Town Planning Commission elects officers, approves site plan for ‘Wi-Not Stop’ at South Royal and Criser

With still only four members until the Town Council appoints a fifth, the Front Royal Planning Commission on Wednesday night, February 17, met to begin what promises to be an interesting year for the Town of Front Royal.

Since the beginning of each new year always means an election of town commission officers, thankfully absent the fanfare or controversy of recent national elections, the commission members quickly nominated and unanimously elected Douglas Jones, Chairman and Connie Marshner, Vice Chairman.

Reduced by the lack of an appointed member, the bare quorum Town Planning Commission managed to elect its new leadership. Photo by Stephen Sill, Royal Examiner.

Once leadership was established without speeches or campaign promises, the Planning Commission got down to business. That business began with E. E. Wines’ site plan for a new Wi-Not Stop convenience store and gas station on the site of the old Joe’s Steakhouse – or before that, Dean’s for those who remember it with great fondness. The commission heard from Planning Director Timothy Wilson that comments from previous reviews had been incorporated into the plan and the only remaining issues for final approval is a stormwater plan that is under current review by town staff.

Newly re-elected Chairman Douglas Jones observed that the building is perhaps the most architecturally significant structure on the south side of town, and said he was pleased to see that the applicant planned to preserve and improve it with a “nice-looking” addition.

Vice-Chairman Marshner said she was not clear whether there would be an entrance from Beeden Lane onto the lot. Planning Director Wilson indicated that the entrances to the site will be from Royal Avenue and Criser Road. An application for the lot-lines has been submitted and is being reviewed. The site plan indicates that curbs and gutters are part of the project.

The plan for a gas station and convenience store at South Royal and Criser Road includes preserving the majority of the “Architecturally Significant” structure and adding to it.

Commissioner Merchant asked if permits will be required for signage, and the answer was “Yes”.

On a motion by Commissioner Marshner, seconded by Commissioner Merchant, joined by Chairman Jones and Commissioner William Gordon the site plan was unanimously approved. However, there will still be many steps and approvals required before construction gets underway.

Once the formal business is completed, commission members can raise any issues of significance. During his time, Commissioner Merchant indicated that Town Council had approved changing the stipend for Commission members from $50 per meeting to $100 per month, which seemed to be a generous act until you realize that monthly work sessions or extra meetings are now included in the new amount, not separate from it.

With no further business, the meeting adjourned.