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Page 7 · column 4 of 7 · from the scan, no model involved
By Carol Lucking Special to the Rappahannock News
After many thought provoking conversations over the past few weeks, there appears to be a large group of county citizens who share concerns about the direction change is headed in Rappahannock. While change is inevitable, and development encroaches on us from all sides, the vision we hold as an “agricultural community” seems critical to hold onto if we are to maintain our rural landscapes.
While our Comprehensive Plan allows for limited commercial development, there is no county Architectural Review Board that assures that our rural identity is supported in the designs that are selected. These designs are left to reflect and support the needs of the developers. While the Board of Rappahannock National Bank has worked hard on creating a design they are proud of, not everyone seems to agree that it reflects who we are.
It seems clear, from my professional viewpoint, that we are having an “identity crisis”. Are we really agricultural? Do we value the land as only a farmer would, or are we moving toward something else? There has never been a more opportune time for all of us to consider this question and act in ways that support this decision.
Communities are made directly from the vision held and, as the number of newcomers grow, so the vision can change. What we build will determine who we attract. Our community identity is directly related to “the look we create” for those driving through our area. We have an opportunity
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