During the Warren County Planning Commission meeting on November 13, 2024, community members voiced significant concerns regarding the proposed comprehensive plan, which outlines the county's vision for future development. Melanie Salins, a resident of Front Royal, highlighted the timing of the plan's release, criticizing the short notice given to the public before the scheduled hearing. She noted that the 241-page document was made public just two days prior, making it difficult for residents to adequately review and understand its contents.

Salins expressed fears that the comprehensive plan could pave the way for rapid development, contradicting the recent election results where Mayor Cockrell was elected on a platform focused on preserving the area's rural character. She emphasized the need for greater community involvement, suggesting that the public should have a 90-day review period to provide feedback before any decisions are made.

Additionally, Salins raised concerns about inaccuracies in the section related to local schools, stating that school administrators were still in the process of updating information and were unaware of the plan's early release. She urged the commission to delay any votes on the plan until the new year to allow for thorough community input.

Following Salins, Betty Powers also addressed the commission, specifically regarding a property at the intersection of Ashby Station and Route 522 North. While her comments were not fully captured in the transcript, it is clear that the comprehensive plan is a focal point of concern for residents, reflecting a desire for more transparency and community engagement in local governance.

The discussions at this meeting underscore the importance of involving residents in planning processes that directly affect their community, as well as the need for adequate time to review significant documents before public hearings. The commission's next steps will be crucial in determining how effectively they address these community concerns and incorporate public feedback into the comprehensive plan.