Rezoning Approved and Town Engineer Recodified at Town Council Meeting

Due to an item being pulled from the agenda, the monthly regular meeting of the Town Council on the evening of Monday, October 27, was transacted in an hour, with two items being the focus of public hearings. The rezoning of vacant lots on Elsia Drive from C-1 to R-3 passed unanimously. Because of their location, significantly removed from South Royal Avenue, where commercial activity would typically take place, there was a consensus that these lots are better suited to residential than commercial use.

The Town Council sits for its monthly regular meeting on the evening of Monday, October 27. Royal Examiner Photo Credits: Brenden McHugh.

As for the removal of a section of Town code pertaining to the Town Engineer’s role, the summary reads as follows: “Town Code currently states that the Town Engineer is an appointed position that has control over all public works. The position is the only one specifically referenced in this manner throughout the Town Code. Removing the Town Code section would allow the position to be within the Public Works Department and under the supervision of the Public Works Director. Other sections of Town Code that reference the Town Engineer’s responsibilities regarding land development and design shall remain unchanged.” Again, the vote in favor was unanimous.

Standing in for Town Manager Joe Petty, Assistant Town Manager B.J. Wilson reported that as of October 16, the Town has observed that the daily stream flow rate of the South Fork of the Shenandoah River has dropped below four hundred cubic feet per second or approximately two hundred sixty million gallons per day. In consideration of this condition, citizens are requested to observe voluntary water conservation. He also indicated that line painting crews will be working throughout the town and throughout the nights this week. Also, the upgrade of water services on North Royal Avenue will take place from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. through November 7. Anyone on the north end of town from Commerce Avenue to 6^th Street and Belair to Shenandoah Avenue may experience low water pressure or no water after 10 p.m. and should run faucets to clear discoloration after water is restored. The Town hopes to pave Royal Avenue in the first part of November, weather permitting, after the upgrade is completed.

The mayor stands with the Larsen brothers, Gunnar (L) and Mason (R), thanking them for their patriotism as they lead the gathering in the pledge of allegiance.

The celebration of the Gazebo area in downtown Front Royal, as the recently appointed John Marlow Plaza, received multiple acknowledgements from council members in their reports, as well as from Mayor Lori Cockrell herself, who said that seeing Marlow honored has been one of the highlights of her career as mayor. Marlow was the mayor from 1982 to 1990 and was responsible for making the dream of a gazebo a reality. He always asked about any endeavor: “Is it good for Front Royal?” With a hand in the establishment of a Warren County Educational Endowment as well, Marlow distinguished himself at a pivotal point in Front Royal’s history as a mayor with a vision. Whatever challenges Front Royal faces today as a community, the fact that those challenges can be faced together, as a community, is in no small part the fruit of his legacy.