HomeMy WebLinkAboutJune 24, 2003 Public Hearing with Town of Stephens City
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SPECIAL JOINT PUBLIC HEARING OF
STEPHENS CITY TOWN COUNCIL AND
FREDERICK COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
JUNE 24, 2003
7:00 p.m.
Mayor Ray Ewing called the Special Joint Meeting of Stephens City Town Council and the
Frederick County Board of Supervisors to order.
Present were Mayor Ray Ewing, Councilman Ronald Bowers, Councilman Bill Ewing,
Councilman Linden Fravel, Jr., Councilman Michael Grim, Councilwoman Joy Shull, Supervisor
Ronald Shickle, Supervisor Margaret Douglas, Supervisor Gina Forrester, Supervisor Sydney Reyes,
Supervisor Robert Sager, Supervisor Harrington Smith, Supervisor Lynda Tyler, Town
Administrator Michael Kehoe, County Administrator John Riley and County Planner Eric Lawrence.
The meeting was called for a joint public hearing on ajointly developed land use plan for
land that is proposed to be annexed in the Town of Stephens City. If approved and adopted by both
parties, it will be incorporated into the Comprehensive Plans of both jurisdictions.
Town Administrator Michael Kehoe and County Planner Eric Lawrence explained the plan
to the public.
Mayor Ewing opened the public hearing and stated that he had received one written response
and that the response was distributed to the Council and the Board.
Steve Chadwell of V alley Pike, Stephens City, stated that he had 124 acres in the proposed
plan area and would like to request that his property be zoned residential instead of industrial use.
He would also like to see the south and north buffers treated equally especially since it would be the
entrances into the Town.
Bill Dailey of8049 Main Street, Middletown, stated that he had been at the land use meeting
last year and asked the town planners if this was what the people of Stephens City really wanted.
He stated that the planners said that they wanted to maintain a small town atmosphere. He wanted
to know why then were they adding a large industrial area if they wanted to keep the small town
atmosphere. He then directed a question to the Council asking them if they were comfortable on
giving the people of Stephens City what they really wanted. He then addressed the Board of
Supervisors by asking them if this was the best use of the land particularly with the large industrial
section southwest of Town. With a new National Historic Park just south of Town, is this the view
Minute Book Number 28
Board of Supervisors Meeting - Joint Public Hearing with the Town of Stephens City - Boundary Line Adjustment-
06/24/03
Minutes Prepared by The Town of Stephens City
699
we want to have for the new park?
Patrick Davenport of 4830 Valley Pike, Stephens City, had concerns regarding the sewer
service. He wanted to know how the town could ensure serving sewer to existing dwellings. He was
not sure ifthe line at Barley Lane could hold additional houses if developed north oftown. He also
had questions aboutthe 2" line that serves Shenandoah Valley Baptist Church with no other residents
being allowed to hook up since the 70's. There is an issue about storm water drainage. When there
are heavy rains, there is no place for water to drain along Rt. II and it is coming into the basements.
He would like to see a primary road improvement plan to help homeowners out with the drainage
issue. He also had a concern over pedestrian access to Rt. 11 and would like for VDOT to lower the
speed limit. His last request was that the Comprehensive Plan look at the future needs and allow for
light residential business or home business.
With no further comments, Mayor Ewing closed the public hearing.
Mayor Ewing stated that the staff of both the Town and County would consider the
comments. He asked if the Councilor Supervisors had comments or questions on the plan.
Supervisor Forrester stated that she would like to see the sewer upgrades addressed.
Mayor Ewing stated that if pub lic had any questions they could be addressed to the staff after
the meeting or by letter, or stop by the town office.
Supervisor Sager questioned with so many people present, why were there not more
comments from the public.
Supervisor Reyes stated that the small town atmosphere that was stated was not evident in
the effect that no one spoke of it. He wanted staff to deal with the water/sewer, traffic and storm
drainage issues.
Mayor Ewing stated that concerns would be addressed at the next Council Meeting.
Meeting was adjourned at 7:32 p.m.
Mayor Ray E. Ewing
Kathy C. Monk, Town Clerk
Minute Book Number 28
Board of Supervisors Meeting - Joint Public Hearing with the Town of Stephens City - Boundary Line Adj ustment -
06/24/03
Minutes Prepared by The Town of Stephens City
700
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Richard C. Shickle
Chairman, Board of Supervisors
JOh~I~1f
Cler ,Board of Supervisors
Minutes Prepared By: The Town of Stephens City
Miuute Book Number 28
Board of Supervisors Meeting - Joint Public Hearing with the Town of Stephens City - Boundary Line Adjustment-
06/24/03
Minutes Prepared by Tbe Town of Stephens City