THE NEWS DESK
The News Desk is a collection of news, notes and breaking items affecting the Fredericksburg community.
Want to weigh in on South Stafford Walgreens plan?
BY KATIE THISDELL
THE FREE LANCE-STAR
Concerns over traffic safety at the site of a proposed pharmacy have prompted a Stafford County planning commissioner to ask for a town-hall-style meeting before a rezoning is OK’d.
James Schwartz, who represents the George Washington District, wants to take a closer look at the proposed entrances for a Walgreens at the intersection of Cool Springs and White Oak roads in southern Stafford.
“If somebody dies there because we moved too quickly or weren’t thinking about the general public, I’m not going to sleep well at night,” Schwartz said at last Wednesday’s meeting.
Schwartz requested the county invite the Virginia Department of Transportation and nearby homeowners associations to a meeting before the Planning Commission meets again Sept. 19, when a decision must be made to meet the Oct. 9 deadline.
A public hearing on the rezoning was held in July.
Plans call for a right-in/right-out entrance on White Oak Road to the 4.27-acre site. Schwartz presented another option to use DeBruen Lane as an additional entrance point.
VDOT says there are obstacles to connect to the road that runs behind the property, because of a stormwater pond and CSX lane, according to county planning staff.
According to a memo from the Sheriff’s Office, 64 accidents have happened in the area in the past three years.
County staffers are working to set a date for the meeting.
In other business, planning commissioners:
Unanimously approved adding the definition of “data centers” to the zoning ordinance in hopes of attracting companies that want to build the large buildings with few parking spaces.
The Planning Commission learned that Stafford could support 10 to 20, and negotiations are under way.
The life of a data center is typically 25 years because of high investment up front.
Reviewed an amended county document that now includes proposed architectural design guidelines. Some tweaks are being made before it is sent to public hearing.
Heard concerns from residents about tractor–trailer traffic that could come as part of a rezoning and amended proffers for Hilldrup Transfer and Storage, which neighbors Marine Corps Base Quantico.
After the public hearing, both agenda items were deferred until Sept. 19.
Katie Thisdell: 540/735-1975
kthisdell@freelancestar.com
