The Stafford County Committee that was organized to implement the Purchase of Development Rights (PDR) program will begin promoting the program in the community and examining funding options for potential property purchases. In addition, the committee plans to establish an Appraisal Review Committee that will review appraisals on selected properties that landowners might offer to the County for purchase.

“We are committed to moving forward with the program quickly so that we can begin preserving as much of Stafford’s open space and natural resources as possible,” said Tom Coen, Chairman of the PDR Committee. “We are pleased that the Board of Supervisors has adopted a PDR program that holds the promise of protecting our environmental integrity now so that future generations can continue to enjoy Stafford’s rural character and beautiful landscapes.”

The Stafford Board of Supervisors created the PDR Committee to administer the PDR ordinance that was adopted in February 2007. The Board appointed members to the committee this past August and they include one representative from each election district. In addition, the Board appointed Deputy County Administrator Michael Neuhard as Program Administrator.

Committee members held an organization meeting on October 18. The committee’s duties will include reviewing applications submitted by landowners before forwarding recommendations to the Board for final approval. The committee will also assist staff in establishing programs to educate residents about the program, and will evaluate the program each year to determine if changes are needed. 

The committee’s next meeting is Monday, December 3rd, at 7:00 p.m. in the ABC conference rooms, located in the Stafford Administration Center, 1300 Courthouse Road.

The meeting is open to the public.  

< November 2007 news index