Shenandoah 2045: Land is Valuable

The Valley Today

In this episode, Janet Michael chats with Tyler Hinkle, Shenandoah County's planner, about Shenandoah 2045, the county's comprehensive planning process which has now moved into the implementation phase. Tyler shares the exciting news of the plan's unanimous adoption and explains the next steps in its development, focusing on making the document more digestible for various stakeholders including developers, elected officials, and residents.

The conversation delves into the details of the Value Per Acre Analysis and highlights the importance of maintaining a balance between growth and preservation to keep the countryside beautiful and productive. They discuss tools and ideas for protecting productive farmlands while also supporting thriving downtowns and scenic landscapes.

Janet and Tyler talk about the numerous contributors to the plan, including community members, business owners, and nonprofit organizations, emphasizing the collaborative nature of the planning process. They also highlight the importance of mixed-use developments for economic sustainability and the role of easements and agricultural zoning in preserving valuable land.

Tyler points out Virginia's status as a right-to-farm state, which protects agricultural operations from being deemed a nuisance, and they discuss other important rural protection programs. They also touch on the need to revisit zoning laws to ensure they align with the current needs of the community.

You can view the approved version of Shenandoah County's comprehensive plan and learn more about the planning process, on their website: https://shenandoahcountyva.us/future and follow them on Facebook.

You can listen to previous conversations with Tyler about Shenandoah 2045 by clicking here.