Town Council approves development projects as Town Manager seeks to tackle outdated processes and plans

After conditional approval of Chris Holloway Construction’s Private Street Special Exception, (see the previous story) The Town Council took on a series of requests forwarded by the Town Planning Commission.

Poe’s River Edge, LLC filed a Special Exception Request for a private dedicated street off the end of Kendrick Lane, that will service an Industrial Zoned Subdivision with a 55-foot right of way for a road to be maintained by the property owner along the eastern property line of the parcel. The public hearing yielded two speakers. Property developer and realtor Bill Barnett. Mr. Barnett’s comments provided a history of the property, and its past uses as a key part of the industrial base of Warren County and the town. The original roadway, which the State abandoned in the ‘40’s, led down to the river to a ford where traffic could cross. The abandonment of the roadway meant this parcel did not front on a recognized road and consequently could not be developed. He said development of this parcel will depend on access to it, and failure to approve it would deprive the town of a valuable industrial capacity. As it stands, “We have very, very little industrial property available in the Town of Front Royal”

Front Royal Realtor and investor Bill Barnett explains the advantages of approving a private road to service a new industrial subdivision adjoining the former Avtex Property at end of Kendrick Lane. Royal Examiner Photos by Stephen Sill

The second speaker, Joe Brogan, project surveyor and also part owner of the parcel being developed, explained that this subdivided parcel was originally fronted on the Kendrick road that was abandoned. The applicants have modified their original request to provide the right-of-way and emergency turnaround that were requested by the Planning Commission in its recommendation to the Council.

Councilman Letasha Thompson indicated she was excited to see the land being used, and another good project underway. Her comments were echoed by Councilman Gillispie and Vice Mayor Cockrell.

Council unanimously approved the request.

Councilman Letasha Thompson offers a motion to approve a Private Road for a new industrial subdivision at the foot of Kendrick Lane.

The Council also approved a Special Use Permit submitted by Allen Walters to construct a new single-family dwelling on a nonconforming residentially (R-1) zoned lot in the 1300 block of Warren Avenue. The Planning Commission had recommended approval provided the finished dwelling was no smaller than 1234 square feet, and that the façade and entrance would front on Warren Avenue. No one attended the Council meeting to speak either for or against the request. Vice Mayor Cockrell commented that she had attended the Planning Commission meeting where a discussion took place about this request. Several people at that meeting were concerned about the property and its background and the proposal to build on it. Her research indicated that no taxes had been paid on that property for 10-20 years, so it was put up for auction. Mr. Walters was in the audience but did not speak. Vice Mayor Cockrell also expressed appreciation that someone had attended the Council Meeting for each of the requests in case council members had questions – “It’s a relief to us when someone is here to answer questions so we don’t have to track down the answers,” she observed.

Town Manager Steve Hicks announced that the town offices will be closed on October 11 in observance of Columbus Day, but 24/7 operations will still be in place. He also spent some time reflecting on the effect of lean staffing and outdated processes on town business. He listed a number of areas of emphasis that warrant attention.

• Town had no electric service estimate process
• Also, no small area plans or how to address infill development
• No Business checklist for site plans, Special Use Permits, or Zoning permits
• Last Planning & Zoning forms update was in 2006
• Town Using a 1999 Landscaping standard
• Town Comprehensive plan dates from 1998
• Same with Zoning and Subdivision Ordinances
• Last update of street standards was 1995
• Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition Software for the water system is from 1994
• Flood Plan is dated 1996
• Parking Ordinance is being revised. It dates from 1983
• No Stormwater Management Plan
• Town is seriously looking at a strategic plan that links the budget process with fund basing priorities of Low, Medium, and High

Town Manager reflects on the need for improving town processes to make them more transparent and effective.

The Town Manager continued, “The Council established a goal when I was first hired nine months ago to look into processes and what needs to be done. I would say we have a lot on our plate, and it’s going to take time and Council support. The goal is more decisive, accurate decisions on a regular basis.”