(7/20) At its July meeting, the planning and zoning committee discussed updates to the town's comprehensive plan. The comprehensive plan is defined on the Walkersville town website as "an official document that provides direction for public decisions regarding land use, development, zoning, infrastructure, transportation, water resources, community facilities and services, capital improvements and municipal growth."
While it is typically reviewed and updated every 20 years, the comprehensive plan may be reviewed every ten if necessary. It includes a land-use map reflecting existing development and plans for new development, recommended changes to the zoning map, zoning ordinance, and other parts of the Town Code, road improvement recommendations and community facility recommendations, including proposals for future parks.
Town planner Susan Hauver called the plan a continuation of the last ten years as the pattern of development will stay pretty much the same. She explained that for the first time in 50 years, there is very little potential for residential development in the town under the existing zoning map. This is due to the development of the Bell and Graham properties as well as the townhouses at Longley Green, which have occurred in the last ten years. At this time, there are only two small properties in town zoned R1; however, they have issues with access that would need to be addressed to move forward with development.
There is some zoning available for industrial growth and a smaller amount for commercial. The updated plan is dependent on the Staley property being developed which should provide the same amount of development over the next 20 years as the last ten years has had. The recommendation is high density on one half as an extension to the Longley Green Development and low density on the rest of the property.
The high amount of properties planned for development last time is why the board decided to opt for minimal residential development and only voted to develop the estimated 110-acre Staley farm in the updated comprehensive plan. However, this vote is a compromise as some members are very much against more residential development and some are for it.
Members Nathan Shatto and Jeremy Peterson both stated that they were comfortable with allowing more potential for residential growth. In June, it had been pointed out by Jeremy Holder of Ausherman Properties that "showing residential designation doesn’t demand that town immediately approve development; it just says that when we’re ready, the first step is already taken to get there." However, Member Russell Winch argued against allowing more residential growth, alluding to concerns that Walkersville may lose some of its small-town appeal if further development is allowed.
Currently not allowed in certain parts of town are accessory dwelling units (ADU’s) such as tiny houses and container homes. Due to the inflated housing market, these options are becoming more popular and residents have inquired about placing them on their properties. Winch supported tiny houses but had concerns about the aesthetic of shipping containers. Other members of council agreed with him, and may consider allowing them if they meet certain aesthetic requirements.
The next step for the Comprehensive Plan is a public review period. During this time, residents can view the draft plan on the town website. After 60 days, the board will set a public hearing date where state and county agencies as well as the public can comment.
Read other news articles on Walkersville
