Building Front Royal’s Economic Future Together

Editor’s Note: The following guest commentary was submitted by L. Allen R. Neel as an invitation for Front Royal residents to share their views on the town’s economic future. The opinions and proposals expressed are those of the author and do not represent the editorial position of the Royal Examiner. The questions included below are intended as conversation starters rather than a scientific survey. Readers may respond through the Facebook comment section, or by Facebook message to “L. Allen R. Neel for Front Royal Town Council,” or by email at frsurveynow@gmail.com.

It has become increasingly apparent that many Front Royal residents do not support heavy industrial development due to concerns about its impact on quality of life and the environment. Those concerns deserve to be heard and respected.

At the same time, I believe there are opportunities to attract clean, light industrial businesses and manufacturers that align with our community’s values. Given Front Royal’s size, available land, and long-term vision, our focus should be on industries that fit our town rather than trying to become something we are not.

Economic development should be viewed as both a short-term and long-term effort. We must remain prepared to recognize opportunities and actively pursue businesses that provide quality jobs, strengthen the local economy, and complement our community.

I have always appreciated the saying, “The harder I work, the luckier I get.” Success in economic development is rarely accidental. It comes from preparation, persistence, and community involvement.

That raises an important question: What types of businesses and industries would residents support in Front Royal? Just as important, how involved are people willing to be in shaping that future?

One of my goals is to help broaden Front Royal’s tax base while protecting the qualities that make our town a good place to live. There is no single answer, and no one person has all the solutions. The best path forward will come through thoughtful discussion and a willingness to consider different perspectives.

The questions below are intended to encourage that discussion. They are not meant to serve as a formal or scientific survey. Instead, I hope readers will see them as conversation starters.

Whether you agree or disagree, your ideas and experiences matter. By engaging in respectful dialogue, we can better identify the kinds of economic opportunities that reflect our shared values and help build a prosperous future for Front Royal.

I encourage residents to discuss these questions with neighbors and share their perspectives through one of the response options listed at the end.

Together, we can help shape an economic future that strengthens the community while preserving the character that makes Front Royal a special place to call home.

Topic 1: What types of businesses should Front Royal actively recruit?

a) Advanced manufacturing
b) Medical and healthcare businesses
c) Technology and software companies
d) Outdoor recreation businesses
e) Food processing and agricultural businesses
f) Professional offices
g) Small, locally owned businesses
h) Other

Topic 2: Which goal should be the town’s highest economic development priority?

a) Lower the property tax burden
b) Create higher-paying local jobs
c) Attract more retail and restaurants
d) Increase tourism
e) Improve infrastructure before expanding growth

Topic 3: Which types of light industrial businesses would you support in Front Royal?

a) Precision manufacturing
b) Medical device manufacturing
c) Research and development
d) Artisan food and beverage production
e) Green technology manufacturing
f) Warehousing and distribution
g) None of the above

Topic 4: What concerns you most about future business growth?

a) Traffic
b) Noise
c) Environmental impacts
d) Loss of small-town character
e) Housing demand
f) Water and utility capacity
g) I generally support growth
h) Other

Topic 5: Where should new businesses be encouraged?

a) Existing commercial corridors
b) Existing industrial areas
c) Redevelopment of vacant properties
d) Expansion into new areas when appropriate
e) No preference

Topic 6: How involved should residents be in attracting new businesses?

a) Provide input through surveys and public meetings
b) Serve on citizen advisory committees
c) Volunteer to help recruit businesses and promote the community
d) Allow Town Council to make decisions after considering public input
e) No preference

Topic 7: Which retail businesses would you most like to see in Front Royal?

a) Grocery stores
b) Clothing stores
c) Home improvement stores
d) Sporting goods stores
e) Family entertainment
f) Restaurants
g) Specialty or locally owned shops
h) Other

Topic 8: If attracting a desirable employer required town investment in infrastructure, would you support it?

a) Yes
b) Yes, if the long-term return is clear
c) Only if grants pay most of the cost
d) No, town money should never subsidize private employers

Topic 9: When evaluating a new business proposal, what should carry the most weight?

Rank the following from 1 to 5, with 1 being most important:

a) Quality of jobs created
b) Tax revenue generated
c) Compatibility with nearby neighborhoods
d) Environmental stewardship
e) Long-term benefit to the community

Topic 10: Would you be willing to volunteer to help move a community project forward?

a) Yes, on a regular basis
b) Yes, for occasional projects
c) Maybe, depending on the project
d) Not at this time

Those answering yes or maybe are also encouraged to share which types of projects interest them most.

Topic 11: What best describes your vision for Front Royal over the next 20 years?

a) Grow cautiously while preserving our small-town character
b) Pursue moderate growth that balances jobs, retail, and quality of life
c) Pursue significant economic growth to expand the tax base while protecting the community
d) I am not sure

Topic 12: What untapped opportunity is Front Royal overlooking?

There are no wrong answers. Ideas may involve business, recreation, tourism, education, manufacturing, housing, or something entirely different.

Readers may respond in the comments section, through a Facebook message to “L. Allen R. Neel for Front Royal Town Council,” or by email at frsurveynow@gmail.com.

Thank you for taking the time to participate. I will read every response and, after gathering the community’s input, summarize what I heard in a future post.

One of the responsibilities of serving on Town Council is listening, and I appreciate everyone who takes a few minutes to share their thoughts.

L. Allen R. Neel for Front Royal Town Council