Planning Commission debates Evergreen Mills Road funding amid development concerns

Loudoun County's Planning Commission held a work session on April 10, 2025, where significant discussions centered around road improvements and the handling of heritage resources in development applications. A key point of contention was the proposed enhancements to Evergreen Mills and Crosstrell roads, which staff indicated are not included in the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) and therefore deemed not a pressing need. This stance has raised concerns among commissioners, particularly regarding the safety and accessibility of Evergreen Mill Road, especially with new schools being established in the area.

Commissioner Bolan Myers highlighted the urgency of improving Evergreen Mill Road, arguing that its exclusion from the CIP does not negate its importance. She emphasized that the road is critical for connecting Leesburg to the eastern end of the county and is currently unsafe. Staff acknowledged that while the road improvements are not funded, the Planning Commission could still consider them a priority based on community feedback.

The discussion also touched on the historical significance of properties involved in development applications. Questions arose about the exclusion of a historic house from the current application, with staff noting that such decisions are typically made on a case-by-case basis. The applicant has proposed an alternate use for the historic property in a follow-up application, but concerns remain about preserving the context of the site.

Transportation staff provided insights into the traffic impact study, indicating that the proposed development does not necessitate immediate upgrades to Evergreen Mills Road. However, they acknowledged that the study's details are still under review, and further analysis is needed to determine the appropriate credits for road improvements.

Overall, the meeting underscored the ongoing debate about balancing development needs with community safety and historical preservation. As the Planning Commission continues to evaluate these issues, the implications for future road improvements and heritage resource management in Loudoun County remain significant. The next steps will involve further analysis of the transportation impact study and continued discussions on prioritizing road safety in the face of growing development pressures.