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Last Updated: 03/18/2005
The Rockbridge Report is produced
under the supervision of the Dept. of Journalism and Mass Communications
at Washington and Lee University.
Reporting supervisors: Prof. Doug Cumming
Technical supervisor: |
Citizens speak out in Buena
Vista community planning
By Ashley Metzloff March 18, 2005 The Vista Links isn’t just about golf. It’s also about community growth, economic development and using the natural landscape responsibly. Approximately 89-120 acres in Glen Maury Park that surround the Vista Links will be developed for a new community called Hill Top. In addition to using a consulting firm or an architect for the new area, the city asked the Buena Vista community to help create the design. Tracy Shiflett, who works with Buena Vista’s departments of community and economic development, said that citizens helped make decisions about regulations during a weeklong process of open meetings. They discussed what they liked and disliked about the existing plans. The plans were revised using citizen's ideas. While some local business owners and community members were directly invited to the meetings, the meetings were open to the entire community. The course architect for the Vista Links, award-winning designer Rick Jacobson, also helped plan the new area. The plan recently won for Buena Vista a “Best Community Planning” award from the Valley Conservation Council, a non-profit organization that promotes sustainable land use to preserve the farms, forests, open spaces and cultural heritage of the Shenandoah Valley region. The award was part of the council’s annual "Better Models" awards, which recognize buildings and projects that protect local character and natural land features while encouraging economic growth. Valley Conservation Council Executive Director John Eckman said that it’s rare to give an award for an area that hasn’t been built yet, but members of the council believed the plans for the area are exemplary because they mix residential, commercial and recreational elements and are consistent with Buena Vista’s existing architecture and spirit. According to Eckman, many developers buy land and plop down a design that isn’t necessarily well-linked with the rest of the community. He hopes that other communities will see Buena Vista’s design and emulate it. Preserving the natural beauty of the land was a main factor in designing the community. While the development will surround the golf course, it will not change the golf course itself. “Nothing’s going to take away from the beauty of the golf course,” said Ed Armentrout, general manager and golf pro at the Vista Links. Shiflett said that two developers have formally applied to construct the new area, and the Buena Vista City Council will probably decide between them in April. Council members are reviewing each developer to make sure they will stay true to the character of the project. Developers will also be selected based on how fast they can begin building.
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