Science to Live By: A Flourishing Vision

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“Consult the genius of the place in all.”

–Alexander Pope, Epistle IV to Richard Boyle, Earl of Burlington.

© J. Dirk Nies, Ph.D.

The vacant, deconstructed Barnes Lumber property appears today largely devoid of life and character. Yet when we look deeper, closing our eyes and awakening our imaginations, we find it possesses a genius of place. This land retains its cultural context and it has a spirit that we would be well advised to consult if we are to achieve, in the words of Mike Marshall: “the economic and civic goals that are essential to Crozet’s future prosperity.”

Examples of its genius—those aspects of its cultural heritage and natural history that make it special and grant it its unique character—include proximity to the main crossroads of town, adjacency to the railroad, and a history of local employment based on products made of wood. Additionally, the property possesses an elevated, level terrain with a lovely view of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Any plan for development should respect these characteristics and embellish them. In doing so, we will nourish our local communities and promote the coherence and cohesiveness of Crozet.

Here are some ideas that come readily to mind. I offer them in the hope that they stimulate our imaginations during the planning process. In doing so, I assume we already have reached a consensus for developing an economically and socially vibrant downtown, physically and aesthetically integrated with the new Crozet Library, the Crozet Avenue streetscape project, and the existing businesses and neighborhoods.

Create a town square.  Not merely a pedestrian mall, but a plaza that serves as a focal point for people to gather.  Native shade trees, benches, a water feature and a commemorative statute could grace the square.  The square would be an oasis, a refuge from vehicular traffic for young and old alike.  This small, central park would afford an uplifting view of the mountains, available to all, reminding us of where we are blessed to work and to live.  The Farmers Market, art and craft shows, and outdoor musical events could be held in the square.

Establish a well-illuminated, walking promenade roughly parallel to the train tracks that connects all the features of the development, and which in turn connects these features to the main plaza.  This will encourage people to move about town without getting in their cars.

Envision Crozet as a rail stop between Staunton and Waynesboro, Charlottesville and Richmond.  Imbed within the plan a ready-to-go accommodation for an aesthetically attractive, easily accessible rail terminal for tourists and workers alike.

Imbue the property with passive solar design and active energy generation. Capture rainwater for landscape use. Set ambitious goals for lowering dependence on outside, centralized sources of energy and water. In doing so, the development will better emulate the water and energy economies of nature, which we know are sustainable.

Wood should appear as a distinctive feature within the architecture of the development, particularly at street level, to pay tribute to the role lumber has played in Crozet’s economic roots.

To help bring the plan to fruition, seek and attract businesses that are involved in light manufacturing; businesses that would benefit from easy access to the railway; value-adding industries that support the local farm, orchard and forest economy.

The Barnes Lumber property is, of course, privately held.  I appreciate that the owners are working diligently with oversight bodies such as the Crozet Community Advisory Council and the Albemarle County Planning Commission to achieve an acceptable design for its development that is economically viable.  Nevertheless, I hope for and expect a deeper, more thoughtfully elaborated vision than that offered in the plans currently on the table. I wish for a vision that better promotes the genius of the place and more fully meets the needs of people; a plan that better accentuates and leverages those special combination of features that make Crozet rise above the ordinary and mundane.

We have a rare opportunity to shape the character of our town for decades to come; to create a downtown that is economically resilient, aesthetically attractive, socially vibrant; a place that nourishes the soul.

There is only one way for any of us to genuinely prosper: we must advance the conditions for us to flourish together. We all share a stake in this venture. By promoting the weal our town, our communities, our local economy and the ecology of the natural world, we can realize this aspiration.

Let us insist on a better plan than the one we have before us. We must, not only for ourselves, but for our children and our grandchildren, who will thank us when we do.

 

1 COMMENT

  1. Mr. Nies:

    I have had the great opportunity to visit the quaint town of Crozet several times. I admire its determination to prosper but at the same time maintain control of the area so that commercialism does not take over.
    What you are proposing reminds me of the “plazas” that we have in Puerto Rico. They are located in the center of town for the townspeople to use and enjoy. The concept is still alive in our towns even in San Juan.
    Being able to walk around, enjoy the outside and meet other neighbors is what we need in this era where
    everyone needs a car to just “pass thru” not enjoying the ride versus the destination. A good balance between
    economics and social interaction is what would be best for Crozet and you are in a position to shape the destiny of that area for future generation. The “plaza” would be your legacy!!

    Sincerely,

    MJMorales

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