Board approves waiver to drop planned Taggart–Underwood connector in Raven Point subdivision

The Frederick County Board of Supervisors on June 11 approved a waiver that removes a planned interparcel street connector between Taggart Drive and Underwood Lane in Phase 9 of the Raven Point subdivision.

Why it matters: The change affects traffic routing on the county’s east side and was the subject of extensive public comment. Residents from Raven Point and neighboring Underwood Lane told the board the connector would turn residential streets into a cut‑through for commercial traffic accessing a nearby logistics park.

What the waiver does: The waiver removes the requirement in the subdivision/master‑plan documents to construct a specific interparcel connection shown on the Raven Point master development plan. Staff said the original connection was conditioned on construction of a larger collector road (Inverly Way) or other improvements that have not been completed; the applicant argued that building the connector now would create an inadequate, unsafe route and that the collector‑road solution remains the preferred long‑term alternative.

Public comment and local concerns: Residents from Raven Point, Raven Oaks and Oakdale Crossing spoke at the meeting. They described narrow roads, utility poles close to pavement, and children playing near streets; they expressed fears that a connector would increase heavy truck traffic from a nearby logistics park, worsen noise and safety for pedestrians, and reduce property values. The applicant’s representative told the board the owner would be willing to make the connection in the future if appropriate collector‑road improvements take place.

Planning and staff: Planning staff briefed the board that the comprehensive plan envisions a collector along the subdivision’s eastern edge and that interparcel connections were intended to reduce curb‑cut impacts by sharing access. The planning commission had considered the request on May 21 and recommended approval of the waiver.

Board action: The board voted to approve the waiver with the following roll call: Supervisor Jewell (aye), Supervisor Wells (aye), Vice Chair (aye), Supervisor Lockridge (aye), Supervisor LeArrow (aye), and the chair voted aye; Supervisor Dunn voted no. The final tally was 6‑1 in favor of the waiver.

Next steps and considerations: Several supervisors pledged to continue pursuing longer‑term alternatives, including potential collector‑road alignments, traffic‑calming measures and discussions with VDOT about possible intersection improvements at nearby Crestley and Cincinnati roads. The board asked staff to keep working on feasible engineering options and to explore funding pathways that would avoid eminent‑domain takings when possible.

Community notes: Several residents said they had held neighborhood meetings and a majority supported the waiver; others urged the county to seek collector‑road solutions as an alternative to neighborhood connectors.