Fall Hill was strategically sited at the Rappahannock River.  The river remains a significant resource.

         Please double click image to view photos  

POSSIBILITIES:

(Possibilities are not guaranteed, or warranted)

•    Cut as many trees along the river as possible to enhance the views from the main body of Subject and hence increase the value of that tract;
•    Use the river tract as an amenity for the main body of Subject;
•    Proffer the river tract to the City, but retaining certain rights, in return for a higher density zoning on the main body of Subject;
•    Access issues need to be resolved, but do some residential development on the river tract (would require a special use permit, which might be difficult, but if the City has given it to others, the City position will be weakened).

The Canal:

This sign is on the bridge over the canal, note the yellow sales sign in the background, on Subject.

The canal was built in the early 1800's as a means of linking the uplands, west of Fredericksburg via a canal system intertwined with the river.  Later, the canal was abandoned up river as rail and road transportation improved, but this section of the canal and dam were used to divert water for industrial uses - water power. Then, at the turn of the century, a larger concrete dam was build for hydro power (recently removed).  The canal served the City of Fredericksburg for many decades as a means of transporting water from the river to its filtration plant for potable water.  A new system was installed up river. 

Although the dam is gone, there are active plans to pump water from the river into the canal and again have an active water feature within the City of Fredericksburg.
Double click, below for detailed story from THE FREE LANCE STAR newspaper about the canal, its history, and project to put water back into the canal.

http://fredericksburg.com/News/FLS/2006/032006/03102006/173885