estate.
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Posted on January 18th, 2007 by Jim Duncan
Crozet’s own MusicToday is featured as this month’s Fast Company cover story. (hat tip to the the HooK’s blog)Crozet is becoming, little by little, a destination for employees. MusicToday has nearly 200. US Joiner is another growing, now local employer.
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Posted on January 15th, 2007 by Jim Duncan
If anything seems dodgey, please let me know.
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Posted on January 12th, 2007 by Jim Duncan
Crozet children and their families are facing another redistricting.NBC 29 reports and the Daily Progress has more information.From the DP:The number of students who will be redistricted will be decided by Jan. 15, and school administrators will present parents with new boundary options the division is considering, said Diane Behrens, director of support and planning services for county schools.The School Board will hold a public hearing in early March before it votes on the options.Current elementary school districts are shown here on Albemarle’s website (PDF)Crozet’s School Board representative can be reached here:Barbara Massie Mouly265 Newtown RoadGreenwood, VA 22943540/456-6191Update: I neglected to mention that Brian Wheeler is also our school board representative, by virtue of his being the At-Large member of the School Board. I have said many times before that Brian’s openness and level of communication (and methods) ought to be emulated by more politicians.
Filed under: Crozet, Growth, Schools | No Comments »