HomeMy WebLinkAboutPCMinutes2026February18
Frederick County Planning Commission Page 4252
Minutes of February 18, 2026
MEETING MINUTES
OF THE
FREDERICK COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION
Held in the Board Room of the Frederick County Administration Building at 107 North Kent Street in
Winchester, Virginia on February 18, 2026.
PRESENT: Tim Stowe, Chairman/Red Bud District; Charles Markert, Red Bud District; Roger L.
Thomas, Vice Chairman/Shawnee District; Kevin Sneddon, Opequon District; Thomas Bottorf, Opequon
District; Charles S. DeHaven III, Stonewall District; Betsy Brumback, Back Creek District; Vaughn
Whitacre, Gainesboro District; Joseph M. Crane, Gainesboro District; John J. Lamanna, Member at Large.
ABSENT: Jeff McKay, Back Creek District; Elizabeth D. Kozel, Shawnee District; Justin Kerns, Stonewall
District.
STAFF PRESENT: Wyatt G. Pearson, Director; Eric Bittner, Planner II; Shannon L. Conner,
Administrative Guaranty Coordinator; Andrew R. Fox, County Attorney.
CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Stowe called the February 18, 2026 meeting of the Frederick County Planning
Commission to order at 7:00 p.m.
INVOCATION
Commissioner Markert delivered the invocation.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Commissioner Thomas led the Pledge of Allegiance.
ADOPTION OF AGENDA
Upon a motion made by Commissioner Thomas and seconded by Commissioner Markert
the Planning Commission unanimously adopted the agenda for this evening’s meeting.
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Frederick County Planning Commission Page 4253
Minutes of February 18, 2026
COMMITTEES
Frederick Water – 2/17/26
Commissioner Bottorf reported the Board held a two hour work session working on
strategic planning and goals development. At the regular meeting the Board received updates on progress
with the new Lake Frederick well coming online and also got notified that Frederick Water was approved
for a grant for approximately 3 million dollars for pipeline that goes to Parkins Mill.
Board of Supervisors – 2/11/26
Supervisor Orndorff, Board of Supervisor Liaison, reported a REZ #07-25 for Madison
277 and the Capital Improvement Plan for 2026-2031 were both approved.
City of Winchester – 2/17/26
Chairman Correll reported the Commission heard two text amendments and tabled two
rezonings. The Commission updated the bylaws for 2026.
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CITIZEN COMMENTS
Chairman Stowe called for citizen comments on any subject not currently on the Planning
Commission’s agenda or any item that is solely a discussion item for the Commission. No one came forward
to speak and Chairman Stowe closed the public comments portion of the meeting.
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PUBLIC HEARING
Rezoning #01-26 for 700 Ross Street (Aikens and Allen LP LLP)
Action – Recommend Approval
Eric Bittner, Planner II, reported this is a request for a proffer amendment to amend
approved proffers associated with REZ #14-03, Hampton Inn. The amendments propose removing a
proffered use restriction of a parking lot only and restricting the use of the parcel to a hotel and parking a nd
a reduction of the 35’ setback from Ross Street to 25’ from the right -of-way. He shared a location map, a
zoning map, and a long range land use map of the parcel. Mr. Bittner shared the proffer statement changes.
Removed Proffers:
• Restriction as parking lot only
New and Amended Proffers:
• Use restricted to hotel and parking only
• 25’ setback from Ross Street, 10’ parking setback, developed in conformance with
the City of Winchester parking lot design standards
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Frederick County Planning Commission Page 4254
Minutes of February 18, 2026
Remaining Proffers:
• Eliminate the existing access on Ross Street and use an internal connection with
the Hampton Inn
Mr. Bittner continued, the proposed rezoning restricts allowed uses that would not be
harmonious with the surrounding residential uses, and the removal of an existing access is an improvement
to Ross Street. The B2 district is not typically considered to be consistent with the residential future land
use category. He shared a General Development Plan sketch of the proposal.
Chairman Stowe called for anyone who wished to speak regarding the Public Hearing to
come forward. Vicky Michaels, of the Stonewall District stated she is concerned with the 25’ setback. She
is also concerned with this being an extended stay due to the criminal complaints against other extended
stay property in the area. Tim Michaels, of the Stonewall District, and lives on Ross Street is concerned
with the setback and parking. No one else came forward and the Public Hearing was closed for the public
comment portion. Jason Aikens, the Applicant addressed the concerns raised and noted he is going to have
a different clientele than the other extended stays in the area.
Commissioner Thomas stated this use will have adequate parking and will be a better use
than the abandoned house. Commissioner Crane referenced extended stays in downtown Winchester and
noted they do not have any problems, and it has to be priced right. Commissioner Bottorf commented the
Applicant has a vested interest in the Hampton Inn so he will do this right. Commissioner Lamanna
commented there is a need for nurses in the area and often they travel so something like this is needed.
Upon motion made by Commissioner DeHaven and seconded by Commissioner Thomas
BE IT RESOLVED, the Frederick County Planning Commission does recommend approval of Rezoning
#01-26 for 700 Ross Street (Aikens and Allen LP LLP)
Yes: Lemanna, Brumback, Bottorf, Sneddon, Markert, Stowe, Thomas, DeHaven, Crane
No: Whitacre
Absent: Kerns, Kozel, McKay
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ADJOURNMENT
No further business remained to be discussed, and a motion was made by Commissioner
Thomas to adjourn the meeting. This motion was seconded by Commissioner Markert and unanimously
passed. The meeting was adjourned at 7:40 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
_________________________
Tim Stowe, Chairman
_________________________
Wyatt G. Pearson, Secretary
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