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Board backs Leesburg request to pursue permanent Church Street closure near courthouse for security
Summary
After testimony from judges and the sheriff’s office, the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors endorsed asking the Town of Leesburg to permit the permanent closure of a block of Church Street adjacent to the courthouse, citing security concerns; the measure passed 7‑1‑1.
The Loudoun County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday voted to endorse a formal request from the Town of Leesburg to permit the permanent closure of Church Street between Market Street and Cornwall Street, a one‑block segment that bisects the county courthouse complex.
Chief Judge Fleming, speaking for the circuit and district courts and the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office, told supervisors the existing layout “renders the courthouse insecure, not only for the many thousands of citizens and residents who visit and use the courthouse, but also for those who work in the court.” He said that emotional and adversarial proceedings make courthouse safety “a bigger concern than ever before.”
Why it matters: Judges and law enforcement told the board they consider the street a security vulnerability for courthouse staff, jurors and visitors. Supporters argued closure would be a reasonable preventive step to reduce the risk of attacks, demonstrations or uncontrolled vehicle access near court entrances.
Board debate: Supporters, including a majority of supervisors and the county’s judges, framed the closure as a preventative security measure. “Prevention doesn’t guarantee anything but it certainly tries to lessen the possibility of something happening,” Chair Randall said. Two board members pressed for sensitivity to nearby residents: Supervisor Armstead said neighbors—about 80 homes—felt the decision had not adequately considered traffic impacts, emergency access during festivals, and disruption from prior courthouse construction.
Vote and next steps: The motion to “endorse proceeding with the formal request of the Town of Leesburg to permit the permanent closure of Church Street” passed 7‑1‑1, with Supervisor Armstead casting the lone nay and one supervisor absent. The board asked staff to coordinate with the town and to consider accommodations for disabled access and community impacts as the Town of Leesburg reviews the request. Chair Randall said the county has previously asked Leesburg about partial or full closures and expects the town council will take up the question.
Context: County staff and consultants previously conducted security and traffic studies that were cited in board discussion. Supervisors said the town ultimately has authority over the street but that designating the closure formally from the county side would support courthouse security arguments in local and, if necessary, state legislative conversations.
What’s next: The item will be shared with the Leesburg Town Council for its decision and may result in local design changes, traffic management measures and accommodations for residents and emergency access if the town approves a closure.
