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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-00 Mid - Atlantic Industrial & Tech Center (Shockey Industries) - Backfile (5)Page B8 Wednesday, June 6, 2001 Stephenson's 21st Century Battle The Winchester Star Finding Balanced Growth Concerns Many Does Industry Always Offset Residential Growth Impact? By DANIEL FRIEND The Winchester Star Frederick County is not alone in its struggle to main- tain services and a stable tax base as residential development continues a strong growth trend, state economic analysts say. As the proposed industrial rezoning for the 404-acre Mid- i64(0ne) issue is where do the workers live? If they don't live in Frederick County, it's a clear fiscal gain. . . . If all of them are going to live in Frederick County, it won't be so much of a plus." — John Knapp, Weldon -Cooper Center Atlantic Industrial & Tech Cen- • , � b-�yy, ", 4.E�i„4 �F•,rEar ;#44 rxq' �` +n :. �`.,�'. � f ;:.. ;,,. 4:,.; .:. it � ° '�"" )", ".��s7 . x r ,Ir fl i t i � 7 per -acre value, the land could ter is billed b developers as a it I 7 fY ii , �,�,,�F4'' 'MI• j v f +. �I �� C7 -•i� , � �� t, . � � � f ,,: �,,li�u l�� 4,�y wi�� �„f� + F,� ,� k,ti � �*,�,x. � 'l�,li•� generate more than 37 000 in g $ way to ensure future tax rev-:., 4 !+, I real estate taxes each year for en es for the county, opposition T °' r,: rh. ; , ,>� 1 the count Murphy added. Y� P Y groups have put the proposal �k,rnf" ,, i � �' Y .�, � But Knapp cautions that re- under the microscope to deter- zoning the land doesn't mean mine what gains, if any, Fred- ' `.: much to county coffers until erick County could expect from prospective industries show in - such industry. Officials with the University terest. "Rezoning is a necessary of Virginias Weldon Cooper" r ,;, condition (of commercial and industrial development), but Center for Public Service said �,R N h) ww i4 not a sufficient condition, recently that industry and coin - yx _ "f �` Knapp said. The private sector ment can help mercial development P has to consider the site as pay for the homes that need Star Photo by Scott Mason preferable and then come into services. This aerial shows the Stephenson's Depot area, where the Shockey Cos. wants to rezone 404 acres for its Mid -Atlantic Industrial the area.... If it doesn't have However, attempts to mea- & Tech Center. The view is looking southwest. the features business wants, sure future gains from any re- w it's going to lay fallow. zoning are nearly always pure you're never going to have a that have been growing rapid- enue woes are aggravated in the county would get for the "The second issue is where speculation, according to John perfect match with employees ly" and people are commuting Frederick County and others higher land use — Ml (Light do the workers live?" Knapp Knapp, the Cooper Centers living where they work, he out to work, Knapp said. where independent cities exist Industrial) and M2 (Industrial added. "If they don't live in Charlottesville -based research Leaders with Frederick with a separate tax base as is General). added. ead p ) f Frederick County, it s a clear director for business and eco- Stafford and Chesterfield County Voters with Common the case with Winchester. According to Frederick fiscal gain.... If all of them nomics. counties have experienced the Concerns have met with Fred- The city may enjoy the bulk County Commissioner of the are going to live in Frederick The narrow approach is to PP revenue Catch 22 that hap- Brick County officials in efforts of commercial and industrial Revenue Ellen E. Murphy, the County, it wont be so much of attract business which brings g f resid n- revenues while residents who 404-acres value could 'um ens when residential develop- to ensure thepotentiale P P jump a lus. P in a ood amount of real g prop- ment far outpaces industrial tial impact associated with the work those jobs live in the from its current $12 million to Localities should examine erty tax, " iKnapp said. If ndus- and commercial growth, accord- Mid -Atlantic Industrial & Tech county, which is faced with the more than $6 million, if re- industrial proposals for possible try comes in and generates rev- ing to Knapp. Center proposal is taken into bill for services and schooling. zoned. environmental and infrastruc- enues, what are the significant For example, if a factory cre- account. "I've seen it time and time Valued at about $2,900 per tune impact as well, officials externalities?" ates 150 new jobs — causing A public hearing on the re- again in areas around the com- acre, the land generates about with the Cooper Center said. A locality's ideal commercial 150 new families to move to the zoning request for the center — monwealth that got a critical $7,300 in real estate revenue But they call, smart commer- and industrial tax generator is area and build homes — the which would be located near mass of households and then for the county each year, Mur- cial and industrial development one that has few employees (or projected tax revenues from Stephenson on the south side of commercial," Knapp said. phy said. a good "insurance policy" for ones who commute) and ma- that new industry could be Old Charles Town Road and In the case of the Mid -At- If the land is rezoned the any revenue -hungry locality. chinery and tools that are greatly reduced to provide ser- east of Milburn Road — is slat- lantic Industrial & Tech Cen- value could jump to $15,000 or "It's sort of like losing a tree taxed at high rates, Knapp vices and schooling. ed for 6 p.m. June 12 at ter, rezoning would not be an $20,000 per acre or even more, in your back yard," Knapp said. said. "(Commercial and industrial Sherando High School. instantly redeemable coupon for Murphy said. "Speaking conser- "You better hope you have "(But) at any given point, growth) is a complaint in areas Knapp said localities' rev- tax revenues other than what vatively" and using a $15,000- some saplings coming up." Depot Area Isn't Only Frederick Industrial Land. Left By DANIEL FRIEND The Winchester Star With industrial land already avail- able in Frederick County, opponents to the Shockey Cos. proposed Mid -At- lantic Industrial & Tech Center have asked why Stephenson is being target- ed for development. Frederick County Planning Depart- ment officials report about 626 acres of Ml (Light Industrial) are available for new industry, while 268 are zoned M2 (Industrial General) and ready for development. A rezoning proposal to come before the Frederick County Board of Super- visors June 12 would rezone 404 acres of RA (Rural Areas) to 206 Ml acres and 198 M2 acres off Old Charles Town Road. Winchester -Frederick County Eco- nomic Development Commission offi- cials have said the site provides enough acreage and convenient rail- road access for significant industrial and commercial development. But opponents have said the tract is too far from Interstate 81 (about two miles) and too close to their homes. "Why can't the Martinsburg Pike -headquartered Shockey Cos. find somewhere else to put the center?" they ask. Planning reports show 69 parcels of Ml and 25 M2 are available. EDC of- ficials say there's not enough contigu- ous acreage to accommodate many of the queries they've received from var- ious businesses exploring Frederick County. Stonewall Industrial Park has 250 Brandon Beck (from left in above photo) and James Robertson talk with Malcolm McKenzie of Des Moines, Iowa, and J.P. Jones of Shaliman, Fla., during a tour of the Stephenson's Depot area in 2000. Beck and Robertson were leading tour groups on trips to Civil War sites. Members of the touring group look through Milburn Cemetery, which was established around 1788. Star Photos by Ginger Perry Section concept by Annette Jones. Thanks to Daniel Friend, Brian Brehm, Frances Lowe, and Adrian O'Connor. empty Ml acres, and nearly 900 addi- tional Ml and M2 acres in more than 30 other locations are ready for devel- opment — most in other industrial parks. But the largest single parcel is 110 acres, with most other parcels averag- ing about 30 acres, EDC reports show. But many of those don't have utilities or rail access, Assistant EDC Director Patrick E.W. Parker said. No matter what other lands are available, Barker says, it's the respon- sibility of the private sector to target the parcel that will fit its needs. There are industrial parks that aren't full, but the Shockey Cos. have their own land, and they have applied for rezoning, planners point out. Frederick County Planning Depart- ment officials said anyone who owns land in the county has a right to ap- ply for a rezoning. And it's the coun- ty's job to examine and hold public hearings on those requests. According to planning records, 2,150 acres in the county are zoned Ml (including the aforementioned non - developed parcels) and 749 are cur- rently zoned M2. Land use plans within the county's Comprehensive Policy Plan show about 2,710 acres are earmarked for possible industrial development in the future: • The Route 50 East Corridor Plan identifies about 150 acres. • The Route 11 South Corridor Plan identifies 60 acres. • The Southern Frederick Land Use Plan identifies about 500 acres. • The Northeast Land Use Plan identifies about 2,000 acres for future industrial use, including the Shockey Cos. properties near Stephenson. ,Despite the suggested industrial use designation, planning department officials warn against the assumption that the entire 2,710 acres will soon become industrialized. The land use plans were developed to identify generalized areas for future industrial and commercial land uses, but the marked areas "will almost al- ways yield less acreage than is within the bubble diagram." Planners say steep slopes and flood plain areas are included in the acreage, yet aren't typ- ically suitable for development. Furthermore, Frederick County Planning Department leaders say, the areas are under the control of the in- dividual land owners and may never be petitioned to be rezoned. 'Could Tourists Pay All The County's Bills? By DANIEL FRIEND The Winchester Star Frederick County residents have called for tourism as a "clean" rev- enue alternative to industry. The proposed Mid -Atlantic Indus- trial & Tech Center, slated for public hearing June 12, would rezone a por- tion of the Second Winchester Civil War Battlefield — as designated by the National Park Service — to Ml (Light Industrial). Opponents of the proposed center — which would be located off Old Charles Town Road near Stephenson — say the area's rich history could be tapped as a source of revenue from tourists who pass through. Winchester -Frederick County Eco- nomic Development Commission Ex- ecutive Director June Wilmot has said tourism can't replace the manu- facturing base in Winchester -Freder- ick "unless you go with really, really big tourism." "If you're looking at revenue gen- eration, you've got to get into the hu- mongous stuff in order to generate revenue," Wilmot has said. She points to Williamsburg and Gettys- burg — towns that have promoted history on a large scale. But those towns could lose out if an economic recession put a kink in the money flow from tourism, according to Wilmot. "It's nice to have your economy di- versified," she said. "If you slant to one side, you can really get hurt." For every public dollar spent, there is a larger gain on business, which is property related, versus tourism, which is sales tax related, economic leaders have said. It's a myth that tourists come, spend money, and don't drain ser- vices, according to Wilmot. She points out that tourists don't want to drive on dilapidated roads, and they stay in motels, which are among the largest users of water and sewer ser- vices. The bottom line, for Wilmot, is that tourism can work as a revenue source, but it does require significant investment fr(r-i local government or some nt'.iet source, which hasn't oc- ­arred yet on a large scale. Stephenson residents James and Rebecca Stillwell, of the Save Stephenson opposition group — with the help of local historian Brandon Beck — have identified several his- toric sites on and around the land proposed for rezoning — some dating back 250 years. The couple printed a four -page 81/2 by 11-inch flyer with a locator map, photos, and descriptions of 15 his- toric structures. Marked on the map, but not photographed, are nearly two dozen additional historic sites. "We firmly believe that the pro- posed Shockey industrial develop- ment, combined with additional com- mercial/industrial development . . . will totally destroy the historical character of the area and should ... be disallowed," the front page of the Stillwell flyer reads. Wednesday, June 6, 2001 TheWinchester Star Stephenson's. 21'st Century, Ba. What Is ShOckey's Vision? 404 Acres May Be Rezoned From Star Staff Reports How Proffers Have Changed Martinsburg Pike -based Shockey Cos. officials have ap- �J% J R� #At�-Q < � UTE By DANIEL FRIEND lied to the Frederick Count P Y OLD CHA 761 '7� �� RLES 'ro ' The Winchester Star Planning Department for indus- N ROAD 11 Since the Shockey Cos. first trial rezoning on 404 acres near S applied for industrial rezoning Stephenson. S for several hundred acres near Shockey Cos. officials want r; , s . ' Stephenson, company officials to rezone 206 acres from RA Q 0 say they have modified their (Rural Areas) to Ml (Light In- .,', 16 plans based on area residents' dustrial) and 198 acres from OY ' and officials concerns about traffic and buffering. RA to M2 (Industrial General) ��I Industrial rezoning for the for their proposed Mid -Atlantic Q proposed Mid -Atlantic Indus - Industrial & Tech Center. (The Q' VA trial & Tech Center was ap- original request called for 447 �• �� plied for in November 2000 as acres to be rezoned.) Q a 447-acre project. The land is vacant, except y. . '4 Company officials have for one residence, the historic V since reduced the original Samuel Byers House. �A 239-acre M2 (Industrial Gen - The Frederick County Plan- Q IQ eral) portion to be rezoned by ning commission recommended fOry Q' �w_ 41 acres and the 208-acre Ml "�� (Light Industrial) by 2 acres. approval for the rezoning re- O � The project is now 404 acres. quest in February. Q' e�q Mark D. Smith, of Green - �� The; proposal is slated to go �; z x, £,�� way way Engineering, the designer before the Frederick County for the center, said the south - o Board of'Su'ervisors for a pub P O , RY M `� ern border of the M2 portion 3 S lie hearing at 6 p.m. Tuesday '•C€ i was reduced to create a deep - at Sherando High School. V "1N � er landscaped buffer area. Supervisors have said they AF �`gj z FL> In addition to the reduction to vote on the request P q of the pro 'osed area to be re - s, a P P Wednesday Wednesday at the regular � � X: �; _:� _ : � �, �; ,,,�� �_�,�'���,� � zoned, company officials made meeting which begins at 7:15 „ 5�� the following voluntary modi- rx ficatiohs,to the original aPP li- p.m. in the meeting room at the f. cation: �: � Frederick Count Office C m- Y v.x :q x � i y , . ,. � �. Stand-alone incinerators �......h S a P lex. h G and. fuel dealers have been The exact location — north proffered out, of the plan as of Winchester on the east side r P ossible industrial uses. These of U.S. 11 — of the area re - have been. added to the previ- quested for rezoning is as fol- s ous list, which proffered out lows: east of Milburn Road " F meatpacking, poultry process - (Route 662), south of Old ing, animal and marine fats, Charles Town Road (Route logging, wood preserving, pulp mills, cellulosic manmade 761), and southwest of Jordan fibers, leather tanning and Springs Road (Route 664). finishing, glass manufactur- Hiatt Run forms a major ing, cement, hydraulic, refuse portion of the southern bound- systems, and junkyards and ary of the subject site. consumer recycling. Adjoining properties to the, • Woods Mill Road and Va. north, south, east, and west are 7 have been added to the list zoned residential, though most a of routes where detailed traf- directly adjacent parcels are fic studies will be performed still vacant. The historic Mil- in accordance with the Vir- = ginia Department of Trans - burn Cemetery borders the site to the southwest. Star Map by Deena Manning portation. Previously marked for study were the intersec- tion of U S 11 and Old Northeast Frederick Charles Town Road, the pro- posed park entrance just east east of Milburn Road, and Inter - Land Use Plan (2000) state 81 exits 317, 320, and 323. • Viewshed preservation measures have been in- creased. Buildings, signs, light poles, and other structures shall be prohibited above the K viewshed projecting from eye level (5.5 feet) looking east w from Milburn Road. • Stormwater management s plans have been clarified in 0 Miles the revised proffer statements. Stormwater drainage basins and ponds will be implement- ° ed in natural, low-lying, and / 1 ravine areas in accordance �fYf with the Northern Virginia Best Management Practices Handbook. • An elaborate buffer strip has been developed to better shield 14 ro erties along Old fi✓ rr }rr ;r: Charles Town Road whose b.oundarie$ would abut the A," � frr js .f r, ,', f�✓i, , project. The original proffers still included for the pro ect out- ' line the followingimpact re- Jt,t,, rr` duction measures: r • A 50-acre developmental-, fr ly sensitive area easement has been established along the western portion of the pro- posed M1 area to reduce im- pacts to core Second and rr.fr r f rF`{r r rr� p Third Winchester Civil War .: ;' , `� PI,�t J �t'd;r'r` ff rt'f,rf ✓'Jf ,f rfrr` battlefields. fi conservation easement along Hiatt Run is proffered 4 off%l for eventual dedication to the county for public use. • Access to the center from' r Milburn Road would be pro- zZ v ; �k �k 4s` f f'rr; f LEGENDhibited. �t fi� ;' r;f r,',Fr} ;,. • Commercial access on Old Charles Town Road would be limited to one entrance just east of Milburn Road. An t J 4 +wN►ws emergency access would be provided on Stephenson tt01w, Road. f; rrf{ I tf '' tit • A signalization agree- 3 ment would be entered into with VDOT to pay for 50 per- cent of the light and other im- provements at the intersection KIM&of Old Charles Town Road rr �� and Martinsburg Pike. • . Allow for the Samuel B - r` oftwo�„ ers House to be inventoried, ke*wftlft catalogued, disassembled, and relocated by the county. • Limit free-standing sign heights to 20 feet. • Allow building -mounted signs to face Milburn Road for ,° avert ,�tna business and office use only. " • Provide a monetary con- tribution of $20,000 to the county to be used for fire and rescue services. „ Page B2 Wednesday, June 6, 2001 Stephenson's 21st Century Battle The Winchester Star The Winchester Star Stephenson's 21st Century Battle Wednesday, June 6, 2001 Page B7 Ans. ' s wering the Questions .. .1 1) How would you define11 i . "quality of life?" Name�x� some elements of a commu- i nity that make a good 1 ,�'11 `' "quality of life." Quality of life is a yardstick tj All {, that can be good or bad. ^ ,�• 11 One can measure a good '{'{�{-�•%�I x quality of life many ways. For !,(�,.' some, it is a state of social 5, ¢> well being, a sense of commu- rya , �� j.�' T pity and one's personal identi- _ �' ty. A feeling that we belong. y; I For others, it is a state of .>1 economic stability, where ,, ,, FO. neighborhoods and homes re- r '° �1 , tain their value, children at- r * " tend good schools, and jobs .: '4` permit material comforts and i time for leisure. V Still for others, it & an as- I . surance of safety'ind good health, clean air, and clean water. A sense that families ,Save Stephenson p and children are secure in their homes and neighbor- hoods, free of fears associated with crime, pollution, social this time are quite enough), This has had a major im- injustice and political betray- heavy industry, pollution, traf- pact on my life and everyone al. fic, noise, depletion of re- near me. For all, it is a sense of sources, increased taxes, loss I (Mark Stievers) am a res- pride. A place where people of property values, and normal ident of Stephenson and I re - want to live and celebrate measures of quality of life, alize all too fully the implica- their community, and others will have a devastating and tions of this matter, the im- want to visit. demoralizing impact on pact it has had and will have Also, it is a commitment by Stephenson and the county. on my family and neighbors, government to safeguard the It will cause detestation the financial loss we will suf- public, to protect and conserve and disgust by the informed fer on our homes and our sin - our natural and historic re- and caring. Moreover, the ad- gle biggest investment. sources, and. to achieve harmo- dition of a rail spur will ren- I also realize that Frederick nious development through der the destruction of County's vision for our future careful and objective planning. Stephenson's Depot and the will be the destruction of It is that inward and outward Milburn Historic District ut- Stephenson and any sem- condition that embodies per- terly complete. blance of a good quality of sonal and social balance, ❑❑❑ life. recognition, and respect for 4) Should decisions on Let me say, I am n o t one another. major industry proposals against growth nor necessarily ❑❑❑" , be put to voter referen- all industry, but I believe 2) Does Frederick Coun- dum? Why or why not? there is a better Vision for ty fit that definition? Referendums require leg- Frederick County than the For most, Frederick County islative permission and court Shockey proposal and I hope offers a good "quality: ;of ;life. approval in order to permit that our current Board of Su - However, it is clear that the people to vote. Generally, it is pervisors will do the right county is at a critical` cross- necessary to narrowly define thing and say: "No." road and that .every planning the question and to include a It is the wrong location and decision made by our elected yes or no on the ballot. will damage hundreds of fam- officials and their appointees, Some industrial initiatives ilies and their quality of life. becomes increasingly more im- are already permissible for It mocks the Golden Rule. It portant. referendum, such as agricul- will pollute our environment, To retain, and even im- ture. Therefore, it is conceiv- deplete our water, create intol- prove our general quality of able that the electorate could erable traffic, and destroy the life requires that Frederick expand the use of referendums very heritage resources we County focus more on its vi- to proposals like that of should be developing. Our fu- sion of the future. Time is al- Shockey, however, there are ture and our valley and our though running out. Conscien- practical limits. community deserve better. It tious and creative processes Generally, rezoning issues is up to us to insist upon a are necessary to conserve our are a legislative function and better vision. resources and stop exploitation require our elected politicians ❑❑❑ by developers. to make informed decisions 8) Would you be more in- 0❑❑ that include the will of the clined to pay higher taxes 3) How would the Shock- people. for services, or would you ey project affect "quality of Since "major" rezoning deci- rather see economic life" in Frederick County? , . lions encompass a significant 'amount growth to pay for the ser- The Shockey project, as of information, it is vices? proposed, will not improve the best to leave the legislative This question presumes quality of life of the average function in place, and to vote that economic growth (and by citizen in Frederick County for politicians who act respon- implication, industrialization) and more particularly, the sibly and who have made a helps pay for services and lives of anyone who lives in commitment to safeguard the keep taxes low. the northeastern portion of the public, to protect and conserve Unfortunately, this is a county, Clearbrook and our natural and historic re- common misunderstanding Stephenson. sources, and to achieve harmo- about the complex relationship To the contrary, it is a nious development through between economic growth, ex - huge and overbearing plan, careful and objective plan- pansion of services or infras- misplaced, self-centered and nirig. tructure and local taxes. destructive in nature. The end ❑❑❑ Stated another way, this result will be greater wealth 5) What are the positives question presumes that indus- for Mr. Shockey and company and negatives of the pro- try "is needed to keep taxes at the expense of hundreds of posed Shockey develop- low," which is not a correct families and individual lives. ment? statement. To the contrary, The full brunt of its impact At least one positive is the growth and industrialization on the community of Stephen- public attention that has been have just the opposite effect, son is difficult to imagine. given to this ill-conceived increasing taxes, without in - Just over 400 acres in size, plan. Never before have so creased services. current estimates are stagger- many hundreds of people unit- The county has never con- ing — 2.3 million gallons of ed to say "NO" to such reck- sidered the true costs of water and 25,000 plus tractor less disregard for our commu- growth or industrialization. In trailers, cars and trucks pour- nity. Like Cardinal Glass, the fact, it is clear that the Eco- ing onto nearby country roads public mandate is clear. Our nomic Development Commis - and Route 11 daily, nearly 170 community does not want this sion (EDC) has released eco- acres of buildings and 70 acres thing or what it represents. nomic data about the Shockey of parking lot, 24/7 operations, Citizens can soon make a project that was "flawed." 365 days a year, untold num- real difference, simply by By contrast, award -winning bers of railcars and untold.lev- showing up at the public hear- planning efforts use complete els of toxins, 239 acres of M2 heavy industry - . ing on June 12th at Sherando 6:00 to let Board impact analysis. The complete by rangin-g at pm your economic analysis proposed from nuclear waste to chemi- of Supervisors know they must FCVCC contains 16 impact cal warfare production (despite tell Shockey no. And, if they categories. The original EDC a few proffers). fail to pay heed, by showing analysis covered 3 percent of And this is just the begin- up at the polls to change our those categories. The joint Shockey owns over 500 leadership and to vote them planning analysis covered 19 ,ping. additional acres that can be out of office. percent of the categories and exploited at the expense of lo- ❑❑❑ resulted in a range of county cal homeowners and resi- 6) What is your defini- revenue of a $22 million ben - dents. tion of "smart growth", a efit to a $20 million deficit And as for the rest of Fred- term that is often used and over 10 years. The original erick County, there will be a seldom defined? FCVCC analysis covered 38 negative impact too. As net "Smart growth" includes percent of the categories and cost economic models clearly long-term vision for our com- resulted in a $48 million demonstrate, the mistaken munity. It is an intelligent use deficit over 10 years. idea that industry will help of resources, respect for the Is it appropriate to make keep taxes low, is simply not environment, and preservation economic decisions of this true. of historic and natural re- magnitude based on only 19 This is particularly the sit- sources. It is the foresight to percent of the categories? uation here, since pristine and consider the impact that Frederick County has never irreplaceable historic land- growth will have on quality of utilized appropriate economic marks will be destroyed along life in the community, and fu- models or otherwise measured with the potential economic ture generations that plan to the true costs of growth — nor benefits of heritage tourism in live and raise their children has it ever used appropriate the process. there. economic models to determine Most foolishly, if approved It is not the Shockey pro- the potential revenue that can as requested, all future control posal, which includes heavy be generated by alternate com- over the type, scope and na- industry and the destruction merce, like tourism. ture of the industry ,imported of historic and natural re- When the proposal is into Frederick County is left sources, thousands more vehi- viewed objectively and subject - to the devices of the developer .cles, consumption of millions ed to sophisticated models and and with minor exception, sur- of gallons of groundwater, and financial analysis, it clear that rendered by the public and the ability to negatively im- the Shockey project will, at our future generations. pact hundreds of lives with best, make an insubstantial Quality of life will change impunity. It is clearly some- contribution to our tax base forever if our Board approves thing other than exploitation and is more likely to become this monstrosity, particularly that benefits a few at the ex- an economic burden that could for those who own homes or pense of many. cost taxpayers millions of dol- reside in Stephenson. All hope Truly "smart growth" repre- lars. for careful and balanced plan- sents balance and decisions Plainly, we need to be very ning will be lost. Stephenson's that improve one's quality of careful about all decisions re - peaceful environment and ma- life. It utilizes our assets like lated to growth. Economics terial wealth will be trans- history to draw tourist and ab- and infrastructure related to ferred by our Board of Super- hors the destruction of irre- industry is a complex matter, visors out of the pockets of placeable treasures like the ill suited for generalizations hundreds of area families to a Milburn Historic District. and uninformed decisions. land speculator and will dam- ❑❑❑ There is marked tendency age hundreds of lives for the 7) Has your involvement to accept anything that has sake of a dollar. with this issue had any im- been universally believed, The potent combination of pact on your everyday life? even when it is wrong. There - over 950 acres (though 400 If so what has changed? fore, we must remember the Tuesday's public hearing at Sherando High School at 6 p.m. will give area residents a chance to show support or opposition to the proposed Mid -Atlantic Indus- trial & Tech Center. The Winchester Star wanted to give readers an opportunity to better understand the position of the three key players in this debate through a question and answer section. In April, The Winchester Star sent a questionnaire to the main players in the Stephenson's Depot/Shockey Cos. debate: Shockey Cos. Owner J. Donald Shockey; Mark Stievers, who compiled the thoughts and responses of Save Stephenson; and Freder- ick County Administrator John R. Riley Jr. Each group was asked a to- tal of 10 questions. Each group was given seven identi- cal questions. The citizens group and Riley were each asked three additional identi- cal questions and Shockey was asked three questions that pertain more directly to that company. Answers were submitted to The Winchester Star in writ- ing. The Winchester Star has not divulged any answers to any group prior to publication. The participants were, howev- er, able to ask The Winchester Star questions about the pro- ject and the Q&A throughout the process. Any changes to the answers, for length or oth- er purposes, have been cleared through the participants. Answers may come from more than one person or from a representative of the partici- pant. No specific length was set on responses. Order of appear- ance is based on a random drawing. ...Questioning the Answers 1) How would you define "quality of life?" Name some elements of a community that make a good quality of life. Quality of life is what we look for when we choose a place to live. We are putting trust in that place that we will have a good job, a good home, good schools for our children, and a community that we will be proud to belong to. Our quality of life also comes from the be- lief that our future will be bet- ter than our present and that none of us will be left behind. Some of these things include: • Affordable housing • Well -paying local jobs • A low crime rate • Friendly neighbors 9 Sports, arts, and enter- tainment • Available and responsive health-care systems • Educational opportunities at all levels `' • A strong and stable tax base • Efficient, effective, and eq- uitable local government • A long-range plan that de- J. Donald Shockey fines future goals and the means to achieve them Slott 2) Does Frederick County fit that definition? Yes, Frederick County is a community that has established a climate of increasing opportu- nity for its citizens. The local government has steadily developed its resources of competitive schools, excellent health care facilities, and stable economic growth. Not only has the county been able to do this consistently, but it has also ac- complished these goals without overburdening the taxpayers. More importantly, the local government and members of the community have succeeded because they have had the fore- sight to plan for the future. Frederick County boasts a strong commercial and industri- al environment to augment their tax revenues — providing employment to its citizens and members of nearby communi- ties and offsetting the cost of its residential growth. This type of planning has helped the community flourish through even the most volatile economic cycles. - OWN 3) In your opinion, how would the Shockey project affect the quality of life in Frederick County? The Shockey project meets the needs of the present with- out compromising the quality of life of future generations. The Mid -Atlantic Industrial & Tech Center provides a strategy to reduce the tax burden for coun- ty residents. Right now, the general economy is uncertain and the job market is shifting. Clearly, the county needs a consistent source of tax rev- enues to support public services for a growing residential com- munity. For the past one hundred Star Photo by Rick Foster This is part of the land in Frederick County the Shockey Cos. is proposing should be rezoned to develop its Mid -Atlantic Industrial & Tech Center. The land is on an area known as Stephenson's Depot, which 138 years ago was the site of a Civil War battle. The battle to determine the land's fate continues with a Board of Supervisors public hearing at 6 p.m. Tuesday at Sherando High School. The board is expected to vote on the rezoning the next night. idea that industry "is needed to keep taxes low" is not a cor- rect statement and that indus- try often has just the opposite effect by increasing taxes. ❑❑❑ 9) How far should we go to preserve history and how much history should we preserve. We need to develop a clear- er vision for Frederick County "history" and the legacy we want to leave our children and our children's children. We talk about the impor- tance of heritage tourism but have no articulated policy about landmarks that are eli- gible for the (National Regis- ter of Historic Places) and a commitment to their preserva- tion. We talk about the impor- tance of leveraging the tourism efforts of the state and federal government as well as other state and local governments, yet we have no articulated policy or goal to do so. We create a "battlefield network plan" and all but ig- nore Stephenson Depot, and the Milburn Historic District. How much history should we preserve — let us first de- cide our vision. If industry, pollution and destruction of historic treasures are "our" vi- sion, then the answer is obvi- ous. OUR VALLEY IS LIKE NO OTHER PLACE IN AMERI- CA. The same things that make life good here bring peo- ple from hundreds of miles to visit. We can intelligently cap- italize on this and at the same time preserve our valley for the future. Historic preserva- tion and economic growth are not mutually exclusive, but do require planning and a con- scious choice. ❑❑❑ 10) The Shockey propos- al has caused many citi- zens to do extensive re- search into land use plans and Frederick County zon- ing requirements. Should that information be used in the future? How? The information should be used now. It is a fact the County Ad- ministrator John Riley signed an agreement in February 1999 with federal and state highway authorities seeking to protect the Milburn Historic District and Stephenson's De- pot. Likewise, that Mr. Riley stood idly by and said nothing, even as county planners said publicly in September 2000 the historic district had been overlooked in the comprehen- sive plan. It is also a fact that 'a re- cent environmental study states that Shockey's proposed industrial park will encompass over 50 percent of the Milburn Historic District (there is no other in Frederick County) and will destroy its eligibility for the national historic regis- ter. The historic district should have been considered in the 2000 update of the comprehen- sive land use plan and aver- age citizens should not be forced to sue the Board of Su- pervisors to insist on it. The public statement by Don Shockey that he acted up- on information obtained from the county and began to ac- quire the bulk of his land in Stephenson in February and July 1995, which is agricultur- al, must be considered in light of the county's plan that was not adopted until January 1997. Moreover, the fact that Mr. Shockey then clear cut hun- dreds of acres of forest, includ- ing land that he now seeks to rezone industrial, and is there- by effectively able to avoid a 25 percent cut limit in M1 & M2 zoning should likewise be recognized. Land speculation is land speculation and de- serves no special recognition. It is important to ask why the EDC asked CSX to study a rail spur on the core battle- field (and Shockey property) in 1996 before the adoption of a comprehensive plan in 1997 and wrongly claimed a net economic benefit from the Shockey development by fail- ing to consider any costs. Par- ticularly, given the availability of computer models and the modern ability to forecast eco- nomic costs. It is important now to ask why the county has agreed to drill 5 deep test wells on the core battlefield at Stephen- son's Depot and may build a water treatment plant to ex- tract millions of gallons of groundwater, without regard to surrounding properties and 10 percent of which will be given free to the landowner. This agreement was dated March 2000. It is also important to re- member that the subcommit- tee for planning recommended to the Board in May 2000 that Shockey property not be re- zoned industrial, and that the Historic Resources Advisory Board, upon reconsideration of additional and relevant facts, also recommended against this project. Lastly, it is valuable to con- sider the economic model in- troduced by Frederick County Voters with Common Con- cerns, which will prove a very useful tool, and offer true in- sight into the real economic costs of industry and any growth in general. Finally, that all this infor- mation is important now and should be used before any re- zoning is considered. 1) How would you define "qual- ity of life?" Name some elements of the community that make a good "quality of life." I would say that the components of quality of life from a community per- spective would include good schools, abundant recreational opportunities, civic and social organizations that look out for and assist the less fortunate, a reasonable cost of living, a variety of housing types and values that enable a healthy mix of economic, ethnic and cultural diversity, and certainly a healthy, growing economy that offers employment opportunities for our chil- dren.. ❑O❑ 2) Does Frederick County fit that definition? Absolutely. FEE 3) In your opinion, how would the Shockey project affeci "quality of life" in Frederick County? Obviously the answer to this ques- tion is subject to one's perspective. From the perspective of the com- munity at large, I would say that the revenue generation and job creation which would result would help to en- sure the continuance of the high qual- ity of our life that exists in our com- munity today. PI■IM' 4) Does the definition of "qual- ity of life" change? No, the quality itself can change, but, I do not believe the definition does. ,DES 5) In your opinion, what are the positives and negatives of the pro- posed Shockey development on Frederick County? The positive aspect of this develop- m--nt is the role it would play in help- ing to maintain the economic vitality of the community into the next decade and beyond. The negatives of course are that some land owners in the immediate area are likely to experience some negative impacts in the way of in- creased traffic, and the visual impact of industrial buildings where they are use to seeing open fields. The negative impact to adjoining property owners is truly unfortunate but is also extremely difficult to elim- inate completely. It is virtually impos- sible for any physical change in the landscape to take place anywhere without someone feeling that they have been negatively impacted. Whether it is a house being built on the vacant lot next door, a road be- ing widened, an old tree being cut years, The Shockey Companies has delivered stable growth in the regional job market. Through thij project, we can continue that tradition. We be- lieve we can provide better pay- ing jobs for the 21st century and promote a better quality of life throughout our region than ever realized before. ■■i 4) Should decisions on major Iindustry .proposals be put to voter referendum? Why or why not? No.. This country was found- ed on the principle of represen- tative democracy. We *elect leaders to do just that — lead. Furthermore, it is difficult, if not impossible, for any one in- dividual to keep up with all the' issues that affect our communi- ty. It is equally challenging to sort out fact from conjectures of well-meaning people who are partially informed. That is why we elect officials and rely on government staffs who know the facts, have knowledge of all the needs of the region and can make deci- sions that are best for the com- munity as a whole. Our county planning staff, the Planning Commission, the Board of Supervisors and ad- ministrators, and the Economic Development Commission are all in place and well equipped to make these decisions. ■ 0' 5) In your opinion, what are the positives and nega- tives of the proposed Shock- ey development for Freder- ick County? I believe there are only pos- itives associated with the Mid - Atlantic Industrial & Tech Cen- ter for Frederick County. It is consistent with the county's comprehensive plan, and therefore is in alignment with the proactive, well - planned growth of the county. All key issues raised regard- ing the development have been addressed, i.e. progressive im- provements to accommodate in- creased traffic, restriction of undesirable uses, buffering, lighting, signage, unobtrusive location for rail access, preser- vation measures for core battle- fields, etc. It will serve as the catalyst for making available the coun- ty's sewer service to the resi- dents in the Stephenson area, helping to mitigate the long- term and costly sewage prob- lems and health risks these residents have endured. The center will help stabilize the growing tax obligation car- ried by citizens of Frederick County and enhance the com- munity's opportunity for em- ployment and fiscal growth as a hedge against future economic uncertainty High standards now and in- to the future regarding uses at the center are controlled through county ordinances, compliance with proffers and the center's covenants. Rather than lose employ- ment to Northern Virginia, the center will be a major source of new higher -paying jobs. Iiiii■■ 6) What is the definition of "smart growth," a term that has been often used and seldom defined in re- cent weeks? "Smart growth" is more than environmentally sustainable de- velopment. It considers the pre- sent and future needs of the community, equitable distribu- tion of the community's re- sources, and improvement of the welfare of all citizens. "Smart growth" establishes a long-range plan for the commu- nity and sticks to it. P�0 7) Has your involvement with this issue had any im- pact on your everyday life? If so, what has changed? No, we have treated this project like every other. We have spent one hundred years developing a reputation for re- liability and integrity, and we are not going to waver from that course. This project is also complete- ly consistent with our philoso- phy of long-term planning. Without planning for the fu- ture, The Shockey Companies would not be in existence to- day. This 21st century industri- al and technological center is something we are proud to be a part of, because we know it will have a long-term positive im- pact on our community. ;■■■, 8) Will companies own their own land and build- ings in the proposed Mid -At- lantic Industrial & Tech Center? How much control will The Shockey Companies have if they subdivide and sell off tracts within the John R. Riley Jr. down or a cellular tower being erect- on their personal values and experi- ed. Our whole democratic system is ences. based on the concept of greatest good Once more, the elements that: make for the greatest number. We struggle, for smart growth for one community every day to try and balance the re- may be quite different from those of strictions and impositions on the indi- another. I do not see it as a "one-size- vidual, while at the same time maxi- fits -all" concept. With that said, I mizing the benefits and opportunities would suggest that any definition of of the community as a whole. Democ- smart growth would have to include racy is not perfect, but it beats the al- provisions for the maintenance of a ternatives. level of growth that enables a locality or region to maintain its fiscal well ❑0❑ being while at the same time main- 6) Would you be more inclined taining a high quality of life and en - to pay higher taxes for services, hancing those elements of the region or would you rather see economic that are most valued by the members development help pay for ser- of the community. vices? Certainly one of the fundamental principles that local governments have operated under for many years is that, in general, citizens do not like taxes. A second is that citizens want quality schools, recreational amenities, and other services. The community as a whole benefits from, and has ex- pressed a desire for, the increased em- ployment opportunities, increased de- gree of choice in where to shop or dine, and the many other amenities provided through a healthy degree of economic growth. If these assumptions hold true, the question is not do you want to see eco- nomic development help pay for ser- vices but rather what sorts of econom- ic growth to pursue, where, and when. ■■■ 7) What is smart growth? As with other commonly used phrases, the term "smart growth" un- doubtably has a slightly different con- notation for each individual depending !1MIM 8) How far should we go to pre- serve history and how much histo- ry should we preserve? This is a question that each com- munity must answer. In, order to do so we must first define "history." Do we mean battlefields or something more? All structures over a certain age? Do we include Native American and other archeological sites? The homes of indi- viduals that are significant to the na- tion, the state, the locality? In addi- tion, we need to determine who de- cides what is significant and by what standard. Once we have decided what is sig- nificant how do we go about insuring the preservation of these features? Do we allocate our financial resources to purchase sites and structures deter- mined to be significant? If so, to what degree? Is the community willing to forgo other services, or pay higher tax- es in order to further this effort? If not, does preservation warrant con- demnation? center? Users of the center will own their own land in the center. High standards are main- tained through Frederick Coun- ty ordinances (as regulated for all commercial and industrial entities), through specific prof- fers set forth through the re- zoning approval, and through the user covenants at the cen- ter. These covenants and restric- tions will remain in force re- gardless of any changes in land ownership. 9) Why is Shockey proposing M1 and M2 zon- ing for the center? Our vision is to attract busi- nesses and industries that de- velop or use advanced technol- ogy, such as data centers or companies which use robotics as part of their manufacturing processes. Some users would only qual- ify for M2 zoning. Because we want to be highly selective, and to address the concerns raised by citizens, we have restricted beyond the Frederick County zoning ordinance 18 industrial categories that are not permit- ted at the center. The most desirable M2 in- dustries are those that have a reputation for excellent man- agement practices and, by na- ture of their industry, not con- sidered at high risk regarding environmental compliance. H.P Hood and Miller Milling are ex- amples of such users already in Frederick County. KN■ 10) Why was this particu- lar site chosen for an indus- trial park? What drew The Shockey Companies there? Back as early as 1995, Eco- nomic Development officials an- nounced the need for Frederick County to develop large busi- ness/industrial sites with access to rail service, or property tax- es would rise. In 1996, the Frederick County comprehen- sive plan earmarked this area for industrial use. Heeding the call to continue to play a role in economic de- velopment, The Shockey Com- panies began to look around for suitable sites for industrial and business use and determined that this specific site had all the qualities necessary for a 21st century business and in- dustrial center. It had rail ac- cess. It was close to I-81. It represented a large enough tract of land to bring some ma- jor businesses to our region. Its natural topography lent itself to a development that would be sensitive to existing and future residents. Finally, it was consistent with the com- prehensive plan regarding in- dustrial use. Taken to the extreme, should the preservation of "history" mean that the community as a whole should be permitted to take any individual's property that has been determined to be "historically significant" in order for it to be preserved for the common good? off■ 9) The Shockey proposal has caused many citizens to do exten- sive research into land use plans and Frederick County's zoning re- quirements. Should that informa- tion be used in the future? How? I am not certain I understand your question, but, if you mean should the community utilize the results of the citizens research in some way, I would say yes, definitely. The community can, should, and will benefit from a more informed con- stituency. Our ability to utilize the collective knowledge and input of the citizens will, in large part, be depen- dant on the willingness of individuals to participate in the public process of their local government. V■■ 10) Has your involvement with this issue had any impact on your everyday life? If so, what has changed? It has been troubling to witness and be the brunt of some of the per- sonal attacks that have been made re- garding this project. No one enjoys having their integrity questioned. However, in order to survive in local government one has to develop a rather thick skin. There is always a contentious issue to be dealt with whether it be this or some other re- zoning request, employee salaries, school funding, or a tire fire. AR A The Winchester Star Wednesday, June 9, 1999 Section B Coun.C1*1 Tables Vote on '-bAR Standard AyFeal Want to Know If New Lighting Will Reduce Area Crime By DON WORTHINGTON The Winchester Star The Winchester Planning Com- mission wants answers the Winch- ester Police Department says it may not be able to provide — whether new outdoor lighting standards will reduce area crime. It's Meat to Heat the Heat Jonathon Woodson, 4, (above) took a drive. on the cool side along Kern Street during Tues- day's 95-degree heat. He's the son of Michael and Amy Wood- son of Winchester. Nine -year -old P.J. Jackson (right) sprayed some friends with a little liquid relief in Frederick Douglass Park off Smithfield Avenue. Two Freder- ick County schools, Gainesboro and Robinson Memorial elemen- taries, closed at 1 p.m. Tuesday because of the heat and will close at the same time today. Star Photos by Rick Foster "We don't know whether we have a problem. I'd like to know the type of crime we have," Plan- ning Commissioner Chairman Richard DeBergh asked Tuesday as the commission considered amending the city's zoning ordi- nance to require illumination stan- See Lighting Page B4 By DON WORTHINGTON The Wir Chester Star Officially, Winchester's City Council has tabled its review of the Board of Architectural Review's denial of a reroofing request at 218 S. Washington St. until council's Aug. 10 nieet- ing. Unofficially, council members hope the time will allow property ov,-ner Harry Kappler and the BAR to reach a compromise on what is an acceptable substitute for an aging slate roof. Kappler appealed to council the BAR's April 15 denial of his request to replace the slate with Grand Manor shangle. Shangle is an as- phalt shingle t hat is - n acceptable substitute under federal renovation standards, he claims. Kappler also nc ted the federal renovation :,tandards allow him to consider economic fac- tors. The reroofing cost with the shangle is $17,000, he said, compared to $42,000 for slate. Elizabeth Kellas, chairman of the BAR, dis- puted Kappler's contention the Grand Manor shangle meets U.S. Department of Interior standards. She noted the BAR has made difficult deci- sions to preserve the integrity of the historic district. One of those difficult decisions is not to approve asphalt shingles where the previous roof was slate, or metal. If the shangle was approved, Kellas said there would be no need for the BAR. During Tuesday's council meeting, Kappler and Kellas quoted extensively from the stan- dards, often using the same page to make their points. That wasn't overlooked by Councilman Jef- frey B. Buettner. "There is a lot of vagueness, generalities in the standards," he said. "The sticky points are these compatible substances." Councilwoman Carolyn T. Griffin offered the alternative council accepted, tabling the re- quest. Griffin noted council had "done its home- work and found there are many, many, many kinds of slate look -a -like products." She suggested Kappler and the BAR exam- ine such alternatives t_ o:ee if nne might meet their collective needs. See Appeal Page B4 Frederick OKs Plan to Preserve 3rd Winchester By ANNETTE JONES The Winchester Star The Frederick County Board of Supervisors endorsed a conceptual_ plan for the preservation and in- terpretation of the Third Battle of Winchester on Tuesday night. After a protracted discussion, the supervisors agreed with Fred- erick County Planning Director Kris Tierney that preservation of the area north of Va. 7, east of In- terstate 81 and north on Milburn Road to Stephenson's Depot, is a valid consideration for the county. Gainesboro Supervisor Richard C. Stickle was concerned that passi g the preservation plan for Third Winchester would come back to haunt future boards. "Th' plan doesn't bind you to anyth' g," Tierney explained. "It's a set f recommendations." T' rney said the entire plan, wits all its options, are purely vol- untary for both the county and taifdowiier6. James L. Longerbeam, chair- man of the Board of Supervisors, wanted to know how the preserva- tion plan would fit with the U.S. 11 North land use plan. Tierney said they "mesh." Tierney said the preservation plan would come into play during rezoning requests. He said that the planning staff would work with landowners to try to win some concessions in protecting the historic views. "Obviously there will be some give and take. It's like any other goal. You weigh your conflicting needs and de- sires." Earlier in the presentation, consultant Phoebe Kilby, with Strategic Land Planning of Wood- stock, explained that before the See Preservation Page B4 Civil War MuseLlrn Renovation Cost Estimate Approved By ANNETTE JONES The Winchester Star New life may soon be breathed into the Old Courthouse Civil War Museum. At its Tuesday meeting, the Frederick County Board of Super- visors endorsed an estimate of $187,313 to renovate the former Frederick County Courthouse for the project. The entire matter will be brought to the next Frederick County -Winchester Joint Finance Committee meeting. The county is hoping that the city will partici- pate in the capital costs for the new museum. No meeting date has been set. The Frederick Cot_nt� , Publ'c p Works Committee endorsed the e� timate at its meeting June 1. Un- der the proposal, an elevator would be installed; the interior walls and ceiling on the second floor would be demolished; the in- terior would be painted; there would be new electrical fixtures on the second floor; and the air con- ditioning on the second floor would be modified. A fire suppres- sion or sprinkler system would al- so be included in the renovations. "We've been putting off doing something with the old courthouse for some time," said James L. Longerbeam, chairman of the Frederick County Board of Super- visors. Sec Museum Page B4 Van Hoose Is Back in Race for Frederick Supervisors Chairman JVill Be 3rd Independent Candidate for Longerbeam's Job; Failed in His Initial Bid to Be Republican's Candidate By ANNETTE JONES The Winchester Star Back Creek. Frederick County School 3oard representative Lawrence K. Van :loose is jumping into a crowded race for ,hairman of the Frederick County Board )f Supervisors as an Independent. Van Hoose said he made his decision `after careful consideration and strong bi- )artisan support." Van Hoose had sought the Republican nomination for the chairmanship, but lost ,o Gainesboro Supervisor Richard C. SYDNEY REYES Gainesboro supervisor candidate Shickle at the GOP mass meeting on May 25 by a 154-104 vote. "We need strong, fresh, new, decisive leadership on the county board," Van Hoose said Tuesday afternoon during a news conference at the Frederick County School Board Administrative Office on Amherst Street. "I intend to win this election and look forward to some good debate." Van Hoose repeated what he sees as "opportunities" for the county during the next few years. He'd like to enhance the high quality of life county residents al- ready enjoy; preserve the county's historic past; promote appropriate economic devel- opment; manage growth in a responsible way; strengthen tourism, regional part- nerships, and infrastructure; and find ways to fund the county budget without relying so much on the real estate tax. "As an Independent candidate, I bring a broad base of support," Van Hoose said. "The beauty of being on the School Board is that it's non -partisan." That sense of independence is a key tenet of Van Hoose's campaign. He said he won't be beholden to any group. Reyes to Challenge for Gainesboro Supervisor By ANNETTE JONES The Winchester Star A former U.S. Customs district director is vying for the open Gainesboro seat on the Frederick County Board of Supervisors. Sydney A. Reyes of Cross Junc- tion is running as the Democrats' nominee. He will face off against W. Wayne Miller, a Republican. "I feel quite honored," Reyes said Tuesday afternoon during a news conference outside the Joint Judicial Center in Winchester. Reyes, 65, has lived in Cross Junction since 1993 with his wife, Brit. He has three children and three grandchildren and has been retired from the U.S. Customs Service since 1990. At his retire- ment, he was the Washington Dis- trict director, responsible for cus- toms operations at Dulles Interna- tional and Reagan National air- ports, as well as the Port of Alexandria and bonded terminals throughout the Washington re- gion. "I'm a novice in terms of actual politics," Reyes said. "I will give it See Reyes Page B3 Van Hoose, 45, is a vice president of Valley Health System. He's lived in Fred- erick County for 12 years and has three school -age daughters — 16, 12, and 8 years old. He has a bachelor's degree in pre-med psychology from the University of Oklahoma and has done some graduate work in both business and health admin- istration. For Van Hoose, the campaign is al- ready underway. "It's early, but I plan to start immediately," he said. "The hardest part of the race is getting the word out." In addition to Van Hoose and Shickle, BARBARA VAN OSTEN Frederick School Board candidate there ar6 two other Independent candi- dates for the chairmanship. One is Gina Forrester, who lives in the Apple Ridge subdivision off Senseny Road near the county's growth center. The other is Su- san Luby Luebehusen, an attorney who lives in the Shawnee District and is a member of the Frederick County Industri- al Development Authority. Current chairman, James L. Longer - beam, won't run in the Nov. 2 election and is stepping down from politics after four years as chairman and an additional four years as Back Creek supervisor. Van Osten Is Making A Run for School Board By DREW HOUFF The Winchester Star The mother of two Sherando High School graduates and two students currently attending the school announced her candidacy for the Frederick County School Board on Tuesday. Barbara Van Osten, of 103 Coopers Lane east of Stephens City, is seeking election to the School Board's Back Creek Maga- sterial District seat. She said she will try to use her experience as former Parent -Teacher -Student Organizat;on president and Fred- erick County Educational Founda- tion board member to represent her constituents. Van Osten turned in her peti- tions and paperwork to the Voter Registrar's office on Tuesday, which was the last day to get on the ballot for the Nov. 2 election. She has no opposition in the elec- tion. The mother of four children, she decided to run for the School Board to utilize her experience as a parent. Lawrence K. Van Hoose, the School Board's current Back Creek See Van Osten Page B3 t B4 t THE WINCHESTER STAR Wednesday June 9 1999 ,appeal i Kappler said such discussions were limiting accrued time to 80 hours. Em- fine with him. ployees with more than 80 hours of ac- (Councilman John B. Schroth abstained trued time will be asked to use time ac- from the vote to table the BAR review be- crued over 80 hours, or be paid for it at a cause he had sold Kappler the South rate of 11/2 times their hourly wage. Washington Street home.) Council also: In other action, City Council approved • Amended the city code, allowing ve- a 5 percent pay raise for full-time city hicles bearing Purple Heart or POW li- government employees. The minimum tense plates to park free in city -owned raise will be $1,560 annually and the parking meter spaces. maximum raise $2,860. Council also re- a Rezoned 3.7 acres at 2010 to 2104 S. vised the city's compensatory time policy, Loudoun St. from intensive industrial M-1 zoning to light commercial, CM-1 zoning. • Approved a request by Triton PCS to install cellular phone antennas on the roof of the former George Washington Hotel. The permit has a condition that the com- pany secure a bond guaranteeing removal of the antennas if the company abandons the antennas. a Granted exceptions to the citv's Land Subdivision Ordinance drkew,ry spacing standards and right-of-way land dedications for thq proposed Chili's Lighting filurl Page B1 dards for parking lots, parking garages, drive-thrus and automatic teller areas, and retail and entertain- ment businesses. Winchester Police Officer Craig Smith said he wasn't sure he could provide the commission with specific crime data that would show lighting would prevent crime. But, he said requiring lighting plans is just one of a number of crime -prevention tools that make people feel safer and reduce the possibility of concealment in shadows. As proposed, the ordinance would require uniform lighting of various footcandle measures, based on site use. Higher footcandles would be required in parking areas, around automatic tellers, and convenience stores. Smith said that one of the purposes of the ordi- nance is to set footcandle specifications for horizontal lighting (lighting that helps you see where you are going) and vertical lighting (lighting that helps you see what a person looks like). Another purpose of the ordinance is to remove what Smith said is vague language in the ordinance. Currently, the ordinance only requires "outdoor light- ing sufficient to provide site security and enhance personal safety." Smith, who has been reviewing site plans as part of the city's crime -prevention e' forts, said he has asked for light plan specifics in the past, and has even recommended more lighting. The reaction from the developers has been to ig- nore his suggestions, Smith said. The commission will hold a public hearing on the proposed ordinance at 3 p.m. June 15 at Rouss City Hall. After the commission makes its recommendation, the ordinance will be forwarded to City Council, for action. Museum from Page Bl Several members of the Old Courthouse Civil War Museum Committee attended the supervi- sors meeting. Harry Ridgeway, whose artifact collection composes the bulk of the museum's potential displays, said he's pleased there's some movement. "We've been fid- dling around with this thing for several years." In Longerbeam's mind, the for- ward movement is the fulfilling of a promise. "We owed this to Mr. Ridgeway and his wife (Trish). We promised this to them and to Judge (Robert K.) Woltz (the pres- ident of the Winchester -Frederick County Historical Society)." Beyond the promises, Longer - beam pointed out the former courthouse, located on Winch- ester's Loudoun Street Mall, is de- teriorating. "It's ours. We need to do something about it." Part of the Old Courthouse Civ- il War Museum collection is on display at the Kurtz Cultural Cen- ter. The idea for a Civil War muse- um at the former Frederick Coun- ty Courthouse was first raised in August 1995, when then -chairman of the Frederick County Board of Supervisors Richard G. Dick an- nounced a joint venture with Ridgeway on the courthouse steps. Since then, a feasibility study was done on the 1840 building, which was used as a prisoner of war camp as well as a hospital during the Civil War. UNDERGROUND FENCING FOR PET CONTAINMENT $525.00 PER ACRE INSTALLED VALENTINE ENTERPRISES 5336 MAIN ST. STEPHENS CITY (540) 869-3869 SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY FREE CONSULTATION Tuesday, June 15, 1999 at the Holiday Inn ;East, Winchester Call David E. Furrer, Esq. for appointment Seigel, Tully and Furrer 1-800-344-9133 l3udgeL,,.P,g-_.B2 new 911 emergency system. The name Aylor's Mill Lane al- so had been considered by town of- ficials, Dalton said. A private lane leading to three tenant houses and the main house of Rosemont Estate on West Main Street also will be named, Dalton said. He said he has been consult- ing Susan Jones, who lives at Rosemont Estate with her hus- band, Randolph, about choosing a name. Present at the meeting in the Town Council Chambers were Warren Dilandro, F. Barry Nichol- son, Allan McWilliams, Mayor Richard Sponseller, Pamie Roys- ton, and Lawrence Russell III. restaurant off Featherbed Lane. The ex- ceptions will allow Chili's to have a single entrance. • Approved an ordinance deeding 0.5- acre property historically known as the reservoir lot" from the city to the Hand- ley Board of Trustees. a Reappointed .Iiininy Kilhourr.e to a frnrr ti.t•ar t''rnl un the rl -A ri ,rt .A'r- thority. ('oun(rl .d o ;q)pwilled NI.11y ';. Riley to fill an unexpired term on the Old Town Development Board. Her term will i-om Page BI end Oct. 31, 2Uo1. Attending the meeting at Rouss City Hall were Griffin, Buettner', Schroth, Steve Bauserman, Glen B. Butke, Michael J. DeFazio, Charles T. Gayni-", Elizabeth A. Minor. Afichael E. Noel, .rnd J. Craig t, :rlt r,• 1Lr.nr I ,r-v T. Omps, nl in bypass -ur,l1-, .rnl l};«Inra L. iZ�•zha. In Omps' ,ih,3ence, council Vice Presi- dent Griffin presided over the meeting. Pr'eiti Page BI fount county could tap into federal and beam said the updated compretren- get preparation. state preservation funds, it needed live plan gives the county some a Approved $8,o00 for the to adopt a preservation plan. guidelines about where certain Frederick County Sheriff's Office K i 1 b y's work was funded types of development should go. to purchase a fourth K-9 unit. through a $25,000 grant from the `This is not a ticket for rezoning," Sheriff Williamson said this dog National Park Service's American he said. will be used to sniff out explosives Battlefield Protection Program. In other action, the board: and fir -,.arms. The plan proposes a driving s Approved the LirLig of wo a c.utered into a three-year tour that starts on Va. 7 just west career firefighters at North Moun- contract with the Winchester ac- of Opequon Creek and encompass- tain Volunteer Fire and Rescue counting firm of Yount Hyde & es the 222 acres at Caleb Heights Company. The medic and EMIT Ilarhom- to cond-rct the county's owned by the Association for the are expected to cost the county ip- audits. Freservation of Civil War Sites. proximately $80,000 in -;alary and a Re -appointed Robert N. Car- (APCWS). The driving tour also henefits. North :Mountain, lore, penter and C. Robert �olenberger heads north to Stephenson's De- :rnd Star Tannery volunteer fire to the Frederick -Winchester Ser- pot, then travels back into Winch- and rescue companies are the only vice Authority. Solenberger also ester. ones of 11 without paid county needs approval from the Winch - The newly adopted plan also staff. ester City Council. lays out a number of options for • Approved appropriation of a Entered into an employment visitors centers as well as tools to $30,000 for the Youth Develop- services contract with County Ad - use for preservation. Those tools ment Center and $10,000 for the ministrator John R. Riley Jr. The range from outright purchase of 4-H Center in Warren County. four-year" contract, which expires land from willing property owners Longerbeam said the 4-H money is June 30, 2003, is the first contract to corridor and design guidelines earmarked for juvenile crime pre- Riley has had with the county that would preserve historic views vention, while the contract with since he was appointed county ad - while allowing development to oc- the YDC helps provide a "whole- ministrator on Jan. 1, 1983. cur around the core battlefield. some atmosphere" for the area's "We're trying not to lose John," Supervisors also endorsed the youth. Longerbeam said recent Longerheam said about the con- 1999 update of the county's com- tragedies throughout the country tract, which sets out terms of em- prehensive policy plan with a min- prompted Frederick County to ployment as well as a severance imum of discussion. Included in take another look at the appropri- package. However, the contract the update is the recently complet- ations, which were cut during bud- does not include salary. ed Southern Frederick Land Use Study, which lays out a plan for more than 7,000 acres of county a land south of Winchester between Middle Road and just west of U.S. , 522 South. In adopting the comprehensive plan, the county redrew some of I f1 the boundary lines for the sewer and water service area. Pulled out the district weige the Gger-Farm A healthy F and Caleb Hei hts. Lon er- I _ ,• • Visual;Link INTERN T x Ptoviding ttfe Area with Internet Communicat ohs since 1985. - FREE TECHNICAL SUPPORT - FREE EMAIL FREE TRAINING CLASSES FREE PERSONALWEB-PAGES - LOCAL ACCESS (WINCHESTER, FREDERICK, CLARKE) ALL DIGITAL 56K V.90 MODEMS am We Guarantee to get you Online! NO SIGN UP FEE Call (540) 722-6705- hftp://www.visuallink.com, There's Anxiety... 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