Concerns raised over county project

WINCHESTER — A local planning board Wednesday tabled for 45 days a rezoning request for property north of the city near Clear Brook that could eventually include a retail development.

The Frederick County Planning Commission voted 10-0 to table the request to rezone 14.53 acres near the intersection of Martinsburg Pike (U.S. 11) and Cedar Hill Road from rural area to general business district zoning due to concerns over the potential impact of commercial development and the subsequent traffic increase on the area.

Tim Stowe, of Stowe Engineering, is the applicant in the rezoning request. Planned development on the property would include specialty retail stores and a fast-food restaurant, he said after the meeting.

Several residents who live near the site proposed for redevelopment spoke against the request during the meeting’s public hearing portion.

“If this rezoning is approved, my property as residential would be devalued since it would be harder to sell a residential property,” said Elaine Magee.

The land was subject to a similar rezoning request in 2009, which was rejected by both the Planning Commission and the Frederick County Board of Supervisors.

Mark Regan, who also lives next to the property, said the request before the commission is “much worse” than the previous one.

Following the meeting, Stowe said there’s work to be done on the request, and that he plans to address the traffic concerns and discuss the issues with the residents within the next 45 days.

Planning Commissioner Gary Oates abstained from voting.

Also at the meeting, the Planning Commission selected its officers for 2013. June Wilmot, who has served as chairman since 2004, and Vice-Chairman Roger Thomas, were both reappointed to their positions.

Following the meeting, Wilmot said she is proud of the progress the commission has made in recent years, especially in the area of updating the policies and procedures for county planning.

Attending the meeting in the Frederick County Administration Building were Chairman 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 and Gary R. Oates. Members Philip A. Lemiuex and Stan Crockett were absent.

— Contact Matt Armstrong at marmstrong@winchesterstar.com