In a 5-0 vote to expedite the transformation of the Baymont Inn into an apartment complex aimed at servicing young professionals, the Front Royal Economic Development Authority (FREDA) determined that with the appropriate conditions, this is a worthy project and set it on a course to be considered by the Front Royal Town Council before the council’s next regular meeting. That very same day, Monday, May 6, in a work session that began at 7 p.m. in the Front Royal Town Hall at 102 East Main Street, the Town Council assessed a request from the applicant and owner of the Baymont Inn for a special use permit and delayed it for further examination to a June work session.

Town Council meets for a work session on Monday evening. Royal Examiner Photo Credits: Brenden McHugh.

Not everyone on the Town Council is in favor of the delay. Councilman Glenn Wood is in alignment with FREDA. He carefully delineated the benefits of this project for his fellow council members. One of the chief reasons this project is so exceptional is the opportunity it would afford young workers starting without large families in this community to live locally, enjoy the amenities of Front Royal while being close to their workplace, and keep the blood vessels of our workforce from being drained into a bedroom community like Winchester. Mayor Lori Cockrell heartily agreed with this point. Keeping our teachers in the school system locally is something she cares about deeply, perhaps partly because when she is not wearing the mayoral hat, she is known as having been a teacher herself.

However, there seems to be a bureau of reasons why this item requires more study, presented forcefully by Councilwoman Amber Morris, who did not receive an invitation to tour the proposed conversion site at Baymont Inn and would like the opportunity to do so before voting in favor of the special use permit. Is the housing truly going to be affordable for everyone? Tied to that, will the owner succeed in reaching the demographic of young professionals? How will the cost of utilities be handled? Will the loss of the lodging tax be an irremediable harm to the town? What about the displacement of school-attending children whose parents can only afford to house them in a motel room? Until these spider webs are swept away, the council will not be voting on this proposed SUP and the corresponding request for relief from Town parking standards, and it will be postponed to a work session in early June.

Planning Director and Zoning Administrator Lauren Kopishke presents the contents of Monday evening’s work session to the council.

Capable of cleaning house, Planning Director and Zoning Administrator Lauren Kopishke explained how this looks from the staff’s perspective in an interview. “This application, as a whole, aligns with the comprehensive plan. The implementation matrix makes the case that high-quality development can be achieved with redevelopment and specifically calls out the conversion of hotels as a potential means of providing housing. In this instance, the Town needs housing for its citizens, and this project offers that.” She also said: “Council should be considering the use only; rent rates are typically not a consideration because this property is not subject to rezoning with proffers. There is no negotiation aspect here for them to wrestle with. A special use permit determines if a use that may have a higher impact on an area is appropriate at a location.”

Though not a point-by-point response to all of Morris’s concerns, Kopishke addresses perhaps the most important point: will the apartments offered at the former Baymont Inn truly be affordable? According to Kopishke, that is truly the applicant’s concern. Red for a comet approaching, it does not take the queen’s astrologer to predict that the town of Front Royal is on a collision course with serious change. One might ask in this connection what a truly laissez-faire policy is. Here, Ayn Rand’s statement on the final page of Atlas Shrugged rings ominously true: “Congress shall make no law abridging the freedom of production and trade.” Neither should the town council in crafting an ordinance or transacting a vote. Hopefully, this will only be a delay, and the freedom of independent business owners to fulfill the comprehensive plan will not be abridged.

Tammy Lea Bohlman, 40, of Front Royal, Virginia, passed away on Sunday, May 5, 2024, at INOVA Fairfax Hospital.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, May 18, 2024, at 11 a.m. at Panorama Memorial Gardens, 4917 Strasburg Road, Waterlick, Virginia, with Sammy Campbell officiating.

Tammy was born on June 29, 1983, in Alexandria, Virginia, to Francis Jospeh Houck Jr. and Dawn Lea Houck.  She was a truck driver, ordained minister, a culinary school student, and a fantastic cook.

Surviving along with her parents are her stepmother, Peggy Sue Houck; brother, Joe Houck III; and daughter, Morgan Clatterbuck.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Maddox Funeral Home, 105 West Main Street, Front Royal, Virginia 22630, to assist with funeral expenses.

The Front Royal community can now enjoy 30 newly planted native trees along the greenway in front of Skyline High School. With spring in full bloom, it’s the perfect time for a walk or run while admiring the hard work of local volunteers.

Front Royal’s Advisory Committee for Environmental Sustainability (ACES) recently completed Phase II of a multi-phase plan to enhance the Royal Shenandoah Greenway. This project focuses on “greening up” unused mowed spaces to create a more enjoyable recreational experience. Recognizing the high recreational use of the Eastham Park to Skyline High School to West Criser Road loop, ACES has worked tirelessly to convert open spaces into native canopies in front of Skyline High School.

Each year, ACES includes a student member who leads a project, and this year, Skyline High senior Christina Keresztesi oversaw the planting of 30 native trees, including Sycamores, Maples, and Redbuds. Christina managed the project from tree selection to volunteer recruitment and secured funding from the Front Royal Tree Stewards and the Beautification of Front Royal Committee. She organized everything precisely, ensuring the trees were planted under perfect weather conditions.

Christina Keresztesi, ACES’ student rep, works with staff from Casey Trees (out of Berryville) to carefully offload the new native trees.

Christina Keresztesi, ACES’ student rep, stands proud alongside some of her 30 new trees.

Christina, who will soon attend UVA, acknowledged how her ACES experience helped her get accepted into college: “Participating in community service projects and leading my own really helped me get accepted.”

These new trees offer much-needed shade for walkers and runners during the hotter months while making the greenway more beautiful for everyone. As volunteers planted the trees, passersby admired their work, offering congratulations and snapping photos.

Town Arborist and ACES Chair Jim Osborn demonstrates the importance of planting large native trees.

Dave Rushton, a local community volunteer, takes a moment to prep the hole, a critical part of the process to ensure that the new trees are set up for success.

The project wouldn’t have been possible without the generous support of the Front Royal Tree Stewards, the Beautification of Front Royal Committee, the Department of Public Works, and dedicated volunteers. ACES is proud to contribute to Front Royal’s commitment to its Tree City USA designation and to create safe outdoor opportunities for the community. To learn more about ACES, visit their website or attend a monthly meeting held on the second Tuesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. at the back of Vibrissa.

These are big, heavy trees! Father and son work together to position a new tree in the ground properly.

30 new native trees take root along the Royal Shenandoah Greenway thanks to a lot of local volunteer sweat equity!

ACES member Justin Proctor gets some help removing wet, sticky clay from his boots.

Christina Keresztesi, ACES’ student rep, smiles alongside her colleagues after successfully completing her tree planting project.

Spring brings glorious weather and the opportunity to tackle yard work like mowing, gardening, and trimming. However, it’s important to stay mindful of safety hazards. The American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons highlights the dangers of power mowers, injuring around 80,000 people annually. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind before diving into your spring chores:

1. Get a Tetanus Shot:
   Tetanus can cause serious health issues, including jaw spasms, muscle convulsions, and death. Make sure your tetanus shot is up to date.
2. Use Caution with Power Mowers:
   Wear hard-toed shoes and keep children and pets away. Clear the yard of objects that could become dangerous projectiles when struck by the mower.
3. Use Ladders Safely:
   Falls from ladders are common during spring tasks like tree trimming and gutter cleaning. Climb ladders empty-handed and have someone pass you tools once you’re in place.
4. Check Your Chainsaw:
   Make sure both you and your chainsaw are in good condition before use. Never climb a ladder while holding a chainsaw or any sharp object.
5. Consider Hiring Professionals:
   For tasks that require a lot of climbing or specialized skills, hiring professionals can ensure the job is done safely and correctly.
6. Lift Properly:
   When moving heavy bags, lift with your legs by bending at the knees and lifting from within your feet’s span. Use carts or wheelbarrows to transport heavy items over longer distances.
7. Use Ergonomic Tools:
   Opt for tools with ergonomic grips to prevent wrist injuries. Rakes, shovels, and trowels with arm fittings can make gardening safer and more comfortable.

Following these tips can help you enjoy your spring yard work while minimizing the risk of injury.

Royal Examiner presents the Skyline High School Class of 2024. Congratulations to these wonderful seniors on their hard work and deserved accomplishments! We wish you the best in your next big endeavors. Photos courtesy of Victor O’Neill Studios and Tolliver Studios, LLC.

If your Skyline senior is not listed, please send in their Name and Senior Picture to news@royalexaminer.com.

Abraham Adams

Isaac Ali

Makenna Amos

Hannah Anderson

Kayla Anderson

Zayden Ankers

Kaitlyn Antonelli

Summerlin Arnold

Jayden Banks

Joshua Barnett

Elijah Bennett-George

Kaya Bieker

Carter Binnix

Jacob Blackburn

Cohen Blevins

Holly Blevins

Dakota Boggess

Jayla Bolstridge

Lance Booth

Jeffrey Bosley

Kaleigh Boyd

Mackenzie Brewer

Vycktoria Brigeman

Scout Broadbent

Kaipha Brown II

Gavin Burhans

Brandon Bustamante

Jimena Campos

Kirsten Cantrell

Kyle Carr

Amanda Carter

Anisha Carter

Austin Clark

Abreonia Clatterbuck

Wyatt Clatterbuck

Gavin Clem

Nathan Coffee

Stephen Collins Jr.

Jessica Colvin

Shyanne Cook

James Coppage

Ryan Covert

Courtney Cox

Michael Creasey

Ella Crisp

Megan Croft

Charly Cruz Gonzalec

Destiny Cunningham

Ryan Curl

Natalie Davis

Trinity Diamond

Shanna Dinges

Jaxen Doberer

Elijah Domino

Brenton Dove

Brady Duncan

Ignatius Elhinger

Natalie Elsea

Tayden Finch

Asher Fincham

Kierstyn Fincham

Scarlett Flores

Garret Foster

Zackery Franklin

Alexander Frenz

Savana Fritts

Alisha Frye

Victoria Frye

Nichol Fugett

Ryan Gale

Daniel George

Mia Gibson

Ayden Hamm

Timothy Heltzel

Alexandra Hemingway

Caiden Henry

Sam Hoffman

Anthony Hostetter

David Houghton

Keyshaun Jackson

Colby Jenkins

Jazmin Jimenez

Tanner Johnson

Hunter Jones

Kayla Jones

Christina Keresztesi

Dustin Kidwell

Joseph Laycock

Jadynn Leach

Samantha Lee

Tyler Lee

Ava Leger

Karlie Lily

Natalie Loy

Sydney Loy

Adalberto Lucero

Kaitlyn MacLeod

Angel Mandiak

Demitrias Manthos

Cordney Martin

Alexander Martinez Rivas

Emalee Mathews

Wyatt McCormick

Evan McCumbers

Haaron McKinney

Isabella Meadows

Madison Megeath

Karley Meyer

Kalinn Miller

Mia-Elizabeth Miller

Eduardo Mirasol

Garrett Mohr

Hernandez Joselin Morales

Cameron Morris

Cayden Morris

Waylon Mulligan

Audree Mullins

Nikalas Neale

Daryn Nguyen

Syre Norris

Brylee Painter

Logan Parsons

Ruth Pastore

Aysia Payton

Hunter Pearson

Laura Perkins

Tabitha Potter

Matthew Powell

Kheelei Priber

Brady Prince

John Ramey

Welmer Ramirez Guzman

Marisol Ramos

Taylor Reel

Tasia Rhodes

Shelby Riley

Layla Roberts

Christina Robinson

Ayla Ross

Mia Ross

Trinity Roy

Cailah Runyon

Kaden Rutledge

McKayla Sanchez-Thompson

Yovani Santiago Lemus

Vivian Schimitt

Jack Scott

Zoie See

Yusuf Shabanov

Noel Shayeb

Izabelle Shenk

Sadie Shotton

Gwenavere Shuck

Dalton Siers

Jacob Smith

Kaleb Smith

Lonnie Smith

Erick Solis Sosa

Madelyn Sperling

Emma Stelzl

Avery Stiles

Samuel Stockton

Sarah Stoltz

Ian Talbott

Annika Taylor

Trinity Taylor

Keevon Tharpe

Aaron Thomas

Caden Thorne

Robin Tibbs

Aiden Vaught

Isaiah Velez

Madison Vickers

Chayanne Villalobes Sanchez

Jayden Vina

Dorian Walker

Deaven Weatherholt

Bobby Webber

Julianna Williams

Drake Witt

Colby Wood

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