Planning commission recommends denial of Winchester East rezoning after hours of testimony on roads, schools and water

The Frederick County Planning Commission voted to recommend denial of rezoning 10-24, known as Winchester East at Opeckin Crossing, after a lengthy public hearing and follow-up discussion from commissioners.

County planning staff presented the request as an application to rezone about 91.7 acres from RA (rural area) to RP (residential performance) with proffers that would allow up to 303 residential units and include a range of transportation, parks and monetary proffers. Tyler Klein, county planning staff, said the applicant revised proffers on Jan. 6 to provide monetary contributions matching the county’s capital impact model and to dedicate right of way for a future collector road described in the county’s Eastern Frederick County Transportation Study.

“They have agreed to provide the full monetary contribution reflected in our capital impact model,” Klein said, summarizing the updated proffer package, which also limits construction hours and includes public access to a natural-surface…