Letter to Mayor and Town Council

To: Mayor Eugene Tewalt and Members of the Front Royal Town Council

We are writing in response to the report in the Royal Examiner regarding the proposed budget for fiscal year 2021. As interested parties in the Town of Front Royal’s sustainable economic development through tourism and outdoor recreation, we are concerned about the reported intention to combine the community development and planning departments and privatize tourism functions. These are unusually significant steps to take under the tenure of an interim manager.

Since becoming an official Appalachian Trail Community in April 2012, the Town of Front Royal has seen marked growth in activities and commerce related to outdoor recreation and tourism. Two outfitters have set up shop in town. New investments have revitalized Main Street with many new shops and restaurants opening in the past couple of years. The Royal Shenandoah Greenway walking/bike path has been established throughout town. Local businesses have partnered to create a “Base Camp”, providing hikers with a place to rest, shower, and do laundry while they visit Front Royal. And, the Front Royal Trolley service has been expanded to include seasonal stops at the Appalachian Trail crossing on Rte. 522 to make it easier for the thousands of hikers passing through our community to get into town for resupply, refreshment, and overnight accommodation.

All these innovations benefit the Town of Front Royal by enriching the community experience and bringing much-needed economic activity. None of this happens without a committed focus on community development, a focus which depends on recognition of Front Royal’s many assets and an understanding of how tourism fits as a vital contributor to the town’s economic and social well-being.

Since taking the position of Director, Community Development & Tourism, Felicia Hart has fostered a close working relationship with our Appalachian Trail Community, which includes 22 local businesses and organizations as committed AT Community Supporters. Ms. Hart recognizes that hikers form a significant portion of the tourist base and enhance our community as a “trail town.” She and her staff are keenly aware that Front Royal’s proximity to Shenandoah National Park and Northern Virginia makes it a prime destination for those looking to escape to the blue Ridge Mountains and the Shenandoah Valley.

Examples of Ms. Hart’s forward thinking on how to raise Front Royal’s image and bring people to town include:

• Expansion of Royal Trolley service to the Appalachian Trail
• Establishment of a Tourism Advisory Board
• Advocacy for Coordination with VDOT, Warren County, and Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation to align Royal Trolley and regional transit (bus) services
• Sponsorship of a town tour by travel writers Sandra Friend and John Keatley

The town tour referenced above resulted in a favorable mention on the writers’ travel site: https://trailsandtravel.com/riding-the-royal-shenandoah-greenway/: “When we were researching bike paths in Virginia, Front Royal popped up on our radar. We knew it as an Appalachian Trail community since we’d stayed there during our 2012 AT hike, but we didn’t expect it to be a place for cycling. Who knew?” Several local businesses were prominently featured in the article.

Not being privy to the details of Interim Town Manager Tederick’s detailed budget and proposed departmental reorganization, we can only speculate on specific personnel actions to be presented to the Town Council. We can, however, point to the importance of maintaining a holistic focus on sustainable economic development and tourism. Any consolidation of duties, elimination of positions, or outsourcing of activities that diminishes the Front Royal’s ability to position itself as a warm, welcoming, and engaging destination for visitors would be a disservice to the town’s residents and merchants.

There is no doubt the Town must address physical infrastructure needs such as water lines and roads. The Royal Examiner’s report states that the Interim Town Manager’s budget proposal couples increased capital spending with a suggested “half-percent Real Estate tax decrease.” We suggest the Town Council carefully examine the economic and social benefits derived from community development and tourism before taking any action to reduce focus on and funding of these activities that contribute so much to the community.

Sincerely,
Co-chairs, Front Royal/Warren County Appalachian Trail Community Committee:

Scott Jenkins
Mountain Home Bed & Breakfast
3471 Remount Rd. | Front Royal, VA 22630

Susan Tschirhart
Paralegal
Boy Scout Leader – Venturing Crew 247, Front Royal, VA
Founder/Guide – The Trail Tribe, Front Royal, Va
327 Skyline Place | Front Royal, VA 22630