HRAB 09-21-21 Meeting MinutesFrederick County Historic Resources Advisory Board (HRAB)
September 21, 2021
First Floor Conference Room of the County, Administrative Building
107 North Kent Street, Winchester, VA
Members Present: Oldham, Molden, Newcomb
Members Absent: Crawford, Powers, Cantu, Meadows, Straub
Staff Present: Candice Perkins and Maral Kalbian
Agenda Items:
Call to order at 6:00 p.m.
Item 1: Review of a Conditional Use Permit for Bartonsville Energy Facility Phase 2
The Frederick County Historic Resources Advisory Board (HRAB) considered the above referenced
Conditional Use Permit application during their meeting on September 21, 2021. The HRAB reviewed
information from the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (VDHR) and information provided by
the Applicant. This application seeks to expand the site area of a previously approved conditional use
permit. The Phase 2 site area consists of 636 acres; the total combined site area for Phase 1 and
Phase 2 is 1,600 acres. The Project will consist of rows of ground-mounted photovoltaic modules,
commonly known as solar panels. The site is located north and south of Marlboro Road and west of
the Town of Stephens City; Phase 1 is north of Marlboro Road and Phase 2 is south of Marlboro Road.
Historic Resources Advisory Board Comments:
The HRAB discussed the site and the potential visual impact the project would have on surrounding
historic resources. The HRAB expressed concern for the viewshed of Grandview which is located at
a high point in this area and the potential impact. The Applicant stated that a buffer for this area
could be considered. Concern was expressed regarding the significant size of this project and its
location in a historic and scenic area of the County. It was noted that while this use may facilitate the
preservation of agricultural and rural land for future use, concern was expressed that solar facilities
previously approved and future requests and their potential to detract from the historic and rural
character of the County. The potential for the area to be considered a rural historic district was
discussed. During the HRAB’s review of the Phase 1 area, it was recommended that future historic
surveys document the eligibility for rural historic districts, but this was not completed. The HRAB
discussed Civil War activities that occurred on or near the site and the survey methods utilized by the
Applicant with the Phase 1 survey completed with the first phase of the project.
After reviewing the information provided, the Historic Resources Advisory Board (HRAB)
recommended approval of the CUP with the following:
• Recommendation: An enhanced buffer along Grand View (#034-1004) should be provided.
• Recommendation: A Phase 1 Archeological Survey will be completed as part of the permitting
of this project. This survey should document the collection of historic structures on and around
this development and determine if this area would qualify as a rural historic district.
Meeting was adjourned at 7:30 p.m.