HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-26 Comment Response LetterMORRIS & RITCHIE ASSOCIATES, INC.
ENGINEERS, ARCHITECTS, PLANNERS, SURVEYORS,
AND LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS
January 23, 2026
Eric Bittner
County of Frederick
Department of Planning and Development
30 North Market Street,
Frederick, MD 21701
RE: Proposed Rezoning for 700 Ross Street
Property Identification Numbers (PIN): 54G-1-13A
Dear Eric Bittner,
In response to your comments dated January 5th, 2026, regarding the project referenced above, we
offer the following:
1. Comment: Comprehensive Plan Conformance. The Comprehensive Plan (adopted
November 2021) and the Northeast Frederick Land Use Plan (NELUP) provide
guidance on the future development of the subject property. The Plan identifies the
subject properties with a “residential” land use designation and as being within the
limits of the Urban Development Area (UDA). Section §165-402.01 of the Frederick
County Zoning Ordinance speaks to the intent of the residential land use classification
by shaping the intent of the zoning district intended to implement it. “…intended to
provide for a compatible mixture of quality residential housing types within the Urban
Development Area, consistent with the residential land use policies of the
Comprehensive Plan.”
The proposed rezoning does not implement uses typically associated with the
“residential” land use designation in the Comprehensive Plan, However, staff
recognize that the intended use is intended to maximize the subject parcel’s strategic
location adjacent to the Hampton Inn, City of Winchester, and adjoining areas
identified with a “business” land use designation. As such, this makes it desirable for
extending the existing use. The consolidation of residential uses and mixed-use nature
of the surrounding area does provide the opportunity for complementary business uses.
Careful consideration should be given to the B2 district uses permitted (and prohibited)
through the rezoning and their appropriateness to address retail and convenience-type
needs for nearby residences.
Response: Comment acknowledged and proffers have updated to reference the
proposed use as hotel and supporting parking which logical extension of the existing
and adjacent use.
MORRIS & RITCHIE ASSOCIATES, INC.
ENGINEERS, ARCHITECTS, PLANNERS, SURVEYORS,
AND LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS
2. Comment: General Development Plan. The site does not identify pavement area or
parking. The parking may be addressed through shared parking of the adjacent parking lot
serving the Hampton Inn
Response: Comment acknowledged as a shared parking agreement will be provide.
3. Comment: Transportation. The submitted Impacts Analysis estimated the 3,956’ hotel
would generate 75 trips day. However, the proffer statement does not restrict the use of the
property to only a hotel establishment (as assumed in the analysis) and allows many other B2
(General Business) Zoning District uses, some of which may have a significant
transportation impact on the transportation network (for example convenience store with
fueling stations). The applicant should consider including a prohibited land uses list to
preclude uses that are not conducive to the neighborhood.
Extending the sidewalk from Ross Street and a pedestrian crossing may be necessary along
Ross Street.
The proposed transportation improvements for site access appear to be sufficient.
County Staff will continue to coordinate with VDOT staff on the traffic impacts as it relates to
the rezoning proposal.
Response: Comment acknowledged and the proffers limit the development to hotel
and parking. A sidewalk has been proposed along the frontage of Ross Street as
suggested.
4. Comment: Proffer Statement. The following revisions are offered for consideration as it
relates to the proffer statement dated November 26, 2025:
• Proffer C may still be desirable if additional parking lot spaces are anticipated on the
parcel.
Response: Acknowledged
5. Other Application Materials & Fee. Based on the fees adopted by the Board of
Supervisors, the rezoning fee for this rezoning application would be $5,020.
Response: Acknowledged and the fee has been submitted.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at 703-431-8264 or
cstephenson@mragta.com
Sincerely,
Chris Stephneson, PLA