Commissioners approve rezoning of three small parcels near I‑81 interchange after contentious public hearing

The Washington County Board of County Commissioners voted 5‑0 to approve piecemeal rezoning RZ25‑006, moving three parcels totaling 0.891 acres at Virginia Avenue and Brookmeade Circle from Residential Transition (RT) to Highway Interchange (HI).

Senior planner Travis Allen of the Department of Planning and Zoning told commissioners the applicant Fast Gas Company is seeking the change for three parcels adjoining an existing convenience store and gasoline station. "Water is provided by the city of Hagerstown, whereas the sewer is provided by the county," Allen said, noting the parcels include two former single‑family lots and one unimproved parcel with five truck parking spaces. He told the board the recently adopted comprehensive plan redesignated the parcels as "highway interchange" and that the applicant bears the burden of proving a change or mistake in the 2012 rezoning.

An attorney or representative for the applicant said the parcels are "less than an acre in the aggregate" and argued that 2012 rezoning left a line drawn inconsistently through the block; the representative said ownership patterns at the time help explain why some parcels were left RT. The applicant pointed out that the nearby store and interchange uses have been established for decades and that the requested HI zoning is "logical and appropriate" given the location and utilities.

One member of the public, Curtis Ray, who identified himself as a candidate for county commissioner, opposed the rezoning and criticized what he described as businesses buying single‑family homes. "Businesses are buying up these single family homes. They're restricting the housing market," Ray said, arguing the greater industrial allowances of HI could permit uses he did not want next to residences. Ray's remarks included profanity and a later outburst; the meeting was recessed briefly and the room cleared before the public comment portion was concluded.

County staff noted the Planning Commission had recommended approval after a public information meeting; staff also reported three oral comments in opposition at that meeting, citing concerns about noise and traffic impacts penetrating adjacent residential neighborhoods. Allen warned commissioners to weigh the broad range of uses allowed under HI against neighborhood compatibility.

Following deliberation the board made a motion to support the rezoning "as presented." The motion carried unanimously, 5‑0. The record shows the board approved the rezoning; county staff indicated they will return a formal written decision for adoption at a later meeting.

The rezoning approval changes the zoning classification of the three parcels to the HI district, which the zoning ordinance defines as permitting commercial or light industrial uses serving highway travelers or regional markets. Commissioners and staff noted that while the comp plan now designates the parcels as highway interchange, the HI designation permits a broader range of activities than the parcels previously held under the RT classification.

The vote concludes the public hearing portion for RZ25‑006. The applicant may pursue development permitted under HI subject to any other applicable county permits and approvals.