Let's just draw a line to stop sprawl hereabouts, like Clarke County

Date published: 2/25/2003

We are not the first area to deal with growth and sprawl, so we can benefit from seeing what has worked elsewhere.

Clarke County came up with a very simple formula for concentrating growth where it was wanted and protecting its rural landscape. They drew a line on a map and decreed that no new water lines, sewer lines or road lanes would be extended beyond that line. Their plan has been successful.

So when we look at development creeping west along State Route 3, we just need to ask ourselves where we want to draw the line. The Town of Chancellorsville proposal has inspired an incredible outpouring of concern and indignation, both locally and nationally. Although we may not all agree on exactly where that line should be drawn, we can agree that Ashley Farms is beyond it.

Dogwood Development's proposed town requires extending water lines, sewer lines and road lanes farther to the west. If we extend that urban infrastructure, there is a 100 percent chance that we will get more urban development where it is not wanted. The solution is simple--draw the line.

Catherine A. Farley

Fredericksburg

Date published: 2/25/2003