Frederick County residents voice concerns over neighborhood park access and traffic plans

The Winchester Planning Commission meeting on June 17, 2025, focused on significant concerns regarding traffic flow and public access to a proposed residential community and its associated park. Key discussions highlighted the challenges residents face due to limited access routes and the implications for neighborhood traffic.

Commission members and residents expressed concerns about the traffic patterns in the area, particularly the lack of access from the south, which has led to increased congestion as vehicles funnel through the neighborhood. One resident pointed out that the original site plan included a southern access point that has since been removed, suggesting that restoring this access could alleviate some of the traffic issues.

Another point of contention was the connectivity between the new residential community and the adjacent active adult community. It was noted that the initial plans envisioned a walking path linking these areas to the hospital campus, but this connection has not materialized due to the hospital's refusal to allow it. As a result, the two communities will remain separate, with only limited entrances available.

The discussion also touched on public access to a planned park within the development. Concerns were raised about the necessity for residents to navigate through the entire community to reach the park, which could lead to frustration if parking spaces are full. The plan includes on-street parking, but the lack of dedicated parking for the park was noted as a potential issue for residents wanting to use the facility.

Overall, the meeting underscored the need for careful consideration of traffic management and public access in the development plans to ensure that the needs of the community are met. The commission is expected to continue evaluating these concerns as the project progresses.