What is “Rural”?
Examples of what “rural” means to many locations around the United States can be found throughout various government documents. The most commonly defined features of rural landscapes are open spaces, farms, forests, mountains, and waterways such as rivers and creeks. Many definitions include the idea of a rural lifestyle, in which farming, forestry, and other related industries still thrive, and residents use the outdoors for recreation. Emphasis is placed on protecting wildlife.
Most importantly, rural development is always centered around balanced growth. To maintain its rural character, a place must balance land and wildlife protections with rural development and recreational opportunities. While Powhatan County could use more recreational facilities, it cannot be at the cost of our environment and wildlife.
The Comprehensive Plan
Powhatan’s Rural Tradition
The area of the proposed business from an 1864 map of Powhatan County.
“Powhatan County is defined, to a large extent, by its distinctive and remarkable rural landscape with development located in several focused areas. This is the dominant land form, and maintaining the important visual character of the county is central to this plan. Powhatan County is not to become universally suburban or metropolitan in character. Maintaining rural character involves preservation of “signature” parts of the county, including the Courthouse Village area, rural segments of Huguenot Trail, riverfront areas, and broad expanses of wooded and rural landscapes. Protecting cultural and environmentally-sensitive resources is a fundamental goal.
Due to Powhatan County’s attractive character, development pressures will likely continue. The county’s intent is to manage development in a responsible and purposeful way that does not destroy the area’s rural character.”
The 2019 Long-Range Comprehensive Plan for Powhatan County is “intended as a guide to assist elected and appointed officials in decisions related to development, growth, and provision of public services.”
The Comprehensive Plan is very clear that Powhatan is defined by its rural character. The following language is taken directly from the plan (emphasis ours):
Natural and Cultural Resources
Chapter 7 of the Comprehensive Plan encompasses Powhatan County’s natural and cultural resources and emphasizes that protecting cultural and environmentally-sensitive resources is a fundamental goal. Any development which does not prioritize this goal cannot be approved.
“The focus on preserving natural areas includes both environmentally-sensitive land and wildlife habitats. Key natural resources to be protected include river corridors and riparian buffers; wetlands; large forested areas; major creeks; and corridors connecting habitats.”