Commercial rezoning bid takes a hit

WINCHESTER — The Frederick County Planning Commission Wednesday voted against a rezoning request for a retail center near Clear Brook.

In an 8-3 decision, the commissioners voted against recommending the rezoning of 14.53 acres just south of the Martinsburg Pike (U.S. 11) and Cedar Hill Road intersection. The Board of Supervisors, who will have the final say in the matter, could decide on the request by Tim Stowe of Stowe Engineering in Stephens City at its March 13 meeting.

The proposed rezoning would change the land from the Rural Area to General Business District zoning to allow for the development of the Clearbrook Retail Center. The land was subject to a similar rezoning request in 2009, which was rejected by both the Planning Commission and the supervisors.

During both the Jan. 2 Planning Commission meeting and Wednesday’s gathering, residents living adjacent to the property spoke in opposition of the project due to concerns over increased traffic on Martinsburg Pike, the negative impact a commercial development would have on their property values and the excess noise that would be caused by construction.

Commissioners voted Jan. 2 to table the request for 45 days to allow the applicant to address their concerns and those of the residents.

Mark Regan, who lives on an adjoining property, said the latest rezoning request is worse than the 2009 request for adjacent residents.

Resident Debbie Driver agreed.

“This application is about an investor wanting to make money in Frederick County with no regard to the quality of life for the adjoining property owners,” she said.

Planning Commission Vice-Chairman Roger L. Thomas said during the meeting that the proposal’s negatives outweigh the positives, and Commissioner Greg L. Unger said it didn’t appear to be a good project.

Planning Commissioners Kevin W. Kenney, Paige Manuel and Lawrence R. Ambrogi voted against denial. Commissioner Gary R. Oates abstained.

Attending the meeting in the Frederick County Administration Building were Chairwoman June Wilmot, Vice-Chairman Roger L. Thomas and members Kevin O. Crosen, Greg L. Unger, Kevin W. Kenney, Charles E. Triplett, Brian Madagan, Christopher Mohn, Lawrence R. Ambrogi, Paige Manuel, Gary R. Oates and Stanley Crockett. Member Philip A. Lemieux was absent.

— Contact Matt Armstrong at marmstrong@winchesterstar.com