Catoctin Corner Rezoning Project
The town of Purcellville has been presented with a re-zoning proposal for a new commercial development, Catoctin Corner, at the corner of Business Route 7 and Berlin Turnpike (Route 287). The initial concept plan shows a standard strip mall with just about every facility having a drive-through. However, at this early stage, we still have the chance to make recommendations for a unique bike & pedestrian-friendly, environmentally-sustainable development.
Take Action
- Read the suggested recommendations below (.pdf version below), then
- Use them to form your own list to send in to the Town of Purcellville.
Recommendations for Catoctin Corner Rezoning Project:
Be a Commuter, Local’s & Tourist Destination
- Provide a Loudoun Transit Bus Stop on the pathway on the outside of the shopping center.
- Design a outdoor town map that shows how to get around town by biking and walking, as well as a listing of shops and businesses (This could be created as a mural or mosaic).
- Locate an information and safety-education kiosk within Catoctin Corner.
- Employ quality, energy-efficient architectural design so that the buildings will complement the surroundings.
- Supply ample bike-parking racks for commuters and shoppers.
- Provide outdoor seating on patios at restaurants surrounded by gardens instead of concrete and asphalt.
- Be the transit stop for weekend specialty tours.
- Provide park benches and tables to attract local workers and students to visit during their lunch breaks
- Integrate a central, park-like gathering spot for small performances.
Integrate Pedestrian- & Bicyclist-Friendly design
- Design a well-connected network of sidewalks linking shops to the main, centralized parking area.
- Partner with neighboring landowners to connect sidewalks and trails.
- Pool resources with other landowners, NVRPA and the Town to extend the W&OD Trail to the center.
- Design buildings upward rather than outward to increase available green space.
- Employ uniquely designed traffic calming design throughout the center.
- Integrate specialized, convenient handicapped/new-mother parking spaces that stand out from the others.
- Market the development as a Drive-Through-Free Zone
- Design mixed-used buildings to accommodate apartments above the shops, allowing for “living where you work” options for business owners and employees.
Provide a Community Garden
- Establish a community garden that grows and develops over the years to provide healthy, outdoor exercise, food for tenants and local food banks, habitat for beneficial birds and insects, plants for healthy air, as well as educational opportunities for local residents and students.
Utilize Sustainable Landscaping
- Integrate native trees and plants, including fruit and nut trees, in and around the development to provide beauty, clean air, and food while providing an attractive boundary.
- Prohibit the use of chemical pesticides in the maintenance of the landscaping and gardens in order to ensure healthy soil, water and air for future generations.
- Use environmentally sound materials for walkways and parking areas.
- Provide lighting using the most environmentally sustainable technology.
Attract Local, Sustainable Business
- Seek out businesses for this development that provide products or services that support the goals of cleaner air, local food, and education. For example:
- Outdoor and historical activities shop with tour guides and planners
- Tourism center that also provides lockers and other bike-commuting needs
- A farm-to-table restaurant & catering company and sister café that could grow food in their garden in Catoctin Corner, as well as purchase goods from the farmers market, or from Crooked Run Farm just across the street
- Cooking shop/school
- Gardening shop/school
- Alternative energy consultants
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