Commissioners approve rezoning at 20511 Leitersburg Pike after heated public comments

The Washington County Board of County Commissioners voted 4-0 on March 24 to support a rezoning request (RZ 25-010) to convert a 3-acre portion of a 29-acre parcel at 20511 Leitersburg Pike from Agricultural Rural (AR) to a Rural Business (RB) floating zone to expand an established trailer sales business.

Kayla Singleton, comprehensive planner for the county, told the board staff found the application met the criteria in Article 5E of the Washington County Zoning Ordinance and noted a unanimous Planning Commission recommendation in favor. Attorney William C. Wontz presented the applicant's case, offering the application, justification statement and exhibits into the hearing record and describing compatibility with the comprehensive plan and surrounding uses.

Property owner David Paul Testa Jr. testified that his business had expanded and that he planned to subdivide and purchase the 3-acre parcel from a neighbor (Mr. Shroyer). Testa said he was not planning new buildings at this time and that he believed nearby property owners supported the application.

During public comment two speakers — Curtis Ray and Sean Porter — spoke in favor of the rezoning but were admonished and ultimately removed after straying off-topic and causing disruptions. The presiding officer closed public comment and asked commissioners for motions. A motion to support the application passed by voice vote, 4-0, with commissioners noting a written decision will be returned for formal adoption at a later date.

What the action does: If formally adopted in the written decision, the rezoning will allow the applicant to use the 3-acre parcel as an expansion of the existing trailer display and storage associated with the neighboring trailer sales business.

Vote: Motion to support RZ 25-010 carried 4-0. The board directed staff to prepare a written decision for formal adoption at a later meeting.