Virginia Homeowners Alliance | Partnering with Realtors to protect our interests

Join now!

User login

Localities

Who's your legislator?

When proposed legislation threatens the value of your home, we can help you contact your legislator.

Send us a tip!

Have a news item you think we'd want to share? Send it to us on our contact form!

Find us on...

Tell a Friend

Click here to send an e-mail to friend, co-worker, neighbor, or relative about the Virginia Homeowners Alliance.

Contact us

info@VaHomeowners
Alliance.com

Va Homeowners Alliance
PO Box 643
Richmond, VA 23286-0572

Planners looking at State Route 5 in Richmond, Henrico

Officials are taking a long look at State Route 5, which they say will likely need improvements due to expected growth in the areas it connects. A state-funded study is underway of the corridor from Seventh Street in downtown Richmond to state Route 895 in eastern Henrico.

The area has historically been primarily low-density residential, industrial and rural, but that is expected to change. "In 15 to 20 years, you are going to have a ton of development there, and you are going to need to address traffic," said Lee Yolton, principal planner at the Richmond Regional Planning District Commission.

The goal is for infrastructure improvements to keep pace with development, heading off potential problems with heavy traffic. Area homeowners will benefit from any improvements, which will make commuting more convenient for them and make their homes more attractive to future homebuyers -- helping to boost property values.

Posted on Wednesday, July 28, 2010 - 7:56pm

Grants help Waynesboro business owners spruce up buildings

Since 2000, business owners in downtown Waynesboro have been ecouraged to make facade improvements through a grant program that matches their own investments, up to $5,000.

Officials say that in the program’s 10 years, business owners have received more than $120,000 for improvements to 27 facades. The program has led to the restoration of historical properties and spurred the renovation of others.

Waynesboro homeowners benefit from the investments -- their city looks better and is a more pleasant place to shop and do business.

Read more in the Waynesboro News Virginian....

Posted on Wednesday, July 28, 2010 - 6:43pm

Rocky Mount officials target blighted houses

Officials in Rocky Mount are facing mounting complaints about dilapidated homes and are exploring their options for dealing with the problem.

Some homes could be condemned and razed -- officials have a list that includes four properties that they believe are condemnable now. Other options include offering tax abatements to entice owners to make repairs, or making the repairs at town expense and placing a lein on the property to recover the costs.

Derelict properties can pull down the value of surrounding homes and lead to an entire neighborhood's downward slide. Government intervention in property maintenance can seem extreme, but it may be necessary to preserve healthy neighborhood real estate markets.

Land use under discussion in Stafford County

photo by tm-tm Stafford County supervisors are poised to adopt a new comprehensive development plan in September, the first in 20 years. Officials hope to direct development to the center of the county along Interstate 95.

Of greater concern, perhaps, are the areas outside of that corridor currently zoned for agricultural use. With a minimum lot size of three acres, those properties can be seen as ripe for development, and there is some concern that suburban sprawl could be an unintended result of the zoning classification.

This is an issue that homeowners need to consider -- and on which they should weigh in. Should county officials work to maintain the county's traditional agricultural character? If so, how can that be accomplished without damaging the property rights of land owners?

Report offers detailed look at economy in Hampton Roads

A new Hampton Roads Planning District Commission report says that local employment and retail activity is improving, but notes that the real estate market continues to underperform.

Underlying causes for the slump in home sales include high sales inventory (made worse by the number homes in foreclosure) and a still-shaky job market that is sapping the confidence of would-be home buyers, according to the report.

Pentagon advisory board recommends cutting Joint Forces Command

A Pentagon advisory board tasked with finding ways to cut defense spending has recommended eliminating the Joint Forces Command, which is located in Norfolk.

The military installation has a significant economic impact on Hampton Roads, underpinning the area's high-tech industry. That segment of the local economy provided almost 4,500 high-paying jobs and contributed about $365 million to the local economy in 2007, according to a 2007 Old Dominion University Report.

Progress stalled on Highland County wind farm

The construction of a wind farm along a ridge in Highland County appears to be stalled for the moment, and developers of the project are declining to discuss the matter. The turbines were expected to be operational by midsummer.

The lack of progress on a the planned wind farm in Highland County may be a reflection of a national trend. Wind farm installations in the United States have decreased by 69% so far this year from last year, and by 54% since 2008, according to the American Wind Energy Association.

Bedford County future home of B&W facility

Nuclear technology company Babcock & Wilcox will set up shop in Bedford County's New London Business and Technology Center. Details about what exactly the facility will focus on and how many jobs will be created are expected to be released on Tuesday. The company has said that no nuclear materials will housed at the site.

B&W is investing millions to prepare the site, and if a large number of jobs are created the impact on the Bedford County economy could be significant.

Officials and the public learn more about high-speed rail

Virginia is courting federal dollars for high speed rail projects, and town hall meetings are being held around the state to allow residents to learn about the projects and provide input. While officials in Hampton Roads pondered the possibility of high-speed rail bringing significant economic activity to the area (perhaps as much as $1 billion by 2025), residents in Petersburg commented on practical matters surrounding the project (views from some properties will be changed).

Wherever they live, Virginia homeowners need to consider the possibilities of the high-speed rail initiatives that are in progress across the state. Participation in public forums is key if homeowners are to understand -- and influence -- the way that railways will impact their communities.

Officials consider options for Roanoke County's Explore Park

The Virginia Recreational Facilities Authority, which governs the 1,100-acre Virginia Explore Park, was presented with possible plans for the park on Tuesday. New plans are needed because would-be developer Larry Vander Maten was unable to find funding for a planned family resort.

The proposals include generating funds through rentals, leases, and program fees, reopening a historic area, and opening an adventure park, a bike center, campgrounds, and cabins. Also under consideration are a river walkway, a riverside pavilion, and an amphitheater.

Successful development of Explore Park would provide residents in nearby counties with new recreation opportunities, and would also enhance the area's image as a destination for people who love the outdoors. Homeowners could find the value of their properties increasing as a result of the stimulated local economy.