Planning Commission opposes Watersville Road annexation, offers agreement conditions if council approves

The Mount Airy Planning Commission voted unanimously on Feb. 23, 2026 to return a negative recommendation on Draft Annexation Resolution No. 2025-47, a proposal to annex a 50.98-acre parcel along Watersville Road.

Chairman Ralph Ghent summarized the draft resolution and moved that the Commission oppose the annexation while offering specific agreement language the Town Council could use if it chose to approve the annexation. The motion was seconded by Martina Hatley and passed on a roll-call vote: Steve O'Malley, Brian Bieda, Martina Hatley, Bill Butts, Heather Wallace and Ralph Ghent voted Aye (6-0); there were no Nays or abstentions.

As part of its action the Commission separately voted on recommended Annexation Agreement provisions contained in an Addendum to the draft resolution. The Commission approved agreement language addressing the W. Watersville Road/MD-27 intersection, lighting pollution controls, noise mitigation measures, field priority arrangements with MAYAA, and community partnership/feedback mechanisms. A proposed safety/security provision passed with a 5-1 vote. Each provision vote is recorded in the Commission—s meeting record.

Commissioners said the recommended provisions are intended to protect community safety, limit environmental and light impacts, and preserve local recreational priorities if the Council proceeds with annexation. The Planning Commission—s formal recommendation and its addendum will be forwarded to the Town Council for their consideration.

The Commission completed its business for the annexation item and moved on to other agenda items; the Council is the decision-making body for annexation and any binding Annexation Agreement would be a product of future Council action.