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Walkersville commissioners adopt zoning map ordinance over residents' objections
Summary
After a public hearing in which Staley family members and others argued against downzoning a 29-acre parcel, the Walkersville Board of Commissioners voted 3–2 to adopt Ordinance 20 26 01, updating the official zoning map under the 2025 comprehensive rezoning.
The Walkersville Board of Commissioners voted 3–2 on April 22 to adopt Ordinance 20 26 01, the town’s official zoning map tied to the 2025 comprehensive rezoning. The motion to adopt followed a public hearing that drew residents who opposed changing a 29-acre parcel owned by the Staley family from Limited Industrial (LI) to Agricultural (Ag).
At the hearing, Brandy Peoples, speaking on behalf of Lorraine and Michael Kaley, said she had submitted a letter to the board and told commissioners the planning commission at its Feb. 24 meeting “declined to address or take up the idea that the property … should be rezoned to agricultural,” and that she had “no factual findings to support an agricultural designation.”
Lorraine Staley, who identified herself as the owner, told the board the family opposed downzoning the 29 acres because it had carried an LI designation for nearly 50 years, led to higher inheritance-tax treatment and included sewer infrastructure that enabled nearby school development. “Our family cannot believe that an elected town official could, in our opinion, be underhanded to promote his no growth platform and to intentionally hurt our family,” Staley said.
Opponents and supporters offered competing views of the town’s needs. Don (speaker 9) urged the board to return the parcel to agricultural zoning, saying “growth does not pay for itself,” while David Dennis, speaking as a resident (not representing the planning commission), said he favored “controlled growth” and noted the comp plan projects about 60 townhouse units over 10 years.
Following public comment, Commissioner (speaker 11) moved to adopt the ordinance; the motion was seconded and after brief discussion Commissioner (speaker 5) said he would vote against it, citing concerns about the town’s vision and housing for older residents. The chair read the vote as 3 in favor and 2 opposed and declared the ordinance passed.
The ordinance updates the town’s official zoning map under the 2025 comprehensive rezoning process; the commissioners did not adopt any amendments during the meeting. The board closed the public hearing and proceeded with other agenda items.
