Planning commission tables Hunt Field Phase 3B amendment after neighbors raise parking and design concerns

CHARLES TOWN — The Charles Town Planning Commission voted July 22 to table a proposed final‑plan amendment for Hunt Field Phase 3B after residents and commissioners pressed the developer on streetscape changes, parking and annexation conditions.

Staff member James said the application would remove the vegetated median and on‑street parking on Lord Fairfax Street, add on‑street parking on Abigail and Westmoreland Streets, and convert several townhome units from rear‑load (alley access) to front‑load garages and driveways. Staff noted the change would not alter density but would lead to a net loss of on‑street parking on Lord Fairfax, estimating roughly 21 spaces lost that the applicant proposes to offset by adding parking on adjacent blocks and driveway parking.

The proposal drew forceful objection from neighbors at the public hearing. "They're in it for the money," said resident Julia Perry Rice, urging commissioners to hold developers to the original annexation covenants and to preserve the neighborhood’s alley‑back pattern and neo‑classical character. Resident Judy Price said removing the median and curbside parking would reduce traffic calming and make the street less walkable for older residents. Newcomer Anthony Vermeister told the commission that front‑loading garages shift visible clutter to the front of houses and harm neighborhood aesthetics.

The applicant, represented by Matt Stayer of DR Acquisitions, said the median removal is practical: some driveway locations would be restricted to right‑turn exits if the median remains, forcing residents to loop around the development to leave. Stayer said several previous approvals already allowed front‑loading units in nearby blocks and stressed that the overall road network, block lengths and density would not change.

After discussion, commissioners voted to table the amendment so the applicant and city can resolve changes to the conditions of annexation and to hold a neighborhood informational meeting on Aug. 13. Staff noted the item should return to the commission within 45 days and that the city council will consider related annexation or rezoning matters on Aug. 19.

The tabled status means the commission will not sign any final‑plan changes until city council and the applicant resolve annexation conditions and the neighborhood meeting is held.