Shopping plaza at Chickacoan/Truro Parish

Joy
If I'm not mistaken the only brick this will have is what you currently see. This is called a brick water table. The brick runs across the front, up about 2' off grade. Also notice the "stone" at the base of the columns. IMO poor usage of stone in combination with brick. I hope that they are planning on doing some heavy/tasteful landscaping along Chickacoan. They need to completely hide this from these poor property owners. Of course they will argue that "clients" wont be able to see/find the building. Too bad. Any client should be coming in off Truro Parish anyway, and staying off of our neighborhood streets. The only entrance/exit should be off of Truo Parish anyway. Note: I live on the other side of Broadlands, and obviousely don't have to see this from my home.

 

Yeah, heavy/tasteful landscaping is needed. The building looks like a motel. Why two levels in our neighborhood.
I am feeling very sad for the property owners along this area. It looks like there will be an entry off of Chickacoan, however.

 

On another but related issue. I don't know who did it but someone planted a bunch Sycamores which in a decade or two will totaly obscure the view of the Saul Center shopping center

 

I have been trying to get Broadlands developers to provide a visual buffer between the residential areas and this shopping plaza for years now. A number of ideas have floated, all have been shot down, but one. That is to replace the deciduous trees in the common areas adjacent to the homes surrounding the site with small groves of high density evergreen trees.

No decision has been made and I have resorted to calling people weekly now to check on the status.

A little background:

This has been in discussions since the first zoning meetings for the Gas Station. Everybody agrees that there needs to be a buffer between residential and commercial areas, but no one has taken action, except the zoning board, They said they would send a letter to the developer, suggesting that berms or some kind of buffer be implemented. Everyone said yep, needs to be done. No action to date.

We've discussed this issue in the HOA meetings for many years now and there is still no definitive answer or action.

This is an important issue. Without some kind of buffer many of the homeowners across the streets from the site and down Awbrey will have to endure outdoor signs and activities required to market to people on a daily basis.

Help. Call the HOA and the developer, let them know you support this issue. Need phone numbers, email me: timbuch2@aol.com

Tim

 

Tim-
As an HOA member, we (resident members) fully support you. This is a developer issue and the HOA has no control over it. We can only hope the Developer (now Van Metre, not Terrabrook) follows through on their commitments.
Cliff

 

Tim: It's a shame, but the only thing that the developer and the HOA will tell you about your concerns is, "You knew that a grotesque [insert 1970s-style shopping center, gas station, or ho$pital] was going to be built BEFORE you moved here, so go [beep] yourself as you watch your quality of life go into a freefall."

Also, as you can tell from the last poster's message (see above), the HOA in the Broadlands is useless. Nobody can figure out why we even have one since, every time anybody asks for them to help (e.g., with advocacy for stoplights in busy intersections), the response is, "We are completely powerless to help you, so we will not even try."


killer_bee in broadands, ashburn, virginia

 

What the hell does that mean? How is someone's quality of life going to be affected by a strip mall? How about losing a wife or child, or getting fired from your job? People need to settle down around here. A freakin' strip mall is of little consequence in life. Get over it.

 

Unless of course the strip mall has a Matress Discounters in it. That would certainly ruin everyone's QoL. Heck, I have seen many a lovely community go belly-up after a MD store opened in it. God knows we are thinking about moving since it has opened. Just look at how our property values have drastically dropped! Why, hell, if it weren't for the ABC store keeping the entire community inebriated, everyone might be tempted to move to SHANGI-LA! (humor intended for those who may not recognize such)

On another note, it is sure good to see you back on the forums Killer. You sure do provide ah, ummm, "interesting" comments!

 

I do think it could affect the QOL to a degree. Take alook at the the townhouse on the corner of Broadlands and Claiborne. They never have the shades up in the side windows ever b/c that side of their house face the strip mall. If you enjoy living in a box that's fine but I moved here for the trees.

 

What trees are those? It seems like the developers are dedicated to getting rid of them. Every time you turn around, another bites the dust so someone can put an apt building, grocery store, strip mall, or "massage parlor" closer to the Broadlands.

Oh, don't go crazy, that last type of store was just an example of what could be coming soon, not what is actually in the works. I'm sure that someone would think it is a good idea.

killer_bee in broadands, ashburn, virginia

 

KillerBee, welcome back with all your inspiring and insightful (inciteful) comments....
The Developer is useless! The HOA is useless! The trees are all gone! Commercial development has run amok! Quality of life is in a free fall! Wow, it's amazing you still live here (assuming you do)!
At least you found a movie inspiring........

 

Thanks, Cliff. It's good to be back. I'll be solo this time. My wife is not allowed to view this website any longer due to all of insanity that is posted here.

PASSION was inspiring. I truly hope that people see it and realize the errors of their ways.

killer_bee in broadands, ashburn, virginia

 

Your poor wife.

jaeris

 

One person's insanity is another person's pleasure........

 

I must admit, the building looked better in the architectural drawings than the finished product. Design seems okay, but the color seems a bit odd.
There is an interior elevator to the second level, so the stairs can be avoided.
Not everyone is dissatisfied with the design. Spoke to a friend yesterday (who looks out directly onto the building from her home) and she is pleased with the look.

 

Personally, I think it looks like a no-tell motel on the New Jersey turnpike, but I saw it in the drawings before we bought...so all I can say is buyer beware....love it or leave it.

 

LOL! Have you ever been to Cape Cod (which I love)? Everything up there looks like that. Now every time I visit I can have a little laugh and a dirty wink! Thanks! Who would have thought Cape Cod could have been so seemly!

 

I live in North Broadlands which was built back when the developer had to maintain a semblence of nature conservation in order to sell houses. I feel for South Broadlands which was clear cut.

 

Nearest Baja Fresh is either Cascades or Herndon. One here in Broadlands would be great. They also have a succesful fundraiser program for schools, etc. http://www.bajafresh.com/

 

hahahahah

Not allowed? Good lord...