Queenstown defers annexation of Dudley lands after fire department requests reserved site

The Queenstown Commissioners on June 27 deferred adoption of Resolution 18-102, which would annex roughly 200.552 acres belonging to Salthouse Limited Liability Company and the Frank S. Dudley, Jr. Real Estate Trust, after the town attorney recommended changes to reserve land for a future public safety facility.

Town Attorney Brynja Booth told the commission that the hearing had been advertised and that "there is no rezoning contemplated for the property at this time." She also noted the Planning Commission had found the annexation consistent with the town’s Comprehensive Plan and relayed a Planning Commission suggestion that the Dudley family consider setting aside land for a future public safety building.

Joe Stevens, attorney for the Dudley family, described the property as two parcels—Dudley North (about 60 acres, county zoned Suburban Residential) and Salthouse Cove (agricultural land that includes the family home farm)—and said the family has "no rezoning or development plans on the table at this time." Peter Dudley said the family views annexation as "a partnership with the Town" and that continuing his father’s legacy was a primary motivation.

Lennie Anthony, representing the Queenstown Volunteer Fire Department, urged that land from the Dudley tract be set aside as the best site for a future fire station. "The Dudley property would be the best area to develop," Anthony said, requesting the Town and family consider reserving space for a public service area. Booth responded that "language could be included in the Annexation Agreement regarding a public service area."

After hearing exhibits and public comment, President Thomas B. Willis, Jr. moved to close the public hearing; the motion was seconded by Commissioner Holger Schuster and carried 2–0. Following Booth’s recommendation to modify the Annexation Agreement to address the fire department’s request, Willis moved to defer further action until the next regular meeting; Schuster seconded and the deferment passed 2–0.

The deferment leaves the annexation eligible for adoption in substance but requires the agreement to be revised to reflect the town’s interest in reserving land for public safety needs. The commission did not consider any rezoning or development plans at this meeting; next steps are to codify the reservation language in the Annexation Agreement and revisit the resolution at the next regular meeting.